Holistic Nutrition is more than what you eat.
What Does It Mean to Be a Holistic Nutritionist?
When I first started studying nutrition, it came from an inner knowing that food is medicine. I felt a deep connection to food and saw firsthand how diet influences overall health. Small changes in what we eat can dramatically improve how we feel and the symptoms we experience. For me, nutrition has always been a pillar of health that cannot be ignored.
I’ve always struggled with the idea that so many diseases caused by poor diet are not being treated through diet. Why, when someone is diagnosed with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, are they immediately put on medication without first being educated on how diet can help reverse the condition? Why, when someone has low iron, are they simply told to take a supplement without a conversation about how they could improve their iron levels through dietary changes?
The truth is, health is multi-faceted. As a holistic practitioner, I know it’s impossible to focus on just one piece of the puzzle and expect lasting change. We are complex beings with different beliefs, tastes, and lifestyles. Making change is difficult, and that’s why health information online can feel so confusing and conflicting.
When someone on Instagram is yelling, “The reason you are overweight is because you eat too many calories!” or insisting that all you need is to hit your protein target, they’re missing a crucial piece of the picture. Yes, calories and macronutrients matter, but they don’t take into account the whole person. They also ignore food quality—a hundred grams of lollies will never be the same as a hundred grams of whole fruit, just as a fast-food burger will never be the same as a grass-fed steak.
I could spend my life telling someone to eat more protein at breakfast, that coffee isn’t a meal, and that consuming balanced meals supports blood sugar levels and reduces cravings. I could tell them they need to eat more vegetables, increase variety to support gut health, and that their afternoon sugar snack is actually making them more tired. But being a holistic nutritionist is about more than just food—it’s about understanding the deeper factors that keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns.
If you are exhausted and running on empty, why would fasting, eating in a calorie deficit, or cutting out entire food groups be the answer to better health?
If you have low iron, why wouldn’t you first consider whether you’re eating enough iron-rich foods, absorbing iron properly, or losing iron too quickly?
If you struggle with anxiety, why wouldn’t you be given tools to support your nervous system rather than just a prescription?
If you have nutrient deficiencies, why wouldn’t gut health be a key focus when it’s responsible for digestion & absorption of nutrients?
Holistic nutrition is so much more than food—it’s a comprehensive approach that considers multiple facets of health, including:
Food Quality – Nutrient density will always be more important than calorie content.
Habits & Beliefs – Identifying the patterns and mindsets that keep you feeling stuck.
Education – Understanding the ‘why’ behind nutrition so you can take ownership of your health.
Nervous System Support – Managing stress and developing strategies to build resilience.
Gut Health – Supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, and neurotransmitter balance.
True health is about more than just what you put in your mouth. It’s about addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. It considers all the parts that influence our health.
Love
Heidi xx