Becoming a certified nutritionist marked a significant turning point in my life. Before I stepped into the world of nutrition, I was grappling with my own health issues, desperately seeking answers and feeling utterly lost.

For years, I struggled with my own health until one day something just clicked…it was a personal awakening, a lightbulb moment that pulled me out of my health challenges and pointed me toward a meaningful path. It wasn’t just about learning facts and figures; it was about discovering the incredible potential our bodies have for healing and thriving.

Choosing to become a nutritionist didn’t just expand my knowledge of food; it changed the way I looked at well-being, not just for myself but for everyone around me. Now, every day feels like an opportunity to make a difference in not just my own life, but for my family and the lives of people around me too. I get to be a part of their journey to better health, and let me tell you, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

So here in this little space of mine, I’d love to welcome you along on this journey. I’ll be sharing the ups, the downs, the “aha” moments, and everything in between. For me, getting into nutrition wasn’t just about a new career—it became this really meaningful part of my life. It’s been a learning curve, a mindset shift, and honestly, such a rewarding adventure.

When pain became my uninvited companion

After having my first baby, life felt pretty sweet. I was soaking up all the baby snuggles and trying to figure out this whole new world of motherhood. But a few months in, I started noticing this weird jaw pain. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but slowly, it started creeping in, disrupting my newfound happiness.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention to it. I thought it was just one of those things that happen after pregnancy, you know? Lack of sleep, the body adapting to new changes, hormones, the usual stuff. So, I kept going, hoping the pain would disappear as mysteriously as it arrived. In the following years, it kept coming and going, like an unwanted guest I couldn’t shake off. However, every time it came back, the pain felt more intense, and the breaks in between got ridiculously long.

I kept convincing myself it would eventually go away, but it didn’t. In 2017, things took a drastic turn. The pain hit me like a freight train, leaving me desperate for answers. That’s when I realized I had to take action and find a doctor to dig deeper into this issue. My GP was able to book an appointment with a neurologist, and after what felt like a lifetime of uncertainty, I finally received a diagnosis: trigeminal neuralgia. It was a moment of clarity, a name for the pain that had been haunting me. Little did I know, this diagnosis would mark the beginning of a journey I never saw coming.

I’ll never forget the sheer frustration and tears that came with it, or the ironic humour of seeking relief while trying to soothe my crying baby. Through it all, one thing I learned was the reaching out for help wasn’t a sign of weakness but a proof of our resilience. I’m so thankful for the support I had from my family and my in-laws—honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. That time in my life, as hard as it was, opened my eyes to how many people are quietly going through their own battles. It helped me connect in a way I never expected.

My healing journey begins

I saw so many doctors, and honestly, most of them looked just as confused as I felt. No one really knew how to treat the pain. They were unfamiliar with this condition themselves.  I went through every test—blood work, MRIs, you name it—and everything came back “normal.” I kept hearing, “We don’t see anything wrong.” But something was wrong, I felt the constant pain.

I was always offered painkillers, but no real answers. It was one of the most frustrating times in my life—trying to care for a little one while feeling like no one truly understood what I was going through. Everyone was just telling me, you’re a new mom, you’re just tired. But deep down, I knew it was more than that.  So I started looking into other options—something that wouldn’t just mask the pain, but actually help me understand and heal what was really going on.

I reached out to my long-time Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, and I also started seeing a holistic nutritionist. Thankfully my TCM doctor was knowledgeable with this TN pain I had. Between them, I learned how to support my body in a way I’d never been taught before—with food, herbs, acupuncture, and changes to how I lived day to day. I was able to hold onto a tiny shred of hope. It wasn’t just about “eating healthy”—it was about tuning in, learning what my body needed, and finally feeling heard and cared for. That in itself was life-changing.

Acupuncture became my little sanctuary. I could actually feel those tiny needles helping to rebalance my body and ease the pain from deep within. Alongside that, personalized herbal remedies and food changes became part of my routine—and honestly, a lifeline.

Slowly but steadily, the pain started to recede, allowing me to reclaim moments of peace and normalcy. It didn’t happen overnight—but it came, gently and gradually, over the months. There were moments of doubt, nights of uncertainty, but the relief I felt was immeasurable. For the first time in years, I felt there was hope. During the past few years, finding relief meant I could finally function again, be present with my kids, and savour the simple joys of life. It was like stepping back into a life I thought I had lost forever.

Slowly… I began to heal.

I had a few good years of remission. Some years, the pain would return, but it was manageable. But here’s the thing—I didn’t want to just feel better. I wanted lasting change. I wanted those everyday, joy-filled moments with my kids to be the norm, not the exception. So I started digging deeper, trying to understand what was actually helping me heal and how to keep that going long-term. I wanted to know why these changes worked.

That’s when it clicked—I didn’t want this to just be my own personal win. I wanted to help others feel this way too. So I began studying nutrition—first earning a general nutrition certificate, and now continuing my path to become a holistic nutritionist and wellness coach. Along the way, I learned that healing isn’t just about food. It’s not only about what’s on your plate, but also what’s on your mind and in your heart. I wasn’t just eating better—I was living better, making small, meaningful shifts in my everyday life that added up in powerful ways.

Your thoughts, how you manage stress, beliefs, and even the way you speak to yourself all play a huge role in how your body feels and functions. That’s why I’m so drawn to a holistic approach—because it looks at the whole picture, not just one piece of the puzzle. I’ve completely fallen in love with learning how food, lifestyle, and mindset can support our bodies—not just on the surface, but deep down where real healing happens.

Has this journey been easy? Not at all. But I was determined—not just for myself, but for my family too. They deserved a wife and mom who was present not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

So, there you have it—my rollercoaster of a journey. Real, raw, and at times downright messy. Becoming a nutritionist wasn’t just about getting a piece of paper or a certification; it was about taking back control of my life. Every setback taught me something, and every little win reminded me just how strong and resilient we can be.

This path hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There were days I second-guessed my choices, questioned my abilities, but there were also moments of pure triumph that reminded me why I kept going. Like the times I whipped up a meals that weren’t just delicious—but nourishing, too. Or the countless heart-to-heart talks I’ve had, helping people take their first steps toward healthier lives. Those moments? They made all the challenges worthwhile.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or dismissed in your health journey… I see you. I’ve been there. And I want you to know you’re not alone.

This path has been messy, beautiful, humbling, and incredibly healing. And it’s far from over. I’m still learning, still growing—and now I’m here to walk alongside others who are ready to find their own version of balance, nourishment, and wellness.

From one mama to another (or sister, daughter, friend)—thank you for being here. I’m so glad our paths crossed.