Firsthand experience that taught me how diet and lifestyle can change absolutely everything.
See, I wasn’t always so concerned with health. I thought “good enough” was fine. I didn’t question my lower-than-average immune system (I was always getting sick), my dizzy spells, or the fact that my belly was constantly tangled up in an IBS mess (ugh!). I was known for my cynical nature, tough exterior and cranky disposition.
Lucky for me, I lived near a yoga studio. And one day, I walked in. I was there purely for exercise. But something about the studio and the teachers made me feel safe – I noticed my breathing for the first time and felt lighter after each session. It was nothing like any exercise I’d done before.
Through yoga I started to take notice of the food I was eating.
I learned that my grandma had always had trouble digesting dairy so I experimented by eliminating dairy from my diet. After all, my grandma died of digestive-related cancer. And guess what? It worked. My IBS symptoms improved…and so did my attitude. I mean, it’s not easy being Little Miss Sunshine when your insides are tied in knots. Since then I’ve continued to clean up my diet and feel the amazing effects.
My approach is about eating real, whole, delicious food.
And guess what? I no longer suffer from debilitating dizzy spells. Symptoms of IBS have vanished. Instead of the depression medication once recommended by a therapist, I continue to look to my diet and self care when I feel off balance. And guess what? I finally feel like a whole, intact person, completely in control of my life.
I left my career in advertising and became certified as a health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners in 2009.
Since then, I am grateful to have led hundreds of clients through life changing nutrition programs and to be featured on CBS, NPR, ABC and in the documentary Lemonade. After giving birth to my son in 2011, I am now focusing on reinventing myself again – this time as a mother.
I love the quote “Get busy living or get busy dying.” What’s your next step towards living your best life?
