Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Acerra.
Hi Alison, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My work and passion as a nutritionist, hormone health coach and brand strategist was definitely inspired by my family roots.
Growing up in an Italian family, food has always been a central part of my life. Sundays were always spent eating big bowls of spaghetti and meatballs with my whole family around the table. Every summer, my Mom and Dad tended to a large veggie garden in our backyard that produced incredible amounts and varieties of produce. My job was always the harvest, pulling zucchinis out of the dirt bigger than my arm! And Mom, always doing her best to keep things healthy for us (no sugary cereals, soda or candy ever insight) made sure there were plenty of vegetables on our plates.
Eventually, I went on to study nutrition in university. My upbringing inspired in me a respect and appreciation for nature, the bounty of the land and fresh, wholesome food.
I come from a long line of business owners, so maybe my path was already written! After finishing graduate school, at 23 I moved across the country (from New York to San Francisco). The adventurer-entrepreneur parts of me were quite alive.
This was a rich time for me professionally. I co-authored a diabetes cookbook, offered nutrition consulting to a psychiatric private practice, took on a dream role with the culinary team at a well-known tech company, developed menus for restaurants and was eventually offered a role at a large food company leading nutrition strategy and defining their nutrition and wellness standards. I developed an expertise in building supportive food environments that make it easier for all of us to make nourishing choices – which so deeply aligned with my belief in the power of good food to transform lives.
Fast forward a few years when I found myself unemployed after taking a calculated risk and moving to a robotics start up. Wondering what I was going to do next, my father, also an entrepreneur, said to me, “my biggest regret was that I started my business at 50. I should have started at 40.”
I knew it was time – the universe wasn’t presenting me with new, exciting opportunities because it was time for me to create my own. So I jumped off the formidable cliff and Strategic Nutrition Design was born.
Being a business owner has been an incredible journey of growth and self development. It has taught me resilience, self-belief, connection with community and the importance of trust in the unfolding and process. I know there is a lesson to be learned in every difficult step and struggle and that each one is there to move me forward towards my own authentic purpose. And I am incredibly grateful to wake up everyday completely free, and lit up by the work I get to do in the world!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road, however I know every step and challenge was necessary in getting me where I am today…and it’s all getting smoother!
Unfortunately, running in the background of my life for many years were my struggles with disordered eating and compulsive exercise as well as the severe hormonal, adrenal and digestive issues that developed as a result.
The physicial and emotional stress I had put on my body was much more than it could take. At the worst times, I struggled with severe fatigue, depression, brain fog, PMS and hormonal imbalances.
I still wonder how I managed to keep my life moving forward! But I think there was always a part of me that yearned for more and knew I was destined to do important work in the world.
In time, with the help and guidance of some amazing healers, I was able to recover. My body was finally given the nourishment it needed to heal. I developed a meditation practice, released tension and grief on the yoga mat, learned to slow down and unravel the emotional upheaval in my inner world.
I could never be the entrepreneur I am with the self-concept I had carried with me for so long. I never thought I knew enough to be doing this work, let alone building a successful business doing it! For a long time, I was paralyzed by my inner judge and perfectionist, which kept me from showing up consistently to my business.
I have honed in on a daily mindset practice that helps me stay focused on my goals and more resilient to the challenges and inevitable rejections. I have learned how to be more aware of my thoughts and let go of the things I cannot control. Things are not always perfect, and there are still difficult days, but believing in my value keeps me moving forward, constantly open to new opportunities.
And having overcome my health challenges, I know I must manage my energy and know my limits. Prioritizing rest is a non-negotiable. Finding this balance isn’t always easy but I am grateful for the strong connection I have developed with my body which tells me quickly when it’s time to dial things back!
As you know, we’re big fans of Strategic Nutrition Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business was developed with a simple goal of helping businesses and eaters thrive. The brand is truly an extension of me, my own journey and everything I have loved about the work I’ve done over the course of my career. I believe deeply in the power of nourishing food to heal and self actualize and this philosophy is the common thread running through everything I do.
I am so inspired to be the Coach I needed when I was struggling with my own health issues. As a Nutritionist and Hormone Health expert, I help women build better energy, master their gut and balance their hormones.
In my Brand Consulting and Strategy work, I help better-for-you brands in the food industry (this includes CPG, restaurants and foodservice companies) connect with their health conscious consumers through marketing and brand positioning. Through a science-based approach, I also help guide product development with formulation strategy in order to create functional food products that deliver a health and/or wellness benefit.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Sometimes I surprise myself by my willingness to jump off massive cliffs with no idea what will catch me. It’s not unlike me to just hop on a plane at a moments notice, adventure for months through a foreign country, or relocate my life to a new city making new beginnings. Sometimes I think I’m crazy for it, but I have come to know myself, the way I thrive on experiences and change and that I can trust myself and the journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: strategicnutritiondesign.com
- Instagram: @alisonacerranutrition
- Facebook: alison.acerra
Image Credits
Rob Perica
