I don’t have a long and tortured relationship with food. In fact I never had any health or weight issues, at all, until I turned 40. Then, what felt like overnight, everything changed.
My weight skyrocketed and my energy plummeted, without making any changes at all in my lifestyle or eating. I developed exercise induced asthma and I could no longer sleep through the night. I cut calories and increased the intensity of my workouts, to no avail. My body felt foreign to me and I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I was convinced there was something very wrong with my body and my doctor would give me a pill to correct returning me back to my former self.
I reached out to my doctors only to hear “ that’s just what happens when you age; try working a little harder” and "that's just hormones." The general opinion was "that's completely normal". Nothing about it felt normal to me.
Extremely discouraged and not willing to settle on “tired and overweight” as the new norm, I searched for solutions. I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I spent the next year learning from some of the industry’s leading experts in the health and wellness field. I tried new foods, new ways of eating and cooking, new exercise styles and I really listened to what my body was trying to tell me.
I did lose the weight but that was secondary to the other changes that occurred. By listening to my body, providing proper nourishment and discovering what foods worked me me my energy levels were off the charts; I was back to sleeping well, my stress level was manageable and I felt more motivated and lighter than I had felt in a very long time. I had learned to successfully tune to my needs, whether it be food, exercise or self care. I learned that food is not only about changing your waistline. Food has the power to change your mood, stress, energy level and overall outlook.
I now help other people connect to the power of their food and make positive lifestyle choices. It’s life changing for them, just like it was for me. Being healthy and being lean does not have to be about diet and deprivation. It doesn't have to be difficult. It can be energizing and empowering. Do I eat only kale and veggies all day long? Heck no. I still enjoy my wine and dessert. I have just figured out my body and what it needs and more importantly what I need. I love to help others do the same.
Professional Bio
I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach. I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I studied over 100 dietary theories including both Eastern and Western Nutrition. With my knowledge, we co-create completely personalized actions based on your goals to move you toward your ideal vision of health within your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and resources.
Functional Nutrition Alliance Digestive Intensive Course -2018
Institute for Integrative Nutrition Gut Health Course -Currently taking
I also received my BSBA from John Carroll University.