Holistic Nutritionist vs. Dietitian in Ontario: Understanding the Difference

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!

Meet Thrive’s Registered Dietitian!

Spring into Wellness: 10 Tips from a holistic nutritionist for Renewed Health

As the vibrant colours of spring bloom around us, it's the perfect time to rejuvenate our health and embrace a fresh start. As a holistic nutritionist, I believe in nourishing the body, mind, and soul for optimal well-being. Here are some tips to help you blossom into a healthier version of yourself this spring.

Tips for Healthy Living:

1. Enjoy Seasonal Produce: Spring brings an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporate seasonal produce like leafy greens, asparagus, strawberries, and artichokes into your meals. These foods are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to support your health.

2. Cleanse with Whole Foods: Spring clean your diet by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. Minimize consumption of refined sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. Go for nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to nourish your body from the inside out.

3. Prioritize Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals mindfully. Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues and aim to eat in a relaxed environment. Mindful eating can help prevent overeating, improve digestion, and enhance your relationship with food.

4. Nourish Your Gut: Support your gut health by incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha into your diet. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion, immune function, and overall health. A probiotic is always good to include as well.

5. Move Your Body Outdoors: Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather by getting active outdoors. Whether it's going for a brisk walk, cycling through the park, or practicing yoga in nature, spending time outdoors can boost your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

6. Practice Stress Management: Spring is a time of renewal and growth, but it can also bring stress as we juggle various responsibilities. Prioritize stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or spending time in nature to promote relaxation and mental well-being.

7. Get Adequate Sleep: Don't underestimate the importance of quality sleep for your health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to rest, repair, and recharge. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and create a conducive sleep environment to optimize your sleep quality.

8. Hydrate with Herbal Teas: Say goodbye to winter's heavy beverages and welcome lighter options like herbal teas. Hydration is key for overall health, and herbal teas not only keep you hydrated but also offer various health benefits. Try options like peppermint, chamomile, or dandelion root for a refreshing twist. In addition to this, be sure to drink lots of water each day!

9. Stay Connected with People: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and community members who uplift and inspire you on your health journey. Social connections are vital for mental and emotional well-being, so make time for meaningful interactions with your loved ones.

10. Listen to Your Body: Above all, listen to your body's needs and honor them with kindness and compassion. Tune in to how different foods, activities, and lifestyle choices make you feel, and make adjustments accordingly. Your body is your best guide on the path to optimal health.

This spring, let's embrace the season of renewal and commit to nurturing our health holistically. By nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls with wholesome foods, mindful practices, and self-care rituals, we can cultivate a vibrant and thriving life.

If you’re looking for the daily guidance, support, and accountability to help you reach your wellness goals this spring, reach out to Steph, holistic nutritionist, and start your journey to better health.

Here's to a season of wellness, growth, and abundant vitality!

Do You Suffer From Inflammation?

Did you know that you can reduce inflammation in your body by eating and avoiding certain foods in your diet?

The anti-inflammatory diet includes nutrient dense and antioxidant rich foods that decrease the inflammatory response in the body. By focusing on a healthy balanced diet that includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, lean proteins and healthy oils and fats, you can help reduce the inflammation in your body and lower your risk of illness/disease.

FOODS that cause inflammation

• Limit Saturated Fats (butter, whole milk, cheese, high fat red meat, skin in poultry)

• Avoid Trans Fats (pre-packaged baked goods/snacks, flavoured coffee creams, etc.)

• Pro-inflammatory Omega 6 foods (sunflower, soybean, vegetable, corn and safflower oils, etc.)

• Hydrogenated oils/margarines

• Refined carbohydrates (white breads/white flour and sugar, white bread products, white pasta/crackers, pastries, etc.)

• Processed foods and meats (snack foods such as chips/crackers, some canned food, prepared frozen meals as well as deli meats, hot dogs, salami, bologna, etc.)

• Red meats/fatty meats (burgers, steak, ribs, bacon, pork, sausage, etc.)

• Sugars (added sugars, candy, etc.) and high fructose corn syrup

• Sugary drinks (pop, sugar added juices)

• Fast food, fried foods, etc.

• Desserts – cookies, baked goods, ice cream - Reduce sodium intake - Gluten (if you have a sensitivity)

• Dairy (enjoy in moderation and lower fat options) – greek yogurt is great

• Artificial sweeteners, additives, colourings, etc.

• Alcohol and caffeine

anti-inflammatory foods

• Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, etc.), flax oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, walnut oil, etc.

• An Omega 3 supplement would also be beneficial (something high in EPA/DHA)

• Foods rich in monounsaturated fats – extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, avocado, nuts, natural nut butters and seeds.

• Lots of fruits and vegetables (a variety of colours), which are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that will help to fight inflammation.

  • Fruit – apples, berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), grapefruit, lemon/lime, oranges/tangerines/nectarines, apricots, cantaloupe, mango, papaya, peaches, watermelon, grapes, cherries, pineapple, red grapes, etc.

  • Veggies – dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard greens), broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, celery, tomato, sweet potato, squash, carrots, peas, garlic, green red pepper, alliums (onion, garlic, leek, scallions), parsley, thyme, asparagus, mushrooms, etc.

• Legumes - black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, lentils, etc.

• Green Tea

• Dark Chocolate (high cocoa content – 75% or higher)

• Increase your fibre intake – found in a lot of the foods above.Whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts/seeds, legumes. - Lean protein – fish, skinless poultry, eggs

• Some spices may also have anti-inflammatory properties – spice up your foods with things like basil, rosemary, cayenne pepper, thyme, ginger and turmeric.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES to help reduce inflammation

• Eat a healthy diet

• Exercise more

• Manage your stress levels

• Drink lots of water

• Get good quality sleep

• Have a positive attitude

• Stretching/yoga

• No smoking

• Moderate alcohol consumption

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Read food labels

• Watch portion sizes/servings

• Cook more meals at home and reduce eating out

There are also natural supplements that can help to reduce inflammation and promote good health.

This is a start! If you're struggling with inflammation or any inflammatory diseases/health issues, contact Thrive for program details and learn how to reduce inflammation in your body and to improve your overall health.