My Why

October 20, 2025

I didn’t always have a healthy relationship with food.


I love learning about nutrition and how it can fuel our bodies to do the aid in doing what we do every day. But my love for nutrition began in a way that was misguided — driven by the belief that “health” meant making my body as small as possible.


When I was a child, I carried a little extra weight that didn’t bother me — until others made it clear that it should. By age 10, comments about my body started chipping away at my confidence, and that self-consciousness followed me into adulthood.


By the time I was 13, I had started labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” which quickly turned into restriction. I stopped seeing food as fuel and began seeing it as the enemy — something to control, something that could betray me. I spent years obsessing over what I would or wouldn’t eat, mistaking control for strength.

What I didn’t realize was that I wasn’t powerful — I was depleted. I was exhausted and miserable. People told me I looked healthy, but inside I was struggling every day.


That mindset followed me into college. I pushed my body through workouts without fueling it properly, and as a broke student, I ate mostly low-calorie, convenience foods — thinking that was “healthy.” Through my early twenties, that cycle of undernourishment and dissatisfaction continued. No number on the scale ever felt “enough.”


Everything changed when I went back to school to earn my degree in Nutrition. That’s when I finally learned what I wish I’d known all along: that food isn’t the enemy — it’s fuel and it’s essential to living fully.


When I began focusing on adding nutritious foods rather than restricting them, I felt stronger, happier, and more capable. I finally understood what true health felt like — not smaller, but fuller, in every sense of the word.


Now, my mission as a nutrition and health coach is to help others find that same freedom. You don’t have to make yourself small to be healthy. You don’t have to restrict to feel in control. I want to help people — and to set an example for my kids — to move in ways that feel good, to nourish their bodies with foods that give them energy, and to enjoy the occasional treat without guilt.


That’s my why — to be the helping hand I needed so many years ago.

When Motivation Feels Out of Reach, Start Small

By looka_production_219395349 • September 25, 2025
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a major dip in my motivation. From household chores to cooking to physical activity… I’ve just felt stuck, which is unusual for me. Normally, I run through a mental checklist every day—appointments for myself or my kids, their activities, the never-ending household tasks. But the last couple of weeks have felt especially challenging. Honestly, I’ve even caught myself searching for exercises I can do lying down - spoiler: they exist! While frustrating, this has pushed me to rethink how I approach my daily to-dos. I’ve started breaking them into small, manageable tasks. On days when everything feels overwhelming, I give myself permission to spend just five minutes on something: doing the dishes, vacuuming, or even a quick yoga video. Getting started is always the hardest part, but once I begin, I usually end up finishing the task—or at least making more progress than I expected. This isn’t a brand-new strategy, but it’s one that works for me. It allows me to stay productive without overdoing it on days when my energy feels low. Setting a small goal, like giving yourself five minutes for a task, can make bigger goals feel more accessible and sustainable. The same idea applies to nutrition and health. Small, consistent changes—like adding one serving of vegetables to a meal each day, or fitting in a 10-minute walk three times a week—are the building blocks of long-term success. Big changes don’t happen overnight. Change takes time. Strong habits take time. But starting small makes it possible. Here are three ways I’ve applied the five-minute rule this week: Folding laundry. This is the task I loathe the most… so any dent I can make feels like a win. Even five minutes makes the pile less intimidating. Stretch breaks. Every hour, I took five minutes to stand and stretch. I get so stiff while working, and these short breaks made a big difference in how I felt throughout the day. Making my own coffee. I love grabbing a coffee most mornings from Starbucks or a local café, but lately I’ve been using those five minutes to make one at home. My Nespresso Americano saves me a few dollars each day, I control what goes in it, and I get to enjoy it in my pajamas—double win. What can you do with five minutes?

September Reset – Pairing Movement with Healthy Eating for a Strong Season Ahead

By looka_production_219395349 • September 4, 2025
As the busy back-to-school season begins and we shift from the long days of summer into a new routine, September can feel like a natural time to reset. Whether you’re juggling school drop-offs, work deadlines, or trying to squeeze in time for yourself, two habits make a big difference in how you feel: moving your body and fueling it well. Why Pair Movement and Nutrition? Movement and nutrition go hand in hand. Exercise helps build strength, improve mood, and boost energy, while healthy eating provides the fuel and nutrients your body needs to power through your day (and recover afterwards). When you combine the two consistently, you create a foundation for sustainable health rather than quick fixes. Small Steps for More Movement You don’t need an intense gym schedule to reap the benefits of movement. Here are a few simple ways to add more activity into your September routine: Walk while you wait: Drop your kids off at practice? Take a 10-minute walk instead of sitting in the car. Morning stretch: Start your day with 5 minutes of stretching or yoga to wake up your body. Desk breaks: Set a timer to stand, stretch, or walk every hour. Family movement: Plan a weekend bike ride, hike, or even a dance party in the living room. Easy Wins for Healthy Eating Just like movement, nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on balance and small changes: Plan ahead: Pack lunches and snacks the night before to avoid last-minute grabs. Pick & Mix bowls: Combine lean proteins, colorful veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats for quick meals. Hydrate: Aim for water throughout the day to support energy and focus. Snack smart: Keep fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, or cut veggies ready to go. Building Consistency September is often a month of new beginnings. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on consistency. A 15-minute walk most days + balanced meals most of the time adds up to big results. Think of your habits like building blocks—the small things you do daily make the biggest impact over time. Takeaway: Movement and healthy eating don’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one small shift in each area this month and let it build. By October, you’ll already notice how much better you feel, both physically and mentally.  Need support creating a plan that works for you? I’m here to help. As a nutrition coach, I work one-on-one with clients to build sustainable routines around food, fitness, and daily habits. Book now to schedule a free intro call!