What is Nutritionist?
What is a nutritionist?
a nutritionist doesn't just help you count calories or tells you to lose weight. They take a holistic approach to your health, looking at your nutrition through diet and functional testing (blood, stool saliva and more), fitness, supplementation, medical history to identify what is the root cause of the issue and what can be done.
Working with you the client on what you want to achieve, whether it is weight loss, better physical performance in your sport, help with diagnosed conditions, behavioural problems in children and more. a nutritionist will work with you to modify your diet, prescribe supplements if necessary, make physical fitness suggestions, social and environmental suggestions to help you achieve your goals. They use only evidenced based solutions when developing your treatment plans.
Nutritionist, Dietitian GP, PT or health coach??!
It my be confusing where to get your dietary advice from these days with so many different qualifications out there. I believe strongly in people being able to make informed decisions about their own health.
Nutritionist: studies a 3 year health science degree from an approved organisation. They focus on Human biochemistry and nutrition with some studies on traditional medicines, naturopathy, pharmaceuticals and modern medicine. Prescribes Diet, supplements and lifestyle changes.
Naturopath: Studies 4 year health science degree from an approved organisation. They focus on herbal supplements with some studies on traditional medicines, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and modern medicine
Dietitian: studies a 3 year health science degree from an approved organisation. They focus on Human biochemistry and nutrition with some studies on traditional medicines, naturopathy, pharmaceuticals and modern medicine. They study the same degree as nutritionists but register with a different governing body to work in hospitals and usually focus on patients macro nutrients (carbs, fats and protein).
GP or other doctors: Some nutrition study during their medical degree but will refer weight loss and chronic illness patients on to nutritionist or dietitian for specialised nutrition plans. Nutritionists and dietitians my refer you back to GPs for subsidised testing or if pharmaceuticals are required.
PT, Health or Nutrition Coach: minimal nutrition training during 6 month certificate. No regulatory body for this area. Please check the individuals other qualifications here.