The Functional Nutrition Program That Changed Kelly Amos’ Fitness Career

In a profession driven by transformation, Kelly Amos shines bright—not just for changing lives, but for never stopping her own evolution. A veteran fitness instructor, master trainer, college professor, and founder of No Sugar Coating with Kelly, she’s also a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. Her journey to the Functional Nutrition Alliance (FxNA) and Full Body Systems program was both intentional and eye-opening.

“I’m known for nutrition,” Kelly says. “But FBS brought it to a whole new level. It’s where food meets physiology. That shift changed everything.”

A lifelong learner’s start

Kelly's career began in the early ‘90s—teaching water aerobics for little more than six dollars an hour despite holding a master’s in recreation management. Her entry into fitness wasn’t glamorous, but it was heartfelt. “I had no business teaching low-impact,” she laughs, “but water aerobics won my heart.”

From there, she became a respected master trainer for 24-Hour Fitness, a writer of continuing education programs, and today, an adjunct professor teaching nutrition for performance. But something was missing. “The textbook was too cut and dry,” Kelly explains. “People aren't cookie-cutter. Nutrition isn’t either.”

Why Functional Nutrition Alliance

That drive for depth led her to Functional Nutrition Alliance’s online certification program. “I don’t remember how I found Full Body Systems,” she admits. “But I do remember thinking—this is what I’ve been looking for.”

She enrolled in 2021, completing the program and immediately signing up for a second round—the “victory lap.” The self-paced functional nutrition training, expert instruction, and intimate community helped her build not just knowledge, but wisdom.

“FxNA isn’t about memorizing macronutrients,” she says. “It’s about systems. It’s about the body. It’s about the matrix.”

She’s referring to one of her favorite tools from the program: the Functional Nutrition Matrix. “It gives clients a sense of peace. It simplifies the overwhelming. You look at one small area, and suddenly everything makes more sense.”

When the personal becomes professional

For Kelly, Functional Nutrition training through Full Body Systems didn’t just enhance her career—it reframed her perspective as a mother. Her daughter, now 26, struggled with a series of health issues from a young age.

“She had an extensive amount of antibiotics as an infant and toddler, then contracted MRSA in third grade and was given a heavy-duty antibiotic, and again as a teen for complexion problems.”

Looking back, Kelly now sees the signs with heartbreaking clarity. “She was a textbook candidate for tubes in her ears. But our pediatrician just kept prescribing antibiotics. I would have consulted an ENT so much sooner. I would have addressed her microbiome aggressively.”

Her daughter battled weight issues, extensive environmental allergies, and persistent anxiety and depression through high school and early college. “She’s done an incredible job with her mental health, but she still struggles with food sensitivities. And now, I know I could help her more—if she were ready—because of what I learned through the curriculum, the Power Hours, and the Q&As. You get to ask very personal, specific questions. That’s where the learning goes deeper.”

Changing the curriculum—and the conversation

Perhaps the most striking testament to Full Body Systems’s impact? Kelly completely rewrote her college course. “I got a different textbook. I start with circadian rhythms now. I don’t teach calories—I teach context.”

Her classroom isn't the only place transformed. Through her business, Kelly now coaches clients using FxNA’s done-for-you tools and frameworks. “They’re accessible, compassionate, and they make coaching more effective,” she says. “It’s not about numbers. It’s about people.”

At the core of Kelly’s experience was the leadership of Functional Nutrition Alliance founder Andrea Nakayama. “She’s approachable, passionate, and so serious about what she does. You feel seen. You feel safe. Even over Zoom.”

Kelly soaked up every Office Hour, every Power Hour, and emerged with not just knowledge—but conviction.

Functional Nutrition for the Fitness Pro

For trainers and health coaches who already have a nutrition certification Kelly has a clear message: “Full Body Systems is the next level. You can't reach your goals if your microbiome is sick. This Functional Nutrition training teaches you how the body works, not just what to feed it.”

She’s clear-eyed about the practical benefits, too. “It opened doors for me that other health coaches can’t walk through. I can do more—legally and ethically—because of my FxNA certification.”

Inspired to do more

Kelly didn’t come to Full Body Systems with a diagnosis. She came with a passion. “I didn’t have an autoimmune condition. I just wanted to keep learning so I could keep helping.”

And she’s doing exactly that—whether guiding a student, coaching a client, or cooking up something healthy for a picky eater. “Nutrition and support are everything,” she says. “And everyone needs a team.”

Ready to follow in Kelly’s footsteps and pursue your Functional Nutrition certification online? Join lifelong learners like Kelly Amos and discover what’s possible when food meets physiology. Become a functional nutrition practitioner and deepen your impact with a science-based, systems-driven approach with Full Body Systems today.