What’s Stopping Us from Starting Special Nutrition?

When I first set out to create Atuvera, I thought I had a clear vision of what the process would look like. After all, I’m a medical professional, and I understand the importance of personalized nutrition. But as I began the journey of building Atuvera, I quickly realized that many of the struggles people face in adopting a special nutrition plan are the same struggles I encountered myself. The barriers weren’t just about knowledge or willpower—they were about time, logistics, and daily life. In fact, it was these very obstacles that fueled my mission to simplify the process of personalized nutrition for others.

The Struggles You Can’t Ignore

It didn’t take long for me to hear the common excuses that many people use when it comes to special nutrition: “I don’t have time,” “I travel too much,” “I can’t find all the ingredients,” " it is more expensive" and—one I’ve personally struggled with—“Someone else cooks for me, so I can’t control what’s being made.” These excuses quickly became more than just words. They became real barriers, obstacles I couldn’t ignore because they were the same ones I faced daily.

As someone with health conditions that require careful dietary management, I understand the frustration that comes with trying to make the right food choices in a world that is anything but accommodating. When you have to manage food restrictions, the process of meal planning, ingredient hunting, and cooking becomes overwhelming, especially when you have a busy lifestyle or rely on others for meals.

Why Is It So Hard to Take the First Step?

The first step toward special nutrition often feels daunting—mostly because of common myths and limiting beliefs. I’ve personally experienced many of them and later realized that most were not as difficult to overcome as I had imagined.

1. Time Constraints. Like many people, I believed I was too busy to follow a special nutrition plan. Work, social life, and family obligations filled my days, and the idea of planning, shopping, and preparing meals felt like too much. But once I started, I realized that with a bit of structure and small adjustments, it was far more manageable than I had thought.

2. Travel. I used to think that traveling would completely derail any effort to eat according to my needs. Being away from home, out of routine, and unsure of food options felt like a major roadblock. But over time, I found ways to stay connected to my nutrition goals—like planning ahead, choosing simple staples, or adapting meals when needed.

3. Ingredient Availability. At first, I believed that I needed access to specialty foods that would be hard to find. I thought I’d have to search multiple stores or rely on expensive products. But I soon discovered that many of the foods I needed were more accessible than I realized—and often simpler and more affordable than expected.

4. Dependence on Others for Cooking. One of my biggest concerns was not having full control over my meals, especially when someone else was cooking. I worried it would be impossible to follow a plan if I couldn’t prepare the food myself. But I learned that open communication, small substitutions, and even getting involved in the cooking process helped bridge the gap.

Breaking Through the Barriers

Despite these challenges, I’ve learned that the key to overcoming them is breaking the process down into manageable steps. Just like I had to do for myself, you can make the transition to a special nutrition plan one small change at a time.

1. Start Small. Instead of overhauling your entire diet at once, start by integrating just one meal a day into your routine. This may sound simple, but it’s the most effective way to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on one meal, log it, and adjust over time.

2. Plan for Convenience. Life happens, and you can’t always control what’s on your plate. But with some preparation and planning, you can take charge of your nutrition. Think about creating easy-to-make meals and keeping pantry staples on hand that fit your dietary needs. Pre-packaged options or meal prepping for the week can also help save time.

3. Build a Support System. Having others cook for you doesn’t mean you have to give up on your nutrition goals. Involve the people you live with in your journey. Share your food goals, your nutrition plan, and why it’s important to you. You might find that they’re more than willing to help you stick to your plan, or at least support you by providing healthier options.

Making It Real: From Struggles to Success

As I worked to create Atuvera, I wanted to ensure that these struggles didn’t become obstacles for others. I wanted to create a platform that simplified the process, offering a way for people to make sustainable, personalized nutrition changes without feeling overwhelmed.

The first step is always the hardest, but once you begin, you’ll notice the positive impact it has on your life. By breaking things down into smaller, manageable changes, you can build lasting habits that lead to improved health and a deeper connection to your body.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Taking the first step toward special nutrition is challenging, but it is possible. The struggles I faced on my journey are the same struggles many of you experience, and that’s why I’m committed to helping others through Atuvera. These challenges weren’t just obstacles; they became my motivation. They pushed me to create a methodology that makes personalized nutrition realistic and sustainable.

I didn’t want anyone to feel lost, overwhelmed, or alone in this journey. That’s why I designed a step-by-step approach to help people integrate better food choices into their daily lives, no matter their circumstances. Because the right nutrition should be accessible to everyone—it just takes the right guidance to make it work.

We don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right tools, support, and small steps forward, you can overcome these barriers and create a healthier, happier future.