There is a growing number of people searching for holistic nutritionists, and there are many holistic nutrition practices. What is important to understand is that “holistic nutritionist” is not a credentialed title. Anyone can call themselves a holistic nutritionist and display titles. But there are key differences between a dietitian and nutritionist.

What is holistic nutrition?

Simply stated, holistic nutrition is a whole-person equation. A personalized approach to eating and nourishing the body. This approach considers an individual’s unique needs, lifestyle, and environment to create a personalized program, one that connects physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As explained in Dietitians on Demand, “a holistic approach to healing can look different for everyone. The common thread among all is that the whole body is considered, and the treatment or care is individualized.”

Additionally, a holistic approach recognizes that nutrition is not just about consuming specific nutrients. It is a program that considers the quality of food, the body’s ability to utilize the nutrients ingested, and the impact of food on an individual’s overall health.

Holistic Nutritionist vs Registered Dietitian

Regardless of an individual’s needs and goals, a credentialed practitioner is needed. Look for an RDN – Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

The words Holistic Nutritionist and Dietitian are frequently used interchangeably, but there are substantial differences: education, internship, national exams, board certification and continuing education to maintain board certification. When working with a dietitian for holistic healing, you can expect to discuss you concerns and goals, and to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan. The end result is for the dietitian and patient to build a solid foundation to be able to sustain a healthy meal program, healthy behaviors and a healthy lifestyle.

Holistic Healing

The key principles of holistic healing as it relates to nutrition can be summed up by:

A real food, plant based, flexitarian plan
Personalized
evaluation of an individual’s customary diet
evaluation of an individual’s behaviors and lifestyle
disease and symptom nutrition therapy
Nutrition Education

A holistic approach considers the entire body. Evaluations, Recommendations, and Education are individualized. Goals are the improvement or resolution of symptoms and disease, as well as health promotion and disease prevention.

Additional Resources

Dietitian on Demand, What is Holistic Healing?

Julia Schwab Therapy, The Power of Holistic Nutrition

Sadighi J, Montazeri A, Jahangiri K. Towards a Holistic Approach to Healthy Diet: Evidence from Iranian Health Perception Study. Iran J Public Health. 2014 Jun;43(6):828-34. PMID: 26110154; PMCID: PMC4475602.

Nancy Mazarin - Certified Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian MS, RDN, CDN, CNS

4.7

Based on 30 reviews

review us on

Amy Pedolsky

17:02 26 Dec 22

Over the past six months that I have been seeing Nacny, she has been very helpful in hepling me lose 31 pounds. She understands very aspect of what I needed and how to accommidate them properly. With Nancy's help I have been able to change my lifestyle, eat healthier and change and treat my medical conditions very differently and for the best. I would highly reccommanded Nancy to anyone that has tried diets before and has not succeded and who has a lot of different medical conditions that make it difficult to know what to eat and what not to eat.

Michael Maino

21:11 17 Dec 22

I was hesitant at first to start seeing a nutritionist. I was very comfortable with my poor eating habits despite being upset about my weight; however I knew I needed to make a change.Nancy was very understanding from the start. Before meeting with Nancy, I had been in a constant cycle of over-restricting myself to lose weight rapidly, followed by binge eating and gaining it all back plus some more.Over the past year and a half, Nancy has helped me discover normal eating. She helped me understand my hunger and my fullness in addition to helping me choose better food options.Nancy is very dedicated to working with you and helping you achieve your goals. She doesn’t just help you reach your goals — she helps you change your perspective of food and eating for the better. What you learn with Nancy is not temporary — you will carry it with you and practice it throughout your life.I have lost almost 70 pounds since first meeting with Nancy and continuing on my journey. I highly recommend working with her.Nancy, thank you for all of your help!

Carol Vogt

21:38 12 Dec 22

Although I was unlucky when I developed some health issues, I was very lucky to find Nancy Mazarin, a skilled, intelligent, caring nutritionist. I saw lots of doctors but she was the one who came up with the diagnosis that finally led to my improved health. She was always available when I had questions and was even willing to meet with me one weekend when I was struggling.

Bonnie Eisler

00:22 03 Dec 22

Nancy has been wonderful to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable about nutrition, and very intuitive in identifying and removing roadblocks her clients may be experiencing on their way to achieving their goals. Nancy is extremely organized and promptly keeps her appointments. I highly recommend her!

richard markx

02:55 11 Oct 22

Absolutely knowledgeable compassionate and very personable!Anyone wishing to improve their health through nutrition and education will find Nancy Mazarin incredibly helpful Thank you for all your help Nancy!