“Healthy eating shouldn’t be limited to weight loss, it should be a lifestyle” – Founder of Truly Divine Farms, Chioma Diana Ogba.
Tell us a bit about yourself, your personality, and your background.
My name is Chioma Diana Ogba. I am a certified pharmacist, married with two kids. I would describe myself as a reserved person, because I don’t throw myself into the lime light easily. However, I am not an introvert; always letting my hair down once I am comfortable with the new people or environment. My husband and I also have a farm called truly divine farms. A farm where we plant crops, harvest them and send to supermarkets.
How did you start your journey as a diet planner?
I started after the birth of my first child. I was trying to conceive a second child almost immediately, but I couldn’t after three years of trying. So, as a Christian, I got in the spirit and decided to fast and break with just fruits and vegetables. Before then, I had attempted an IUI procedure; then confirmed nothing was wrong with my fallopian tubes through an HSG procedure. A surgical procedure called hysteroscopy was performed on me, which also confirmed nothing wrong with me. But I still couldn’t take-in. I also battled with constipation, and my body was swelling due to an imbalance of my hormones. As I began the plant-based fast, things started to change, and just three months into it, I conceived. This was the beginning of my journey to learn why I achieved a positive result. I did a lot of research, grabbing knowledge from any source i could find, I took courses and got certified, learned more about nutrition (especially healing foods), and started making a difference.
What do you consider the challenging part of this journey?
That would be the constant increase in the prices of healthful products. One moment it is this price, and another moment, it goes higher. I have just learned to buy fruits in their seasons; I get them cheaper. Having kids can be challenging because they like to snack; they give you their doughnuts. Mummy, have some, and you can’t always say no. You have to take it and remember your diet discipline.
What is your vision for your brand in the next 5 years?
I look to build a brand that gets recognized by WHO. I do not think I’ve done anything differently; I have only followed the patterns that confirm food and vegetables can be medicine to the body.
What would you be doing if you didn’t run Truly Divine Farms as a Certified Diet Planner?
I would still be in the medical field; my mum wanted me to be a doctor.
DIET DRILLS WITH CHIOMA OF TRULY DIVINE FARMS.
What are your top three tips for anyone looking to start their diet journey?
A. Determination: Focus on your health in general; this journey shouldn’t be limited to weight loss. You have to make up your mind that once you get in, there is no backsliding.
B. Get conversant with your vegetables and fruits: The more you learn, the more fun it is. Don’t limit yourself to the regular fruits or vegetables you see; try more, try new things. Research recipes and eat healthy snacks.
C. Portion Control: Watch your intake; being on a diet means intake discipline. Carry enough water around and vegetables to snack on. It would help your digestive system. Eliminate night food; try to eat no later than 7 pm. You can consume healthy snacks like carrots and dips, popcorn, etc.
What is your professional opinion on weight loss tea?
It is easier and more advisable to stick with natural tea like ginger and garlic, red hibiscus, cinnamon, and cucumber. You can have any of these in the morning, and they work well not just for weight loss; but for health too.
FUN FACT
What is your favorite fruit combo?
Smoothie with colors. Like Spinach blended with Avocado.
One thing you love to do that people don’t know?
I love to ride horses. My dad had about 4-5 horses, so I struggled to learn how to ride. I might look fragile, but I am a horse rider.
Berries or Citrus?
Berries.
Greek yogurt or sweetened yogurt?
Greek yogurt.
Almond or Cashew nuts?
Almond.
What’s your best meal plan?
Catfish pepper soup with carrots and potatoes.