Alex
“I’ve learned that people have so much going on behind the scenes that you have no idea about, and that spreading kindness means the world.”
Meet Alex (or the @PeachyRD), a dedicated Registered Dietitian whose mission extends beyond nourishing bodies to nurturing minds. With a deep-seated commitment to leveraging her expertise to improve mental well-health, Alex intertwines her passion for food with a compassionate approach to mental health. Alex’s story is one of resilience, rooted in her German heritage and inspired by the adversity she has faced. Alex's innovative approach to dietetics transcends traditional boundaries, empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness—one meal at a time. This is her story.
Alex in the kitchen, sipping tea (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
A: My name is Alexandra Marie Kamp. I think it’s important to share my full name because of its origin and how it has shaped me as a person. I go by Alex mostly but my family calls me Peachy, which was a nickname given to me as a baby but has since stuck.
My middle name was given to me after my mom’s mom, who would have been my Nana but passed away the year my parents got married. I consider her my guardian angel, and I even have a tattoo for her although we never met. From what I just said you can probably tell that I believe that there is something bigger than us in this world - whatever you want to call it. I call it the universe, and consider myself to be a spiritual in how I view the world.
My last name comes from a long line of strong Germans. Those who lived through the war, poverty, and so much more for me to be where I am today. This German background has a strong influence on my life, and my 92-year-old Oma who raised 3 boys on her own is one of my heroes.
I am 24 years old, with a passion for my career as a registered dietitian (RD) and all things food. I am fortunate to have been raised by two loving parents who are still deeply in love, alongside an amazing older brother. I have a lot of great supports in my life, including an amazing set of quality best friends and a loving family. I strive to be kind, caring, generous, honest, authentic, and to give back to this world and do my part.
My story hasn’t always been easy, but I don’t give up.
P: How do you spend most of your days?
A: This has changed a lot over the last few years. I’ve made the transition from undergraduate student, to taking a year off to work 3 jobs, to then again becoming a student while undergoing my master’s degree, to recently graduating to become an RD.
I spend most of my days working as a dietitian for Loblaw Companies Limited. Aside from work you can find me cooking up a storm in my kitchen, playing with our dogs, hanging out with my family or friends (COVID-19 depending ), or reading.
P: Tell us a story. What is something you have experienced that has shaped who you are today?
A: I was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with love, warmth, and laughter. I was raised to be responsible, kind, honest, and genuine. My parents never made me or my brother feel like our dreams were too big - they have always been very supportive. These strong values have shaped who I am today.
I have also always been a bit type A…holding myself to very high standards. In my experience that trait doesn’t go well with being prone to anxiety. This became evident when I started university, and along with lots of change, my mental health took a turn for the worse. My anxiety turned into OCD-like symptoms, proving to be an entirely different demon I couldn’t control, nor did I understand. Thanks to my supportive and observant Mom who encouraged me to seek help, I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It honestly felt like a weight being lifted off my shoulders, knowing things could get better with treatment and I didn’t have to feel this way.
Therapy and medication have become part of my life, and this experience has completely changed my perspective. Knowing how tough some days can be, I appreciate my life and the little things. Continuing to push myself through undergrad when I could have given up made me more resilient. Every day feels like a gift in a sense. Those people close to me who have supported me along the way mean the world to me, and I feel closer to them. I’ve learned that people have so much going on behind the scenes that you have no idea about, and that spreading kindness means the world.
I am an open book about my struggles because I never want others to wait to get help, knowing it will change your life. I’ve found self-care, become more spiritual, found myself. I’ve fallen in love, achieved my dreams of becoming a dietitian, completed a master’s degree.
My diagnosis continues to challenge and push me, but it has also given me the gifts of strength, resilience, compassion, and empathy. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have to go through it.
P: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Don’t care about what others think, be yourself. You are strong and you are going to get through this. My mum often quotes The Help when she tells me ‘you is kind, you is smart, you is important,’ and I say the same to you.
P: What advice would you give to your future self?
A: Continue to find the best in every day. Continue to laugh, push yourself, make time for loved ones, educate yourself, do better, do your part to make this world a better place.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman to me means being resilient. Having faced adversity just for being our gender, strength runs in our veins. The world couldn’t work without us, and we’re badass! We have evolved and fought for our rights, what we want and equality. We can do anything we set our minds to.