OHIO — Lizzie Ens left the Amish community at the age of 19 with very little education, money, or support. What followed was not just a new life, but a deep cultural shock that changed her forever. Today, nearly 20 years later, she is pursuing a PhD in functional medicine and running her own health business.
Her journey from an isolated rural life to modern education is both challenging and inspiring.
Growing Up Amish With Limited Education
Lizzie Ens was raised in a strict Amish group in Ohio. Like many Amish children, she studied only until the eighth grade. Subjects like science, biology, and personal health were never taught.
Modern technology, higher education, and career choices were not part of her world. Life followed fixed rules, and questioning them was not encouraged.
Leaving the Community at 19 Came With a Heavy Cost
Lizzie first tried to leave the Amish life at 17, but returned due to family pressure. Two years later, she made the difficult decision to leave alone.
By that time, she was already baptised into the church. This meant leaving would lead to “shunning,” where family members cut all contact. Despite knowing the emotional cost, she left quietly one night and never returned.
Starting a New Life With Almost Nothing
When Lizzie entered the modern world, she had only around $20 and no official documents like ID or birth certificate. Even basic tasks such as finding work or applying for benefits felt impossible.
She describes this time as overwhelming, saying the biggest challenge was not knowing how the outside world worked at all.
The Reality of Culture Shock
According to Lizzie, the culture shock was extreme. Everyday things like phones, stores, and social rules felt confusing and scary.
However, she also believes her innocence helped her survive. She approached life with curiosity rather than fear, like a child seeing the world for the first time.
Discovering Education and Personal Choice
Lizzie earned her GED after leaving the Amish. During this time, a counsellor asked her a simple but powerful question: “What do you want to do with your life?”
This question had never been asked before. It helped Lizzie realise she could choose her own future.
Finding Passion in Health and Science
While studying, Lizzie became interested in how the human body works. Topics like anatomy and biology fascinated her because they were completely new to her.
She also realised how little she knew about basic health growing up. Even natural processes like menstruation were never properly explained to her.
From Nursing Aide to Health Professional
Lizzie worked as a nursing aide while studying. Seeing elderly people suffer from preventable illnesses motivated her to learn more about health and nutrition.
She trained as a personal trainer and later studied holistic nutrition. Over time, she built strong knowledge in wellness and preventive care.
Running a Health Business While Pursuing a PhD
Today, Lizzie runs her own health and nutrition business called UnDiet You. The idea focuses on personalised health instead of strict dieting.
She is also working towards a PhD in functional medicine, balancing education with entrepreneurship. Her personal struggles with eating disorders strongly shaped her professional mission.
Using Her Past to Help Others
Lizzie believes that no single diet works for everyone. Her philosophy is based on understanding individual bodies and needs.
Her story shows how painful experiences can become powerful tools to help others live healthier lives.
Conclusion
Lizzie Ens’ journey from an Amish childhood to higher education and business success is a story of courage, learning, and self-belief. Despite facing emotional loss, culture shock, and lack of education, she rebuilt her life step by step. Her story proves that it is never too late to learn, grow, and choose a new path.
FAQs
Who is Lizzie Ens?
Lizzie Ens is a former Amish woman who left her community at 19 and is now a health entrepreneur and PhD student.
Why did she leave the Amish community?
She wanted personal freedom, education, and a life beyond strict traditions.
What challenges did she face after leaving?
She faced culture shock, lack of education, no documents, financial struggle, and family shunning.
What does she do today?
She runs a health and nutrition business and is pursuing a PhD in functional medicine.
What is her main health philosophy?
She believes health should be personalised and not based on one strict diet for everyone.