Buy the Vegetables You Will Eat: Finding Sustainability in Functional Nutrition

When I was through with the tasks at hand, I had 45 minutes to spare—so she invited me to sit and chat.

This is a new role for me since the divorce, working part-time in home care.

So, to say I was elated when the conversation immediately shifted towards our health is an understatement. I was pumped!

I can’t remember exactly how we got on the subject, but effortlessly we landed knee deep into the field of food. And my passion is obviously functional nutrition. So, for me, this was heaven!

The amount of information that was pouring out of my core was colossal. What I know about human function is insightful, and she was as curious as a cat. Needless to say, I was killin it!

Then—inevitably and almost on queue—we landed on weight. Of course, it went there! What conversation doesn’t end up in the arena of our physicality?! So I said, “You know I wrote a book about my own weight loss, right? I, too, experienced being well over 200 pounds.”

Here's the best part of the conversation... I got to explain what functional nutrition is. So, I dug in, starting at the top:

If a person is experiencing :

• psoriasis, their body is not functioning properly.

• Dry eyes, the body is not functioning properly.

• Elevated cholesterol means the body is not functioning properly.

• High blood pressure means the body is not functioning properly.

• Gut issues mean the body is not functioning properly.

• If a man is experiencing erectile dysfunction, his body is not functioning properly.

• If a woman is experiencing a dry vagina, her body is not functioning properly.

• Functioning means with proper nutrition and minerals, not medication.

So, what is Functional Nutrition Counseling?

At this point, we were both leaning in towards each other as my voice elevated in delight and my hands joined in the symphony.

Then she said, “What should I get, fresh or frozen vegetables?”

Instinctively, the wonderful Dr. Christiane Northrop’s face came into mind. I had the pleasure of interviewing her several years ago on my radio show. And I watched her on a PBS episode before that. From my living room, I remember her standing on the stage saying, “DO the exercise you will DO.” So I said to her, “BUY the vegetables you will EAT.”

We got back to my book, and I shared the basics of what it's about. My journey, the research I did, the love diet I created and shared, and tons of stories that resonate so the reader feels connected. I opened my phone to Audible and showed her my book by pressing play. I said you can listen next week when I come if you want.

The bottom line: I had inspired her to think and to get curious. I got the wheels turning in her mind about how to tweak the way she thought about eating; the way she assumed vegetables.

It was a beautiful and engaging conversation that lit a fire under both of our buts. She was inspired to learn more, and I was inspired to share this story.

Inspiring people to get curious will always be my intention.

And even though I am in the home care field part-time, my goal is to be 100% in functional nutrition counseling. Inspiring people to tweak one small aspect of their eating habits at a time.

I know that removing “junk foods” isn’t the answer. And depriving ourselves in the short-term will only lead to long-term frustration.

Sustainability is how I think.

Will this be sustainable next week at the family cookout? Will it be sustainable when the next holiday rolls around? Will this thing I want to do again (or start) be sustainable next year and the year after?

I can help you with this.

Not by handing you another diet.

But by helping you create a sustainable foundation you can actually live with.

A way of eating and thinking that supports your body at your family cookout, during the holidays with your family and traditions, next month, next year, and beyond.

If something in this article sparked curiosity in you, that’s usually where transformation begins.

“Awareness IS the change” ~ Deepak Chopra

I’m currently accepting new clients and would love to connect with you.

You’re welcome to explore my schedule here and see if we’re the right fit for your healthy future.

Warmly,

Nicole Perry CFNC

Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor | Spiritual Influencer

(Grounded in 4 years of study in A Course in Miracles)