What were your passions and dreams as a child? For me, it was becoming a veterinarian. I imagined that a life devoted to soft cuddly animals was a complete life. Nothing could be better, except if Unicorns truly existed. Somewhere along the way, that dream fizzled… I think it was when I realized that words like guts, ooze, blood (words that make me cringe) were part of a vet’s daily vocabulary. Naturally, my dream shifted, and I began to feel a pull towards nutrition and health.

I recall I was in the 6th grade, 12 years old, and our assignment was to write a research paper. I excitedly chose my topic: The Unhealthy Additives In Meat. I can’t explain why or how I even knew there were additives in meat. But I set about my task vigorously. I interviewed the butcher at the grocery store, and I called a meatpacking plant. “Hi, I am writing a research paper, and can you please tell me what chemicals and additives are given to cows and then added to meat when it’s processed?” Yep, I asked that.

So my passion was launched. And it grew into all things encompassing Health, Nutrition, and Wellness. And it stuck. Fast forward to when I met my would-be husband. I endearingly remember while on a date, him asking me to write a paper for him on nutrition. He said, “I eat bologna, American cheese and white bread sandwiches for lunch, and I’m guessing it’s not good for me.” Haha. I excitedly presented him a short-and-sweet 3-page report on healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. He was thrilled, though in our marriage, I don’t think he’s always appreciated my many unsolicited tips and suggestions. Lol.

I love researching, and also learning from cutting edge leaders in the field of nutrition. In an earlier blog post, I wrote about my emotional eating, unhealthy cravings and weight gain earlier in life. You see, all the knowledge I had about nutrition wasn’t enough to create for me the healthy lifestyle I so desired. There was a missing piece of the puzzle! What was that missing element, the secret weapon, that I discovered that made all the difference?

Here it is: Exceptional support and guidance.

I needed help.

It’s that simple. There is power in support.

I had tried by myself, and sometimes with a friend who had the same struggle. Nope, that didn’t work. And failure followed.

Do you relate?

Why do we keep at it by ourselves? Is it fear? Insecurity? Shame? Yes, all of those were my reasons.

When I was ready. Meaning, when I had made the decision to no longer be trapped in my unhealthy world, I enlisted support. It’s amazing the better choices I started making when I did this. Part of my recent formal training was learning over a hundred different dietary theories. However, half the program was learning how to give effective support and guidance to those we are helping. Why do you think, that even with ALL the health information there is on the internet, half the adult population in the US is either diabetic or pre-diabetic? Fact!  That’s 1 out of 2! Cancer rates are highest ever. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death. Obesity is an epidemic. I’ll continue to state:

“Excellent knowledge gets you to the starting line. Exceptional support gets you to the finish line.”

Knowledge + Support. Both are in the recipe for a lasting healthy change.

I currently lead a health and weight loss group. The women in the group are between the ages of 33 and 57. All of the participants shared that their greatest obstacle is fear of failure. “I have tried and failed.” “I have lost weight before and gained it all back, plus more.” “Nothing that’s worked before seems to work anymore.”

Have you felt any of those things?

It’s normal.

Maybe it’s time to evaluate your plan and your support.

Do you know what is exciting? That each of the women in the group is moving forward. Step-by-step. No big flashy moves, but loads of information and tons of support and guidance. And they are each Shining Rock-Stars in my book!

I am beyond thrilled to help empower women move forward in their health. In weight management. In healthy lifestyle habits. In aging fabulously!

Life has a way of coming full circle. Things in our past can connect with our present, at just the right time, for 'good' to happen. It’s exciting for this 57 year old to be able to reconnect with that 12-year-old girl, and put my passion into a clear plan of action.

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xo, mk

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