My Story
As far back as memory serves, I’ve felt a profound connection to the natural world—earth, rocks, trees, plants, rivers, streams, and animals. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around frolicking with the neighbor’s Golden Retriever amidst the bush behind our housing site near Edson, Alberta. I’d spend hours watching ants bustling in colossal ant hills and listening to the croaks of frogs in nearby ponds. I’d marvel at the beauty of mountain lilies, buttercups, daisies, and Indian paintbrushes, and I’d often visit the horses in the corral, though owning one was but a dream at the time. Nowadays, my heart finds solace in an old ghost town nestled within the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the same natural elements that captivated me in my youth. It’s my ultimate aspiration to call such a place home one day.
Throughout my life, alongside this reverence for nature, I’ve felt a deep-seated desire to aid in healing others. In my earliest years, I fancied becoming a nurse and an artist, until the realities of bedpans, shift work, and sick children sobered my aspirations. Later, a longing to become a vet was thwarted by my allergies and the prospect of performing euthanasia. The idea of becoming a doctor flickered briefly but faded as I realized my vision of healing aligned more with that of a Shaman than an MD. Even the path of a Naturopath seemed viable, albeit hindered by the necessity of relocating to Vancouver or Toronto, the only Canadian cities offering the requisite schooling.
My journey has seen me wear many hats—daughter, sister, waitress, bartender, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, mother, Certified Herbal Consultant, wife, business owner, divorcee, store manager, and now, among others, mother, partner in crime, business owner, Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner, and licensed Metabolic Balance Coach.
The thread weaving through this diverse tapestry of roles is a quest for authenticity and wellness. It hasn’t been a linear journey; rather, a tangled mess slowly unfurling over time. In 2016, as my marriage ended, I stood at a crossroads. It was a pivotal moment for change. Weighing nearly 200 lbs at 5 foot 6 inches, and with a daughter requiring proper fuel for her athletic endeavors, I resolved to reclaim my health. Commencing with daily walks along the river valley, I gradually conquered a 114-step staircase until my heart no longer threatened to escape my chest. Progressing to 165 lbs, I ventured into the realms of Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing, albeit trembling at the prospect, commencing this journey at the ripe age of 39. With the guidance of a friend versed in holistic nutrition, I overhauled my diet and supplement regimen, shedding weight until I reached 138 lbs. Then, adversity struck.
Starting in 2018, I battled an iron deficiency, which drained my energy and hindered my ability to engage in physical activity. Transitioning from rigorous 10-12 hour weekly workouts, I found myself leading a sedentary lifestyle, which led to weight regain due to insulin resistance. Determined to reclaim my vitality, I embarked on my Nutritional Counselling Certification in fall 2019. By March 2022, I resumed full-time gym sessions (albeit less often), yet weight loss remained elusive. Upon graduation in May 2023, I crossed paths with Metabolic Balance in October of the same year, completing the training and earning my license as a coach to assist others facing similar challenges.
The transformative power of Metabolic Balance swiftly became evident, as evidenced by the striking before-and-after photos documenting my journey. Shedding 17 lbs in the initial 45 days, the program addressed my insulin resistance, a condition previously undetected despite regular blood sugar tests. The sudden shift from vigorous training to sedentary living had altered my body’s dynamics dramatically—fat storage soared, cholesterol levels surged, and health deteriorated. Yet, it wasn’t a dead-end; it was a detour. Through dedication, education, and unwavering commitment to our future selves, we can emerge stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Here’s to a brighter tomorrow and an enhanced quality of life—for both of us! Cheers to the journey ahead!
With appreciation,