We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cristy Berry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cristy below.

Cristy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

In 2007 I was diagnosed with Thyroid disease and told to have a procedure and that was the only solution for my condition. I was told this would “fix” my problem and I would be better. Little did I know not only did it not “fix” my condition, but I was then told I had to be on medication for the rest of my life. This procedure was irreversible and has forever changed my health, my life and my future. Soon after this I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, I was overweight and struggling in life. I began having migraine headaches and was told it was hormonal and was put on anti depressants, What was I supposed to do??? Listen to the doctors, right?? Well that was my mistake, I mean not looking out for my best interest and learning about my conditions first. So after may endocrinologists, hormone doctors, countless prescriptions, and tests, they said my labs were normal and I was dealing with anxiety. My endocrinologist could never get my medications correct and I kept asking, WHY??? He said, I don’t know and I don’t know what else to do for you. I am doing all I know. So I began looking for new doctors that were integrative. In 2008 I started my journey in integrative medicine. I have never looked back. As I started learning more about my body I began to understand the relationships between organs, stress, sleep and diet. I understood that my issue with fertility, miscarriages, weight gain, headaches and mood were all inter related and had been culminating for years prior to my symptoms. I began researching, taking classes and building my knowledge. By the way, I was a personal trainer and certified in nutrition since 2003, so this was not new but I never put the pieces of the puzzle together. We are taught that the systems in the body are separate.

In 2020 I was diagnosed with Mold toxicity illness and my health was declining. I still had not conquered the previous diseased health conditions, although they were getting better, but now I had a real bear on my hands with this. I decided to seek help from more specialized Holistic practitioners that understood mold, my digestive health and my desperation for answers. I learned even more during this time. In 2023 I decided to go back to school to become a Holistic Practitioner to learn more to help myself and my family and to give back to others. I finished my schooling in 2024 and received my board certification. I am now using the Chinese medicine model along with my background in personal training, nutrition and rehabilitation for cancer patients to help my clients see the ROOT causes of their symptoms and finally have someone who understands. I don’t recall any of the providers that I saw over the last 15 years ever going through what I have. This is what makes me a unique practitioner. I understand the struggles, the work it takes and how to implement a treatment process to help the body heal. I have not only learned how to heal my own body but been able to give hope to clients that are desperate for answers.

2007 was a defining moment in my life that changed the trajectory forever. 2024 has become the year that has changed my career path from a Health Coach to Doctor of Holistic Health. I am looking forward to pursuing my PhD in 2025 to gain more education in order to assist my clients in their healing journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am married to my husband of 29 years and we have 2 adult sons age 26 and 21. I previously homeschooled them through high school before going full time in my career. In 2024 I received my board certification and became a Board Certified Doctor of Holistic Health. I follow naturopathic philosophies and Chinese medicine. This is looking at the ROOT cause of someone’s symptoms and understanding that the body is a whole system and not just pieces. It is truly interconnected in every aspect. Western medicine models look at symptoms and treat the symptom with a medication for the target without looking at the “Why” the symptom presented itself in the first place. Symptoms are the body’s way of expressing that something is out of balance.

I became interested in holistic medicine in 2020 when after 13 years I was getting worse instead of better with conventional medical treatments and procedures. I also learned that my conditions were interconnected and had been brewing in my body for a number of years. My diagnoses and lack of help in the medical community sent me on a venture to seek alternatives that could give me hope to live again. I provide One on One and group coaching as well and individualized treatment plans and various non conventional testing. I specialize in functional blood lab analysis, gut health and inflammation healing and hormone balance as all of these are related to systemic inflammation in the body. I have been able to help women with IBS and IBD have healthy gut function. I have helped people lose weight through making sustainable lifestyle changes and understanding how their body responds to food. I have helped clients reduce and come off of pharmaceutical medications and have the energy to play with their kids and grandkids. I have seen women gain confidence in their bodies and feel empowered to make healthcare decisions for their families. I have given them their life back when they felt defeated and lost. Clients have balanced hormones and sex drive, stopped losing their hair and have regular menstrual cycles. I am unlike other Holistic practitioners in my field because I don’t just look at the internal nature of healing, but I also look at the mental and spiritual aspects of the healing process. All being integrated together for a great fit. I design fitness plans and help my clients navigate dietary paths because of my background as a personal trainer, nutrition expert and genetic specialist. I use all paths to compliment each other and provide my clients with a whole body approach to wellness.

I am very proud of my decision to alter my career path and truly make a difference in lives. What I teach can save lives now and those of the future. I am proud of my dedication to further my education and pursue my PhD in 2025. I want my clients to know that I can relate and have been where they are. I know their struggles and understand what it takes to heal. I not only educate but encourage my clients in their health journey because it is hard. I am dedicated to a whole body approach and education so that my clients will heal and feel confident and empowered to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. Knowledge is power. I am a virtual practitioner and can work with clients all over the world. I offer many options for testing and budgets. I am a practitioner that is always learning, taking classes and attending educational opportunities so that I can offer the best education and healthcare paths for my clients.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I feel that my personal experience and struggles with my own health have helped me succeed in my field. I am relatable to my client and take the time to listen to their struggles. This is not the norm in healthcare. I also am always learning, reading books, taking classes and collaborating with other practitioners to become the best in my field and to offer the best opportunities for my clients.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

I feel that I have started my business a little different from many others. I actually have grown my business organically and virtually. This has definitely provided some challenges at times and I have had to be creative with networking and being in the community to introduce myself but it has also allowed me to be debt free. I have not taken out any loans or credit card debt to make purchase or sustain my business. This may be a different avenue but it has worked for me. This has allowed me to grow slower with limited overhead and provided opportunity for me to reach others globally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bfitwithcristy.com
• Instagram: bfit.wellness
• Facebook: BFIT wellness
• Linkedin: Cristy Berry