At 37 years old, I decided to enroll in a Holistic Nutritionist Certification program! It’s something I’ve been thinking about for THREE years.

UPDATE: I have a post HERE with my honest review of the AFPA Holistic Nutritionist certification, pros and cons, frequently asked questions and advice. I hope you find it helpful!

I’m 2 weeks into AFPA’S (American Fitness Professional Association) Holistic Nutritionist Certification*, and I’m already learning so much about holistic nutrition. Things I already knew a bit about but I am learning (and totally nerd-ing out on!) the whys behind things and the real benefits, not just that it’s good for you.

Like the importance of drinking enough water (it’s truly magical and I think it’s the simplest form of self-care you can do!); and the foods that are high in which vitamins and minerals; and how stress can show up in your body; and what a leaky gut and microbiome are; and foods that help you feel less inflamed or tired; so so so many topics I can’t wait to dive into more!

It’s a 6-month program and what I love about it is it’s a holistic approach to nutrition. It’s research-based and goes into not only the physical benefits of plant-based eating, but the psychological effects. I’m fascinated by plant-based eating—did you know that most of the happiest countries and where people live the longest eat mostly plant-based diets?

Why now?

Even though getting more education about nutrition is something that has been on my mind for years, the timing and the program never felt right.

You know that feeling in your gut that tells you that something just doesn’t feel right? That’s what I kept feeling when I researched other nutrition programs. I looked into getting a master’s in nutrition, or school to become a dietician but both of those didn’t quite fit, as a mom of 3. Both options can take years, something I didn’t want.

Then I came across AFPA’s certifications through an Instagram friend @balancebyally. I did my research, read the curriculum, took my time learning about it and the credibility of it, and on Black Friday, I took the leap! And I’m so excited about it!

I’ve talked a bit about my health journey HERE, but as I’m learning more about nutrition and overall health, I realize how far I’ve come with my own journey.

• Growing up my parents always said I had a “sensitive stomach” because I had pretty frequent indigestion after eating foods high in dairy especially, or high in fat (like fettuccini alfredo or a creamy ranch dressing)
• I had nervousness around travel because of my “sensitive stomach” and was anxious about trying new foods
• Without diets and depriving myself (but with patience and eating lots of real foods) I feel happy with my body after 3 kids
• I’ve had borderline high cholesterol (which was scary because of a family history of heart attacks and disease) so my first step was looking into foods that could help, which thankfully did
• Working on my emotional ties to food is ongoing but definitely improving
• Losing my mom quickly to gallbladder cancer, I came to realize I want to do what I can to ensure I’m living a healthy, happy life.

All of those struggles have led me here today. Earning my Holistic Nutritionist Certification at age 37.

What’s next?

As for what I’ll do with this certification, I’m not sure yet. And that’s both exciting and scary. I feel really passionate about kids nutrition and so maybe something with that? Or coaching and helping people with accountability who want to make healthier habits? We’ll see!

In the meantime, I’ll be sharing what I learn here and on Instagram. 🙂 And if you want any support or help with building healthier habits or have any questions about anything, you can comment below or email me at lauren@fiveplates.com 🙂 I’m happy to help!

(I’m also happy to answer any questions about my journey earning AFPA’s Holistic Nutritionist Certification)

UPDATE: I have a post HERE with my honest review of the AFPA Holistic Nutritionist certification, pros and cons, frequently asked questions and advice. I hope you find it helpful!

*I’m excited to share that I’ve become an AFPA Affiliate! I have been loving the certification so far and am excited to share my experience with others and help answer questions. As an affiliate, I earn a small percentage if you decide to enroll using THIS link. (I also choose not to place advertisements on my blog, but instead only choose to share affiliate links for items and services I truly love and this is one of them.) Thank YOU for reading and your support.