When the Holistic Nutritionist's Not Feeling Her Best....

​This past summer I decided to start re-introducing fish & meats into my diet after being vegetarian for 22 years. My reasons were multifaceted – a broader view regarding agricultural practices, my own health & fitness performance, and something deep inside that had been calling to me for the last year or so. 

​While the decision was difficult, once I started, I new I had made the right choice. Unfortunately, soon after I started the reintroduction, my digestion put the brakes on and took a turn for the worst. My usual ‘iron gut’ became angry & erratic. Foods I had been enjoying and eating regularly for years made me nauseated & bloated. I felt puffy and uncomfortable in my clothes. Just looking at the supplements I was currently taking made me turn green. I would randomly be overcome with excruciating spells that would have me lying in bed in pain, feeling like I was spinning in some kind of nightmare not sure if I needed a porcelain throne or a bucket. After ruling out some obvious, and not so obvious causes, I was at a complete loss. I was eating a ‘healthy’ diet of mostly whole, unprocessed foods, but it just wasn’t working for me. I needed to take a step back and reassess.
After stubbornly stalling for too long, I decided to do what I recommend to many of my clients – a complete reset. I reached out to a holistic practitioner to support me along the way and used resources from the best in the biz (in my opinion) when it comes to simplifying and implementing a Paleo eating style; Robb Wolf, Chris Kresser & Mark Sisson. This past week I’ve started Chris Kresser’s reset diet and so far, so good. I’ve felt better than I have in months and haven’t actually missed my dark chocolate as much as I thought!
As this process has evolved over the past couple of months I’ve felt a variety of emotions and frustrations. I felt that has a holistic nutritionist I should have been able to easily fix what was going on. Digestive health is my passion and I was ashamed and embarrassed that I was experiencing these issues.
Fortunately my rational mind has come back around, and I recognize that even doctors get sick and holistic nutritionists sometimes need help with their own diet and lifestyle.  This doesn’t make me weak or unqualified, it just makes me human. I hope that if you’re struggling with something this encourages you to reach out for help too.