This Life That I Live

This past year has been an amazing journey of discovery, education, soul searching and life changing experiences. When I first enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), just over one year ago, I had no idea how much I would change and grow as an individual. I just wanted to educate myself as a Health Coach to guide and inspire others to improve their health and their lives by changing the way they were eating, just as I had. I discovered in myself a passion for cooking with fresh, whole food ingredients that coincided with incredible changes in my overall physical and mental health. It didn't take long after I discovered IIN to realize this was the career and the direction I had been searching for. Finally at the age of 31 I discovered what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I expected to receive intense training in nutrition, coaching clients and  building a business. What I didn't expect was the change in myself that happened as the year unfolded. I was forced to deeply examine my life and finally deal with many things I had gotten really good at avoiding and setting aside. When I finally began to make significant changes over 2 years ago to improve my health, I thought I had it all figured out. I cleaned up my diet, lost 30 lbs, began exercising regularly and felt the happiest most energetic I had ever felt. My stubborn, passionate, fighter attitude pulled me through the many struggles I had dealt with for years.

The change first began when I gave birth to my son almost 5 years ago. Suddenly, everything I did affected a little person who was completely dependent on me. I decided to fight because I wanted to be there for my son. I jumped full force into treating the Lyme Disease that had  been discovered as being the reason I had suffered so many health issues since a young child. I fought through 18 months of intense treatment and at the end when I felt better, I realized I had been given a second chance at life. My physical health was amazing, I took up running, which I never thought I would be able to do, and the rest is history. I was inspired to empower others to take control of their health, just as I had done.

However, I began to discover that life happens and I still didn't have the tools to deal with the draining, emotional disappointments that happen in life. The past few years have been filled with joy, great accomplishments and success but also deep tragedy, loss, family illness, confusion and self doubt. I began to examine my life at a deeper level, discovering my authentic self so I could become an effective, compassionate health coach for my clients. I realized that my training at IIN was to not only help others, but to help myself. I have learned it is okay to ask for help, not to expect myself to be perfect and to take everything in stride. I recently told someone that I believe everything happens for a reason and I took it as a sign for the direction my life was taking me. They responded by telling me that no matter what happens or is thrown your way, it still comes down to a choice. I think about this everyday. It has helped me to let go and move on from things that are beyond my control. I have the choice to be happy and accepting of my life. I have the choice to let go and not carry everyone else's hardships or burdens. I have the choice to accept my life for what it is. At the end of the day I choose health and happiness. What do you choose?

Tofu: Should I eat it?

Soy products are now being highly criticized as being unhealthy for you when just a short time ago soy milk, soy formula and almost any soy product was touted as being a healthy option. Now it is bad for you. So confusing, right? So what is the deal? Do I eat soy products? I do, but in moderation. I eat tofu about once a week, miso, tempeh, and tamari soy sauce. The biggest issue with soy is that over 90% of soy is GM (genetically modified) and is heavily sprayed with pesticides. When I buy tofu, I choose organic and one that has been labeled as not containing any GMO ingredients. Miso, tempeh and soy sauce are all fermented soy products, which is very different from the processed products that contain TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) or soy lecithin. The products you want to avoid are: soybean oil, soy milk, soy cheese, soy "meat", soy protein, edamame and soy infant formula. You can read more information at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/18/soy-can-damage-your-health.aspx


Here is my new favorite tofu salad. The dressing is zesty and delicious and I love the spicy arugula with the avocado, probably one of my favorite foods on the planet! Enjoy.

Tofu Avocado Salad

2 T Brown Rice Syrup or Honey

1 T soy sauce

14 oz. extra firm tofu

1 t seeded jalapeno

Zest of one lemon

1 T lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T olive oil

1 t red wine vinegar

¼ t salt

½ t ground pepper

½ cup  parsley

2 cups baby Arugula

 1 avocado

½ cup sunflower seeds

Combine brown rice syrup and soy sauce in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer in a casserole dish. Pour soy mixture over tofu, cover and marinate in fridge for 30 minutes. Flip cubes over with spatula and marinate for 30 minutes.

Combine jalapeno, lemon zest and juice, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper in medium bowl. Whisk together well to combine and set aside so flavors combine well.

After tofu is done marinating, remove from fridge and drain off any liquid. Toss together arugula and parsley. Place arugula on plates and drizzle with dressing. Top with tofu, avocado and sunflower seeds.