“We are the sum total of our experiences. Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives.” – BJ Nelblett
Creating a health coaching business has been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I want to share my story with you—vulnerably and honestly.
You see, being healthy has always been a passion of mine, but the path to my current state of well-being was anything but straightforward.
My Early Years: A Pressure Cooker
Looking back, I realize that my story starts off pretty typical. I was that overachieving kid who constantly pushed myself to excel. In high school, I juggled three sports, studied late into the night, and stressed way too much about everything—including what I ate. Growing up in the early ’90s, my diet was filled with processed foods that claimed to be healthy, all part of that low-fat, high-carb trend.
College: Diving Deeper into Health
College didn’t change much. I dove headfirst into the science of health, double majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition, Fitness, and Health. But again, the prevailing wisdom of the time was that fat was the enemy and carbs were our friends. Sugar-free cookies were marketed as healthy snacks, and calorie-free fats like olestra were touted as breakthroughs—despite their questionable effects on digestion.
After graduating, I found myself in worse shape than ever. At just 22, I had my first colonoscopy and endoscopy due to gut issues and was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Despite not being overweight by conventional standards, I had gained 20 pounds that just wouldn’t budge.
The Ketogenic Diet: A Turning Point
In an attempt to shed those stubborn pounds, I tried a ketogenic diet for the first time. It was a game-changer! By cutting out carbs and processed foods, I lost over 20 pounds in just two months. Not only did I feel lighter physically, but my energy levels soared. I started strength training and even ventured into yoga—this marked the beginning of my mindfulness journey.
However, after a few months on keto, it became clear that this approach wasn’t sustainable for me long-term. While I became more mindful about what I ate—incorporating healthy fats and proteins—I still struggled with fatigue and brain fog.
Discovering Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Fast forward a couple of years: after feeling “normal” for too long, I finally got my thyroid checked and discovered I had Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis at 27. This autoimmune disease meant daily medication for life. While it helped manage some symptoms, I didn’t question why my body was attacking itself or consider that it might be possible to reverse it.
The Fertility Struggle
At 29, my husband and I decided we wanted children. After two years of trying without success, we consulted a fertility specialist who revealed low ovarian reserves and high FSH levels—essentially telling me my body was nearing menopause at just 31. After two unsuccessful IVF attempts and feeling overwhelmed by hormones and costs, I felt defeated.
But then fate intervened when I met a naturopath who suggested food sensitivity testing. The results showed high reactivity to dairy and wheat. Skeptical yet hopeful, I eliminated both from my diet—and the results were miraculous! My gut improved significantly, I lost weight, and eight months later, I was pregnant with my son.
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The Journey Continues
From then on, dairy was out for good due to its immediate negative impact on my gut. Gluten was trickier; it took another doctor’s warning about its long-term effects on my health for me to cut it out completely.
Despite these changes, after years of trying to conceive again while navigating perimenopause, I hit another wall. Friends would tell me to “just relax,” which is about as helpful as telling someone to stop thinking about a pink elephant!
Around this time, I started meditating—just five minutes a day at first—and it transformed everything for me. Meditation taught me how to observe my thoughts without judgment and embrace self-acceptance. It helped me reset my nervous system through intentional breathing and appreciate the present moment.
And then came the surprise: despite believing I'd never have more children, my daughter was conceived!
Lessons Learned
Over the past decade of mindful eating and meditation practice, I’ve come to understand that good health is about more than just diet; it’s an intricate blend of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
This journey has inspired me to create Taking Root—a space where I can share what I’ve learned with others who are seeking their own paths to health.
Here are some beliefs that guide me in this work:
- Letting go of what weighs us down opens us up to a more fulfilling life.
- Dietary dogma can mislead us; finding what nourishes us is a personal journey.
- Science backs certain lifestyle habits: regular exercise enhances longevity; connecting with nature boosts well-being; quality sleep is crucial; managing stress improves overall health.
- Our reality is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves; examining these narratives can lead to profound change.
- Life isn’t about reaching an endpoint but embracing continuous growth.
Your life is happening right now—don’t wait another second to savor your journey towards better health and joy! You deserve to feel amazing because everything you need is already within you.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible together, I’m here for you.
With love,
Kate