About

I first got into the anti-diet realm after I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in my college years. With that diagnosis came weight gain which sent me spiraling into disordered eating, body image issues, and orthorexic behaviors. That diagnosis sent me desperately searching for what health really is.

Although that diagnosis was a turning point in my life, my journey started long before that. Rewinding to younger Rachel, I never really felt in love with my appearance or my body. Growing up, I had (and still have) an autoimmune condition, called Alopecia Areata. I was diagnosed with that as a young teen and it really had a lasting impact on me. I was a big ball of anxiety with a heaping side of self esteem issues. Since I was constantly struggling with significant hair loss, I knew I would never fit society's standards for beauty. That was a hard thing for a teenager to accept.

Over the years, I slowly learned to accept my autoimmune condition. I slowly learned that I'm beautiful in my way, on my terms. I'm unique and that's what makes me Rachel. Accepting my alopecia was my form of resistance against society.

Fast forward a couple years to my Hashimoto's diagnosis, I had an identify crisis all over again. I didn't recognize myself in the mirror, physically or mentally. This lead to heavy disordered eating and exercise obsession.

The combination of growing up with alopecia and now having Hashimoto's has given me a unique perspective on self worth and body image.

That's why I started Thoughtful Nutrition. I want to help others recover from the same issues I faced as well as spread awareness regarding these issues.