“You’re healthier than anyone I know, you’re skinnier than anyone I know, and you know more about food than anyone I know. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
This was coming from a friend who’d struggled with weight and health issues for years, about 6 months before I went back to school to study nutrition.
I was stunned and delighted simultaneously. Talk about validating! The only problem was that beyond “eat more vegetables” I actually had no idea what to tell her. She had a sluggish thyroid, she was on multiple supplements I’d never heard of before, and – sensing bio-individuality before I had a name for it – I suspected that what worked for me wouldn’t necessarily work for her.
At the time I was a full-time business coach and looking for a change. I’ve always loved food, I was well aware that it was foundational to health, and I’d had a powerful healing experience a few years earlier by changing my diet. I started to wonder if this could be more than a hobby.
I did my research and found a school that looked absolutely ideal. I’d be studying with the biggest names in the field, it was in New York (and who doesn’t want to spend time there?), it wove marketing ideas into the program, and overall it looked incredible. I called them up to register and they were completely full… they already had over 200 people on their waitlist! Boo. So I immediately registered for the following year and looked for something to do in the meantime while I was waiting for the “real” program to start.
And that’s when the Universe took over on my behalf. (It always knows best.)
While I was begging and pleading with the NY school to let me in, a friend of a friend suggested I check out a local program through the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA). I attended an information session and liked what I heard. “Nutrient-dense whole foods properly prepared” was their platform and sounded bang on to me. I figured it would be interesting at the very least, and something to keep me busy while I eagerly and impatiently awaited the NY program to begin.
What a happy happy accident that was!
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire class. By the end of the first weekend, my eyes had been opened wide to the many (well-intentioned) mistakes I’d made by following mainstream nutrition advice. I ran the tests we’d use on clients on myself and was delighted to see that so many annoying symptoms I’d come to consider “normal” were actually not the body’s optimal state and that ending them was not only doable but delicious in the process!
I learned how the body actually works and how it uses food to function. It sounds simple, but the experience was profound. I’d never considered myself inclined to science before, but hearing the compelling scientific basis that underlies the principles we learned absolutely thrilled me. I learned theory, but I also learned a solid portfolio of clinical tools and methodologies to help myself and my clients achieve real, lasting change in their health.
Was this training the endpoint? Not at all. It awakened an endless thirst for knowledge and further skills that I’m still indulging. Ultimately, the NTA program laid the foundation for every subsequent training I’ve done since – it is the “home” that nourished, inspired, and trained me and to which I return time and time again. More importantly: I had profound changes in my own health by implementing what I learned into my own diet, and I have the same results with clients.
When I went to the long-awaited “real” program in New York, I was utterly disappointed and deeply relieved that fate had delivered me into the capable hands of NTA first.
If you’re considering a career in nutrition, I strongly recommend you start here.
As a member of the NTA alumni, the NTA has graciously provided a (for the next enrollment in February 2003) discount code for me to share with you. When you checkout, use the code rws400 to get $400 off your tuition. So if you have been considering a career in nutrition, now is the time. The world needs more NTA graduates continuing the mission of “harnessing the power of real food and empowering people to reconnect with the innate wisdom and unique needs of their bodies, thereby supporting lasting wellness“.
Is this program recognized in Canada
Well, there are several Canadians who have taken this course and I know they’re working on opening up a class in Ontario (I believe in Toronto) so they’re working on it. How you can structure your practice would depend on the particular laws of your province, I believe (same as it is here). You graduate as a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (or Nutritional Therapy Consultant depending on which program you take), and the certification doesn’t change depending on your location. It’s just a matter of what training is required in your province.
Hi, Margaret! I have finally taken the plunge after wanting to take this class for at least 5 years. 😀 I start 2/2 and couldn’t be more excited. I listed you as a referral when I registered. 😀 Marie
Delighted to hear it Marie! You’re going to love it!
Hi,
I’ve been looking into this program and been comparing the curriculum to other programs at other schools but one of the things that I’ve noticed is there is not enough success stories about the students after they’ve completed the course. What are the career opportunities available after completing this course
Cheryl – there are lots of great success stories! They might not be promoted prominently on their website. In terms of career opportunities, it really is up to you — there aren’t a lot of “jobs” out there, but there is a huge opportunity and need for practitioners doing this work.