fbpx
Q&A with an NTP featuring Autumn Best

Q&A with an NTP featuring Autumn Best

Blog

Home » Category: "Uncategorized"

Q&A with an NTP featuring Autumn Best

 

Autumn Best is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, and Business Mentor. Just months after graduating from the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Online program, Autumn was able to take her business full-time and accomplish her goal of being her own boss. For the last year, Autumn has helped many people get to the root cause of their digestive issues and supported many NTPs on the road to building their own businesses. Check out what Autumn has to say about her experience becoming an (F)NTP and the advice she has for people ready to take the next step in building the career of their dreams. 


 

Tell us about yourself and your business:

I help women conquer annoying and debilitating digestive issues like reflux, bloat, constipation, excess gas, and so on. We get to the root cause and then support the body. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done and after a year of being in business, I still wake up every morning having to remind myself that this is the full-time job I GET to do.  

When I’m not helping other women feel their best, I’m spending time outdoors in Seattle with my 11-year-old dog Maxie, paddle boarding, taking and teaching hot pilates classes, traveling whenever and to wherever I can, and cooking up amazing nutrient dense food.

What made you decide to become an (F)NTP?

This was a very long time coming for me! My spark for holistic health and nutrition started over a decade ago, but I got wrapped up in the corporate world and my passion fell to the back burner. Fast forward to years of being told everything looked “fine” but knowing I could feel better – and the straw that broke the camel’s back was when I developed reflux a few years ago and I knew that PPI’s were just a band-aid and not the answer. I was determined to find the answer and I did when I got to the NTA’s digestion and elimination module. WOOHOO! 

I also knew that I was always meant to own a business and be my own boss. I was never quite sure how I’d get there but once I started class at the NTA, I knew this was it. This was the career for me. It all came together so seamlessly.

 

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome and if so, how did you overcome it?

I think this is something that most of us experience during and immediately after completing NTA training and there’s nothing wrong with that. My best advice for overcoming it is to graduate from the program knowing that you know more than you think you do and reminding yourself that you know more about holistic health than 99% of the population. Remember when you learned that adding sea salt to your water was important? The majority of people don’t know that tidbit or that they need to chew their food 20-30 times per bite. Scale back to what you didn’t know before the NTA and then teach people everything you’ve learned from that point forward. That’s a lot of amazing info!

How is your life different now than it was before the NTP program?

My life has changed in so many beautiful and unexpected ways since becoming an FNTP. I have a community I never had before of fellow nutrition geeks and holistic healers, a full-time job that has me pumped to spring out of bed every morning, and a freedom that I’ve never experienced before. Last, I have the knowledge to heal myself and my family, and that is invaluable.

What is some advice you would give students in the program working on building their business?

It’s OK to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. You just have to start! If you need guidance, that’s OK. Own that! Starting and building a business is hard work and there are a lot of moving parts. Sign up for the NTA’s career development course, or hire a business mentor to guide you through the process. I do 1:1 business mentoring and am happy to help. The more of us out there with successful businesses = more people getting the proper care and help they need to THRIVE. Know that the world needs NTP’s now more than ever. You’ve got this!

What goals do you have as an NTP?

Right now, I just want to help as many women as possible and continue to take my education and expertise deeper along the way. I’m a lifelong learner and I love to enhance people’s lives! A big project that I’d like to start soon is developing a guide or a course so that I can help even more people. There’s only so much time for 1:1 calls each day and the ability to reach more people with a course or guide would be insanely fulfilling to me.

Follow Autumn on Instagram @pilatesandpapaya or visit her website: crusadingwellness.com

Have more questions about becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, what to expect from the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Online Program, or your next steps? Join us at an upcoming Info Session! NTA Instructors and our Admissions Team go LIVE every week to answer your questions and share everything you need to know about the program. See you on the webinar!

Want your recipe or article to be featured on our blog? Email our team Marketing@nutritionaltherapy.com with your full name, article, a short bio in third person, and a headshot. We may feature you in an upcoming blog post.

 

 

 


 

 

Join us for a Live Webinar with one of our Instructors and Admissions Advisors!

During this call, you’ll explore and learn:

  • How to create a rewarding career in holistic nutrition that will give you the confidence and competence to replace your full-time income (whether you’re new to nutrition or or using it to enhance your current services)
  • How our unmatched education and instructor support sets our NTP program apart from other nutrition programs​​​​​​​
  • How graduates are successfully using their education and the many career opportunities available to you
  • If the NTP program is the right fit for you and how to move forward in financing your education

Categories

What is Holistic Nutrition?

What is Holistic Nutrition?

Blog

Home » Category: "Uncategorized"

What is Holistic Nutrition?

What is Holistic Nutrition

At the NTA, our philosophy centers around the idea that we can make the world a better, healthier place through a holistic and individualized approach to nutrition.

This idea is the driving force behind every aspect of our program. It’s what brings our community together and inspires confident and competent Nutritional Therapy Practitioners to make a ripple effect in the world of nutrition

The Foundations

A holistic approach to nutrition honors the body’s innate intelligence and its ability to restore, regenerate, and correct itself when supported through Nutritional Therapy and the Foundations:

Nutrient Dense, Whole Foods Diet

Every aspect of our program is based on a nutrient-dense, properly prepared, whole foods diet. We firmly believe that “real food” has the power to make a positive impact on our life and health. Students who graduate from the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program walk away understanding the nutrients that come from whole foods, and the roles they play in the physiology of our bodies. They know that real food doesn’t have ingredients and that how you source food is just important as what you decide to eat. NTP’s use all of this information to help clients make mindful decisions and lifestyle changes. They recognize that every person is unique in their dietary needs and preferences, and give clients the tools they need to choose better foods that will nourish their bodies.

Digestion

Did you know digestion starts in the brain? When we start thinking about what we are going to eat for dinner, smell it cooking in the oven, and look at the finished product, digestion is already in play. Before we even take the first bite! Once we start eating, food makes its way down the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down into different nutrients as it goes along. When we fail to properly digest our food, our bodies are missing out on so many key nutrients necessary for energy production, growth, and overall health.

Hydration

Water is the most important nutrient in the body. We need water to transport nutrients and waste, help maintain body temperature, help protect tissues, help cells build and communicate, and so much more.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Blood sugar regulation is one of the NTA’s Foundations because it affects all aspects of human physiology:

  • Energy production and balance.
  • The tissue integrity of every organ and blood vessel.
  • Hormonal balance, including hormones needed for proper digestion, stress management, and sexual function.
  • Brain health, mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Ultimately, if blood sugar regulation is not working efficiently, overall health cannot be achieved.

Healthy fats like butter, ghee, animal fats, and olive oil are our friends! These foods support so many of our bodies systems and keep them running smoothly. From keeping our brains sharp to absorbing key nutrients in the digestive system, fat has many benefits. It’s a delicious source of energy that keeps us full and moving during the day.

Mineral Balance

Minerals are an extremely important part of maintaining the health and physiology of our bodies. But because humans don’t make minerals on our own, we have to be mindful about the foods we choose to eat to ensure we are getting all the nutrients we need. Minerals play a key role in nerve conduction, muscle function, and tissue growth. So what is the best way to make sure you are getting all of the minerals you need in your diet? Consume lots of mineral rich foods!

A Holistic Approach

We believe that many of modern society’s health problems result from weaknesses in the body’s foundations.

Instead of viewing common issues like digestive disorders, blood sugar spikes, and problems sleeping as normal, Nutritional Therapy Practitioners are trained to approach symptoms holistically.

They support the entire body as a connected system using a nutrient-dense, whole foods diet that keeps the Foundations balanced.

What is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner? 
Careers in Holistic Nutrition

A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner helps their clients navigate all of the nutritional advice out there and learn how to better support their health through holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Many NTPs open private practices (virtually or in person) and consult with clients individually. Others join teams with other holistic professionals and practitioners such as naturopaths, chiropractors, and functional medicine doctors. Some create products or services that help others take control of their own health and wellness.

The opportunities to educate, connect, and nourish are endless, and NTA students go on to do incredible things in the world of holistic nutrition. Some of these career paths include, but are not limited to:

  • Consulting with clients 1:1 or in groups – virtually or in-person 
  • Blogging or writing articles about health and wellness
  • Social media influencing
  • Hosting podcasts 
  • Hosting nutritional coaching groups 
  • Developing meal planning systems or businesses
  • Lecturing or speaking at events and conferences
  • Writing books 
  • Hosting retreats 
  • Creating online classes
  • And so much more…

Want to see an NTP in action?

Every day, NTA graduates are building businesses and changing lives. If you have an interest in holistic nutrition and want to help others take control of their health, there has never been a better time than now to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.

Get an inside look at a day in the life of an Nutritional Therapy Practitioner by visiting our Instagram Highlights. See how NTA grads go on to create their dream careers, build successful businesses, and help others feel their best.

Want your recipe or article to be featured on our blog? Email our team Marketing@nutritionaltherapy.com with your full name, article, a short bio in third person, and a headshot. We may feature you in an upcoming blog post.

 

 

 


 

 

Join us for a Live Webinar with one of our Instructors and Admissions Advisors!

During this call, you’ll explore and learn:

  • How to create a rewarding career in holistic nutrition that will give you the confidence and competence to replace your full-time income (whether you’re new to nutrition or or using it to enhance your current services)
  • How our unmatched education and instructor support sets our NTP program apart from other nutrition programs​​​​​​​
  • How graduates are successfully using their education and the many career opportunities available to you
  • If the NTP program is the right fit for you and how to move forward in financing your education

Categories

How to Discuss Scientific Ideas

In the final installment of our research series, we will explore an overlooked aspect of understanding, accessing, and discussing research–how to navigate disagreements. We have all witnessed or maybe even been part of a professional disagreement. These are common–maybe even inevitable–but that doesn’t make them easy!  Social media is replete with examples of disagreements gone awry.

We propose an alternative: disagreement based on curiosity and cooperation. What if we asked “What can I learn here?”, instead of “What can I teach here?”, when having a disagreement? How can we accomplish this feat in the heat of the moment?

 

 

There are no black and white answers to these questions, but they’re useful to explore so that we can step back, gain perspective, and engage in disagreement in a productive, rather than argumentative, way. Paul Graham, a computer programmer, painter, writer, and co-founder of Y Combinator proposed a ‘hierarchy of disagreement’ in an essay called How To Disagree (link: ). He asks, “What does it mean to disagree well?’” while exploring disagreement strategies from name-calling–the lowest rung in the disagreement hierarchy–to a refutation of the central point of what one disagrees with, the top of the pyramid.

If you’d like to read more about the hierarchy of disagreement strategies, read this great article on Big Think!

None of these concepts necessarily come easily. Using them may take work and practice, but–ultimately–the more we can identify bias and approach disagreements respectfully and with the intention of cooperation, the better world we will build. Through this research series has been technical at times, its message supports the underlying mission of NTA professionals to meet people where they are, respect their autonomy, and do the most good with the least harm.


 

Meredith Kinsel-Ziter, NTP, BCHN

Meredith Kinsel-Ziter, NTP, BCHN, is one of the Nutritional Therapy Association’s Lead Instructors and Curriculum Contributor.

Creating a Conference with Diversity and Inclusivity from the Ground Up: Watch Alina Brown, NTP and Daniele Della Valle, NTP in this Interview Replay

Creating a Conference with Diversity and Inclusivity from the Ground Up: Watch Alina Brown, NTP and Daniele Della Valle, NTP in this Interview Replay

Blog

Home » Category: "Uncategorized"

Creating a Conference with Diversity and Inclusivity from the Ground Up: Watch Alina Brown, NTP and Daniele Della Valle, NTP in this Interview Replay

WellnessCon Alina Brown

In this Facebook Live, you’ll learn:

  • + How Alina became interested in holistic health  

  • + What WellnessCon is and what her inspiration for starting it was

  • + The importance of a gathering centered around promoting diversity & inclusivity within the wellness community

  • + The process of planning a conference

  • + Alina’s biggest goal or aspiration for WellnessCon

  • + Advice for those who want to do something like WellnessCon

 

 

 

Learn more about Alina Brown, NTP

Alina Brown

Alina Brown is the CEO of WellnessCon, an annual outdoor wellness conference dedicated to promoting diversity in the wellness space while fostering community for wellness lovers, wellness influencers, and conscious companies. She is also a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who spends most of her days creating video content for her Wellness YouTube channel called ‘Alina Alive,’ where she helps her 22,000+ subscribers take practical steps to deepen their wellness journeys. Alina truly believes that just as nature works synergistically to foster diverse rainforests and deep-sea life, we as humans can best thrive and achieve optimal health synergistically through working together. 

 

You can find Alina through her website: AlinaAlive.com, on Facebook, or Instagram

You can stay tuned with WellnessCon through the website: wellnesscon.co, on Facebook, or Instagram

 

 


 

Want to learn more about our foundations?

Take our free 7-day course, Nutritional Therapy 101. In 7 days, you will learn:

  • + How to eat a properly prepared, nutrient-dense, whole foods diet.
  • Why you are not just what you eat, but what you actually absorb.
  • How to balance blood sugar and increase energy.
  • Why you need healthy fats and cholesterol in your diet.
  • The critical roles of minerals and how to get more in your diet.
  • Why water is the most important nutrient and how to best hydrate.
  • The NTA Manifesto & how to learn more about Nutritional Therapy.

Sign up today!

Categories

Free & Inexpensive CEU Opportunities (Even If You Don’t Have Much Time)

Free & Inexpensive CEU Opportunities (Even If You Don’t Have Much Time)

We always encourage you to get started on your required continuing education hours early to avoid a last-minute scramble, we also recognize that life throws unexpected curveballs sometimes.

If you need a way to get your CEUs done short notice, or, you need access to continuing education opportunities that aren’t going to drain your wallet (especially in the first couple years of building your business―we know how it is!), here are our recommendations for quick and easy ways to complete your continuing education requirement without breaking the bank.

Book Reviews

For those who love reading, book reviews are a great way to earn CEUs. Any health or business-related book may be eligible for CEUs. Each 500-750 word book review is eligible for 4 CEUs. If you read one of the books included in the Recommended Books list, you’ll be guaranteed that the book meets our standards. See details under “Approved Ways to Earn CEUs” on the Continuing Education Requirements page.

NTA Conference Recordings

For as little as $10 per CEU, purchasing digital recordings from past conferences is an affordable option. You can watch on-demand from the comfort of your own home. You’ll need to submit a CEU Report on each talk you watch. You can get the CEU Report form at the bottom of the Continuing Education Requirements page and will earn 1 CEU per hour of education.

Attend a Seminar or Webinar

Often nutrition associations or supplement companies will have live or pre-recorded seminars or webinars on a variety of topics. For example, both the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and the American Nutrition Association (ANA) regularly have free webinars. They may have digital files they can send to you, or you can ask them to help you find the recordings on their website. For example, see both live and on-demand free webinars provided through the American Nutrition Association. CEU Reports must be submitted for these teachings as well.

+ Learning resources & free webinars from the NANP
+ Free webinars from the ANA

Volunteering for an Event

You may be able to attend some of the talks at a nutrition or business-related conference if you volunteer. Contact the organizers of the conference to find out about volunteering opportunities. Often you will have a half-day shift and be free to attend talks the other half of the day. You’ll need to submit a CEU Report on each talk you attend.

Take a Free College Class

Sites like Coursera.org and EdX.org allow you to take free online college courses from some of the world’s best universities. The NTA awards 1 CEU for each 1 seat hour of class. Most of these courses will provide a Certificate of Completion, but if not, you must complete a CEU Report to receive CEUs. We may request a course syllabus or further information from you if we require it.

 

 

 

 

Graduate Authors

Graduate Authors

Graduate Authors

Our graduates go on to do all kinds of great work. Many start their own practice, work alongside other healthcare professionals, speak at conferences, teach group classes, start podcasts, or write books! Here are some of the books our NTA graduates have written.

If you’d like to submit your book for approval to be on our list, please complete this application for consideration. Your book must have an ISBN and be for sale to the public, among other criteria.

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: This page contains affiliate links, meaning the NTA may receive a percentage of any product you purchase. You won’t pay any more by using this affiliate link, and your purchase helps support the Jennifer Pecot Scholarship Fund, which offers NTA course scholarships to students in financial need. Thank you for your contribution!