A Nutrition Professional advises individuals, families, and groups on how to improve diet, lifestyle, and attitude to promote optimal health. They may work with a licensed health provider to help individuals with previously diagnosed illnesses identify biochemical imbalances and toxicities that contribute to poor health. Their advice and support are founded on evidence-based and holistic principles.
A licensed Health Provider (MD, ND, DO, DC, RN, etc.) may work with a nutrition professional to educate patients on the benefits of whole foods, lifestyle improvements and appropriate supplementation relative to their health issue, or provide these services themselves.
Distinguishing Features
• Fresh, natural-foods basis
• Educational emphasis
• Client-based, not method or product-based
• Refer to doctors for medical conditions
• Highest standard of accountability and integrity
• Use informed consent and full disclosure forms
Nutrition Professionals General Menu of Services:
• Diet and lifestyle evaluation
• Teach healthy eating
• Shopping tours
• Family meal planning
• Suggestions for improving lifestyle
• Suggestions for managing stress
• Meal plans for improved weight, mood and energy
• Teach classes on wellness and holistic nutrition
• Advise clients on basic wellness supplementation
Nutrition Professionals Therapeutic Menu of Services:
• Intake
• Advise therapeutic menu and nutrients
• Research Issues
• Provide follow-up support
• Review Lab Assessments
• Summarize case and group findings
• Provide Recommendations
• Teach health professionals and consumers
• Consult with practitioner
Holistic Nutrition Professionals DO NOT
• Practice Medical Nutrition
• Diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease
• Make unproven health claims
• Misrepresent training
• Use unproven devices, assessments or therapies
• Use network marketing or product sales in lieu of individual client education.