Education, Empowerment and Humble Habits
Why Health Education is vital for lifelong wellness
I want to share a bit about my journey and why I'm so passionate about nutrition education. Growing up, I always had a love for food, but I was completely disconnected from where it came from or how it affected my body. With no knowledge of how food could help or hinder my health, the relationship between me and my meals became Love-Hate & toxic.
Back then, there was a lack of accessible, easy-to-understand nutrition information and when seeking help from dietitians and health professionals, I was directed, not informed. Not placing blame, it was just the time.
Today, we are almost overwhelmed with nutrition information. You’ve got so-called “experts” serving you every opinion from every angle. This also applies to almost every other area of health too. You can access information at the click of a button, but where is it sourced from, and how reliable is it?
It wasn't until my mid 20’s that I truly began to understand the power of good nutrition, after realizing I had never been educated properly and began to seek assistance from reliable sources and experts. For the first time in my life, I felt informed and in control. The overwhelm started to subside, I stopped fearing food and I felt excited by how good food could make me feel and how much joy and freedom my own knowledge was giving me. This is why I'm all about education.
I firmly believe that health professionals shouldn't just dictate your path – they should empower you to understand the information and guidance being given and work with you to build your tool kit of health knowledge so that YOU can better understand what works for YOU.
Please don’t just take mine or anyone else's word as gospel - don’t be afraid to ask questions and come ready to learn. Sure, I can give guidance and suggestions, but my main aim is to help you understand the WHY behind it all, empower you, and help you build humble health habits so that you can make your own informed choices.
Let me explain...
1. Understanding the WHY: Nutrition education isn't just about memorizing food pyramids or calorie counting – it's about understanding the WHY behind your food choices and decision to seek advice from a professional. What is it that you want to better understand? What is glucose? Why is fiber so important? How much iron should you be consuming each day? Is there a difference between organic and non-organic foods? By growing your own understanding, you become better equipped to make the best decisions to support your own individual well-being.
2. Empowering Individuals to Take Control of Their Health: One of the greatest benefits of nutrition education (and health education generally) is empowerment. When you have the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about your diet, you no longer need to rely solely on external sources information. You become your own health advocate and can use professionals and experts around you for guidance, support and upskilling your knowledge when you need too. Whether it's deciphering food labels, planning balanced meals, or understanding the role of macronutrients, education empowers you to navigate the complex world of nutrition with confidence, clarity and self-autonomy.
3. Building Lifelong Habits for Wellness: Lastly, nutrition education lays the foundation for building lifelong habits that support wellness. By instilling a deep understanding of nutrition principles, you're not just following a fad diet – you're adopting sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health. Whether it's cooking nutritious meals at home, venturing to the farmers market, or dining out, education empowers you to make choices that nourish your body for a lifetime.
Nutrition education is a powerful tool for promoting health and wellness. So let's embrace the journey of learning and discovery – because knowledge truly is the key to unlocking our full potential!
Love, Tam x
