Fall classes began this week.

I never thought I would say those words at 30, but life is full of surprises!

My BA and M.Ed required little to no math or sciences. This means I have to take several undergraduate courses in addition to my graduate courses. Translation: I swallow my pride every day as I walk into a classroom full of frat shirts, Birkenstocks and whispers about this weekend’s kegger. Do you feel sorry for me yet?

This very humbling experience forces me to reflect on my innocent college days. Was I that naive? Was I that disinterested in academics? Was I that boy-crazy? Yes, yes, and YES.

I will say, as an adult, I’m much more thankful to be sitting in those seats. The fact that life experiences have drawn me to this course of study (and I’m footing the bill this time around) makes me much more grateful for the opportunity.

One of my classes, a nutrition course, really surprises me. It’s not the content as much as the student demographic. I ignorantly assumed that someone majoring in nutrition would look (and act like) a gym rat, but boy was I wrong. I don’t think I’ve ever attended a more eclectic class. There are people of all different sizes, shapes, ages and color. A desire to learn (and appreciate) nutrition apparently knows no boundaries.

One of the most interesting topics that we’ve discussed was our personal reason for studying nutrition/dietetics. While not everyone offered the information (myself included), one girl talked about growing up with two obese parents. Her studies would be a tribute to breaking the cycle. Another guy spoke about his struggles with choosing to go Paleo. His Asian family felt like he was betraying their culture.

My point is that it doesn’t matter where you are on this journey or how you started. Nutrition is such a personal choice and it certainly doesn’t look the same for everyone. I look forward to continuing my studies to better myself and eventually help others along their journey.

XoXo

Katie

P.S. I added a new page of Book Recommendations. When I finally accepted the fact that I had a problem, my first inclination was to go on a bookstore binge. I bought dozens of books on eating disorders, recovery, self-love, etc. Unfortunately, I hated all of them. I felt like the content was fake, forced, depressing, and unrelatable. That’s when I started gravitating toward nutrition and health. Interpreting numbers and facts made my struggles not only real but solvable.

Regardless of where you are on the nutrition/health/wellness continuum, if you’re a woman, I highly suggest picking up a copy of “The Body Book”. I saw this book last year and completely dismissed it when I noticed Cameron Diaz was the author. I thought “What the hell does that SHE know about the female body?” I gave it a second glance a couple of weeks ago and I’m so glad I did. While much of the material is elementary, it sends a wonderful message to women of all ages. In plus, it works great as a “coffee table book”. 😉