Holistic nutritionists help people heal their bodies and recover from illness by helping them making changes to their diets. "While a holistic nutritionist may develop programs to help a person lose weight or adapt to conditions like diabetes, his or her approach is to try to help a person regain health, not just live with disease," says Michelle Schoffro Cook, author of "Healing Injuries the Natural Way." Finding a holistic nutritionist that's right for you can take a bit of research as well as consultations with several nutritionists.
Step 1
Make a list of what you're looking for in a holistic nutritionist. Perhaps you want a nutritionist who keeps flexible or weekend hours, one who sells nutritional supplements and herbal products or someone who offers additional services such as acupuncture or massage.
Step 2
Visit the website of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, or NANP, a nonprofit association of holistically trained nutrition professionals. The website features a member directory you can use to search for holistic nutritionist by zip code, last name, city or keyword.
Step 3
Ask your physician or naturopath for recommendations for holistic nutritionists, and also ask your family and friends. Often, word-of-mouth can offer the best leads.
Step 4
Look for a holistic nutritionist who has a degree in nutrition, naturopathic medicine, traditional medicine, nursing, biochemistry, immunology or another science-related field. While dietitians must be registered, nutritionists do not need certification, special licenses or specific training, although some holistic nutrition programs do offer certification programs. Always ask a prospective nutritionist about his credentials, education and training.
Step 5
Schedule consultations with two or three nutritionists. Before your first meeting, keep a food diary for a week. Write down everything you eat and drink and at which times of the day. Doing so can help each nutritionist determine how your diet might contribute to any health problems you have. Bring your food diary and a list of your health concerns to each consultation. After you've met with your prospective nutritionists, choose the one you feel is the best match for you in terms of demeanor, rapport and guidance.
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