We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tala Alsamsam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tala, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

There is nothing more rewarding than receiving positive feedback from a satisfied customer. Recently, one of my customers, who is also a doctor based in the UK, expressed her gratitude for the services I provided and the approach I took to help her achieve her health goals.

Her words of encouragement were not only uplifting, but they also gave me a renewed sense of purpose. She suggested that I continue my education and become certified to have an even stronger impact on the lives of others. Her advice resonated with me, as I believe that continuous learning is key to staying current and providing the best possible care and support for my clients. Her words of encouragement got me to start my master’s degree, and looking forward to continuing my education and getting a doctorate.

Tala, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Exploring the world of Nutrition was an eye-opening experience for me, and it all started with a friend’s recommendation. Growing up in Syria, I witnessed the lack of knowledge and appreciation for Nutrition, with most people limiting their understanding to diets and weight loss. However, with increasing awareness of the importance of Nutrition, more people are recognizing its vital role in maintaining good health, preventing illnesses, and managing diseases. I firmly believe that Nutrition can play a more significant role in improving people’s health rather than the need for medication. Preventative measures are always better than being reactive and needing a cure.

Undertaking Nutrition studies was a significant challenge, with only one University offering the program, and it was located far from my home. Unfortunately, I was forced to leave my country of Syria to continue my education in Jordan after two years, due to the crisis. Despite the obstacles, my passion for Nutrition pushed me to persevere and pursue my studies.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Clinical Nutrition and Food Science, I decided to return to my hometown to work and be close to my family. This decision shocked those around me, who suggested that I seek employment in another country. However, I was determined to make a difference and help my community and change people’s perceptions of Nutrition. Even though it was not easy, I was determined on educating people about the importance of Nutrition in preventing illnesses and improving overall health. Over time, my efforts paid off, and I am proud to say that I was able to help many have a better understanding, knowledge of Nutrition, and live a healthier lifestyle.

In 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, I relocated to the United States and launched my own online business, Nutritala. Leveraging social media platforms (Instagram and TikTok), I was able to spread awareness and produce engaging content that resonated with my audience, encouraging them to follow my recommendations. Through dedication and hard work, I honed my skills in creating professional and valuable content while effectively marketing and selling my services online.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I have a passion for my work, and nothing is more fulfilling to me than helping and motivating others towards better health. Witnessing my clients achieve happiness and wellness is truly the most rewarding experience. It’s not easy to bring about significant changes in someone’s life, but it’s what gives my life meaning.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Enrolling in the Clinical Nutrition Master’s program at the University of Maryland, School of Integrative Health was a transformative experience for me. I had been searching for a program focused on integrative nutrition for over five years, and discovering this master’s program that considers clients as individuals and takes into account all factors that may affect their health was a game-changer. I strongly believe that this approach can have a greater impact on people’s attitudes towards food than simply providing a written diet plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dietitiantala.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritalla/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NutriTala/videos