About Us

It is the mission of the HNCB to provide knowledge-based examination and credentialing services to holistic nutrition professionals, thereby promoting a nationally recognized, responsible and credible body of holistically educated nutrition professionals that serve as the primary holistic and functional nutrition resource for consumers, health care professionals and the media.

Philosophy of Holistic Nutrition

The philosophy of holistic nutrition is that one’s health is an expression of the complex interplay between the physical and chemical, mental and emotional, as well as spiritual and environmental aspects of one’s life and being. As such, professionals trained in holistic nutrition approach health and healing from a whole-person perspective. Using education as a primary tool, holistic nutrition professionals emphasize the building of health and disease risk-reduction by approaching each person as a unique individual, fully engaging the individual in their health recovery process, and honoring their innate wisdom by working in an empowering and cooperative manner to chart a course to optimal health.

Scope of Service

The services offered by professionals “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” are grounded in the following principles:

• Whole, naturally grown foods are the best source for optimal nutrition;
• There are no miracle nutrients that will cure all ills;
• Dietary supplementation may be health promoting when used in the appropriate form, dose and frequency, and is not a substitute for a good diet; and
• Nutritional well-being comes from the balance between a person’s health promoting diet and lifestyle habits, and the nutritionally negating environmental and lifestyle influences.

Nutrition professionals who become “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” may provide the following services in accordance with the laws governing nutrition education and consulting within their respective state of business:

• Evaluate food selection, preparation and intake;
• Assess client to determine nutritional imbalance or systemic weaknesses;
• Guide client by providing educational material to assist them in understanding the nature of their imbalance(s) or area(s) of weakness, defining goals, and developing a realistic action plan;
• Work with client to design targeted nutritional programs that may include the use of specific foods, menu planning, environmental controls, food preparation techniques, dietary supplements, herbs, and/or lifestyle modifications that will support the achievement of their health goals;
• Guide client in implementing programs, provide education about various aspects of program, and offer ongoing assessment and program modifications to create optimal effectiveness in achieving client’s health goals;
• Consult and work integratively with other health professionals to determine nutritional needs of client;
• Offer referrals to other health professionals as deemed appropriate;
• Act as a community educator, developing curriculum and preparing manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching;
• Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding;
• Plan and provide educational opportunities for the public and other health professionals;
• Promote health discussions in schools, industry, and community agencies;
• Prepare and disseminate educational and informational materials; and
• Engage in research, and write research reports and other publications to document and communicate research findings.

Contact us at:

Phone: 800-342-8037
Fax: 510-580-9429
E-mail: exam@hncb.org