This month for our Student Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Amanda Knihnitski, a passionate advocate for women’s health specializing in gut and hormone balance. Amanda’s journey into holistic nutrition was inspired by her mother’s health struggles, which sparked a deep understanding of how essential well-being is to every aspect of life. Now, as a mother herself, she brings a compassionate and realistic approach to helping women reclaim their energy, balance their hormones, and thrive.
With a strong belief that food is medicine, Amanda empowers her clients with knowledge and practical strategies to navigate their health with confidence. From gut-healing protocols to sustainable nutrition plans, she’s committed to cutting through the noise of wellness trends and providing personalized, science-backed support. Today, Amanda is sharing insights into her philosophy, personal wellness rituals, and advice for fellow holistic nutrition students. Keep reading to be inspired by her story and expertise!
Can you share a bit about your background, specialization, and what first inspired you to pursue holistic nutrition?
My journey into holistic nutrition is deeply personal. Growing up, I watched my mom battle various health issues, and seeing how her illness impacted her quality of life was a powerful lesson for me. It became clear that without your health, everything else in life becomes more difficult—your energy, your ability to show up, and even how you engage with the world around you. That experience ignited a passion within me to help others avoid that same struggle.
I specialize in women’s health, particularly focusing on gut and hormone health. Through my studies and experience, I’ve seen firsthand how interconnected the gut is with overall well-being—affecting digestion, energy, mental clarity, and even hormone balance. As a mother myself, I understand the demands of juggling family life and personal wellness. This shapes my approach to creating realistic, sustainable nutrition plans that fit into busy lives.
Holistic nutrition was a natural fit for me because it aligns with my belief that food is medicine. I am committed to empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to feel their best and embrace a holistic approach to their health. My goal is not only to educate, but to also provide practical, everyday solutions that allow women to thrive, even amidst life’s challenges. I’ve learned that when we prioritize our health—mentally, physically, and emotionally—we unlock the potential to truly live vibrant, fulfilling lives.
How has your perspective on health and wellness changed or evolved since studying Holistic Nutrition?
I’ve always understood that the quality of our lives is directly tied to the quality of our health. But what I didn’t fully grasp before studying Holistic Nutrition is just how powerful food truly is. FOOD IS MEDICINE. What we eat has the ability to transform our well-being on every level—body, mind, and soul.
The wellness world is filled with noise—endless trends, conflicting advice, and quick fixes that often leave women feeling confused and overwhelmed. My goal is to help women drown out the noise and truly understand what works best for their unique bodies and lifestyles.
My perspective on wellness has expanded beyond just physical health; I now see it as a holistic journey that includes nourishment, mindset, and lifestyle. I’m not interested in growing old with a laundry list of illnesses that hold me back—I’m committed to aging with vitality, energy, and joy by continuously learning and implementing holistic health practices.
And that’s exactly how I support my clients. I help women take control of their health by addressing nutrition, gut and hormone balance, and overall well-being so they, too, can live life with energy and confidence. When we take a whole-body approach, we unlock the potential to truly thrive!
What’s your unique approach to holistic nutrition, and how does it shape the way you support your clients?
My approach to holistic nutrition is very food-focused, meaning I believe in the power of real, whole foods to fuel and heal the body. I guide my clients through understanding the ‘why’ behind the changes they make, which empowers them to take control of their health with confidence. By educating them on how specific foods impact their body, I help clean up the noise around nutrition and eliminate confusion.
I don’t focus on restrictive diets or trends; instead, I support women in finding what works best for their unique needs and lifestyle. This approach helps my clients create sustainable, balanced habits that lead to long-term well-being, rather than quick fixes or temporary changes. In practice, this might involve personalized meal planning, teaching my clients strategies for managing stress and improving sleep, and implementing gut health strategies. Gut health is crucial for hormone balance. When our digestive system is functioning well, it helps with detoxification, nutrient absorption, and overall hormonal health, which is especially important for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations throughout different stages of life.
Since becoming a holistic nutrition professional, what’s one habit or daily ritual you’ve implemented that has had the biggest impact on your well-being?
Since becoming a holistic nutrition professional, one habit that has had the biggest impact on my well-being is focusing on nurturing my gut health. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of food, and as I’ve learned more about the vital role the gut plays in overall health, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize gut-friendly practices in my daily routine.
Fermented foods have become a staple for me; things like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir have made their way into my meals regularly. Not only do they support my digestive health, but they’ve also improved my energy levels, boosted my immune system, helped me manage stress better, and even given me glowing skin! I’ve learned that a healthy gut is foundational for hormone balance, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
It’s truly amazing how much impact small, consistent changes (like incorporating more fermented foods) can have. As I teach my fermentation class, I’m excited to share how simple it is to add these foods into your everyday meals. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and the benefits are truly worth the effort. When we take care of our gut, we are setting the stage for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Can you share a standout success story or transformation from a client that deeply impacted you?
One of the most impactful transformations I’ve experienced was with my very first client, who came to me struggling with midsection weight gain, hair loss, and hormonal issues. She had repeatedly fallen into the cycle of trying to ‘get healthy,’ but each time she made what she considered a poor choice, she would self-sabotage and quit.
Through our work together, we focused on understanding the root causes of her concerns and worked on small, sustainable changes rather than overwhelming her with extreme measures. I took the time to explain the ‘why’ behind every recommendation and to provide her with realistic meal plans and recipes, acknowledging the challenges of being a full-time working mom with two kids under 5. The breakthrough came when she realized that taking care of herself wasn’t about perfection; it was about consistency and a mindset shift.
The most rewarding part of this journey was watching her regain her motivation and confidence. She not only began to see physical changes, such as reduced bloating and more stable hormone levels, but also learned to approach her health with a balanced, compassionate mindset. Today, she feels empowered to keep moving forward and continues to apply the strategies we worked on together to maintain her progress.
How do you stay inspired and continue growing in the ever-evolving world of holistic wellness?
I’m a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, and the human body never ceases to amaze me! The ever-evolving world of holistic wellness keeps me inspired because there’s always something new to discover. I also love that women’s health is finally getting the attention it deserves; we’re being recognized, studied, and understood in ways that were long overlooked. That progress fuels my passion and deepens my commitment to this field. I stay engaged by continuing my education, keeping up with the latest research, and applying what I learn to better support the women I work with every day.
If you could give one piece of advice to current students or recent graduates, what would it be?
As a recent graduate myself, now pursuing certification as a Holistic Nutritionist, my biggest advice is to keep going! There will be moments during your studies when you feel like you’re not retaining anything or doubt the process. But trust me, it all comes together in the end. When you start working on case studies, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve learned and how incredible it feels to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting. Stay the course, trust yourself, and just KEEP GOING! Lean on your circle for support, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and find small ways to apply what you’re learning. It will make all the difference!
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, goals, or new directions for your wellness practice?
Once I complete my Holistic Nutritionist Certification, I’m excited to continue growing my private practice with a focus on women’s health, specifically gut and hormone health. This is an area where so many women lack education and support, and I’m passionate about changing that. I see myself hosting seminars and wellness retreats to help women better understand their bodies and feel empowered in their health journey.
As a mother of two teenage daughters, I also have a deep desire to create a nutrition program tailored for teenage girls, teaching them about their cycles, how to nourish their bodies, and how to embrace movement that feels good. I truly believe that education at a young age can foster a lifetime of self-love and wellness.
Amanda Knihnitski, Registered Holistic Nutrition Counsellor (RHNC)
- Website: www.enlightenednutritionwithamanda.ca
- Instagram: @enlightenednutritionwithamanda
- Facebook: @enlightenednutritionwithamanda
