In this blog, we wanted to share some beautiful insights into our nutritionist’s world. Let us guide you through Bilyana’s responses and give you a glimpse of what you can expect when joining us on this wellbeing journey of self-discovery.
GEA: Can you tell us more about holistic nutrition and its approach?
Bilyana:
Holistic nutrition, although primarily focused on nutrition, is, in fact, a lifestyle approach that views the individual as a whole – a unity of body, mind, and spirit. It emphasises the importance of balancing various aspects of health, including diet, lifestyle, environment, emotions, and spirituality.
Holistic nutrition recognises that each person has unique nutritional needs and preferences based on factors such as age, gender, genetics, health status, and lifestyle. There are several principles of holistic nutrition, including the consumption of whole foods, individuality, mindful eating, and prevention and healing through a balanced lifestyle.
In short, it can be summarised as follows:
- Focuses on the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods that are nutrient-dense and provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
- Respects the fact that different people may have different responses to the same foods.
- Encourages awareness and mindfulness during eating, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, noticing flavours and textures, and fostering a positive relationship with food.
It is important to note that nutrition is just one aspect of overall wellbeing, and promoting balance in other areas, such as physical activity, stress management, sleep, and social connections, is also part of the holistic nutrition approach. Lastly, holistic nutrition supports the body’s natural ability to heal and prevent disease through proper dietary and lifestyle interventions. Overall, it emphasises the importance of nourishing the whole person for long-term health benefits and wellness.
GEA: How did you start practising it, and what led you to plant-based nutrition?
Bilyana:
My journey began a decade ago when I was dealing with certain health issues that had plagued me since my teenage years. Specifically, I suffered from significant hormonal imbalances, resulting in a complete loss of my menstrual cycle, which was initially misdiagnosed as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and later remained undiagnosed for some time. Despite the inability of standard medicine to identify the root cause of the problem or provide a diagnosis, I underwent various treatments with numerous medications in hopes of finding a solution.
However, not only did these medications fail to alleviate my symptoms, but they also worsened my condition. Little did I know then the potential dangers of prescribed drugs and the importance of identifying the underlying cause rather than merely treating the symptoms.
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I ceased using medications and delved into researching more about myself. I began to realise that I am much more than my body and that every symptom is, in fact, a form of communication within different aspects of my being. I discovered the healing power of food, which eventually led me to complete a course in holistic nutrition and reach where I am today. I shifted my perspective, altered my diet, incorporated practices that promote healing for both my body and soul, and allowed my spirituality to guide me. I began to listen to myself more attentively. There is always room for improvement, and I am fully aware of that fact. I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, and I am not meant to be. I am here to learn from every person and every situation, to explore my potential, and to embrace everything that life presents, as each aspect serves its purpose.
Today, I no longer suffer from the hormonal imbalances that troubled me before. Once informed by doctors that I would have to rely on medications for life and that conceiving children without medical assistance would be challenging, I have proven them wrong. My hormones are in balance, and I am proud to be called ‘mom’.
This is the message I wish to impart: we all possess the power within us. While the journey may be long and difficult at times, it is always achievable, regardless of the goal.
GEA: What is your promise to the GEA retreat participants?
Bilyana:
I genuinely believe that participants will create unforgettable memories, learn how to practically implement everything we share with them throughout these five days, experience our hospitality, and, more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and transform the way they perceive life.
Regarding the nutritional aspect of the retreats, it can be divided into two parts. Every day, our guests will have the opportunity to enjoy nutrient-dense meals prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, but most importantly, based on the principles of a whole-food, plant-based diet.
We will have the chance to meet during a practical Mindful Eating Workshop. This workshop is something they can continue to practice every time they eat thereafter. Mindful eating is crucial when it comes to adopting a healthy approach to nutrition. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare a meal together with me. Engaging in the preparation of our food enhances our understanding of what we eat, fosters a greater appreciation for it, and encourages mindfulness, leading to better choices when preparing meals from scratch. While it may not always be feasible to do so, the awareness of its significance and efforts to make it a habit are steps in the right direction.
Retreats at GEA will provide you with a fresh perspective, offering you a unique experience and opportunities to learn through various practical workshops and exercises led by individuals who embody these lifestyle principles and are eager to share their experiences with you. I invite you to be open to embracing the good things in life. Opportunities abound for those who seek them!
