Written by Jenn Hand, Holistic Nutritionist, Board Certified Health Coach, NBC-HWC
Understanding Holistic Weight Loss
Holistic weight loss is an approach that takes into account not only the physical part of you, but the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of you, as well.
In the “old” way of weight loss, we cut out certain food groups, follow a rigid plan, slave away at the gym, and punish ourselves to get a result. With this method, we get to the end of the program and think, “well, now what?” We may lose weight in the short term, but we don’t know how to eat in a way that’s sustainable for the long run.
In the new approach to weight, we use a four-pronged view: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Physically we explore a way to eat that is energizing and sustainable, satisfying and nourishing.
Mentally, we dig into food rules, eating what you “should vs want,” good and bad food, overeating at night and our mindset.
Emotionally, we look at the reasons we turn to food, how to feel feelings without food, limiting beliefs, and letting go of emotional eating.
Spiritually, we learn to fill the void and emptiness inside ourselves, find purpose in our lives and learn how to break out of self-sabotage.
Because this is an all-encompassing approach, you let go of the weight as it no longer serves you.
Over time, the weight releases from a place of love, not punishment, and nourishment, not deprivation.
You learn to eat in a way that works WITH your body and your mind. Instead of punishing yourself to get a result, weight releases as you’re doing the deeper work of healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Common Questions about Holistic Weight Loss
How do you lose weight holistically?
The “old” way of weight loss involves rigid rules, self-deprivation and punishment.
It never gives us what we really want—not just a comfortable weight but peace and freedom around food. The “new” way to view weight takes into account the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yourself to allow your body to restore itself to its natural weight.
How does holistic weight loss work?
Holistic weight loss is a new approach–it looks at weight from the perspective of the whole person.
It takes into account not just the food we eat but the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of us and our lives, too.
What is holistic dieting?
In my experience, “dieting” is counterintuitive to “holistic.”
When we approach food holistically, we don’t create rigid rules or plans to follow. We learn to honor the body’s intuition.
What are the benefits of a holistic doctor?
Practitioners who approach health from a holistic perspective take the whole person into account.
This is beneficial, as the approach to healing incorporates all parts of you in the equation, which helps healing to be sustainable and lasting.
More Articles About Holistic Weight Loss and Intuitive Eating
🌷Holistic Weight Loss: What It Is and How It Works
🌷What To Ask a Holistic Doctor About Weight Loss
🌷How Yoga Can Transform Your Relationship With Your Body
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Schedule a 20-min CallAbout the Author:
Jenn Hand has been helping women like you become normal eaters since 2015.
She’s worked with thousands of women, helping them to balance their bodies, end bingeing, stop obsessing over food, and start feeling amazing again. As a board-certified health coach and holistic nutritionist, Jenn knows how to support you in making real positive changes that last.
Her articles have been published on Mind Body Green, Tiny Buddha, Thrive Global and other local and global media platforms. She’s the author of How to Be a Normal Eater and the creator of The Normal Eater’s Club program. Listen to Jenn’s advice and tips on the Cake Doesn’t Count Podcast, or read more of her articles for free on the Food Freedom Blog.
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