Find Out Who Has Nutrition Expertise (or better yet, get your own!)
I was at the gym the other day when I saw one of the trainers have a new set of letters behind her name. She explained to me that she was now a “nutritionist”. I asked exactly what that meant since in most states (mine included) a “nutritionist” is a made up title with no professional regulation. As I suspected, she had taken a long weekend class to be able to understand the supplements she would now be selling at the gym. As I asked a few basic bio-chemistry questions related to nutrition, she was stumped . . . on all of them!
This scary story is happening all over. Well meaning people are passing themselves off as nutritionists with little to no expertise in the field.
What to Ask a Nutritionist
When you are interviewing a potential holistic practitioner, ask a few questions. Find out where they went to school, if their school was accredited, how many years have they studied to be a nutritionist, and if they are required to take continuing education credits in order to keep their license or certificate.
Holistic expertise isn’t something one can learn in a couple days. Your practitioner should have at least a Bachelor of Science. A good program, such as the University of Natural Health will offer a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition and should include classes such as Holistic Nutrition, PhytoChemicals, Biological Concepts of Enzymes, Natural Biological Diets, Physiology, and much more. It took me a whole year of physiology to understand the expertise of the body and nutrition – quite frankly, a weekend course isn’t going to cut it!
Ready to Be an Expert in Holistic Nutrition?
When I was ready to progress with my career and wanted additional schooling with an expertise in holistic nutrition, the only degree I knew about was a Registered Dietitian and the closest program was five hours away. Luckily the internet has leveled the playing field. Many schools are offering online programs in place of the traditional brick and mortar concept of a university. This is wonderful for people who want to go to school while continuing working, stay at home parents, individuals who don’t want to move, and offers payment options to make continuing education reasonable for all.
Do a little research to find what interests you and become not just a nutritionist but have real expertise in holistic nutrition. I highlighted University of Natural Health because they offer a large variety like a Holistic Nutrition Degree such as a Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition or a Natural Health Degree such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Health. In addition, they offer Holistic Nutrition Certification and Natural Health Certification Programs for students who wish to become a Holistic Life Consultant & Coach or as a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner or Holistic Natural Health Practitioner.
There’s so many options available in our advanced technology society, please don’t settle for just a nutritionist when you can be the best!
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