My mission is to help people get back into their skinny jeans with energy and without pain. In my own journey to drop 5 dress sizes and recover from serious health conditions, I found myself addicted to the very foods that harmed me – sugar, gluten, and too many grains. A devout vegetarian, I looked like the poster child for life of wellness: My plant-based proteins were low in fat, I ate whole grains and a rainbow of veggies, and ate colorful fruits. I exercised regularly, taught yoga, and meditated daily. No drinking, no drugs, nothing, but I felt run down, like I partied all the time.
And while I was busy being Miss goody-two-shoes, I looked like I had it all together. But I felt awful.
Chronically exhausted. Bloated. Overweight. Stressed. Brain-fog. Chronically in pain. Sick 5-6 times per year. Gassy. Constipated. Anemic. Malnourished. Depressed. Angry. Confused.
Yep, I was a pimple-faced irony. Despite my “stellar” health practices, and my years training in nutrition, I was malnourished, sickly, and the future looked drab. What’s worse, is that no health care provider had much clue with what to do with me.
So, I did what any desperate vegetarian-of-13-years, good-girl would do who had no answers. I poured myself a glass of cabernet. I admitted that my personal system was flawed. I broke down and nibbled on Thai Satay Chicken Skewers (I can still taste the lime, garlic & ginger). Since my efforts up until that point had not helped me (or even hurt me), I knew that something had to change.
And so began my journey of questioning everything I’d been told about what makes us healthy. Vegetarian? Low-fat? Whole grains? Why was this failing for me? Challenging conventional nutrition wisdom felt like torture at that time, because this challenged everything I’d committed my body, mind and soul to for my entire adult life. For me, food represented deeply held spiritual and moral convictions. But I was a hot white mess at only age 28. By not asking the hard questions, I knew that disease would continue gobbling me up at a young age.
After years of intensive self-experimentation, research, and a few good mentors, I pieced together my recovery. My journey was long, painful, and expensive. And it still continues because we can never stop applying effort to stay well.
Thank GOODNESS that’s all over! Here’s my story now:
I am five dress sizes smaller, which is a weight that holds comfortably for me with minimal effort.
My formerly dreadful fatigue is now remarkable energy – people frequently comment on how energized I appear.
My angry and sad moods are a thing of the past. (People now call me sunshine!)
My formerly absent immune system is now strong and engaged – I rarely catch a cold (I still reserve the right to call in sick, though!).
My pimple face is now clear.
My horrific digestion problems are now stabilized, and pooping is now a celebration!
My once-chronic pain is mostly gone (I used to have migraines 2-3 times per week).
My once “blah brain” is now sharp, alert, and engaged (I used to think I was dumb because I just couldn’t think very clearly!)
When I was at my worst, misery was my constant companion. I told my parents, “Some things are worse than death.” Now, I can’t relate to any of that sickness! If I can turn around my miserable conditions, I KNOW THAT YOU CAN TOO!
Specialties:
Weight transformation: improve your weight from the inside-out
Gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease
Stress management – I help every client address their stress
Pain management through nutrition
Energy improvement through nutrition
Seminars & workshops
I provide nutrition services nationwide, using Skype, email and telephone. I also travel to speak to organizations on weight management, anti-inflammatory living, and stress management.