My Story, My Journey
I have spent 29 years as an educator. That is 29 years of planning creatively, 29 years of loving children and the adults that serve them, 29 years of pouring out my heart and soul to all I serve, 29 years of laughter, tears, at times frustration, and tons of joy!
Riding the Struggle Bus
During these past 29 years, I developed the habit of putting everything and everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. I treated others way better than I treated myself. I kept my appointments and promises to everyone, but myself. As a result, I found myself burning out, losing my joy and creativity, and gradually gaining nearly 50 extra pounds that I could not lose to save my life.
It wasn’t that I was ever really satisfied with my weight. “You are pleasantly plump.” “You are just big-boned.” “Give it to Amy, she will eat it.” These were phrases I heard growing up, so as you might have guessed, I have always battled my weight. I was probably just 10 years old when I went on my first diet. If there was a diet, I have done it. And that is why at 50 years old, my weight trend resembled the stock market. It had ups and downs, but it always went up over time. Even though I had been a pescatarian for over 15 years, worked out 4-5 times a week, I still could not get my weight under control. As a busy, stressed-out, self-sacrificing elementary principal–things just kept getting worse.
In February of 2020, in addition to my pescatarian diet, I eliminated cheese from my diet, added a vegan protein green smoothie and began seeing some results for the first time in years. The key was listening to my body! I then joined a program where I learned how to follow a plant-based, whole foods lifestyle that eliminated processed foods. I began to see immediate results! I was so inspired by my results that I decided to attend the Institute of Integrative Nutrition® to become a certified Integrative Nutrition® Health Coach.
Be the Change You Wish To See
I have completely embraced a new way of life and I have given up dieting! On my journey I have learned how processed sugar, oil and salt can be detrimental to our health. In addition to this, the GAME CHANGERS for me have been journaling, practicing mindfulness and engaging in meditation work. I have uncovered my limiting beliefs and learned to flip those beliefs to become my “future dream self.” I have learned the power of my “no matter what’s”–the promises I make to myself. I have learned that “I am good enough” and that “I have all the time in the world for the things that are important to me.” No more excuses or limiting beliefs.
So yes, I have lost some bad habits, some limiting beliefs, and a lot of weight. I would be remiss if I did not tell you what I gained through this journey. I gained confidence. I gained the ability to listen to my body and truly nourish it. I fell in love with cooking and preparing my meals (to be clear … prior to this I did NOT cook unless it came out of a box). I became a runner. A RUNNER! (Prior to this, I didn’t run much unless I was sprinting after children!) I also gained the desire to share this life-changing journey with other educators.
as a coach
I put the power back in your hands
Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching. Are you curious about how health coaching can help you? Let’s talk. Schedule an initial consultation with me today!
