Article Author @mparke - 25-05-22

What is holistic nutrition and why it's important to your wellness?

Holistic nutrition is a way of thinking that looks at the bigger picture when considering what our bodies need to stay healthy. Holistic nutrition views eating as not only a means of fueling our bodies with energy and vitamins, but also something that can impact our mental state, emotions, and general well-being. And while it may be counterintuitive at a time when diets are so fragmented and specialized, holistic nutritionists believe that in order to be optimally healthy, we need to think about more than just the quantity and quality of calories we eat. We need to think about the entire spectrum of food we’re putting into our bodies. This means paying attention to things like where those foods come from (local vs. processed), how they’re prepared (raw vs. cooked), and even how they smell (aromas have proven benefits on brain chemistry).

What is holistic nutrition?

When people think of healthy eating, they often focus on the foods they consume. This is one important part of healthy eating, but there is more to it than that. A holistic approach to nutrition also considers the foods you are avoiding, and why. It looks at your entire dietary patterns, and how those patterns impact your health and wellness.

At its most basic, holistic nutrition is about eating for better health. It means making choices about your diet based on more than just your nutritional needs. It also means considering how food choices impact your mental state and emotions, and your general well-being. Holistic nutrition is not about following a particular diet, like the Paleo diet or the Ketogenic diet. It is not about counting calories or obsessing over macronutrients like carbs, protein, and fat. It is, rather, a way of thinking about food and nutrition that takes the whole person into account, not just the parts.

Why is it important to your wellness?

In today’s world, where processed foods and microwaveable dinners are so readily available, it’s surprisingly easy to eat a poor diet. Surprisingly, too, given how much we know about the importance of healthy eating, from improved mental health, to reducing your risk of illness. But poor eating habits are easy to fall into, and surprisingly persistent.

Studies have shown that even when people know they need to make changes to their diets, they find it very difficult to do so. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as the fact that it’s hard to change your lifestyle, or because nutrient deficiencies can cause cravings for “unhealthy” foods. Whatever the reason, poor diet is one of the easiest ways to negatively impact your health and wellness.

How can you incorporate holistic nutrition?

1. Eat Seasonally. Certain foods are more relevant to certain seasons. Eating seasonally can help you avoid cravings for “unhealthy” foods, and also help you become more in tune with your body.
2. Think Fresh. Take the time to buy fresh, unprocessed foods. Not only will they taste better, but you’ll also be able to find out more about their origins. This can help you become more mindful about the food you’re eating, which can help you make better choices.
3. Eat Mindfully. Many people find that when they eat mindfully, they’re able to moderate their eating. This can help prevent you overindulging, and make you more aware of your body’s needs. Put aside some time each day to eat mindfully, and you may be surprised by the benefits.
4. Smell Your Food. It might sound strange, but there’s science behind this one. Smelling your food can help you appreciate it more, which can help you moderate your portions. It can also help you become more in tune with your body.

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. On a basic level, holistic nutrition is about eating for better health. It’s about making choices about your diet based on more than just your nutritional needs. And it’s about considering how food choices impact your mental state and general well-being.