My quest for health started about 20 years ago after college. I struggled with weight problems for years. I fluctuated from a size 4 to a 12 and everything in between. My closet was my own personal clothing store. I have always loved to eat and still do! In my mid 20s I joined a gym and started working out with a trainer who introduced me to all aspects of fitness. I could not believe how I saw my body change for the better. That’s when I got the fitness bug. I wanted to learn more so I decided to become a Certified Fitness Instructor, but I still struggled with food choices and portions. This was back in the “no carb” craze. I looked good, but I felt horrible. I never really felt “well”.
    About 10 years ago I went to work in the pharmaceutical industry and it exposed me to the very sad world of disease.  I learned about Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis to name a few…almost all preventable. The more I learned, the more I wanted to help educate people. I have always had a passion for cooking, so I decided to enroll in a culinary program to develop my skills. My dream was to teach people how to cook healthy. After I married and had my son, things got pretty busy and I struggled managing it all. I did not have time to work out anymore, I was tired all the time and still did not feel “well”. I knew I had to make some major lifestyle changes if I was ever going to feel better and be able to feed my family healthy options as well. I learned how to incorporate low glycemic, balanced eating, exercise, planning and prep into my life. It was work and commitment, but the reward of feeling great was worth it! I was so successful with this change that I became a Certified Transitions Lifestyle coach to help others incorporate low glycemic eating into their own lives. When Kim called and asked for my help, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to share with her what worked so well for me and my family. 
        What started as a dream so many years ago has come full circle in a way I never expected. My own personal struggles with weight; a vast knowledge of disease and how preventable much of it is with healthy nutrition and exercise; my love for cooking; my passion to educate people about good nutrition and lifestyle balance; all allow me to counsel clients on their own road to wellness.
       In order to continue helping clients navigate through all the “nutritional advice” that seems to be everywhere today, I am currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and soon to be Certified as a Holistic Health Counselor. I look forward to the journey ahead and helping others discover what it means to them to live a healthy lifestyle.

So I was the one who needed the help! What do they say about the meaning of insanity….keep doing the same old thing expecting different results? Well, that was my husband and me. I had put on weight when our youngest daughter was born (heard this one before?) and was never able to lose it. Believe me, it wasn’t for lack of effort on my part but I was never able to lose more than a few pounds and then I’d fall off the wagon and voila, I’d have yet another PERFECT excuse to quit dieting. Then in the spring of ’09 I had a life changing phone conversation with someone I care about very much. I remember hanging up the phone and saying to my husband that I couldn't understand why "such a really intelligent individual couldn't just do what they needed to do in order to get their health in order” and it hit me. Here I was, an intelligent (although somewhat hypocritical) woman who should take her own advice….only I realized I had no idea where to start. That's when it hit me....most people simply just don't know where to begin to make the changes they know they should where their health is concerned. What I did know for me personally and without a doubt, was every diet I had ever tried to this point did not work and was only a temporary fix to a permanent problem. If I was going to change….it had to be for the rest of my life! So I worked with Katrina as my coach and my accountability partner. She helped to educate me about healthy food options, the importance of exercise and that no way of eating is about perfection. Over a period of 6 months my husband and I lost 120 lbs. between us. My husband has been able to stop all prescription medications for digestive issues and high cholesterol. I've managed to avoid blood pressure medication and the constant pain I had in my hips and knees....is gone!
            I was so inspired to help others accomplish what I never thought I could that I became a Certified Transition’s Lifestyle Coach and work with clients who want to learn more about living a Low Glycemic lifestyle. I am also a Certified Holistic Health Counselor in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. If anyone had ever told me that this is what I would be doing with my life…..I’d have laughed hysterically. But here I am. I am passionate about helping people find their way to a healthier, more mindful way of life whether for weight loss or overall improvement in their health. I feel that my own personal journey and struggles with weight and health challenges really help me understand firsthand the hopelessness that some people feel. I know….I’ve been there!