Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional therapy practitioners use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine. It is relevant both for individuals looking to enhance their health and wellbeing and for those with chronic conditions wishing to work with or ‘consult’ a nutritional therapist in collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals. Practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Practitioners never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy programme that has been provided.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, the importance of seeking legit professional guidance for optimal nutrition cannot be overstated. Registered Nutritional Therapists play a pivotal role in promoting well-being by providing personalized and evidence-based nutritional advice. I wanted to explore the significance of consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist, shedding light on their qualifications (a degree) and the importance of being registered with professional bodies like BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).

What is the difference between Nutritional Therapists, Nutrition Coaches and Nutritionists?

1. Nutritional Therapists:
   • Focus: Holistic, addressing underlying health issues.
   • Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutritional therapy or a related field.
   • Registration: Registered with professional bodies like BANT and CNHC.
   • Approach: Personalized, evidence-based recommendations.
   • Scope: Work one to one with individuals dealing with specific health concerns.
2. Nutrition Coaches:
   • Focus: Goal-oriented, often centered on fitness and weight management.
   • Qualifications: Vary; it is not a regulated profession and only some may have certifications in coaching or attended courses in
   • Registration: Not typically required, but some may hold certifications from coaching organizations.
   • Approach: Goal-focused, motivational, and lifestyle-oriented.
   • Scope: Assist clients in achieving specific health and fitness goals.
3. Nutritionists:
   • Focus: General nutrition advice, public health, and community settings.
   • Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutrition or a related field.
   • Registration: Registered with professional bodies such as the AfN, but not always required.
   • Approach: Broad nutrition education and advice, which is not personalised to a 1:1 approach.
   • Scope: Work in diverse settings such as public health, research, or education.

In the pursuit of optimal health and receiving personalised and tailored 1:1 advice, consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist stands out as a wise choice. Their holistic approach, personalised guidance, and commitment to professional standards set them apart. Ensuring that a nutritional therapist is registered with BANT and CNHC adds an extra layer of assurance, highlighting their dedication to excellence, knowledge and high standard of practice.

As a Nutritional Therapist, I am registered with CNHC and BANT. CNHC nutritional therapy registration is recognised by some private health cash plans, such as Westfield Health and Health Shield and WPA.

Please check with your provider for your cover details.