With obesity and lifestyle-related diseases on the rise, holistic nutrition is a field that is emerging to meet the demand of individuals wanting to know how to eat for their health. As a whole, society is increasingly aware of the dramatic impact that diet can have on health and well-being. Programs in Registered Holistic Nutrition are a response to this demand.
The Field of Holistic Nutrition
As of 2010, holistic nutrition was not recognized by any state or federal licensing body in the United States, notes Education Portal. However, there are many schools already have developed programs in holistic nutrition, like Hawthorn University, a university dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized professional holistic nutrition education. Schools like Hawthorn are responding to the desire of many patients who want adjuncts or alternatives to traditional medical care, or who want to prevent disease.
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
A Registered Holistic Nutritionist, or RHN, is a designation offered by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Although, like in the United States, there are no licensure requirements for RHNs. RHNs educate people about the benefits of holistic nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, by supporting their clients' well-being, often working alongside medical professionals such as chiropractors, naturopaths, homeopaths and medical doctors. Additionally, holistic nutritionists may, like dieticians, plan food and nutrition programs, oversee food preparation, help with grocery shopping and educate clients about eating for their health, notes Education Portal.
Holistic Nutrition and Alternative Medicine
Holistic or alternative medicine practitioners consider all aspects of a patient's life when providing him care for his overall health or a specific condition, notes Education Portal. In this regard, holistic nutritionists are not different. They focus on the developing nutritional and lifestyle plans to better not only the client's physical well-being, but his mental and spiritual well-being as well. Therefore, holistic nutritionists take into account a client's emotional and physical health, energy level and environment when creating a balanced diet program. The focus on the interrelationship of mind, body and spirit, and how these things interact is what sets Registered Holistic Nutritionists apart, notes Canadian College of Natural Nutrition.
Career Information
The Bureau of Labour Statistics has projected moderate growth for nutritionists from 2008 to 2018, notes Education Portal. This increased is mainly attributed to increased awareness of the impact of optimal nutrition on health and well-being. The average salary for dieticians and nutritionists was reported at $52,150 in 2009. Holistic Nutrition is an exciting and growing field, and like the slogan of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition states, it may very well be "the medicine of the future."
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