Reflecting on a Transformative Year: My Journey in Health, Wellness, and Entrepreneurship

As I pen this reflection on 2016, it’s truly astounding to consider how swiftly the year has passed and how dramatically it has reshaped my professional landscape. The journey from aspiring professional to a licensed expert and a recognized voice in the health and wellness sphere has been exhilarating. This past year marked an unprecedented period of growth, learning, and achievement that has set a robust foundation for my future endeavors. From completing a demanding dietetic internship to establishing a significant online presence and forging invaluable professional connections, every milestone served as a powerful reminder of dedication and passion.

Among the year’s most significant accomplishments, I proudly completed my dietetic internship, an intensive program that solidified my clinical knowledge and practical skills. This was swiftly followed by the monumental achievement of becoming a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) – a credential that not only validates years of academic pursuit but also empowers me to provide credible, evidence-based nutrition advice. The visibility gained from being featured on the renowned Dr. Oz show was an incredible honor, providing an unparalleled platform to share my passion for health with a wider audience. Simultaneously, my Instagram community flourished, surpassing 210,000 followers, a testament to the power of shared interests and authentic engagement. Further cementing my professional path, I was hired as the resident RD at Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter, a brand I deeply admire for its commitment to wholesome, quality ingredients. Beyond these tangible milestones, 2016 also gifted me with a network of uplifting and supportive relationships forged through social media, connections that have profoundly enriched both my personal and professional life.

The Power of Community and Shared Passion

The vibrant health and wellness community has been a constant source of inspiration, pushing me daily to remain motivated, to innovate with new recipes that tantalize the taste buds while nourishing the body, and to actively network with fellow bloggers and health professionals. This collaborative spirit has fostered an environment of continuous learning and mutual support. I am incredibly grateful to have discovered my true passion for nutrition and healthy living so early in my life. It is an immense privilege to wake up each day knowing my work contributes positively to others’ well-being. The sincere messages I frequently receive from my followers, sharing how my content has positively impacted their lives, are a profound source of joy and fuel my drive to keep sharing, educating, and inspiring.

These interactions aren’t just about sharing recipes or fitness tips; they’re about building a genuine connection with individuals who are on their own health journeys. Whether it’s a message about overcoming dietary challenges, finding joy in cooking nutritious meals, or simply feeling more confident in their wellness choices, each story reinforces the profound impact of cultivating a supportive online space. This sense of collective progress and shared aspiration makes my work incredibly rewarding and strengthens my resolve to continue expanding my knowledge and reach within the expansive world of health and wellness.

Embracing the Travel Bug: Culinary and Fitness Explorations

A significant highlight of this past year, intertwined with my professional growth, has been the opportunity to travel extensively. The autumn months, in particular, were a whirlwind of exploration, allowing me to visit dynamic cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, all within a two-month span. These trips ignited a profound “travel bug” within me, intensifying my determination to incorporate more adventures into the new year. In fact, to kick off the new year with a bang, my boyfriend and I are eagerly anticipating a trip down to San Francisco for the exhilarating Seahawks/49ers football game on New Year’s Day!

There’s something uniquely transformative about experiencing diverse cultures and exploring new places. Beyond the picturesque sights, my travels allow me to indulge in my passion for innovative cuisine, sampling offerings from cutting-edge restaurants that push the boundaries of healthy and delicious food. Crucially, I’ve also discovered the immense joy and practicality of integrating exercise and wellness practices seamlessly into my travel itinerary. For me, this synergy of culinary discovery and consistent fitness is the ultimate dream. During my excursions, I made a conscious effort to stay healthy and active by seeking out Instagram-worthy, novel eateries that prioritize fresh, wholesome ingredients and by taking advantage of various fitness classes – from boutique studios to outdoor workouts – that were new and exciting to me. The refreshingly diverse wellness scenes in these cities offered endless opportunities for physical activity and healthy dining. What’s more, meeting like-minded individuals, often through online connections via Instagram, who share similar interests, values, and a deep appreciation for nutritious food and holistic wellness, has been an invaluable experience. Trust me, finding such a vibrant community where I currently reside is a rare occurrence, making these travel connections all the more special.

From Solitude to Startup: The Entrepreneurial Journey

Prior to the invigorating travel experiences of the Fall, a different chapter unfolded as I navigated the initial stages of my new profession while working from home. This period, specifically the time between completing my internship and early July, was intensely dedicated to preparing for the national dietitian exam. I studied tirelessly, day in and day out, pouring over textbooks and practice questions. The relief and joy of passing that exam were immeasurable, validating all the hard work and sacrifice. The subsequent two months were a blur of activity, catching up on deferred projects, diligently building my new website, and officially laying the groundwork for my entrepreneurial venture. All of this was done from the confines of my home, a setting that, while convenient, eventually led to a touch of “stir-crazy” isolation.

Currently, I reside at home with my wonderful roommate (my mom!), and opportunities to connect with friends are somewhat limited due to demanding school and work schedules, not to mention that some friends live out of state. Living in Washington, approximately 40 minutes outside the bustling hub of Seattle, I often feel a sense of isolation compared to those living in major cities where health and fitness are intrinsically woven into the urban fabric. From my perspective, Washington sometimes appears to lag behind in offering the kind of true “foodie and fitness heaven” that I crave. While I acknowledge that my specific location outside the city might contribute to this perception, my recent travels to vibrant metropolitan areas truly lit a fire within me, invigorating my spirit and giving me renewed life! One day, my dream is to live in a place where I’m surrounded by organic, local hotspots, where community-focused markets thrive, and where high-energy fitness studios like SoulCycle and advanced Pilates reformer classes are accessible on every other corner. Until that day arrives, I’ll continue to bridge this gap by embarking on travel adventures to cities that embody these cherished luxuries.

Building a Brand: The Genesis of Rachael’s Good Eats

July marked a significant turning point with the official launch of Rachael’s Good Eats as a full-fledged website, a platform brimming with ambitious plans for the upcoming year. This milestone was soon followed by the exciting debut of my first product, the Makin’ It Grain tote bag, which I envision as merely the inaugural step toward building a thriving online store. The process of establishing my online presence and meticulously building the Rachael’s Good Eats brand has been immensely rewarding and deeply fulfilling. While embarking on the journey of starting your own business is undoubtedly a momentous decision, often accompanied by moments of intimidation and self-doubt, I can honestly say I never once questioned if this path was right for me. My passion for health and wellness, coupled with an unwavering belief in my mission, served as my guiding compass.

Of course, the entrepreneurial path has been fraught with its share of challenges. I’ve had to independently navigate countless hurdles, from deciphering intricate website widgets and wrestling with coding to mastering the complexities of WooCommerce. These technical learning curves consumed an exorbitant number of hours, pushing me to my limits. Thankfully, a recent and truly significant development was bringing on board my own dedicated web developer, a decision that has already proven invaluable in streamlining operations and accelerating growth. Beyond the digital realm, there were also the essential administrative tasks, such as obtaining state licensing for my business and meticulously setting up my business taxes. Despite these demanding and often overwhelming aspects, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Each challenge has been a learning opportunity, each success a testament to perseverance, and the overall experience has been an unparalleled education in business and self-reliance.

Charting the Course for 2017: Growth, Connection, and Authenticity

Looking ahead, I am beyond excited for the immense possibilities that 2017 holds. The coming months will see me pursuing a certified personal trainer qualification, a natural complement to my expertise as a Registered Dietitian. While I’m still exploring the precise ways I’ll integrate this certification into my practice, the depth of knowledge I’ve already gained through the NASM course has been nothing short of unbelievable, providing a richer understanding of human physiology and effective training methodologies. My plans for the new year also include continuing my travels, further building the Rachael’s Good Eats brand, actively connecting with more health and wellness professionals and innovative companies, and consistently expanding my personal knowledge vault through ongoing education. Furthermore, I am committed to honing my writing skills, recognizing its crucial role in effective communication and content creation.

My strategy for my Instagram account will continue to feature primarily vibrant and inspiring food photos, reflecting my core passion for delicious, nutritious eating. However, I also aim to strategically incorporate more diverse content, including fitness routines, travel adventures, and broader lifestyle elements. A key aspect of this evolution will be intentionally including more of my face in posts and stories, allowing my incredible community to connect more deeply with the person behind the account. This move towards greater personal visibility is about fostering authenticity and building a stronger, more relatable bond with my followers, letting you know that there is, in fact, a real face and a passionate heart guiding Rachael’s Good Eats.

A Heartfelt Thank You to My Incredible Community

As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I sincerely hope you’ll continue to follow me on my journey. Having your support and engagement truly means the world to me, and I honestly couldn’t pursue my passions and expand my platform without my loyal followers. Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, thank YOU for your unwavering support of what I do. Your belief in my mission not only allows me to dedicate myself to something I deeply love but also grants me an incredible platform to share my knowledge about health, nutrition, and fitness, empowering others to lead healthier, happier lives. Together, we can continue to grow, learn, and inspire one another in the pursuit of holistic well-being.

Farewell, 2016 – you’ve been an extraordinary year! Xo