Put your mask on first! 

Yeah, you’ve heard the instructions dozens of times as your flight is about to take off… “put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” 

 

The problem is, in this go, go, go...do, do, do....hustle, hustle, hustle culture, we don't take time to care for ourselves until our bodies are screaming at us to stop. 

 

If we ignore the fatigue, the gut aches, the insomnia, the anxiety, the depression that slowly creep in and continue to push through, we push into a wall.

 

This is not the way. Yes, self-care is where it all begins. After all, how can you focus on your career and keep everyone fed and happy when you constantly feel off balance and your battery is on empty? It simply is not possible. 

 

I learned to restore my gut health, optimize my hormones, and take care of myself first so that I can take care of everyone else around me. It was about tuning into my own intuition and committing to doing things differently so that I could get on the path to feeling healthy in my body and my mind. 

 

Whether you just want a nutrition plan or you’re ready for guided coaching, you have to honor what your body needs, and learn to “trust your gut.” I’m here to help. 

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Battling Relentless Gut and Hormone Issues

From a young age, I wrestled with persistent gut and hormone issues that dictated my life. Food intolerances, weight fluctuations, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and irregular periods became constant companions, which really started bringing me down. With each visit to the doctor’s office, my heart sank, as I was met with dismissive responses and an unwillingness to understand the complex issues I was facing, including leaky gut and PCOS. It felt like I was lost in a maze with no guidance and I began to wonder if I would ever feel whole again.

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A Moment of Awakening

More than 10 years ago, I found myself at a turning point. In the sterile environment of a doctor's office being told that I may not be able to have children, a light-bulb moment happened as I suddenly realized — "the body heals itself!" This epiphany was like a beacon of hope, guiding me to channel my background as a massage therapist and esthetician towards my healing journey. Armed with an enduring spirit and a deep-seated belief in my body’s potential to heal, I stepped onto a path of self-discovery and wellness, determined to be my own savior!

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Embracing a Holistic Health Journey

As I dove into the realm of holistic health, it became clear that wellness was a mosaic of various elements harmoniously coming together. I started with a few lifestyle changes such as exercise, journaling, and meditation. I cut back on highly processed foods, refined carbs and ate wholesome foods, herbs, and tinctures to assist my body through the detoxing, restorative and healing processes. My body responded with gratitude as I started to shed the weight and said goodbye to the symptoms that had been dogging me for years.

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Developing a Philosophy of Holistic Wellness

During this personal journey, I had this “aha” moment where I realized that being healthy isn't just about the physical stuff. It’s about taking care of your mind and spirit too. I mean, everything in our lives, from the random thoughts we have to the choices we make daily, they all play a part in how we feel overall. I embraced this all-around approach, focusing not just on my body but also on my thoughts and feelings. It's about working everything together, in sync, to create a life where I felt not just okay, but genuinely happy and vibrant.

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Stepping into a Role of Guidance

The most exciting thing to come of all of this is I heard my calling! After turning things around for myself, I knew I could help other women do the same. It was then that I committed to becoming a wellness coach by studying Integrative Nutrition. I've been studying nutrition, disease prevention and coaching for the past 5 years. I knew firsthand how tough it was to find reliable advice amid all the noise out there. Drawing from my own experiences and a wealth of research, I started helping people work towards their path to better health. It’s about helping you sift through the clutter, find what works specifically for you, and most importantly, take back control of your health and life.

 

The Joy of Motherhood Amidst Health Struggles

My gorgeous kids are the living proof of my victory over PCOS. My nearly five-year-old little girl and my new baby boy show me every day that the effort was worth it. These days, food isn't something I fear. I've learned to have a good relationship with what I eat, enjoying meals without the stress of how I might feel later. It feels great to have meals and be a happy time instead of a source of worry.

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Encountering Unexpected Challenges

It definitely hasn't all been smooth sailing. In my second pregnancy I got hit with gestational diabetes. Suddenly, I was on a strict routine of insulin shots and constantly checking my blood sugar levels. It was rough, especially because I had worked so hard to be healthy. The only starch my body could tolerate was oats, sweet potato, and quinoa in small amounts and I couldn’t have them every day. There were moments I felt pretty down, wondering why I couldn't even enjoy a simple slice of even the healthiest, whole-grain bread. It was a tough time, but I pushed through it, holding onto hope and determination.

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Embracing a New Chapter with Resilience

That emotionally wrecking time ushered in a period of reflection and acceptance, coming to terms with the reality that our health can be very fragile. Familial history echoed loudly, reminding me of the tangled web of genetics that played a part in my health journey. Yet, amidst the tears and frustration, I found strength in vulnerability, embracing a renewed zest to forge ahead, crafting delicious low-carb recipes and finding joy in the little victories. It was a commitment to self-love, understanding that the journey was far from over, but filled with possibilities and avenues to explore. I gain over 50lbs during my pregnancy due to gestational diabetes, and am now working hard to a healthy weight again.

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A Commitment to Shared Healing

Here I am now, wanting to share everything I’ve learned with you—the good, the bad and the ugly! I feel a deep-seated desire to share my story, the highs and lows, the tears and the laughter with all of you so you will know you are not alone. 

 

Through my blog, I share the motherlode of knowledge I’ve amassed, offering health, lifestyle, fitness, and nutrition insights and tips, as well as recipes and stories about what we’re all going through. I'm building a community here where we can all share what we've been dealing with and what we've learned. It's a place where we can understand each other and work together toward happier, healthier lives. I’m currently furthering my studies in integrative nutrition with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and I’m excited to take my mission to a broader audience with my GHM coaching program. 

 

Every day I wake up grateful for this growing and flourishing community of beautiful people! It is my honor to support you in your journey towards optimal gut and hormone health.