THE BODY IS INTELLIGENT

I decided to become a Nutritionist after fighting my own battles with eating disorders. For many years I struggled with my relationship with food, not feeling good in (or about) my body, and having an unhealthy relationship with exercise.

Women are subjected to unrealistic body standards from a young age. I remember being hyper aware of my body since I was 9 years old. That’s when I discovered what dieting was, and that certain body types and shapes were celebrated more than others in our Western society. Moving into my teenage years, I began calorie counting, weighing my food, and constantly analyzing my body. I even carried around a sewing tape measure to monitor the circumference of my waist, arms, and legs (furthering the self-loathing and shame). I was constantly fixated on becoming smaller. This continued until I was well into my 20’s. By then, I was heavily restricting consumption of food, and exercise became a form of self-punishment. Even the thought of food made me anxious. Going out for lunch or dinner with friends produced a near meltdown - if I couldn’t control what I was eating, I didn’t know the number of calories I was consuming! I began to self-isolate and go deeper into my disordered eating patterns. Food became the enemy, something to be feared, and certainly wasn’t a source of nourishment or joy. I stopped menstruating, I was cold and irritable, and my energy levels were at an all-time low.

At the peak of my eating disorder, I began studying alternative medicine with a focus on holistic nutrition. My education sprouted from a selfish desire to heal myself and end my suffering. I desperately wanted to “figure this out” once and for all. Little did I know that by the end, I would be called to help others in their journey toward self-love and body acceptance. While in school, I learned about the fascinating biology of the human body. I developed a deep appreciation for how my body functioned. A newfound awe, that simply being alive in a body was quite miraculous. I shifted my focus from what I looked like on the outside to how I felt on the inside. I started to pay attention and become aware of what my body was telling me it needed, knowing now the various ways the body can communicate with us. And from that place, I could begin healing the wounds that were created in my younger years.

I took a summer off school and spent several months on a remote island in British Columbia. I consciously separated myself from all outside distractions and temptations for self-comparison. I could no longer keep up with all of it. The years I spent hating myself were accumulating, becoming unbearable. In the coastal wilderness of my island, I dove inward. I allowed myself to relish in the magic of simply being alive, reformatting my values. I let go of it all. I released the expectations I had for the way I was “supposed to look”. I gave up punishing myself for not adhering to rigid rules and expectations. I fully and completely surrendered. Slowly and with profound trust, I found love for myself again. Self-comparison transformed into self-compassion. I started feeding myself. Food became a source of nourishment and joy. Sharing meals with others now produced a sense of belonging and community.

I now realize how lucky I am to reside in an abled body, one that does so much for me every day. I never would have reached this place had I not turned down all the external noise, moved into total acceptance, and taught myself what it means to be with myself – to be in my body.

In my work, I emphasize an all-encompassing and collaborative approach. I firmly believe that each individual is unique, with distinct requirements, constitutions, and goals. As a result, I take the time to listen to my client's needs, concerns, and preferences. This allows me to create personalized nutrition plans that are practical, achievable, and enjoyable. Moreover, I believe in empowering my clients with knowledge and fostering a sustainable approach to health that extends beyond mere diet and nutrition.

I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and a member of the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro).