How did we get here? The road from Struggle to Service

Written by Natalie Hunt, published on March 19, 2024

Back in college, I earned the nickname “Natty Crocker” because I was always cooking up something in the kitchen, and little did I know that many years later, I would be working with food and nutrition as a way to serve and help others. As with any good story, the journey to where you are is rarely ever straight.

About six years ago, I officially launched NatPacks Meals after making significant personal changes to address ongoing medical concerns and digestive problems. I had missed out on too many important life events. I spent many evenings on my bathroom floor in the fetal position with excruciating abdominal pain. I had strange rashes, ulcers, inflammation, no energy, and a new collection of prescription medications to manage my symptoms—everything from topical creams, antibiotics, and antispasmodics.

I was busy building a career in finance, managing long hours, and trying to juggle it all. I spent very little time in the kitchen. I skipped meals or ate whatever was close and convenient. I did not have time to be unwell.

During this same time, I experienced a physical injury to my hip, sacrum, and pelvis after being thrown from a horse. It was uncomfortable to stand or sit, and stairs were out of the question. Along with the physical limitations came more prescriptions and steroids to help with inflammation and pain.

The doctors continued recommending an elimination diet to determine what foods were contributing to my ailments and better manage my digestive issues.

With a new set of rules around food, I set out to determine the cause of all the chaos in my body. I navigated the grocery store with a list of “safe” items and got busy in the kitchen again. It did not take long before coworkers noticed and asked about the lunches I packed. I also started to experience fewer symptoms.  

Today, I prepare, pack, and deliver healthy meals full-time throughout central North Carolina. I also provide personal coaching for people near and far and even teach cooking and nutrition classes.

As part of my hip rehabilitation, I started practicing yoga, or rather intentional stretching, in the comfort of my living room. Since then, I have completed over 200 hours of training to become a yoga instructor with advanced training in breathwork and yoga for trauma, depression, and anxiety. Typically, my “yoga” classes focus on helping people release tension in the body and better manage stress.

These are just a few of the many ways I get to help people on their journey to healing their bodies and overcoming the challenges around food, nutrition, and wellness.

I am continually expanding my knowledge and capacity to serve others. I have even completed my Mental Health Practitioner certification to provide a fully holistic and multifaceted approach to health and healing.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate and help many individuals, including first responders. I have personally witnessed the toll that stress within the public safety sector can take on both mental and physical wellness. It is also clear to me how long-term elevated stress can affect every day decision-making, energy, and behaviors. One way we can offset the effects of stress is through nutrition.

So, I urge you to nourish your body with high-quality food and practice self-care. It may seem overwhelming, but start small and build healthy habits that fuel your body and better equip you to manage the stressors that come as a first responder.

It is truly imperative to prioritize your health. If you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, please know that resources and people are here to help you on your journey.

Thank you, Natalie for sharing your experience with us. If you are interested in writing a blog, please email amanda@911derwomen.com. Sign up for our newsletter on our homepage to stay up to date with 911der Women programming, exclusive content and blog updates. Click here and scroll to the bottom.

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