Today we see an increasing numbers of people becoming aware of what they’re eating. As such, the amount of professionals who specialize in health and well being seems to be exploding. Even more in demand are those people who don’t just specialize in one area – people who take a more holistic approach to things are increasingly becoming popular as the general public catches onto the fact nutrition doesn’t just sit in a box. As such, a holistic nutrition degree sets the bearers up for a successful life helping people become healthy. If you research our nutritionist guide, you’ll discover many options open to you.
What So Special About a Holistic Nutrition Degree?
A nutritionist or dietitian has a very good understanding of the way food and nutrients influence our bodies. They are able to use that knowledge to help people eat what’s right for them, and correct any imbalances that may have occurred. A holistic nutritionist on the other hand has the same information, but is able to supplement it with a more general understanding of the human body. This is why the job outlook for nutritionists is so outstanding. Other knowledge someone who’s attended holistic nutrition schools might include digestive physiology, a study of herbs and their medicinal properties, acid and alkaline foods, sleep, emotional balance, exercise and detoxification. Diets like vegetarianism and raw diets might also be in the mix.
How This Benefits The Practitioner and The Client
All this knowledge means a holistic nutritionist is able to create an entire “life plan” that someone with a more narrow education might not be able to create. A practitioner is able to see the trends and put the pieces together. Some of the newer DHA studies, for example, are studied closely by dietitians. The client benefits because they get a more “well rounded” approach to their problem. They can see where the exercise meets the new diet, and how that will change their physical body. The nutritionist is able to benefit by being able to offer more services. This could well mean more clients, and more satisfied ones at that.
Where Do You Get Holistic Nutrition Certification?
Some Universities offer the holistic degrees, although online schools seem to be currently leading the pack. This suits lifestyles where it might not be all that practical to go and spend several years at a campus. It can take between three and five years to go through an accredited course, although of course that can change depending on the background of the person doing the degree. In order for a nutritionist to be accredited as a dietitian, they would need to register with the appropriate authorities, and this is different from country to country, and state to state.
Usually there is no official requirement to register in order to call oneself a nutritionist, although some like to register with the appropriate organization that’s set themselves up in their country. A newly added field is understanding the gluten free diet.
All in all, a holistic nutrition degree means the practitioner is able to offer more complementary services to their clients. They are qualified to offer advice in areas that someone with a more limited knowledge might not be able to. As more and more people start to see the benefits of a natural and holistic lifestyle, it’s estimated that people with this kind of degree are going to be increasingly sought after. Employment for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase 20% through to 2020 – so there will be no shortage of work for those that pursue this kind of career.