Philosophy
As a holistic nutritionist, I believe that food is the foundation for health, but I also realize it's one (big!) piece of overall well-being. By eating nutrient-dense, whole foods and eliminating processed, nutrient-poor foods, your body and mind will have the resources they need to function optimally. With the proper fuel and nutrients, combined with a health-supportive lifestyle, you can overcome health challenges and achieve optimal wellness naturally.
I also believe that food is one of life’s great pleasures. Eating should bring daily appreciation and enjoyment, yet for many it causes anxiety, pain and undue stress.
Approach
I strive to get to the underlying cause of these issues through a specialized approach that includes individual assessments to accurately evaluate nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and food sensitivities. Instead of just focusing on calorie counts and macronutrient breakdowns (protein, fat, carbs), I determine which foods will best support your individual needs. Your "diet" will become a sustainable and enjoyable eating lifestyle instead of a temporary quick fix.
My goal is to help people discover how food can positively affect their physical and emotional health, empower them to take charge of their well-being through nutrition, and demonstrate how whole foods can bring about whole body changes.
My Story
I wasn't always a foodie. Don't get me wrong, I always liked to eat (as evidenced by my chubby preteen years), but I didn't always make the best choices. I thought of food as tasty fuel and mainly saw it as calories that either kept me trim or expanded my waistline. It wasn't until my mid-20's when I started experiencing IBS-like symptoms that I realized what a profound impact diet could have on my GI health and overall quality of life. I slowly began to learn that not all calories are created equal, and that food is actually information for the body.
When the conventional medical approach didn't fix my digestive issues, I found a more natural dietary solution to my problems and my interest in nutrition was solidified. Ever since embarking on my own journey of healing through diet, I've combined my passion for food, nutrition and wellness to help others find the same success.
Megan F. Carpenter, MNT, CNTP
Megan completed the two-year master's level certification program at the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, CO, earning degrees as a Master Nutrition Therapist and Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. The holistic nutrition program consisted of 600 classroom hours, extensive research and presentation of a thesis, and a clinical internship with integrative healthcare practitioners.
Megan is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
Before Megan began on her healthcare career journey, she attended The University of Texas at Austin (hook 'em!) where she obtained her BS in Corporate Communications and BA in Hispanic Studies.
She currently lives in Fort Collins with her husband, daughter and dog where they enjoy playing outdoors, exploring local food and farms, and discovering fun activities in northern Colorado.
That's my story
What's yours? Get in touch to let me know how I can help you on your journey to health and happiness through food!