Why Holistic Nutrition?
Once upon a time, I had a dream of becoming a nutritionist and a personal trainer. I chose this after highschool because I needed to choose something to continue my education. However, I actually hated school. I felt the expectation to go to collage and conform to getting degree after degree then being thrusted into this world with little to no real world experience. Small dorm rooms, a diet of only microwaved foods and rowdy young adults all in one building just did not sound like what I wanted to do. So, I opted to go to community collage and work fulltime. I completed my Nutrition: 101 class with a C+ then ended up dropping out. (Unfortunately, too late and I am still paying for classes I never took.) I trashed the idea of becoming a nutritionist or even getting any addional education and began to work full time.
Now focusing on working fulltime, I began eating out for every meal as it was convenient for my busy- quick schedule. Whether I was with friends, co-workers or my family, you could find me munching on something out of a drive-through window. I LOVED trying the brand new food inventions such as the “McRib” or “Nacho Fries”. My friends also had a love for food, which made eating out one of our go-to activities when spending time together. These eating habits would stay with me until I was 26 years old. However, before transitioning into my new healthy lifestyle, I had some health complications that would ultimately be the deciding fact for my changes.
I was sitting on the couch in my living room, watching my normal TV segments, Dr. Phil, Grey’s Anatomy, True Crime while working on my lap top. I grew hungry so I walked to the fridge, I opened the door, closed the door, then walked back and plopped on the couch. We had just went and spend roughly $150 on groceries, so why did we have NOTHING to eat!?! No problem though, right? We can order from Door Dash! I will have whatever meal I want, from where ever I want, within an hour. All without leaving my house! Easy Peasy!
Roughly one Dr. Phil episode later, there was a knock on the door, I opened it up to find my meal sitting on my door step, waiting to be consumed. Jumped back in front of the next episode and started munching away. I tend to like to start with my side, usually fries, then half way through that, take a wack at my main meal, either a burger, chicken tender, or enchiladas, then as you’d probably guess, back to finish off the fries. I am lucky if they remember to ask for extra ranch or honey mustard to dip everything in or the free side of chip and salsa. Upon the last gulp of my 32oz Dr. Pepper, I take the empty styrofoam containers and stuff them into the garbage can.
- Back to the Couch -
It felt almost sudden, as soon as my butt touches the warm leather couch, I instantly felt it. A slow tingly, warm sensation in the bottom of my stomach that was slowly working it’s way up towards my chest. I start to feel odd, like I am about to loose my lunch I just ate or just fall over. This sensation slowly rises into my neck and stops suddenly at the back of my head - leaving me extremely nauseous and dizzy. I turn the lights off in the room, put my hands over my eyes and lay down, child-pose on the couch. Doing so, did not necessarily take these feelings away, however it seemed to be the most comfortable position to be in.
After this happening for a few months, I had enough and went to a local urgent care. The doctor there told me I was having flare ups of anxiety and prescribed me a pill to take 2-3 times a day. However, this would end up not working as it would just make me sleep all day.
During one of my TV binge sessions, every single advertisement, just happened to be KC Miller, founder of South West Institute of Healing Arts, telling me to follow my divine spirit path. Now, I had toured SWIHA’s campus back when I first graduated highschool when I was considering being a massage therapist. However, I decided against it at that moment. But I am not exaggerating when I say every ad, was for SWIHA.
I did not exactly know what a “divine spirit path” was, so I decided the only way to find out was to request some more information. I put my contact details in and within the same week I was contacted by the lovely Trena. Trena was my admissions adviser and she truly helped guide me to my right path. She took me through the values of the school and what they stood for, listened to my story and how I came about to wanting to look into this school and more. Her personality was bubbly and contagious, she boosted my spirit and confidence about going back to school! She ultimately came up with two programs that she thought would be the best fit for me, per all our conversations:
Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner or Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner
I think she might have been just a TAD surprised when I opted for the Nutrition Program over the Healing Arts Program. Either way, she showed her support and excitement for my decision to return to school and better myself and my future! Her energy flowed through me and completely changed my life that day. That was the day that I finally chose the better myself and take care of myself so I can eventually do what I am being called to do.
I look forward to continuing my education to serve those struggling with mental health, diseases and addiction issues. I hope to use my story of switching from “The Western Diet” to a more “Whole-Food Plant Based” lifestyle which follows the SOUL directive to help everyone lead a healthier life full of energy, good foods and good values! I believe, if we can get back to our roots and what matters the most, we can change what really matters and that our health & happiness.
Cheer to becoming a Health & Wellness Coach in 2022!
Personal Health Goals:
Eat good tasting food while getting the proper nutrients I need in order to live an active life style.
Have more energy to be able complete more challenging hikes.
Truly feel comfortable in my body and my clothing.
