Inspired.

Saturday, I started my classes at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. I’m officially back in school to get my certification as a nutritional health counselor. I’m so excited about what’s in store for this year.

So there I was Saturday morning headed to the first day of school and I felt like it might as well be the seventh grade. I had butterflies in my stomach… and on my face – butterfly closures to keep my chin together. Just a few days before I left for NYC I was running, tripped, flew and busted my chin open on the sidewalk. And I broke four teeth. I never had braces growing up, but Saturday I felt those kids’ pain.

Once I got there I realized nerves were silly. I mean really, I was surrounded by people who are just as passionate about health as I am. Do you know how cool it felt to be in a room with hundreds of people who also get excited about learning a new healthy recipe? We were all there because we believe health education is important and something that’s missing and desperately needed today. The room was buzzing. I wish you could have felt the energy and enthusiasm there. It was inspiring to say the least.

On class weekends we’ll meet and hear from some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the health field. This weekend included talks by Walter Willet, the chairman of Harvard’s nutrition department, Marion Nestle, NYU professor and author of the book Food Politics, and Bernie Siegel, physician and author of Love, Medicine and Miracles.

My favorite moment happened in the first hour of class though. The principal of the school, Joshual Rosenthal, invited people to introduce themselves to the class and say why they’re in school. One woman stood up and talked about the challenges of raising kids and teaching them healthy eating habits in today’s society. She said, “I’m here for my kids.”

Joshua then asked who else was there for the same reason…

It felt like half the room stood at that point. I got goosebumps.

I’m so exited to finally be getting started on this path. And I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with you. Stay tuned!