You may be wondering how, or why, did I get into Nutritional Therapy? I’m in my 60s – why start studying now, shouldn’t this be the slow fade into retirement?
Well, I’d been offering Shiatsu therapy and teaching Qigong part-time for many years, but I also had an unfulfilled interest in food and nutrition. I left my part-time office job almost 7 years ago and moved from England back home to the north of Ireland. I hadn’t expected ever to come back here to live when I left in the late 70s, but here I was, where I was meant to be.
Then something happened that really boosted my interest in nutrition and nutritional therapy.
Whilst I’d expected changes from moving countries (I’d done that 3 times already), I hadn’t counted on the emotional impact of coming ‘back home’. My mum had been a great baker when I was growing up – buns, cakes and traybakes were always in the house and served several times a day. Although I’m a reasonable cook, I’m not a great baker, but here they are sold in many shops and cafes, so (guilty secret time) I availed myself of the sugar, margarine and wheat-laden fancies of my youth. It didn’t go well and, to cut a longer story short, I ended up in A&E for 48 hours on a drip. My digestive system had decided to stop me eating stuff it hadn't had to deal with in years by going on a very, very go-slow-stop! It was an interesting time.
That was the kick in the butt I needed to start taking nutrition seriously. I started seeing a really great Nutritional Therapist and because of her help, I decided to start training in nutrition. I found the College of Naturopathic Medicine, went to an Open Day and signed up. One year of Biomedicine and two years of Nutrition later (including 6 exams, 5+ case studies, many assignments, and many hours of clinic time), I qualified as a Nutritional Therapist. Since then, I’ve done further training in Health Coaching.
Following a diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia myself, and having my nutritional therapy training, I decided to specialise in this area. I realised that the hours and hours of research and learning I was doing, and still do, for myself can be used for the benefit of others with the same diagnosis.
So here I am – a Nutritional Therapist and Health Coach, who also offers Shiatsu therapy and teaches Qigong. All of the skills I have built over the past 15+ years have come together to help me manage the four pillars of osteoporosis care and to allow me to help others.
Keep an eye out for more information on the Four Pillars ……