When it comes to nutrition, many people assume that a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and a Registered Dietitian (RD) are interchangeable. While both professionals are dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through food and lifestyle, they have different educational backgrounds, approaches, and regulatory requirements. That said, they also share many similarities and will both provide well-rounded, personalized health support.

What is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist?

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist is a professional who takes a whole-body, natural approach to nutrition and wellness. RHNs focus on the root causes of health concerns, rather than just managing symptoms. They emphasize natural, whole foods, lifestyle changes, and supplementation to support the body's ability to heal and thrive.

Education and Training
RHNs in Ontario typically complete a holistic nutrition program from a recognized private institution such as the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) or the Institute of Holistic Nutrition (IHN). These programs focus on:
✔ Nutritional science and biochemistry
✔ The healing power of whole foods
✔ Supplementation and herbal remedies
✔ Digestive health and detoxification
✔ Mind-body connection and lifestyle balance

Regulation and Scope of Practice
RHNs are not regulated by the government in Ontario. Instead, they are certified by or registered with their respective schools and may join professional associations like the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro) or the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners (CANNP).

RHNs do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments but can offer nutritional guidance, meal planning, and lifestyle coaching tailored to individual needs.

What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a regulated health professional who provides evidence-based dietary guidance, often in clinical, hospital, or public health settings. Dietitians focus on disease prevention, medical nutrition therapy, and food science.

Education and Training
To become a Registered Dietitian in Ontario, individuals must:
✔ Complete a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition from an accredited university
✔ Complete an accredited dietetic internship or master’s program with practical training
✔ Pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE)

Regulation and Scope of Practice
Dietitians are regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario, which ensures they follow strict professional and ethical guidelines. Because of this, they are legally allowed to:
✔ Work in clinical settings, including hospitals, long-term care, and private practice
✔ Diagnose and treat nutritional deficiencies
✔ Provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or eating disorders
✔ Work with government agencies to create public health nutrition policies

Our Goals

Despite their differences, RHNs and RDs share a common goal: to help people improve their health through nutrition. While dietitians typically work within the medical system, holistic nutritionists offer a more personalized, natural approach.

✔Holistic Nutritionists focus on the “why.” They look at overall wellness, gut health, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to health concerns.
✔Dietitians focus on the “how.” They provide evidence-based strategies, meal plans, and medical nutrition therapy to help manage conditions.

How We Can Help

There are many wellness goals and health concerns that both Registered Holistic Nutritionists and Registered Dietitian’s can help. I have outlined a few below.

✔ weight loss/weight gain

✔ digestive Health (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, diverticulitis, IBS, acid reflux, etc.)

✔ inflammation

✔ diabetes/blood sugar management

✔ high cholesterol/high blood pressure

✔women’s health (perimenopause/menopause, PCOS, PMS)

✔ hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism

✔auto-immune disorders

✔ fatty liver

✔ chronic kidney disease

✔ osteoporosis/bone health

✔ arthritis

✔ food allergies/sensitivities (ex. celiac, gluten/dairy intolerances)

✔ sleep

✔ energy

✔ stress

Both Registered Holistic Nutritionists and Registered Dietitian’s play an essential role in helping people live healthier lives. Thrive’s RHN & RD will both offer you the same level of support and will help you reach your overall wellness goals.

Check your benefits to see if you are covered for Nutritionist and/or Registered Dietitian services. Contact Steph to learn more about Thrive’s programs and services and how we can help!

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Meet Thrive’s Registered Dietitian!