Hello friends! It’s been awhile. But I am happy to report that I am DONE + GRADUATED from my Nutritional Therapy Program with the Nutritional Therapy Association! Ten months of back-to-school freak out moments + procrastination are complete! Don’t worry mom, I didn’t actually procrastinate that much…
It is crazy to sit here and reflect on the last year. I remember just a short year ago I was toying with the idea of pursuing some sort of nutrition education, entertaining the thought by researching different schools + programs. Now here I am, all graduated with cool letters after my name. I feel so legit. Ha.
Our final workshop weekend was a gratifying confirmation that I am undoubtedly on the right path.
Thursday before finals, we enjoyed the experience of touring our partner supplement company, Biotics Research Corporation in Rosenberg, TX. I am so impressed with their expertise + quality control when it comes to their supplements. I will write up a post about the importance of quality supplements sometime soon.
Anxious about testing Friday morning, we started the day off with some breathing exercises to calm our nerves + relax the tension that was evident in the room. Passing the written tests with flying colors, we spent the rest of the afternoon working with “clients” for our practical exam on the Functional Evaluation–a series of palpations on the body that help us determine nutritional deficiencies–the next morning.
I think my validation was confirmed that morning during practical exams. I felt such a sense of calm + confidence as I worked through the different points on the body. Afterwards, my grading instructor pulled me aside and said, “I hope you plan to really pursue this. In all of the practicals I’ve graded, you are a true natural. You will do great work.” Cue my jaw dropping on the floor. THANK YOU!!
The remainder of the weekend was filled with guest lectures, sharing our outreach projects, and a little graduation dinner + ceremony filled with lots of tearful hugs, organic carrots, kombucha spritzers + sparkler dances.
Words cannot express how much love I have for the people I’ve gotten to know during our short few months “together”. People from all walks of life, who may have never crossed paths otherwise, come together over a shared passion for healing through real food. It’s pretty rad when you think about it. These new friendships I’ve made are going to be forever imprinted in my heart. I FOUND MY TRIBE!
So, many of you have asked, “What the heck is a NTP?”
Nutritional Therapists are a new paraprofessional certified to do Functional Evaluations in order to make nutritional recommendations to balance body chemistry and achieve optimal wellness through individualized counseling.
Our philosophy is that a properly prepared, nutrient-dense diet of whole foods provides the ultimate foundation leading to optimal health, and that our health is built on certain biochemical Foundations:
DIGESTION | BLOOD SUGAR BALANCE | MINERAL BALANCE
FATTY ACID BALANCE | HYDRATION
Nutritional Therapists know that weaknesses in The Foundations lead to degenerative health problems that plague the modern world. With thorough counseling and individualized recommendations, we can help lead others to live a full vibrant and healthy life.
Nutritional Therapy can benefit anyone, but especially those struggling with:
- Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Sugar cravings
- Thyroid disorders
- Food sensitivities/intolerances
- Weight loss/gain
- Fatigue/Low energy
- Skin Issues
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infertility/Pregnancy
- Digestive issues
- Allergies
- and other sources of inflammation in the body…
Moving forward, what do I plan to do with my new-found title + toolbox of knowledge?
The more I’ve thought + prayed about it, the more I’ve realized that I simply want to educate people. I want to help as many people struggling with health issues as I can, by bringing the information to an easy-to-understand level, so that everyone can start pursuing a better life towards healing.
How will I do this?
My goal is to start here. This little blog. My dream is that it becomes a source of inspiration + understanding for anyone who is willing to read it. I plan to get into a regular blogging pattern so I share new information + recipes with you each week. Requests + ideas welcome!
Will you be doing individual nutrition counseling?
YES. Originally, I think I started taking on clients a little too early before truly having a game plan set in place so that it was efficient + consistent for both of us involved. And I will admit I dropped the ball the last month before graduation, so I am taking the next month to create my vision + procedures to make the counseling experience worthwhile. If you’ve been working with me in the past, let’s pick things back up. If we’ve spoken at CrossFit Tall City, you are on my radar, so don’t worry! Just shoot me a reminder email. Starting SEPTEMBER 1st I will be accepting a limited number of NEW clients. I will be offering services from basic macro-nutrient calculations to 6 month in-depth nutritional therapy counseling. There will be options for every budget!
What about your senior portrait business?
Don’t worry! I still plan to photograph high school senior portraits this year, however, I do plan to pull back a little. My season will ONLY be this fall (when the weather in West Texas actually behaves) and make up sessions will be in the spring. So, if you’ve been thinking about booking a 2016 Senior Session with me, contact me ASAP because my calendar fills up fast!
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Thanks for following along on my sporadic journey here at beWELLbymadison.com. I can’t wait for it to become more of a tool + resource moving forward!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON THIS SITE?!
Share your topic ideas, recipe remakes, questions + more in the comment section below!
beWELL
