Student Spotlight: Meet Anita Duwal!

Meet NutraPhoria Alumni, Certified Holistic Nutrition & Health Coach, Author, and Aging with Vitality Specialist, Anita Duwal!

This month, we’re excited to introduce you to NutraPhoria alumni Anita Duwel – a passionate leader in the health space who is dedicated to helping others thrive. With a background in education and athletics, and a deep-rooted commitment to wellness, Anita brings energy, insight, and heart to everything she does! Whether she’s supporting clients, sharing her book, “The Golfer’s Nutrition Caddy,” or offering practical strategies for healthy aging, her approach is grounded, relatable, and deeply impactful. Anita’s story is a beautiful reminder for all of us that meaningful change doesn’t require perfection – Just presence, consistency, and a willingness to begin.

Can you share a bit about your background, specialization, and what first inspired you to pursue holistic nutrition?

Sure! I’m a Certified Holistic Nutrition and Health Coach (proud NutraPhoria graduate) specializing in aging with vitality and now, also an author. I’ve always loved helping and supporting others, which initially led me into education. I graduated from McGill University with a degree in Physical Education, but interestingly, I ended up teaching computer skills to adults in a secretarial program. I love teaching and being able to guide people toward learning something that could change their lives.

I’ve also been a lifelong athlete since the age of 7 or 8, I was always playing something: basketball, soccer, road hockey, track, you name it. My biggest athletic accomplishment is being a three-time world champion in dragon boating. I’ve also been a provincial golf champion and placed in the top five at a figure competition in Las Vegas at the age of 52!

Through sport, I learned something vital: if you want to perform well not just in athletics, but in life, you have to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

That’s what nudged me toward nutrition. But I knew it wasn’t just about macros and calories, I wanted something that reflected a more complete view of well-being. So I hunted for a program that approached health through a wider lens and found NutraPhoria’s Holistic Nutrition and Health Coach certification. The philosophy aligned with my own—one that acknowledges that true wellness is multi-dimensional.

Today, I blend my background in education, my passion for sport, and my expertise in holistic wellness to support clients in creating balanced, sustainable lifestyle changes. I specialize in helping people age with vitality, and I recently authored The Golfer’s Nutrition Caddy, where I share practical tips to boost energy, focus, and performance—both on the course and in everyday life.

I’m an athlete, an author, a mom, a partner, a coach, an entrepreneur and now, a grandma. All of these roles shape how I show up for my clients and my work. I know firsthand that staying healthy isn’t about being perfect it’s about creating a life that supports your energy, purpose, and joy at every stage.

What’s your unique approach to holistic nutrition, and how does it shape the way you support your clients?

My approach is simple: there’s no need to be extreme. It’s all about making small, mindful lifestyle changes that add up over time. Balance is the key.

Believe me, I’m far from perfect. Cookies are definitely my weakness! I miss walks or workouts now and then, and yes, sometimes I just slouch on the couch.

But over time, I’ve learned that as long as I’m eating well, moving my body, and nurturing the right mindset for most of the time, life can be really good.

The biggest game-changer? Letting go of the idea of perfection. There’s no such thing. Once you get rid of that perfection mindset, you’ve already taken a beautiful step forward.

That’s the mindset I help my clients cultivate a sustainable, realistic approach that fits their life, not the other way around.

How has your perspective on health and wellness changed or evolved since studying Holistic Nutrition?

What I’ve learned is that real wellness isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s also about your mindset, your habits, and how you show up for yourself when it comes to your health journey.

I’ve also come to see just how many people feel overwhelmed and stuck. There’s so much information online, and while some people can navigate it on their own, most end up on a frustrating rollercoaster, especially when it comes to weight loss and lasting lifestyle change.

Another shift for me was realizing how important it is to meet people where they are. I used to think just sharing good information was enough, but I’ve learned that connection and communication are key. It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being real and building trust.

It’s not always easy to put yourself out there, especially when the wellness world feels so saturated. But the truth is, people still need us. And when you show up as yourself, with a genuine desire to help, the right people find you.

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?

Hands down, it’s prioritizing quality sleep. When I get enough good sleep, everything else falls into place: healthier food choices, more energy to move, sharper focus. It’s the foundation for everything else I do to stay healthy.

Another important shift has been accepting that I’m not perfect. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The key is to acknowledge it and move on without guilt. That mindset has made a huge difference in my well-being.

I’ve mentioned perfection a few times throughout this interview, and that’s no accident. It’s something I’ve really had to work on personally. And while I’m still a work in progress, I can honestly say I’ve come a long way in learning to let it go.

Can you share a standout success story or transformation from a client that deeply impacted you?

Absolutely. This client’s transformation had a profound effect on me, not just because of the weight she lost, but because of how deeply her life changed. It’s the kind of story that reminds me why I do this work. Her words say it best:

“All my life, I have wanted to become a healthier person, but I didn’t know where to start as I always failed with the diets I tried. However, two years ago, I found out I was diabetic and knew I had to take matters seriously. I needed the external motivation and accountability to begin taking steps towards making big changes in my life.

This is where Anita Duwel came into my life. She helped me piece together a vision for my personal health that was realistic and lasting. Anita’s knowledge and encouragement were crucial in helping me find a sustainable balance of healthy eating, exercise, sleep, mental wellness, and effectively manage stress in my life,

Anita challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and effectively changed my behaviours. She’s a strong coach with a lot to offer. Being able to have an open dialogue with an unbiased professional about what was contributing to my current situation was essential to me. My biggest success was being able to set real goals and regularly reflect on my progress, so that I could see how small changes over a long period (20 months already) were having an appreciable effect on my life. Since this journey began 20 months ago, I have lost 125 pounds and never once did I feel deprived of food.

In Anita, I found a great friend and thanks to her, I now have an enhanced awareness of what my triggers are and a solid plan to keep things in check. My time with Anita has been the catalyst for a more positive self-image and an overall improved quality of life. I recommend her to anyone seeking to be the best they can be and then some!” C.L.

Stories like this are why I believe holistic coaching works. It’s not just about the number on the scale, it’s about lasting change, self-trust, and creating a life that feels better from the inside out

How do you stay inspired and continue growing in the ever-evolving world of holistic wellness?

There’s an overwhelming amount of health information out there; and, a lot of it can be confusing or even contradictory. That’s actually part of what keeps me going. Helping people cut through all that noise and understand what it really means to be healthy, has become a mission for me.

Working with clients and seeing their success firsthand keeps me inspired. There’s nothing better than knowing I’ve helped someone feel better, move better, and start living with more energy and confidence. And, have them realize that they don’t have to be super strict to feel good.

But I also realized that I could reach more people beyond one-on-one coaching. That’s where my latest project comes in, my new book, The Golfer’s Nutrition Caddy. Golf is a big part of my life, and I kept hearing the same thing from my playing partners: they’d feel great on the front nine but hit a wall on the back. So I’d offer them a few nutrition tips and they’d come back saying, “That really helped!”

Now that the book is out, the feedback from golfers who’ve implemented some of the tips has been amazing. They’re noticing better stamina and sharper focus right through to the 18th hole, and they’re feeling better overall, not just during their rounds but in daily life, too. That kind of response is exactly what fuels me. It’s what keeps me learning, growing, and inspired to keep sharing what I know in bigger and more meaningful ways.

If you could offer one piece of advice to current students or recent graduates, what would it be?

There are people out there who truly need what you have to offer. You might not know exactly how you’ll reach them yet, but that’s okay. Try things. Be willing to test, tweak, and experiment. That’s how you grow and how you find your voice.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to let go of perfection. If I had waited until everything was “just right,” I wouldn’t have launched my coaching business or written my book. Progress beats perfect every time.

And most importantly, be yourself. Your uniqueness is your strength. People connect with real, not polished. Don’t be afraid to show up as you.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, goals, or new directions for your wellness practice?

Right now, my main focus is getting my newly published book, The Golfer’s Nutrition Caddy into more hands, whether that’s through pro shops, golf clubs, or specialty stores or word of mouth. I’m also exploring the idea of offering workshops to golf communities who want to dive deeper into how nutrition can impact their game and overall well-being.

This book has definitely reignited my passion for health and nutrition. It’s opened the door to new possibilities like updating my website to reflect this next chapter and possibly even launching a podcast. I’ve realized that there are so many ways to share what I know and support more people in feeling their best, on and off the course.

In fact, just the other day I spoke with the pro at our club’s shop about stocking the book, and he was all in. He bought a copy right then and there, and next thing I know, he’s asking if I’d chat with his young sons, who play high-level hockey, about how nutrition could support their game. Just goes to show you, you never know where your next client might come from!