Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Fennell.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The diet industry leads us to believe that a good physique and optimal health are all about calories in versus calories out. And, to be honest, most dietitians are taught that exact principle.
The more I practiced this, the more I realized that it’s completely bogus. Each day I was growing farther and farther away from why I got into the nutrition field in the first place. Instead of talking to people about the power of real food, I spent my days calculating calories, adjusting tube feeding rates, recommending sugar-free protein supplements, and counseling diabetics that their Diet Cokes, skim milk, and Cheerios are part of a sensible diet plan– you know, the Standard American Diet (SAD)! I knew deep down that I wanted to help others get to the root of their issues, not just cover up their symptoms or starve them into a Size 2.
I had been educated while in school to become an RD that “calories in, calories out” was going to get me the perfect physique, all calories are created equally, and that optimal health is a numbers game. Therefore, my solution to getting in shape for my upcoming wedding at the time was training for the Houston Marathon and following a strict plant-based, no-fat, vegan diet.
Because of this, I found myself in my mid-20’s with no energy, constant fatigue, poor memory, severe anxiety, irregular periods, and excess weight. What gives? I was following the exact advice I was taught to give patients, — keep your calories low, eat low-fat, and exercise longer and harder. Why was this happening to me?
I had the trifecta of poor health going on– too much stress, too much exercise, and not enough food. I only lasted so long until I hit a wall. I ended up putting on more weight, got acne, irregular periods, and eventually got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease– even though I was “doing everything right” (according to standard treatment).
This prompted me to want to know more. Why was I suffering from all of these ill effects while I’m following my own “evidence based” advice? So, I dug deep. I got introspective. I sought help from people doing the complete opposite of what I had learned was “the right way”. And, guess what. It made sense, and it was so much more effective. The typical “diet approach” doesn’t work. You see, our bodies aren’t meant to live off 100-calorie snack packs and less than 1,200 calories a day. Our bodies require nourishment, not punishment. Instead of depriving, we need to be nourished.
Therefore, I started the journey of education in Integrative and Functional Medicine, which focuses on building up the body instead of tearing it down. I learned and adopted the notion that the quality of the food, not the just the quantity, have a significant impact on the way you look, feel, and function. After all, 100 calories of sugar and 100 calories of kale act very differently in the body.
Through this radical lifestyle change, I’ve been able to better manage my health both physically and emotionally, and I have made it my mission to help others do the same. Thank you for allowing me to help you navigate the “food jungle” so I can provide you freedom from diets.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I spent years beating my body to hell through restrictive diets, too much exercise, pushing it to the limits, and ignoring physical symptoms of deterioration. Who cares that I felt crummy if I looked good, right? Who cares if I alienate my friends to spend extra time at the gym? Why would I want to acknowledge these inner demons if I can distract myself with another marathon to train for or a strict meal plan to consume my life?
My wakeup call didn’t come until getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and being told I’d likely have a hard time starting a family. It always seemed too far off in the distance that those years of physical and mental abuse on myself would finally catch up. For the first time, I realized that my food relationship affected more than me. By hurting myself I was hurting others.
Thankfully, part of the solution was simple: be more intentional with my food, exercise, and sleep. This meant eating with a purpose; the purpose of healing, nurturing, and regenerating. Exercising smarter, not harder. Resting and allowing my body to recover instead of always being behind the eight-ball.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nicole Fennell, Holistic Registered Dietitian – what should we know?
My passion for health focuses on holistic, integrative, and functional nutrition therapy for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. I have a ‘real food’ philosophy and believe healthy eating, physical activity, and peace of mind are the keys to disease prevention and treatment. I am devoted to empowering others to take control of their health destiny by promoting positive lifestyle changes through an informed, wholesome, food-first approach. My nutrition counseling is based on the needs of each client. I share evidence-based guidelines and research to provide the necessary tools and insight for permanent lifestyle changes.
I believe in the power of real-food living. Following holistic ideology involves understanding the body as a synergistic system that must have all parts functioning well together versus isolating specific areas of focus. Through advanced laboratory testing, we are able to find and treat the root cause of illness.
At a functional and biological level, our bodies are the byproducts of the nutrients we provide through our diets. By using advanced testing which includes LEAP MRT Food Sensitivity Testing, Micronutrient Panels, Expanded Cholesterol Panels, and Stool Analysis, I am able dive deep into your cellular nutritional status.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I like to provide a combination of science-based facts with real-life practicality wrapped up with a nice “bow” of humility. As a busy mom and business owner, I know what it’s like to be in the trenches of getting healthy while keeping a family happy. I’ve also navigated a holistic healing journey of my own autoimmune diseases, so I relate well to clients who are battling similar issues.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5600 Kirby Drive Suite S, Houston, Texas 77005
- Website: www.chewsfoodwisely.com
- Phone: (281)741-9447
- Email: nicole@chewsfoodwisely.com
- Instagram: @chewsfoodwisely
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chewsfoodwisely
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
