A Nutritional Consultant is far different from a "Registered Dietitian" or "Nutritionist," with the former being more holistic and the latter two being more scientific oriented.

The Dietitian or Nutritionist is more likely to get a job doing research or working with larger corporations in research studies, organization of research or perhaps help in the development of new dietary supplements. Another possibility is working with hospitals and clinics providing clinical and/or medical nutrition consultations. Any of these can be fulfilling and financially rewarding.

The Nutritional Counselor, is more likely trained in not only foods, but food and herbal supplements as well. Most are also knowledgeable in other holistic or alternative modalities such as massage or colonic therapy. These people are usually self-employed as therapists in health centers, gyms or working in their own businesses. This is also very rewarding work as they work with clients or other therapists helping people to help themselves.

In today's economy, it is important to set up your own future. You have many possibilities to expand your nutrition education and take charge of your income. For example, as your experience accumulates, it is possible go on to educate others by writing books, becoming a teacher, or helping more clients on an individual basis. These "extras" that come with experience are valuable tools that you can use to set up a future or a secondary income.

You have a better chance of guaranteeing your future income by educating yourself in both clinical and holistic nutrition. These are both important and can work together to allow clients or your employer to benefit from both ways of thinking.

Scientific or clinical knowledge is important as it is becoming widely know that food choices may lessen symptoms or may even heal in some clients. The food sciences also benefit those working with clients who put higher demands on their bodies, such as athletes.

On the other side of the coin is the holistic counselor. Holistic health nutrition is important as people are demanding alternatives to traditional Allopathic medicine. A type of "cleanse" may benefit all by taking excess digestive burden off the body. This is beneficial since we all know that digestion requires a very large amount of the body's energy, and excess burden may inhibit the healing process. In addition, it is becoming more accepted that certain holistic practices, such as food combining and elimination diets, are effective at relieving common gastrointestinal complaints.

By learning both, you become forward thinking and open up more possibilities for yourself. Clients and patients alike are looking for those who are open minded when they want to take Echinacea because their antibiotic didn't work - and they don't want a bigger pill.

Seek out extra classes and keep yourself informed. Read the vast information and testimonials of people healed by their food choices. And remember what Hippocrates said, "Let food be your medicine."