Meet NTI graduate Tamra Tompkins, a holistic nutrition therapist with a chef background, who found her path to wellness through overcoming her mental health issues with nutrition. Now, she runs a business providing personalized nutrition guidance for mental health, aiming to empower clients with nourishing food choices. Read about how her training at NTI equipped her with practical skills and hands-on experience, emphasizing evidence-based practice.Tell us about yourself and your businessI’m a holistic nutrition therapist with a unique background as a chef. My journey into holistic nutrition began with a personal struggle with mental health issues, as I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age. After over two decades of relying on medication to manage my condition, I decided to explore alternative approaches to mental health, including mindfulness strategies and nutrition.Through my own experiences and extensive research, I discovered the profound impact that nutrition can have on mental well-being. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in holistic nutrition, where I blend my culinary expertise with evidence-based nutritional strategies to support individuals facing similar challenges.My business focuses on providing personalized nutritional guidance and support to individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health concerns. I believe in taking a holistic approach to wellness, addressing not only dietary choices but also lifestyle factors and mindfulness techniques.Through one-on-one consultations, workshops, and educational resources, I empower my clients to take control of their mental health journey and optimize their well-being through nourishing food choices and holistic lifestyle practices. My goal is to help others experience the transformative power of nutrition and mindfulness, just as I have on my own journey to mental wellness.WORK WITH TAMRA >>> The Wholistic ChefWhat led you to pursue a career in holistic wellness?I was led to pursue a career in holistic nutrition by my own personal journey with mental health challenges. Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at such a young age, I spent over two decades relying on medication to manage my condition. However, I began to realize that while medication was necessary, it wasn’t addressing the root causes of my struggles.Through extensive research and experimentation, I discovered the profound impact that nutrition can have on mental health. I found that certain foods and dietary patterns could significantly influence my mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. This realization was a turning point for me.As I delved deeper into the world of holistic nutrition, I became increasingly passionate about helping others harness the power of food to support their mental health. My background as a chef also played a significant role in this decision, as I understood the importance of creating delicious, nourishing meals that people could enjoy while supporting their well-being.Ultimately, my personal journey, combined with my love for cooking and passion for holistic health, led me to pursue a career in holistic nutrition. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with others and to help them on their own paths to wellness.How did going to school at Nutrition Therapy Institute set you up for success?Attending school at NTI provided me with a comprehensive education in holistic nutrition, laying a solid foundation for my career. The curriculum covered diverse topics ranging from anatomy and physiology to biochemistry and therapeutic nutrition, giving me a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between food, nutrients, and overall health. NTI’s emphasis on evidence-based practice equipped me with the skills to critically evaluate research and apply evidence-based principles in clinical settings, ensuring that my nutritional recommendations were grounded in scientific evidence. NTI offered valuable practical experience through case study opportunities, allowing me to translate theory into practice by conducting client consultations and developing personalized nutrition plans.The supportive community at NTI, comprised of knowledgeable faculty, passionate instructors, and fellow students, provided a nurturing environment where I could learn, grow, and build a professional network in the field of holistic nutrition. NTI’s focus on professional development further empowered me to pursue my career goals, offering resources and guidance for resume building, networking, and career advancement.What was the most valuable part of your training at NTI?The most valuable part of my training as a student at NTI was the emphasis on practical experience and hands-on learning. While the theoretical knowledge provided a solid foundation, it was the opportunity to apply that knowledge in real-world settings that truly enriched my education. NTI offered many case study opportunities that allowed me to work directly with clients, conduct assessments, develop personalized nutrition plans, and provide ongoing support and guidance. These hands-on experiences not only reinforced the concepts learned in the classroom, but also equipped me with invaluable skills in client communication, counseling, and problem-solving. Receiving feedback from experienced instructors and collaborating with peers during these practicums further enhanced my learning and helped me develop confidence in my abilities as a holistic nutrition therapist.What is your favorite part about being a Nutrition Therapist Master?My favorite part about being an NTM is the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives through food and nutrition. As an NTM, I deeply value the ability to work closely with individuals, understanding their unique health concerns and goals, and empowering them to make meaningful changes to their diet and lifestyle. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the transformative power of nutrition in improving not just physical health, but also mental well-being and overall quality of life for my clients.Similarly, as a chef, I take joy in creating delicious and nutritious meals that nourish the body and soul. I love experimenting with fresh, wholesome ingredients, and using my culinary skills to inspire others to adopt healthier eating habits. Whether I’m teaching cooking classes, developing recipes, or preparing meals for clients, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I’m helping people make healthier choices and enjoy the pleasures of good food.My favorite part about being an NTM and a chef is the opportunity to blend my passion for nutrition and cooking to make a positive impact on people’s health and happiness. It’s a truly rewarding and fulfilling career that allows me to share my love for food and wellness with others every day.What are your goals as a Nutrition Therapist Master?My primary goal is to empower individuals to improve their mental health and overall well-being through nutrition. I am dedicated to providing personalized nutrition counseling that addresses the specific needs and challenges related to mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. By incorporating evidence-based nutritional strategies and mindfulness techniques, I aim to guide clients toward making dietary and lifestyle changes that can positively impact their mental health outcomes. I seek to promote holistic wellness by emphasizing the interconnectedness between diet, mental health, and other lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, and stress management. Through education, support, and practical tools, my mission is to help individuals cultivate a nourishing relationship with food and develop sustainable habits that support their mental health journey.What nutritional strategy do you include in your daily routine and why?I make sure to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily. This strategy is essential because it ensures that I obtain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that are crucial for supporting overall health and well-being. Each colorful fruit and vegetable contains a unique combination of nutrients that offer various health benefits, such as boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and promoting digestive health. By incorporating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables into my meals and snacks, I can optimize my nutrient intake and support my body’s natural ability to thrive. Consuming colorful produce adds vibrancy and flavor to my meals, making healthy eating more enjoyable and satisfying.Are you inspired by Tamra’s journey and want to create a rewarding career for yourself? Then becoming a Nutrition Therapist Master or a Natural Food Chef is the perfect way to do just that! Our Nutrition Therapist Master Certification is science-based and the most comprehensive holistic nutrition training program available today. In our Natural Food Chef program, you will learn how to blend culinary art and science with holistic nutrition.  Get in touch with our admissions team to learn more today!Read about other NTI Graduates’ Journeys…Beth Buchanan, NTMJenna Bos, NTM, NFC