Meet Nissa Higgins of First Fruits Health and Wellness in Northwest

Nissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey into nutrition started because I was overweight and had been my entire life. I always had a lot of friends, but I did get the occasional “fat” joke. The last time that happened was on the first day of 8th grade, and I decided that day that I no longer cared what strangers thought of me; my grandmother said I wasn’t fat, I was fine, and I chose that truth for myself.

At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. In 2007, I lost the opportunity for a record deal (I sing) because of my weight. At 29, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My obgyn looked me in the face and told me it was time to change. As I researched, I realized that I had no clue what eating healthy really looked like. I began implementing the changes I learned and eventually decided to pursue degrees in nutrition so that I could give others what no one gave me — real help. Every dietitian I’d been to gave me pamphlets with vegetables on them. None of them asked enough questions to know my cabbage was fried, with bacon, and over rice. So, First Fruits has made it our business to teach people how to be healthier than they are, lose weight, and make food decisions that align with their stated and medical goals.

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?
Smooth… Not at all. In 2009, I had gastric bypass surgery, and there are a world of people who believe that is the “easy way.” The vast majority have not struggled with weight, but opinions. I am not a small person by BMI standards. I lost 100lbs, and I have to live what I teach to keep from gaining it back, surgery or none. Every weight loss method is a tool. So my own struggle with my weight has been one challenge.

Then there is business. I’m in business on my own dime, using my own sweat, mileage, and process. I disagree with much of what the American Dietetics Association deems “healthy.” I’ve had to do quite a few free programs to prove my process works.

In 2013, before I renamed my business, all of my clients either completed programs or could no longer sustain the cost of the program, so I woke up to no business or income. I had to get a job. Then life happened about five more times and I moved four times, only to end up back in Houston and back in business. This time, I partnered with the surgeon that did my gastric bypass and my business has been moving forward with great momentum.

Please tell us about First Fruits Health and Wellness.
First Fruits Health and Wellness is a health and nutrition business. Our objective is to teach people what it means to be healthier than they are. Many of our clients are seeking help losing weight but we’re  invested in a total wellness approach to this. Many issues that people have with food are not the root; it tends to be a symptom of other issues.

The thing that sets us apart is the amount of access to their representative that they have. If you need me at 5am, and I see the call, I’ll respond. I will shop, speak to waiters at restaurants, and break down food labels on video. If we need to talk through the things that stress you to get to the results we want, we will, and if I think you need therapy, I’ll suggest it.

We don’t pressure anyone to be “skinny.” Health, I say is a spectrum. There are ramen noodles and sausage on one end and an all-organic diet on the other. Most of us live in between, so we work to get people to a place of good lab results, healthy weight, and happy days.

My pride is in our ability to slow our clients down. Weight in this country ballooned when everything became FAST food. To make food as fast as it’s been for 30 years, we’ve compromised on health, and food labels are deceptive. We have to slow down. Our bodies are demanding. If it needs something you either give it, or it takes it, and when your body is trying to meet its needs without your active help it can be disastrous. So I encourage cooking, planning, family meals, and a slower pace with adequate rest.

I’m also incredibly straight forward. I was 275 pounds for years. I’ve given myself every excuse there is to stay unhealthy until I just didn’t want to be unhealthy anymore.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
You know, it was a dress. I was 10, and I woke up to the most beautiful crystal blue dress. My dad had been out of town and saw it. It was almost like a ball gown. It was the kind of dress girls twirl in. It’s probably the reason I love things that sparkle now, but it made me feel pretty, which was something my family invested in doing. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt beautiful.

Pricing:

• Consultations are $50. I often run promos for free consultations.
• Group programs are $50 per session. I’ve seen people lose 40 – 60 pounds in 6 months in group.

• Individual programs start at $100 per session, but can be customized for more or less depending on the client’s individual need.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.firstfruitsliving.org
• Phone: 214-476-3175
• Email: info@firstfruitsliving.org
• Instagram: @firstfruitshealth
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstfruitshealth/