Diet

Understanding the Role of a Holistic Dietitian

July 16, 2024

"What is a holistic dietitian? Is it a registered profession?"

A holistic dietitian approaches nutrition and wellness with a broader perspective than traditional dietary practices. These professionals, often Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), undergo rigorous training and education to address the interconnected aspects of health.

To become a holistic dietitian, one typically earns a Master of Science degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from an accredited program, completes over 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and passes board exams to become credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Holistic dietitians focus on treating the whole individual, considering factors beyond diet alone. They look at genetics, environment, lifestyle choices, exercise, sleep, and one's relationship with food. By addressing root causes of health issues, they aim to promote overall well-being.

Similar to Integrative and Functional nutrition, holistic nutrition emphasizes understanding underlying health issues and implementing evidence-based interventions.

Holistic dietitians work closely with clients, offering nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices. They empower individuals to make sustainable changes that support physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

A holistic approach can be especially helpful for people with chronic conditions like T1D that don't have a clear-cut, one-fits-all solution.