If you had asked me three years ago if this is what I would be doing with my life, I would have laughed. I also probably would have been suffering from chronic migraines, untimely cold sores, horrible jaw pain, and more stress than I could handle.
Sound familiar?
In the summer of 2008, my husband {lovingly referred to as The Hubster} decided he wanted to become a vegetarian. Little did I know, that decision would alter the entire course of my life.
It triggered an excruciating 8-week migraine. Led me to discover an enormous list of food intolerances. Forced me to change every single aspect of how I eat, cook and relate to food. Allowed me to quit my job. Led me to a career that I love. And helped me to become the healthiest I have ever been.
Say what?
Seriously. That one decision triggered an avalanche of change in my life. And it led me to where I am today. It also led to realization that I care deeply about food. And health. And believe that modern medicine rarely focuses on how both are related.
Why does any of this matter?
I truly get what it’s like to make change. And I understand how hard it can be to stay the course. I also know first hand the way that food can hurt us and heal us.
This experience, combined with my education through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, has given me an intimate working knowledge of nutrition. My previous life in Social Work and the Employee Assistance arena has provided me with a solid background for working with individuals, families, groups, and corporations.
How does this relate to {Custom Made} Life?
Every aspect of my life has become customized. From the food I eat {thank you food intolerances} to the work I do. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where you can find me?
The Hubster and I are proud to call Pittsburgh, PA home. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be in Pittsburgh to benefit from working with me. I love talking on the phone. And am more than happy to hold sessions via Skype. So, as long as you have an internet connection or a working phone line {or both}, we can definitely make it happen.
The official sounding stuff.
MY MISSION:
To start a revolution in the kitchen.
To bring families together through good, wholesome food.
To help individuals find balance in their lives.
To empower people to listen to their bodies and have a role in their own health and wellness.
To show that a diagnosis of food intolerances or allergies is not a death sentence.
To make a choosing a healthy lifestyle accessible to everyone.
MY PHILOSOPHY:
I believe that we feed ourselves not only with the food we eat, but through the relationships we make, the work we pursue, and the ways in which we take care of our bodies. When any one part of the system is out of balance, we become out of balance.
MY APPROACH:
I practice a holistic approach to nutrition. Instead of focusing on a specific diet, foods you shouldn’t be eating, or restricting yourself out of fun, we will work together to customize a healthy lifestyle that works for you.
We will focus on all areas of your life that feed you: work, relationships, spirituality, and physical activity. As we work together, we look at how these areas are impacting your overall health and wellness so that you can look and feel your absolute best.
Throughout our time together, I will push you {lovingly} to get in touch with whole foods, experiment with simple recipes, and make lifestyle changes that honor your mind, body and spirit.
The overall goal: to empower you to draw upon your own knowledge of how to make sustainable changes for better health and wellbeing in your own life.
