After taking a year off upon graduating from USC with hopes of going to Dental School, I had an ‘aha’ moment about health and wellness which has transformed my life in so many ways allowing me to lose weight and strive towards a new goal of becoming a registered dietitian.
A “Mouth-Full” of a Start
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a dentist. The need to help others has been instilled in me forever. I pictured myself becoming a dentist where I could then travel to third world countries helping those that probably had never heard the term dental hygiene. So I majored in Exercise Science Scientific Foundations at the University of South Carolina which tracked me in the right classes to apply to dental school. While studying towards a career with a mouth-full of teeth, I was getting a mouth-full of the wrong foods.
After studying for the Dental Admissions Test for what felt like a century and shadowing dentists, I was having second thoughts about my career path. Becoming a dentist was something I had convinced myself since middle school that I wanted to do…but why? Yes I saw it as a great way to help others, and the salary and schedule were definitely appealing. But is a great salary and schedule enough to want to do this for the rest of my life? I just did not have that sense of desire and passion towards dentistry. I had convinced myself for so long that becoming a dentist was what I wanted to do that I was ignoring the doubts I was having deep down. I felt ashamed of telling my friends and family that after all this time, dentistry was not my calling. It was about that time that I had the ‘aha’ moment.
About this time, I embarked on a mission to help my dad lose weight and to obtain optimal health. He had struggled with his weight his entire life and I wanted to take it upon myself to help him change. I became enthralled in nutrition. It consumed me. I found myself utilizing all of my free time researching nutrition. Organics, eating raw, juicing, smoothies, the benefits of each individual nutrient, preventing chronic disease with diet, foods as medicine…there was SO MUCH to discover! From then on, I was making green smoothies and eating a plethora of delicious fruits and vegetables, losing weight, and feeling the best I’ve ever felt! My dad has currently lost 100 pounds, I am so proud of him! The saying “You Are What You Eat” has now become my motto and has led me to strive towards my new, passion-filled goal of becoming a registered dietitian! Now I can help others in ways I never even imagined!
Follow me through this blog on my Get Healthy journey as I impact myself and others into the realization of what REALLY WORKS! Health is a CHOICE…will you CHOOSE it?
STAY HEALTHY with SAMANTHA 
this is my first post in wordpress that im reblogging it in my site. hope, more people read this. 🙂
Thanks for your encouragement! Glad you like it 🙂
Great site and inspiring personal story! It’s never to late to change and learn. Keep it up – we will be following your blog!
Food matters was one of my first “food” documentaries! It really opens your eyes! Can’t wait to follow you on your journey! Thanks.
Nice one Sam.
Very inspiring story. Health is a choice that I made. I am sure you will inspire many more to follow as well. I look forward to following you on your journey.
I feel a slight connection with you because I find myself in almost the same situation, except sub out Destist for Pharmacist. I am so happy that I finally found where I belong, and I am glad that you did too. 🙂
Doesn’t it feel great to be pursuing a career that your are PASSIONATE about! 🙂
good job……..thanks
i have a quick question about your blog. please email me. thanks!
Thanks for stopping by and liking my post, Summer Indulgence. I love to eat healthy as well. You have a nice blog.
i’m so glad you visited my blog which led me to discover yours! i love that you share in the belief that being healthy is a lifestyle choice and there is no fad diet or exercise plan that could lead you to be truly healthy. i also admire your decision to follow your heart and pursue a career you were passionate about (similarly my husband has a degree in engineering, but chose a career in health and wellness). best of luck in your pursuits and i hope you’ll continue to stop by my blog!
you go girl! I also had an “aha” moment and am studying to become a holistic nutritionist. glad you found my blog! it’s nice meeting fellow good-food enthusiasts 🙂 keep on inspiring!
Thanks for liking: http://cioccolatoscuro.wordpress.com/. Stay tuned for more :^)
In case you want to do both dentistry and nutrition, there is such a great need for biological dentists, who know how to safely and properly remove amalgam fillings from people and replace the fillings with much safer materials such as porcelain. You could teach your patients about proper nutrition–I’ll bet they’ll have healthier teeth and gums, too.
You know, I’m actually going back to school to become a Registered Dietitian. I’ve tried to hide from the fact that I should be in the health field, but I think my blog says it all. Lol. Good luck on your journey!
Great blog, keep it up! 🙂
I had nominated you for One Lovely Blog Award… http://ybertaud9.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thanks for like my blog @ http://www.music2medicine.wordpress.com
I love to hear of other people’s interests in health and nutrition! I’m hoping to get into medical school and become a doctor with a focus on nutritional/natural healing. Keep up the good work!
Great blog Samantha! I’ve started a similar blog to help educate people… keep up the great work and spreading the word!
Adrian
good luck on your goal. i used to be a oral surgery tech in the navy. now im in medical school.
good story ! i always say you are what you eat and if someone tries to disagree i sorta attack them going down to a cellular level of how you really are lol.. its crazy how not just food but what kind of food you have is so important..cant wait to read more!
I am in the very middle of my “aha” moment and going into the health industry is taking a strong pull! im stoked!
Great blog. I will continue to follow and please do the same! 🙂
What a wonderful story! So glad you are pursuing your passion — good luck with it!!!
Thank you for liking my blog, love your articles and I see we are on a similar journey in life.
Thanks for checking out my blog and my recent Veggie Burgers! I am inspired by your story as well, can’t wait to follow your healthy adventures!
-Christine
Hi and thanks for stopping by my site! I’m going to have a look around here — looks good!
Thanks for liking my post on Svadyaya! Nice work on your site!
Namaste.
What an inspiring story!
Thank you for stumbling across my blog and in doing so, having me discover yours and the passion you share! R :o}
Hi, beautiful blog! When I read that you graduated from USC, I got excited about finding another Trojan. But, alas, you’re actually from the other USC 🙂 Oh, well. Still an ‘SC girl I suppose!
I too got into this about a month ago, and it has CHANGED my entire life! Isn’t the information just…..addicting!? Congrats to both you and your Dad!
Great blog and what an inspiring journey you’re on! Thanks for stopping by Deb’s Kitchen 🙂
Thanks for stopping by http://www.365 daysofsalad.com, appreciate the like. If you try any recipes out, please post your feedback. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I really like your blog. Hence I have nominated you for Super Sweet Blogging Award. You can collect it here
http://divinefoodsliving.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/super-sweet-blogging-award/
With this nomination, I wanted to intimate you that I admire you for your great efforts that you put-in for your posts which I love to read every time I visit.
ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
Great blog! We only need to look at your amazing photo to realise “It Works”. Fabulous!
Thank you for checking out my recent blog. Great job spreading the word about how to achieve great health!! The world needs more people like you!
I had a very similar experience! I majored in Exercise Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy track. Last semester of senior year, I decided I didn’t feel like touching anyone anymore. I decided I wanted to work in preventive health because I strongly believe that many chronic diseases and conditions can be prevented or reversed with lifestyle changes and healthy behaviors. I would love to hear some of your green smoothie recipes!
That’s awesome! I’m a huge advocate of following your heart in your career path. My two favorite green smoothie recipes are:
1) Lots of organic spinach, frozen strawberries, fresh squeezed orange juice
2) Lots of organic spinach, frozen chopped bananas, unsweetened vanilla almond milk
I think the more simple you keep it, the better! Good luck to you and I look forward to reading more of your posts! Cheers! 🙂
Thank you!
I love your story! I’m glad that you chose a path that truly sparked an interest and motivation to help others. Health is definitely a subject that more people need to be informed and educated about.
I actually have a similar story to yours. As I am getting closer to my college graduation in May I’m deciding I want to head towards becoming a health coach and promoting health despite the fact that I’m majoring in Psychology. You have motivated me even more to go towards this path of health. Thank you 🙂
I love meeting other people with similar stories! Stick to what you are passionate about because your creativity will shine in that area! Good luck to you on your journey!
thanks so much for liking my post, Samantha! I’ll enjoy dropping by and reading more of yours too.
Janet 🙂
You have a very inspiring story! It takes a lot of courage to leave something you have been working at for so long. In many ways, I now feel similar to how you felt. I went to school and got a bachelors in communication and then I was sure I wanted to be a teacher (as I had always said growing up), so I went back and got my masters. Now I’m a first year teacher and I’ve realized it isn’t my passion at all. I want to make healthy food for people either through baking or cooking to promote wellness. I’ve got my eyes on my goal. I’m glad you found what you are passionate about. If you’re going to spend your entire life doing something, it best be a worthwhile choice!
Hi Samantha, I found you while reading “Leather-free Shoes” on http://sunshineandslaughter.com/2013/03/29/leather-free-shoes/
I’m enjoying your blog and following!
When you have a chance please check out my blog. It’s a fashion blog but I am also into living a healthy, compassionate lifestyle.
http://fashionableover50.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/fashionable-under-40/
Wishing you health and happiness!!
❤ carmen
I think you will find working as a dietitian to be very rewarding. What inspired me to pursue my Masters in Nutritional Science and to become a Registered Dietitian was my desire to help others as well. Twelve years later and I am still happy – there are so many opportunities as an RD to work with individuals and groups in meaningful ways – it sounds like you are on the path!
Thank you for your encouragement! You have no idea how excited and ready I am to begin my career as a dietitian! I am very enthusiastic to see where this journey takes me! Do you work in the clinical, community, or food service setting?
Hi Samantha, I’m glad you were pleased about my link to your Omega 3’s blog. I just think you are an amazing researcher and writer and you definitely practice what you preach! Hope it will send others your way to discover you.
Hey, I nominated you for a Liebster Award (even though you have way more than 200 followers)! Please visit my blog at animalsdeservetolive.com to read about it under the post titled Wow!.
Hey Samantha! You liked a post on my blog so I wanted to check out your blog and say, “Hi.” It’s wonderful that you were able to help your dad lose 100 pounds – what an achievement for both of you! Like you, I’m passionate about nutrition. I’ve always been interested in eating healthy and I used to think that my low fat, no red meat diet was healthful. Then I took a class at Whole Foods Market that really opened my eyes. I’ve been on a plant-based diet for a year now and it’s really changed my life. I love your blog – we’ve got so much in common!
Awesome story!
Hey Samantha!! I wanted to check out your blog since you stopped by and liked one of my posts. 🙂 I’m so glad I did – I can completely relate to your story. Spending 4 years in undergrad only to realize that’s not what you want to do seems like a waste but you’re right – it’s SO much more important to love what you do. I feel so passionate about health and fitness so I know I’ll find a way to use them. Right now I’m just excited about sharing my passion through my blog. I will definitely be visiting yours a lot now! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by,
Kristin
I can relate completely! I don’t want to be a dietician, but I too wanted to go down a more clinical path. I’m now working my way to becoming a midwife and integrative nutrition counselor 🙂
I love reading with like minded people, and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
Hi Samantha, Thanx for the “like” on my post. That was the first LIKE I got. and it means a lot. I went through your blog and it is very GOOD,. One day I will right posts like u do.. You are very inspiring. Thanx again.
I completely relate! I majored in Civil Engineering and felt the desire to switch to health and wellness my third year. But I didn’t. Afraid of the extra costs and time I would spend in college because of the change. So I graduated and worked as a Civil Engineer for a few years. I had the opportunity to serve also as the Ergo Specialist for my team and I love it. Once again drawn right to health and fitness.
With the drastic change in the economy I and several others were laid off. I immediately started looking into personal training and fitness education, while still applying for engineering jobs (to keep my dad happy). There was one interview I went on and had to fly out of the state that I brought all my fitness study materials. Rather than preparing for the interview I was actually studying for fitness and loving it! That’s when I knew it was time to change.
I’ve been in health for a few years now and have had the opportunity to work for Spectrum Health Club Valencia, Egoscue Santa Monica, and Progressive Physical Therapy. This year I have taken a huge plunge to go solo with in home personal training (focusing on corrective exercise and exercise therapy for special populations…elderly and special conditions) as well as launch a product line of myofasical and trigger point release tools, KnotOut™ (www.lavitaforte.com).
It is amazing where passion can take you….
You have such an inspirational story! Doesn’t it feel amazing to finally be doing what you are truly passionate about. The best part is, when you are passionate about your career, you have the BEST ideas which ends up paying off! Keep on inspiring others! I look forward to reading more of your posts! 🙂
Inspirational..
My story is somewhat similar.. I am a Doctor on Mental Health and It is a full time job.. I had a dream of starting a GYM and help people for almost 20 years..So with a help of few of my friends I started a CROSSFIT facility in my country,,Sri Lanka..as far as i know it is the first Crossfit gym in Sri Lanka..
Today our first anniversary ..and my small GYM is doing great and I gain immense satisfaction from helping others as well as myself..I wonder now how i ever lived without this Gym before.
All I learned in my life is Follow your dreams aggressively..You have just one life.. but one is enough if you live it to the fullest.
Love your story! and we should all live by that last line…
“You have just one life.. but one is enough if you live it to the fullest.” SO TRUE! Live every day as if it were your last! Keep up the good work with your gym..sounds amazing!
That’s beautiful! It must feel soooo good to find you and enjoy what you do.
I, too, started off college wanting to go into the dental field. However, I realized early on that this wasn’t for me and switched to nursing school. I then realized that wasn’t for me either and went into dietetics and now I’m an RD and LOVE it! Good luck, it’s a great field to be in!
Thanks for liking my blog as I’ve only recently started blogging so every “like” is mega exciting! Like you I’m passionate about helping others discover the joys of healthy eating so I’m sure to enjoy following your recipes and tips.
Hey Samantha, thanks for taking the time to visit and read my blog. I too am one of the millions of others who are stuck at doing something they don’t like. But I make time for myself and write a little every now and then. Hope I can take a leaf out of your page and pursue my dreams. Keep writing and inspiring.
great blogging……….love to hear ur words………….simply superb……..
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate the visit. Keep on inspiring others to eat well and live a more fulfilled, healthy life! You’re doing this world a great service.
I am so glad that you decided to pursue your passion for health and wellness- congratulations to your Dad for losing the weight and pursuing a journey of wellness!
Great story! Good luck on your professional journey. I have never regretted my decision to become an R.D. All the best!
I feel as though I am in your same situation, but am on my way in the business school as a marketing major. Health is my passion though. I admire your bravery to leave your hard work behind to follow the career path of what you truly love. Props girlfriend!
Thanks girl! It was hard to take the initial leap but I’m sooo happy I did! I’m sure you will find a way to incorporate your passion!! Good luck to you!
Hey this is Sara from Food, Fitness & Folly. I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award! For more information check out my post http://bit.ly/14PLiRO. This is a great way to spread the word of your own blog and others. Hope you decide to join!
Glad I found your blog…..very good indeed.
Thank you!! Love yours too!
Hi Samantha I have been following your blog and love it. I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award for all the hard work and effort you put into your blog content and pics. Well deserved Congrats! 😀You can collect your award from the following link:
http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/about
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! I greatly appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing your heart focus to help others Samantha, I will look forward to more of your health tips.
Lets give thanks to God for His wonderful provision of food in all it’s variety.
Blessings – Anne
Thank you for your kind words!
Hey, I have a quick question in regards to your blog. Could you mind shooting me an email when you have a free moment?
No problem, what is your email?