A Holistic Approach to Nutrition
You may have heard the term “holistic” before when talking about alternatives to traditional medicine – but did you know that the holistic approach extends to nutrition as well?
First things first – what the heck does holistic mean? Rather than focusing on the immediate problem, a holistic approach focuses on treating the whole person and emphasizes the connection between body and mind.
So when you’re working with a holistic nutritionist, you will have your own personal guide to help you navigate the maze of information out in the universe related to health and wellness, and someone who will help to identify and correct nutritional causes impacting your health.
If you’re looking to start with a holistic nutritionist, but want to make sure their approach fits your lifestyle, see below for some common suggestions from Nutraphoria Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Liz Naccarato.
1. Swap it out – It may sound like such a no-brainer, but eating whole foods or less-processed foods can make a huge impact on your health. When you skip the Skip the Dishes and make your food at home, you can control the sodium level, the amount of fat and calories and adjust to your flavour preferences. With a personalized meal plan from a holistic nutritionist, you’ll also be able to ensure you’re getting the right balance of protein, vitamins and other vital nutrients.
2. Unwind From the Wine – There’s nothing wrong with relaxing with a glass of wine or celebrating Taco Tuesdays with a margarita, but too much of a good thing is, well, not good. Not only does alcohol have zero protein, vitamins or nutrients, studies show that it actually inhibits the absorption and usage of vital nutrients, including B1, B12, folic acid and zinc.
3. Hit the Hay – Nothing can make you feel worse than a bad sleep – it can affect everything from your mood to your metabolism. If you’re having trouble sleeping, a holistic nutritionist can help you incorporate foods that are rich in melatonin and B vitamins, as well as natural supplements that can aid in sleep, including magnesium.
4. Stay Hydrated – Holistic or not, any nutritionist is going to stress the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. And it’s not just about quenching your thirst – water helps break down the food you eat, allowing nutrients to be absorbed into your body. When the body is dehydrated, you can experience headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure and dry skin – so drink up!
5. Get Movin’ – Whatever your health and wellness goal is, incorporating 20 to 30 minutes of movement throughout your day can make a big impact. Getting in some moderate activity per week can help prevent disease, boost your mood, support weight loss (or maintenance) and more.
6. Meditate – Taking a few minutes a day to practice meditation can help you build skills to manage stress, allow you to focus on the present and reduce negative emotions. Additionally, studies show that meditation can increase brain function, helping with concentration and decision-making.
Want to learn more about how a holistic nutritionist can help you incorporate everyday habits to keep you healthy – mind, body and soul? Give us a shout: https://houseoftrainers.ca/contact.