Keeping the Public Safe
Why Membership Matters
This section of the website is to help the general public make safe choices, understand what Holistic Nutritionists do, and have access to a Practitioner Verification Tool to ensure who you choose to work with is armed with the credentials, insurance and training you deserve to have. In an industry that is not regulated by the government, it is of utmost importance to ensure you find a qualified person to work with. Here we will help you do that.
What We Do
GAIN balances the needs of practitioners and the holistic health industry to work consistently in the best interests of the client. Our goal is to ensure that practitioners establish and strengthen relationships of trust with clients while working in an environment that encourages safety, professionalism and continual education.
We strive to influence legislation and regulation that directly impacts Holistic Health Practitioners at both the federal and provincial government levels.
GAIN is at the forefront of consumer protection and promotes a model for the delivery of Holistic Nutrition services that place the client’s interest as the primary objective.
Fundamental principles that GAIN actively promotes fair and efficient access to Holistic Nutrition services in Canada that include:
> A standard of education, ethics and professionalism among all members of our organization via GAIN Mandatory Training and Testing (GAINMTT)> An efficient and effective system for Holistic Nutrition Practitioners that assists with minimizing the risk and incidence of liability, injury and practitioners stepping outside their Scope of Practice.
What is a Holistic Nutritionist?
A Holistic Nutritionist is a natural health professional who focuses on a functional/holistic approach to health using evidence-based principles for lifestyle and diet. Instead taking a one size fits all methodology or focusing on a single aspect of the person or a single symptom; holistic nutritionists evaluate current diet habits in addition to the complete health history, emotional state and lifestyle habits of an individual to ascertain the root cause of his or her health issues.
Hallmarks of holistic nutrition include but are not limited to unprocessed, unrefined, organic, seasonal, and locally grown whole foods while incorporating mind/body/spirit lifestyle interventions to assist a client in reaching their wellness goals.
What a Holistic Nutritionist is Not?
A Holistic Nutritionist is not legally permitted to represent themselves or carry out activities that are exclusive to the professions listed below unless they are also legally qualified in their location and carry the necessary credentials and/orlicensing to hold additional professional titles. A Holistic Nutritionist is not:
- a medical doctor
- a naturopathic doctor
- a mental health counsellor, psychologist or therapist
- a dietician or nutritionist
- a personal trainer
- Any other specialist or practitioner that a holistic nutritionist education and scope of practice does not cover by applicable laws and CAIN standards
Member Verification Registry
GAIN offers a member registry where you can search your practitioner of interest by first name, last name, or business name. Here you can verify that each member is in good standing with GAIN, verify their credentials and ensure there are no known violations, suspensions or terminations.
All practitioners in good standing have attended, and successfully graduated from one of our approved schools which meets very strict curriculum requirements.
Locate your Holistic Nutrition Practitioner and ensure they have graduated from an approved program which meets our strict curriculum requirements.
Rest easy knowing you can verify that your Holistic Nutrition Practitioner is in good standing with GAIN, and confirm their level of education.
Rest easy knowing you can verify that your Holistic Nutrition Practitioner is in good standing with GAIN, and confirm their level of education.
Disclaimer: This service is offered to the public to assist clients and employers in locating and verifying a practitioners good standing and credentials. GAIN does not endorse any one practitioner or business nor can we verify or take responsibility for your experience with said practitioner.
This database cannot be used for promotional purposes, research or marketing of any kind.
Look for the Seal
If your practitioner displays a valid and current dated Approved Member Seal, it means they are a member in good standing who has completed an approved educational program and has met strict curriculum requirements.
Our members must adhere to a defined Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice, must complete Continuing Education hours each year to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest industry topics and research and they must hold appropriate liability insurance for your protection.