I've struggled with my weight my whole life. It’s crazy (and pretty sad) how many years I’ve spent being unhappy about my weight, and also constantly feeling guilty about the food I’ve eaten.
Looking back at photos with me as a child I realize that I wasn't very overweight, just a little chubby. But people’s reaction to my weight was what messed up my relationship with food and my body completely; my dad would make comments about the size of my round stomach and relatives would comment on what I ate. My mom never said anything about my weight, but instead she would bribe me with junk food. I got confusing directions and feedback from everyone, but they all gave me the same reaction – guilt. I understand that they made those comments because they were worried about my health, but those comments made more damage than good.
As an adult I've always been on a diet, or constantly thought and worried about my weight. I've never been happy with my body and I've always felt guilt or shame around food. Even when I lost 15 pounds on WeightWatchers and weighed 135 pounds (I’m 5.5), I still couldn’t see myself as thin. I also couldn’t keep the pounds off since I was addicted to food. Two years ago I decided that I had had enough. I decided to become a Nutritionist.
My goal with becoming a Nutritionist was to help others to a healthy life, but also to educate myself and overcome my struggle with food and weight. I’ve always been interested in health so I already had a good understanding what to eat and not to eat, but the Nutritionist Certification took it to the next level. I now understand nutritional science, and how to put together comprehensive programs for Clients and myself. I now also know what and how much I can eat without worrying about what it will do to my weight and health, and what foods will cure my sugar and carb addiction. I also have a comprehensive understanding of what foods provide my body the right amounts of vitamins and minerals. The best feeling is when I see the smile on my Clients face when we review their results, but also when I can enjoy food without feeling guilty.
I wish more people would see a Nutrition Certification as an investment in themselves and their families. The biggest threat to our health is the lack of knowledge, so by becoming a Nutritionist you are helping to spread the right knowledge. Knowledge that can save yours and other's lives.
Now I'm on the right way.
