Blog ofNicole Gonya

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist · 86343115

Optimizing your health and lifestyle through the power of nutrition

From Athlete to Nutritionist: Nicole's Journey to Food Freedom

Friday, April 12, 2024

As a retired athlete, my journey to finding food freedom has been anything but linear. Growing up, sports were my life. Playing a sport every season (soccer, ski racing, and softball), I thrived in the competitive atmosphere. But along with the intense physical demands of athletics came a complicated relationship with food.

In my youth, I struggled with navigating the murky waters of nutrition. Misinformation ran rampant, with social media influencers promoting unhealthy ideals to impressionable young minds like mine. Fad diets and restrictive eating patterns seemed like the answer to achieving peak performance. Little did I know, I was setting myself up for a complicated relationship with food.

Retiring from competitive sports was a pivotal moment in my journey. With the absence of structured training schedules and forced workouts, I found myself struggling with my identity and self-worth. Food became a source of comfort and control in the midst of uncertainty and as this rocky relationship started to turn dangerous, I knew something had to change.

It was through this struggle that I discovered my passion for nutrition. With a desire to heal my own relationship with food and prevent others from falling into the same traps, I embarked on a journey to become a registered dietitian. I immersed myself in evidence-based research and clinical practice, determined to debunk myths and promote holistic well-being.

Today, as an avid surfer and advocate for mindful movement, I've found a newfound sense of balance in my life. I no longer view food as the enemy but rather as nourishment to fuel my activities. Through surfing, running, yoga, weightlifting etc, I've learned to appreciate the incredible capabilities of my body beyond just athletics.

My mission now is to empower others to cultivate a healthy relationship with food. By sharing my own story of struggle and redemption, I hope to inspire others to seek food freedom and embrace a lifestyle rooted in self-love and nourishment. As a registered dietitian, I'm committed to spreading accurate nutrition information and guiding others on their own path to wellness. Together, we can embrace a future where food is celebrated, not feared, and where individuals are empowered to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

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Nicole Gonya
Nicole Gonya
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist · 86343115
Optimizing your health and lifestyle through the power of nutrition