A Dietitian’s Favourite Saying Is “It Depends”: Why a Holistic Nutrition Approach Matters

As a community dietitian at Holistic Me, there is one phrase I say almost every day.

It depends.

It is rarely the answer people expect. Many people want certainty. They want a rule to follow, a food to avoid, or a clear plan that promises results.

However, nutrition is rarely that straightforward.

A holistic nutrition approach recognises that health is influenced by daily routines, access to food, medical history, sleep, mental wellbeing, culture, and personal capacity. Food is important. But it is only one part of the picture.

When we overlook those other factors, advice may sound simple but fail in real life.

What Is a Holistic Nutrition Approach and Why It Matters

A holistic nutrition approach means we assess the whole person before making recommendations.

Instead of asking, “What should I remove?” we ask, “What is happening in your life right now?”

For example, we consider:

  • Work hours and caregiving responsibilities
  • Budget and food access
  • Cultural food practices
  • Health conditions and medications
  • Energy levels and sleep patterns
  • Past experiences with dieting
  • Emotional connections to food

This is what individualised health care looks like in practice.

At Holistic Me, our dietitian services are built around this framework. We do not start with rigid meal plans. We start with understanding.

Because personalised nutrition advice only works when it fits your real life.

Why Quick Fix Nutrition Advice Often Falls Apart

Online advice often sounds confident.

Cut sugar.
Avoid carbs.
Eat clean.
Detox.

These messages can feel motivating at first. Yet they often ignore the context behind behaviour and food choices.

For instance, convenience foods may reflect long work hours. Skipping meals may relate to medication timing. Comfort eating may be connected to emotional needs or routine.

A holistic nutrition approach recognises that behaviour makes sense when viewed in context.

Rather than asking, “Why can’t you stick to it?” we ask:

  1. What food rules are you following without realising it?
  2. What foods feel comforting or culturally important?
  3. What barriers make cooking difficult right now?
  4. What has not worked before, and why?

These questions create insight. Insight creates sustainable change.

The Benefits of a Holistic Nutrition Approach

When nutrition support is personalised and flexible, several positive outcomes follow.

1. Improved Relationship With Food

Many people feel guilt around eating. They see food as either good or bad.

A holistic nutrition approach shifts that thinking. It encourages balance and removes moral labels.

As a result, people often report:

  • Less anxiety around meals
  • Greater confidence in food choices
  • Reduced cycles of restriction and overeating
  • More enjoyment of social eating

A healthier relationship with food supports long term wellbeing.

2. Sustainable Behaviour Change

Short term diets can produce short term results. However, they often fail because they do not account for real life.

Personalised nutrition advice focuses on achievable actions, such as:

  • Eating breakfast consistently
  • Planning simple meals twice per week
  • Adding vegetables gradually
  • Improving hydration habits

These steps may seem small. Yet they build stability over time.

3. Better Health Outcomes Through Dietitian Services

Evidence shows that dietitian services improve outcomes for:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Digestive disorders
  • Malnutrition
  • Disability related feeding challenges

For individuals accessing NDIS dietitian services, structured nutrition support can improve energy, independence, and daily functioning.

At Holistic Me, nutrition support is often integrated with behaviour therapy and broader care plans. This ensures recommendations are practical and consistent with daily routines.

4. A Flexible Nutrition Framework Reduces Burnout

Rigid plans often collapse under changing circumstances.

In contrast, a flexible nutrition framework adapts when:

  • Work schedules change
  • Illness occurs
  • Family needs shift
  • Energy levels fluctuate

This flexibility allows the holistic nutrition approach to evolve alongside you.

Practical Steps to Apply a Holistic Nutrition Approach

You do not need dramatic changes to begin.

Instead, focus on structured but manageable actions.

Step 1: Build Balanced Plates

Aim for three main components:

  • Protein
  • Fibre rich carbohydrates
  • Vegetables or fruit

This supports blood sugar stability and sustained energy.

Step 2: Add Before You Subtract

Instead of eliminating foods, try adding:

  • One extra vegetable to dinner
  • A protein source at breakfast
  • A balanced snack in the afternoon

Often, balance improves naturally when nourishment increases.

Step 3: Create Consistent Meal Timing

Skipping meals can disrupt hunger cues and energy levels.

Start with:

  1. Three regular meals per day.
  2. One planned snack if needed.

Consistency builds trust with your body.

Step 4: Reflect on Behaviour and Food Choices

Take note of patterns for one week.

Ask yourself:

  • When do I feel most hungry?
  • What situations influence my eating?
  • What foods feel realistic most days?

This reflection supports personalised nutrition advice.

Step 5: Seek Professional Nutrition Support

While general advice can be helpful, professional guidance provides clarity.

Working with a qualified dietitian ensures:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Tailored recommendations
  • Ongoing monitoring
  • Adjustments over time

At Holistic Me, our dietitian services are grounded in a holistic nutrition approach. Nutrition support is designed to adapt as your needs change.

Ethical Nutrition Guidance in a Complex Environment

Nutrition advice is everywhere.

However, ethical nutrition guidance is based on:

  • Scientific evidence
  • Clinical experience
  • Cultural awareness
  • Respect for individual circumstances

It avoids universal rules and dramatic promises.

Instead, it recognises that:

  • Bodies respond differently to the same foods.
  • Medical conditions alter nutritional needs.
  • Social factors influence food access.
  • Mental wellbeing affects eating patterns.

A holistic nutrition approach allows for nuance. It accepts that what works for one person may not work for another.

And sometimes, the most honest answer is still, “It depends.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a holistic nutrition approach?

A holistic nutrition approach considers lifestyle, medical history, emotional wellbeing, and environment alongside food intake. It focuses on personalised and adaptable care.

Why is personalised nutrition advice important?

Personalised nutrition advice ensures recommendations match your health conditions, preferences, and daily routine. This increases sustainability and safety.

How do dietitian services differ from online advice?

Dietitian services provide evidence based, individualised health care. Unlike online plans, they assess your full medical and lifestyle context.

What role does nutrition support play in NDIS care?

NDIS dietitian services provide structured nutrition support tailored to disability related needs. This can improve energy, independence, and overall functioning.

What is a flexible nutrition framework?

A flexible nutrition framework offers guidance without rigid rules. It adapts to life changes while maintaining structure.

So Yes, It Still Depends

When someone asks, “Is this food healthy?” the answer is rarely universal.

It depends on your health conditions.
It depends on your access to food.
It depends on your goals.
It depends on your current capacity.

A holistic nutrition approach acknowledges this complexity.

At Holistic Me, our dietitian services are built on the belief that nutrition support should feel realistic, respectful, and sustainable. You deserve personalised nutrition advice that strengthens your relationship with food and supports long term health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive personalised nutrition support designed to help you build confidence, clarity, and lasting wellbeing.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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