During the last 26 years, we’ve certified over 119,000+ health, nutrition and fitness professionals. In March of 2020, we began recognizing one of our distinguished graduates each month who uses what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.
Meet our graduate for the month of May, L. Autumn Colon, an AFPA certified holistic nutritionist.
How did you originally become interested in health and wellness?
For several years after my children were born in 2010 and 2013, I struggled with my weight and body image. These issues, among other life stressors, lead to my clinically diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder.
In the summer of 2017, I decided that I would enact a healthier lifestyle to improve my mental health, self-image, and overall lifestyle. I began eating better and running daily. Soon after, I was diagnosed with IBS and struggled for months to figure out WHY and WHAT I could do about it.
After my IBS diagnosis, my gastrologist suggested looking into a LOW FODMAP diet, keeping a food diary, and changing my eating habits overall. I began my own research and that led me down a path to enacting a holistic plant-based diet, and I soon saw my weight drop over 80 pounds!
I was propelled to gain a deeper understanding of health, nutrition, fitness and the mind-gut connection. I wanted to know as much as I could, not just for myself but to also share with others.
Which certification did you choose? Why did you choose AFPA?
I chose Holistic Nutrition, and I chose AFPA after researching the course material, cost, and learning platform. It was the best program to fit my busy lifestyle.
What was your career like prior to getting certified?
I work full time as a digital marketing and project manager in the recruiting industry.
As a content creator, I also run a women’s wellness and motherhood brand that focuses on sharing tips, inspiration, and recipes for millennial women. I keep holistic health, mental health, and nutrition in mind.
What is you career like now?
Same as above.
However, now I am able to provide research-based information to my audience and will soon host workshops and community events.
What are your favorite parts about your career?
Information sharing.
My goal is to inspire just one person a day. If I can reach just one person who might tell another person the goodness that comes from loving yourself, manifesting greatness, and living a healthy lifestyle, then I feel proud that I’ve done some good in the world.
I love to share with my community this message of imparting health and wellness because I have been on the other side and I know from experience just how great it feels!
How has becoming AFPA certified impacted your life?
My family eats better, we all feel better, and I’m able to reach a vast audience of people who want to learn more about eating and living well.
What advice do you have for others thinking about getting certified?
JUST DO IT. It sounds cliche, but the truth is if you are thinking about it and you feel like it’s the right thing to do, trust your gut and take the leap. Even if you never teach a workshop or have a client, the knowledge you gain is worth every moment.
To connect with L. Autumn, follow her on Instagram and visit her website at https://lautumnco.com/.
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