Holistic Nutrition - explained

"What exactly is holistic nutrition?"

This is one of the most common questions I’ve been asked since starting my studies in holistic nutrition, and oddly, one of the hardest I’ve found to answer. I came to adopt a holistic approach to wellness after years and years of trying to navigate disordered relationships with food and exercise. Once I settled into this way of living, I didn’t have a label for it, it was more of a feeling or "space" that I didn't really have the words to describe. When I was looking to go back to school and stumbled upon “holistic nutrition” it all clicked. At the core, holistic nutrition focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit, and how by balancing all aspects of an individual’s well-being, optimal health can be achieved. But let's dive a little deeper, here’s some of the basic principles that I personally believe entail a holistic approach:

Listening to our intuition while using tools to navigate the modern world of hyper-palatable foods, is crucial. Our bodies are really good at telling us what they need, but many of us have ignored these signs for so long that we're now far disconnected from our intuitive selves, making it a struggle to rekindle. In all honesty, we can't connect with our intuition as easily as we once could, given the stimulus of the modern world. However, by pairing our intuition with practical tools, we can gradually become more attuned to it over time.

Finding balance is a key aspect of holistic wellness. It's essential to understand that food is more than just fuel and to recognize its role in our social and spiritual lives. There are no inherently good or bad foods; rather, some foods are more or less nutritionally dense. No food should be feared or completely eliminated, except in the case of allergies and sensitivities. Exercise should be a celebration of our bodies, not a punishment. While self-improvement is important, we must also prioritize rest and recovery. Stressing over missing a morning meditation or how many calories you burnt that day can be counterproductive.

We should seek to understand, listen to, and support our bodies through each stage of life, rather than ridicule, ignore, or band-aid them. Our bodies’ needs will change over time, and by supporting them through each stage, we set ourselves up for health in later years.

It’s important to allow space for both natural and conventional medicine. Food can serve as "medicine," but conventional medicine has its place too. There will be times when we need conventional treatments, and it's incredible that we have access to them today. We don’t have to confine ourselves to one approach or the other.

Understanding the many interconnections between body systems and how by supporting one, we can positively influence another, is fundamental to holistic health. For instance, supporting our digestive system with nutritious foods not only aids digestion but also enhances gut health, immune function, and mental well-being. Similarly, regular physical activity strengthens our cardiovascular system while promoting better sleep and mental clarity. these interconnected relationships empowers us to adopt comprehensive wellness practices that benefit our overall health and longevity.

There is undoubtedly a connection between the mind, body, and spirit, and recognizing this connection is essential for optimizing health. Our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being significantly influence our physical health, and conversely, our physical health can affect our mental and spiritual state.

Supporting the individual by considering all facets of life including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health as well as environmental and situational factors, such as financials. We use three general approaches in achieving optimal health:

1. Diet: Food serves as nourishment for the whole self, influencing not only physical but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Holistic nutrition emphasizes the significance of natural, whole foods, considering their sources, and how they're grown and preserved.
   

2. Lifestyle: Incorporating enjoyable and sustainable movement into daily life and creating environments with reduced toxins and stressors are essential. While it's impractical to avoid every toxin, striving for reduction rather than elimination is key as excessive stress from attempting total elimination may outweigh the benefits. Lastly, emphasis is placed on rest, recovery, and stress reduction.
   

3. Supplementation: We prioritize a food-first approach to supplements and consider their quality and bioavailability when supplementation is necessary.

In wrapping up, remember that holistic wellness is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle rooted in nurturing every aspect of ourselves. It's about listening to our bodies, finding balance, and honouring our individual journeys. By integrating these principles into our daily lives and embracing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, we pave the way for lasting health and happiness. I hope that this helps you understand the essence of holistic wellness and inspires you to start your own journey toward optimal health. And don't worry, we'll dive deeper into each of these principles in due time. So, let's continue this journey together with curiosity, self-compassion, and a commitment to our well-being.

Until next time!

Melissa