Conversations with the Inspiring Natalie Nowak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Nowak.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I guess my story starts in high school, with my own personal struggles of acceptance. As the case with many young girls then and now, I struggled to fit in. As a teenager, the natural inclination is “change your body to gain acceptance”. This doesn’t work, rather it can cause more harm and isolation. What does work is accepting yourself, your emotions, your journey. It took me a long time to realize this, and now it’s a lifelong practice, but I believe this is the work that saves our souls, and the work I am striving to promote.

I’ve always been a people person, with an optimistic view of humanity, so studying Psychology felt like the right way to go. After graduating, I worked in the nonprofit sector before I obtained a research position in public health. It was here that I had met a dietitian, who inspired me to start my own journey of studying Human Nutrition and ultimately becoming a registered dietitian in 2017. I went the typical route of working as a clinical dietitian but felt a disconnect. While this work is very important, I felt that it wasn’t the best fit for me. I started doing my own research and found the Association for Size Diversity and Health, through this organization’s mission, my world was opened up to Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating.

I remember reading about Intuitive Eating and innately understanding that this was the best framework for me in adopting a healthy relationship to food and body. Not only did this make sense, but there was a plethora of research to back up the ten principles of Intuitive Eating. That was all I needed. I began my journey of becoming a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Be Body Positive Facilitator. I have taken the Health at Every Size pledge, and for me, there is no turning back. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Fast forward to now, I am currently working in private practice, helping individuals who struggle with disordered eating and eating disorders. I teach Nutrition 101 classes at the Community College of Denver and Arapahoe, and I make sure that my content is taught from a weight-inclusive, whole-person centered approach. My students enjoy learning about the science of nutrition and love the added element of social justice through the lens of Health at Every Size.

My mission is to spread the body appreciation message to my community here in Denver. I am working on running group therapy sessions under the Body Positive training and curriculum I have obtained. One body at a time, one day at a time, one kind thought at a time, we can positively change the way we feel about ourselves, therefore changing the world around us for the better.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d be skeptical of anyone who might say that either entrepreneurship or the body positive movement is smooth.

The first struggle I had was allowing myself to enter this space. Self-doubt was brewing inside of me, as I learned from passionate leaders with years of experience. My inner critic told me things like, “you don’t belong here, what experience do you have helping others with body image concerns?” or “you’ll never succeed in private practice.” But when the movement you are working in is all about self-love and growth, that inner critic doesn’t stand a fighting chance. So I chose to rise strong, stay true to my heart, and follow my dreams. Has it been easy? Is it stable and consistent? No. But the notion of staying true and doing what you love, to me, is much more important and fulfilling.

The advice I have for other women, particularly young women, is first and foremost, to stay true to yourself and your passions. Stay connected with your community, both at the local and virtual levels. There is power in the community, and women have a beautiful capability of lifting one another up. I would like to challenge young women to pursue and stay true when you have this solid at your core, everything else will fall in to place. Now, more than ever, our world needs you to share your gifts.

Please tell us about Benevolent Bodies.
I’m on a mission to help women reconnect with their internal body cues. I specialize in Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I provide education, support, and deep listening as my clients rebuild body trust and cultivate a peaceful relationship with food.

What I am most proud of as a service provider is the space I cultivate. My clients know that I am fully present, that I care deeply, and that I take great joy in their journey. I work among a wonderful community of HAES professionals in Denver, and what sets me apart from others, is simply me: my uniqueness, my quirks, my drive, my passion, and my heart. That’s it.

What I would like to be known for is facilitating womxn’s groups that encourage, empower, and inspire womxn to cultivate self-love. When we have pride in ourselves and ease within our bodies, we are able to show up in the best way possible for the rest of the world. Together, with my community, I’d like to be known as a leader of change in healthcare. A better healthcare system is one that is inclusive of all races, genders, abilities and body shapes and sizes; it is one that promotes compassionate self-love through flexible eating and mindful movement.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My own experience with disordered eating and negative body image has certainly influenced my passion for the work I do now. In addition to this lived experience, I would like to state my privilege of growing up in a supportive community, as I never had to worry about basic human needs or just treatment. I am lucky to be surrounded by friends and family that have inspired and encouraged me to reach for the stars. This kind of support has most certainly set me up for success in many aspects of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: benevolentbodies.com
• Phone: 720-316-9676
• Email: natalie@benevolentbodies.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/benevolentbodies
• Facebook: facebook.com/benevolentbodies1

Image Credit:
Lyndsey Leach Photography

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