SHOULD YOU WORK WITH A NUTRITIONIST?
What does a holistic nutritionist actually do?
Most people probably think meal plans and weight loss diets, but that’s barely scratching the surface…
While meal plans, weight loss strategies and diets can be a part of holistic nutrition, I’d personally say they are more the generic cookie-cutter end of the spectrum, and fall short of meeting most people’s needs for optimal health.
Have you ever been given a meal plan you can’t stick to? Or felt afraid of food?
Yeah…
When you want a real revival of your health you’ve got to dig through the dirt and find out what’s going on in the shadows. It’s not just what you eat, it’s your environment, your light hygiene, your beliefs, your relationship with your body, social norms and so much more!
As a holistic nutritionist and wellness mentor, this is the perspective I come from.
Energetic, Emotional, Physical. In other words — spirit, mind, body.
Let’s get into it…
What is a Holistic Nutritionist?
What Does a Holistic Nutritionist Do?
A holistic nutritionist takes a comprehensive approach to promoting health and well-being through nutrition. They believe in the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and focus on addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms.
Keep in mind, holistic nutrition is an unregulated profession, much like health coaching, life coaches, spiritual healers, bodyworkers and others. That doesn’t mean it’s unprofessional it just means you need to do your diligence when deciding to hire someone — we’re not all the same and we don’t all have the same playbook. Some people call themselves coaches without any type of training.
It’s important you understand the scope of practice being offered, the educational background and that you also jive on a personal and intimate level so you feel safe, seen and heard when diving into your personal health story + the journey you’re about to take!
Assessment and Personalized Guidance:
A holistic nutritionist starts by conducting a thorough assessment of an individual's health history, dietary habits, lifestyle, and overall goals. They take into consideration factors such as genetics, environment, stress levels, emotional well-being, and physical activity. This comprehensive understanding allows them to provide personalized nutritional guidance.
When you work with me, you’ll get comprehensive intake forms that will help inform and guide our sessions. Copies of relevant lab work can also be submitted to be assessed for nutritional intervention.
Creating Customized Meal Plans:
Once the assessment is complete, a holistic nutritionist may design meal plans that align with the individual's specific needs, preferences, and goals. They emphasize whole, unprocessed foods while considering dietary restrictions, allergies, and intolerances. The meal plans are designed to optimize nutritional intake and support the body's natural healing processes.
That being said, when you’re wanting to break free of diet dogma and learn to eat intuitively, ancestrally and seasonally… a meal plan isn’t going to cut it. It just becomes one more thing to fail. One more binge and restrict cycle. We don’t want that! Personally, my focus is on empowering you and teaching you about food and how to listen for your body’s response. Recipe bundles, grocery lists and food combo ideas included — but I’m not going to tell you what and when you should eat. That’s between you and your body.
Education and Counseling:
Holistic nutritionists play a crucial role in educating their clients about the importance of making informed dietary choices. They explain the benefits of specific nutrients, the impact of different food groups on overall health, and guide individuals in understanding how dietary habits influence their well-being. Furthermore, they offer counseling and support to empower clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
This looks a lot like allowing yourself to be seen, being honest and forthcoming and being open to being respectfully challenged in order to grow as a person. Just like a fitness coach will push you for one more rep because they know you have it in you, I will push you toward one better decision after another — but you’ll never feel ashamed or embarrassed for the choices you make, for backtracking, or the things you indulge in. We’re about balance, pleasure, and the pursuit of longevity. YOLO.
Identifying Nutritional Imbalances:
A holistic nutritionist carefully examines an individual's dietary intake and identifies potential nutritional imbalances or deficiencies. They use various tools such as food journals, lab tests, and assessments to determine nutrient gaps. By understanding these imbalances, they can recommend specific foods, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments to restore balance and optimize overall health.
Depending on your health concerns, we may take any one of these strategies to see where the gaps are. Most people don’t enjoy tracking their food down to the gram, which is fine because most people don’t have to! However, temporarily tracking food through a food/symptom/mood journal can be a great way to shed some light on how your body is responding, and see where there may be gaps or patterns that aren’t doing you any favours.
Addressing Digestive Issues:
Digestive health is at the core of holistic nutrition, as it greatly impacts overall well-being. A holistic nutritionist assesses digestive issues such as bloating, food sensitivities, and indigestion. They help identify trigger foods and provide guidance on gut-healing protocols, including the incorporation of probiotics, prebiotics, supplements and fermented foods to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
Ensuring the liver + gut are working in their optimal synergistic fashion is the foundation to digestive health, and downstream hormonal function, metabolic health and increasing energy. I also assess emotional digestion and how stress, beliefs and lifestyle may be impacting the body’s ability to digest, metabolize + eliminate food.
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Balance:
Apart from focusing solely on nutritional aspects, holistic nutritionists recognize the importance of a balanced lifestyle. They guide individuals towards adopting stress-reduction techniques, improving sleep hygiene, and incorporating regular physical activity.
My approach focuses on optimizing your light hygiene, time with nature, and finding movement that you and your body enjoy. We focus on creating an environment that supports cellular health, and reframing the mind in order to make “healthy” choices easy, effortless and move away from fear, diets and dogma.
Other Than Weight Loss, What Medical Conditions Can a Nutritionist Support?
Nutritionists play a vital role in promoting health and well-being by focusing on the impact of diet and nutrition on various medical conditions. Their expertise and guidance can significantly improve the management and prevention of several health conditions.
Most nutritionists will focus on a niche, as many of our modern ailments can be influenced, supported, and sometimes reversed through dietary and lifestyle interventions.
The areas of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, fertility + family planning, sports, arthritis can all be addressed from a nutritional point of view, to name a few.
So what’s the niche here at VYTA?
Supporting the Gut-Brain, Unlocking Burnout Recovery, Hormone Balance, Metabolic Health + Reclaiming Body Sovereignity!
That’s a mouthful!
In our fast-paced and demanding world, burnout has become an all too common occurrence. It not only affects our productivity and mental well-being but also takes a toll on our physical health. Similarly, imbalances in hormones and metabolic health can wreak havoc on our bodies and overall vitality. However, there is a powerful resource that can assist in overcoming these challenges - working with a nutritionist. By leveraging their expertise, individuals can experience the transformative benefits of burnout recovery, hormone balance, and improved metabolic health.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Imagine having the ability to enhance your focus, productivity, and mood, all while reducing stress and anxiety. By nourishing your gut, you can achieve precisely that. Numerous studies have shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to a wide range of health issues, including depression, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
Fortunately, there is hope! Through the power of targeted nutritional interventions and lifestyle modifications, you can restore the balance in your gut and unleash the full potential of your gut brain connection.
Burnout Recovery + Support for Chronic Stress
Burnout is detrimental to both our mental and physical state. It drains our energy, hampers cognitive function, weakens our immune system, and leaves us feeling depleted. Together we’ll ensure you’re receiving the necessary nutrients to replenish your energy levels + give your cells what they need to be nourished. You’ll learn about specific foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote well-being and aid in stress management. I also like to include adaptogenic herbs and supplements that support the body's ability to handle stress and promote relaxation.
Hormone Balance
Are you tired of feeling sluggish, moody, or simply not like yourself? Do you long for a renewed sense of energy, enhanced mental clarity, and improved overall well-being? Look no further! I specialize in supporting hormone balance and vitality, and I am here to guide you on this transformative journey. Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
When your hormones are imbalanced, it can disrupt our entire system, leading to a cascade of unpleasant symptoms. From fatigue and weight gain/loss, to mood swings, low libido and disrupted sleep patterns — hormonal imbalances can significantly hamper the quality of your life. I am dedicated to helping individuals like you unlock your full potential. My deep understanding of the intricate workings of the body allows me to provide tailored solutions that yield remarkable results.
Metabolic Health + Longevity
Metabolism is the biochemical engine that drives our bodies' ability to efficiently burn calories, maintain energy levels, manage chronic diseases and sustain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, many of us face metabolic imbalances due to various factors, such as genetics, poor diet choices, sedentary lifestyles, and stress. Poor metabolic health can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, inflammation, and a host of other health issues. Here again, a nutritionist can be a game-changer.
The good news is that working with me can help you address these imbalances and restore your metabolic health through personalized strategies An optimized metabolism means better longevity, which is not merely about adding more years to your life; it's about embracing vibrant health and vitality, ensuring those additional years are spent with vigor and enthusiasm.
What it’s like working with Shaylyn through VYTA…
Working closely with me, you'll receive evidence-based guidance on optimizing your nutrition to reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and protect against age-related diseases. You’ll feel revitalized with renewed sense of energy, smooth running hormonal systems and an improved metabolism. Through targeted supplementation + nutritional strategies, we can potentiate the body's inherent wisdom, ensuring that you remain shielded against the ravages of time.
As an experienced mentor in nutrition and wellness, I am passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and help you step wholly into yourself.
I will be your trusted partner throughout this process. I provide ongoing support, guidance, and motivation, ensuring that you stay focused and on track towards achieving your metabolic health goals. Together, we will celebrate your victories and overcome any obstacles that come your way.
When you work with me, you'll benefit from my extensive knowledge, relentless dedication, and unwavering support. You’ll feel seen and recognized as a whole, unique person and finally feel like you have a safe space to explore the journey into yourself, making sustainable changes that will last a lifetime.
In Conclusion: Is Working with a Nutritionist Right for You?
Pros and Cons of Working with a Holistic Nutritionist
Working with a holistic nutritionist can have both pros and cons, depending on your individual needs, budget and preferences. Attending one or two sessions likely won’t get you the results or changes you’re looking for, unless you’re ultra disciplined and have a ton of time to do your own research — but then you probably wouldn’t be hiring a nutritionist would you? You want support, guidance and assurance, not to do it all on your own along with all the pitfalls that comes from that.
Committing to a longer timeframe is crucial to getting the support needed while building new habits. Sometimes this can be done through a course, an eBook, or what I like best due to the relationship we get to co-create — 1:1 consultation.
Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to consider:
PROS of working with a holistic nutritionist
1. Holistic approach: A holistic nutritionist takes into account the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. They focus on dealing with the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms. It can completely transform your life, perspective, and even change generations by altering the course of things for you, your family, and so on.
2. Personalized recommendations: Holistic nutritionists understand that each individual is unique and has different dietary requirements. They create personalized plans tailored to your specific needs, goals, and health conditions. These can change over time and be catered to different stages of life.
3. Evidence informed: A professional holistic nutritionist conducts thorough research and keeps up to date with cutting edge science and research. They are often ahead of the curve compared to standard medicine, which often catches up a few to several years later.
4. Well-rounded perspective: In addition to addressing diet, holistic nutritionists consider other lifestyle factors that may affect your health. They may provide guidance on stress management, sleep quality, exercise, and natural remedies to promote overall well-being.
5. Natural and whole foods emphasis: Holistic nutritionists advocate for a diet centered around nutrient-dense whole foods, minimally processed ingredients, and organic options. They may also suggest incorporating dietary supplements or herbs as needed.
CONS of working with a holistic nutritionist
1. Potential lack of scientific evidence: Some holistic approaches to nutrition may lack rigorous scientific evidence. As a result, the effectiveness of certain recommendations may vary, and it's important to question and research any claims made, especially if they seem too good to be true or have potential harmful side effects…. looking at you, fruititarians.
2. Limited insurance coverage: Holistic nutrition services are often not covered by insurance, making them a potential financial burden for some individuals. It's important to consider the cost and ensure it fits within your budget. However, some insurance providers with extended benefits will cover a portion or all of the services! Double check with your plan.
3. Conflicting advice: With the abundance of nutrition information available, it can be challenging to navigate through conflicting advice. It's important to find a reputable holistic nutritionist who bases their recommendations on evidence-based practices, and personalizes plans to suit your needs.
4. Time commitment: Implementing holistic nutrition recommendations may require significant time and effort. It may involve meal planning, cooking from scratch, shopping for specific ingredients, and adopting new lifestyle habits. This is not a diet pill. It didn’t take you 3 days to get where you are, and you won’t get out of it in a weekend either — but with time, patience, perspective and some new tools, you’ll find thing can change pretty radically.
5. Not a substitute for medical care: While holistic nutritionists play an important role in supporting overall health, they should not replace medical professionals. It's important to consult with your primary healthcare provider for any medical conditions or significant health concerns and create a supportive team of health professionals to address your concerns.