Your Complete Guide To Functional Nutrition + How To Become Certified

Perhaps one of the most well-known, au courant concepts leading the way in the health and wellness spheres today is biological uniqueness, or the notion that everyone is truly individual in biochemical terms.

From metabolic makeup and genetics to overall nutritional requirements, every one of us has particular well-being needs, which is why one-size-fits-all approaches to health just don't work.

In the same family as functional medicine, functional nutrition is a personalized, systems-oriented approach that goes beyond managing the immediacy of symptoms and disease—and rather looks at the whole person.

As Maya Feller, M.S., R.D., CDN, previously told mbg, it's important to take the whole person "inclusive of their lived experience, culture, heritage, and health needs—into consideration" when it comes to nutrition. "We often say there is no one-size-fits-all dietary approach yet perpetuate a narrow view of what a 'healthy' plate is supposed to look like." This very concept is a cornerstone of what differentiates functional nutrition from more standard methods.

According to Cording, "compared to medical nutrition therapy, functional nutrition focuses more on the individual and also encompasses lifestyle factors that could affect food choices—and how food choices may be impacting lifestyle," she says. "It offers a more holistic approach to enhancing a person's well-being while providing more nuanced care."

Functional nutrition coaches are trained professionals who help guide individuals on their health and nutrition journeys.

While there are many similarities between nutrition coaches and health coaches, the former is more focused on food and nutrition science.

If you're interested in seeing a functional nutritionist, it's important to choose one who has received training from a respected functional nutrition program.

If you're interested in becoming a functional nutritionist, look for a coaching program that features a science-backed curriculum, focuses on whole-person well-being, and weaves in psychological lessons on how to be an effective coach and encourage behavior change in clients.