I found an identity as a competitive runner on the cross country and track teams. I had great success only to have it all 'taken away' when I developed an injury.
I spent years studying biology, chemistry and the government's guide to eating healthfully only to have it all 'taken back' by some of my favorite professors. In my last semester they blew my mind and told me that what we had learned was not unbiased facts and information. Instead, 'healthy' recommendations often have more money from big food corporations behind them than they do science.
And, with these pivotal moments and experiences, I could not go back. I could not return to the same fitness training schedule that had brought me to my knees with a running injury. Physically I could no longer handle it and mentally I was learning there was more to health than hard work and discipline.
After my mind was expanded in my final semester in the classroom, I could not go back to recommending government regulations to people and confining any knowledge I did have to a simple private practice or, even harder for me, a hospital.
With my hindsight's 20-20 vision I see that, like for many, my educational experience was defined more by what happened outside of and after the classroom than the subject matter that I studied in books. And all of these experiences have brought me to where I am today.
The fitness that I offer people is a fusion of high-intensity, blood pumping workouts and gentle, thoughtful movement and self care.
The nutrition that I guide people through goes beyond food groups and encourages people to get in touch with how their food choices affect their world around them for greater health and a more meaningful connection to themselves and the planet.
It is clear that what is truly healthy for us as individuals is simply and divinely interconnected to what is nourishing for the people, plants, and planet around us.
Why should it exist any other way?
Why should any of us succumb to and support the over-complicated and highly-manipulated world of food and health that exist in our supermarkets and pharmacies?
Alas, many of us still do. It appears convenient, cheap and easy. But it is no longer convenient; it is leading to huge environmental messes that will be left to our generation to clean up. It is no longer cheap; the clearest place to see this is in our increasing health care expenses. And it is no longer easy; millions of dollars are being spent every year to convince us to continue buying 'food products'. A mass increase in awareness of where true food comes from is making it tougher for so many of us to eat a burger or box of processed cookies without thinking twice.
Once you get a glimpse of the truth, a taste of the truth and, most importantly, an inner knowing of what is truly right for your health, you like me will never be able to turn back. And perhaps you have already made it to this point.
At first, this knowledge and knowing may seem like an inconvenience. In these moments it is best for us to take a step back and see not only the bigger picture but also your reality a moment from now, an hour from now, a year from now and then finally, a lifetime from now. And the decision will be clear. Supporting processed food and all of the immoralities that go along with it should and will soon be an old reality. Every opportunity you take to step over the environment-slashing, health inhibiting processed food world, you are inspiring others around you and together are making huge leaps for the health of the planet.
I hope these blog posts continue to give you a glimpse, inspire you get a taste, and support your inner knowing of what is truly good for your body and the world around you.
I hope these blog posts continue to give you a glimpse, inspire you get a taste, and support your inner knowing of what is truly good for your body and the world around you.
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