I am so Happy You are Here!Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here and hope I can help you in some way. I am a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, Health Coach, and Wellness Business Strategist based in Maple Ridge BC who is dedicated to helping others create positive change in their lives with the end goal of living the best life possible. I am also the CEO & Educational Director of the NutraPhoria School of Holistic Nutrition, where we offer the wildly popular Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification Program and Holistic Nutritionist diploma program attracting thousands of students from all over the world - it is amazing!
Work stuff aside, by far my greatest accomplishment as a human being is being a momma to four amazing humans who inspire me each and every day to do better, be better, and live better. |
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The Nourished Spirit
One thing I always want to get to the bottom of with those I work with, and in my programs is the root of hunger and the root of illness.
If you struggle with food, the reality is that you are not JUST struggling with food. I could easily give you a diet or meal plan, send you on your way, and chances are pretty good it will work for a while; but the issues that cause you to over eat will still be there. They are there because they can't be addressed by a diet or meal plan alone. Eventually those issues, aka your 'true hunger', finds its back to the surface and you find yourself falling into the same old patterns. Sound familiar?
If you are struggling with dis-ease, we work to bring you back to health by nourishing not only your body, but your spirit as well focusing on your core primal needs.
If you struggle with food, the reality is that you are not JUST struggling with food. I could easily give you a diet or meal plan, send you on your way, and chances are pretty good it will work for a while; but the issues that cause you to over eat will still be there. They are there because they can't be addressed by a diet or meal plan alone. Eventually those issues, aka your 'true hunger', finds its back to the surface and you find yourself falling into the same old patterns. Sound familiar?
If you are struggling with dis-ease, we work to bring you back to health by nourishing not only your body, but your spirit as well focusing on your core primal needs.
Not Always Healthy
Once upon a time, I was lost and utterly clueless when it came to food and health. I struggled with food issues, and weight for years. My earliest memory of my own 'disordered' eating was hiding under the stair case in an apartment building at what must have been around 11 or 12 years old, inhaling a box of cream horns like they were my last meal. I remember vividly feeling wildly out of control emotionally (all that needs to be said here is toxic & dysfunctional home = unraveled child), and somehow found solace in the sugar filled 'drug' that instantly numbed me. It was an early lesson in self medicating, and was the beginning of a bumpy road of bad choices and hard to break food habits. Looking back I can see clearly I was desperately hungry for love, acceptance and belonging - three things I had not yet experienced in my life.
I became increasingly determined to find the 'answer' and to reconnect my mind/body/spirit. I felt SO disconnected, and knew in my heart there was something better. That I could DO better. I suddenly realized did not value myself enough to have goals or dreams beyond what was doing at the time. That lead me to what I call the deep dig - unearthing the what's and the why's behind everything that was me. That was a changing moment in my life, and that is when I finally realized that I was not living the life I was meant for.
I became increasingly determined to find the 'answer' and to reconnect my mind/body/spirit. I felt SO disconnected, and knew in my heart there was something better. That I could DO better. I suddenly realized did not value myself enough to have goals or dreams beyond what was doing at the time. That lead me to what I call the deep dig - unearthing the what's and the why's behind everything that was me. That was a changing moment in my life, and that is when I finally realized that I was not living the life I was meant for.
Following Dreams & Authentic Living
I got into the alternative health & wellness field well over a decade ago, not too long after my 'ah-ha' moment above. The conventional health care system was frustrating me beyond belief, and I found myself seeking alternate options. I am sure there are many of you out there who have gone through similar situations, are tired of treating solely your symptoms vs the root of the issue; or maybe you are just stuck in a rut leaving you feeling helpless.
I spent every spare moment researching and reading every nutrition, self help, and wellness related book I could get my hands on - I just couldn't get enough of it!
Once I got a taste of holistic living, OMG was I hooked! I quickly began working towards my Holistic Nutritionist Certification, and landed a job at a local holistic nutrition company where I worked for a few years. I enjoyed the job, but it just wasn't fulfilling me. I was comfortable, but not happy or fulfilled. I had an hour commute 5 days a week, felt extremely under utilized in my position, and had a B.I.G vision of what I wanted to be doing with my life. On top of that, I was working 'on the side' growing my private practice.
The universe gave me the nudge I needed to seriously rethink the direction of my life and the future of the little people when I their father an I separated and I suddenly became single handedly responsible for them. Yikes! Being gone 10 hours a day as a working single parent paying other people to raise my children was not something I was not willing to do. So...after nearly 4 years working with great people, at a 'comfortable', very good paying job, I walked away to focus on my practice and add an online based business to the mix. Just like that. Done.
Not going to lie, the first few weeks were TERRIFYING. And guess what? It was the BEST THING I EVER DID. Well, maybe not the best thing because that distinction would go to my 4 little loves, but it i definitely up there in the top 5. :)
So what changed? My mindset. It is that simple. I made a conscious decision to trust my intuition, believe in myself, work my butt off, and began religiously practicing gratitude, and positive affirmations.
Hard work and blind faith in my vision allowed me to make my dreams a successful reality. It helped that I had taken a mish mash of education over the years; I studied psychology in university, business & marketing in college, and holistic nutrition in yet another stint in post secondary school. When I began my journey I had no idea that all three disciplines would gel so perfectly together in the end - I was just a kid who kept changing my mind, and moving from one area of study to the next. I always just kind of went with what interested me a the time. This is why I always say "Trust the Journey". Every experience, every choice, everything you learn is valuable.
Moral of my story? Bad things that happen can be secretly awesome. It may take a minute to recognize the hidden gifts, but I beg of you to have an open mind for the possibilities that open up through some of life's worst experiences. Growth truly happens when we leave our comfort zone - I promise you that.
There are many things we cannot control in life but we do have control of the most important elements: how we react, and perspective.
For the record, I don't advocate everyone haphazardly run out and quit their jobs. I am also certainly not saying doing so suddenly makes life all rainbows and butterflies. What I AM saying is that if you have a dream, and are passionate about something - explore it, follow it, trust it. If you are not happy or fulfilled in your life - DO something about it. Find YOUR passion and live it. A plan is required for anything we do in life, and that is part of what I do now. I help with the plan. I help with the strategy, and I teach other wellness practitioners everything I have learned along the way.
I spent every spare moment researching and reading every nutrition, self help, and wellness related book I could get my hands on - I just couldn't get enough of it!
Once I got a taste of holistic living, OMG was I hooked! I quickly began working towards my Holistic Nutritionist Certification, and landed a job at a local holistic nutrition company where I worked for a few years. I enjoyed the job, but it just wasn't fulfilling me. I was comfortable, but not happy or fulfilled. I had an hour commute 5 days a week, felt extremely under utilized in my position, and had a B.I.G vision of what I wanted to be doing with my life. On top of that, I was working 'on the side' growing my private practice.
The universe gave me the nudge I needed to seriously rethink the direction of my life and the future of the little people when I their father an I separated and I suddenly became single handedly responsible for them. Yikes! Being gone 10 hours a day as a working single parent paying other people to raise my children was not something I was not willing to do. So...after nearly 4 years working with great people, at a 'comfortable', very good paying job, I walked away to focus on my practice and add an online based business to the mix. Just like that. Done.
Not going to lie, the first few weeks were TERRIFYING. And guess what? It was the BEST THING I EVER DID. Well, maybe not the best thing because that distinction would go to my 4 little loves, but it i definitely up there in the top 5. :)
So what changed? My mindset. It is that simple. I made a conscious decision to trust my intuition, believe in myself, work my butt off, and began religiously practicing gratitude, and positive affirmations.
Hard work and blind faith in my vision allowed me to make my dreams a successful reality. It helped that I had taken a mish mash of education over the years; I studied psychology in university, business & marketing in college, and holistic nutrition in yet another stint in post secondary school. When I began my journey I had no idea that all three disciplines would gel so perfectly together in the end - I was just a kid who kept changing my mind, and moving from one area of study to the next. I always just kind of went with what interested me a the time. This is why I always say "Trust the Journey". Every experience, every choice, everything you learn is valuable.
Moral of my story? Bad things that happen can be secretly awesome. It may take a minute to recognize the hidden gifts, but I beg of you to have an open mind for the possibilities that open up through some of life's worst experiences. Growth truly happens when we leave our comfort zone - I promise you that.
There are many things we cannot control in life but we do have control of the most important elements: how we react, and perspective.
For the record, I don't advocate everyone haphazardly run out and quit their jobs. I am also certainly not saying doing so suddenly makes life all rainbows and butterflies. What I AM saying is that if you have a dream, and are passionate about something - explore it, follow it, trust it. If you are not happy or fulfilled in your life - DO something about it. Find YOUR passion and live it. A plan is required for anything we do in life, and that is part of what I do now. I help with the plan. I help with the strategy, and I teach other wellness practitioners everything I have learned along the way.
Life Long Student - My Passion for Learning is Endless
Here is a little snippet of my educational background:
I am a member in good standing with the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition and the Health Coach Alliance. I hold the RHNP™, RHNC™, and RHC™ registered designations.
For over 20 years I've been working as a Holistic Nutritionist, Wellness Business Coach, educator, writer, and speaker. I also do a ton of research, writing, and authored an in-depth course manual which is being used in our popular Integrative Nutrition Coaching Certification.
I absolutely LOVE my job and every single one of you I get to know along the way.
- Psychology & Business Major in University
- Nutrition & Health Coach Certification
- Sports & Fitness Nutrition Certification
- Nutrition for Addictions Recovery Certificate
- Cancer Prevention/Breast Health Certificate
- Clinical Lab Diagnostics Certificate
- Breast Health Practitioner Certificate for Cancer Prevention
- Pre/Post Natal Nutrition Certificate
- Plant Based / Raw Food Diets Certificate
- Holistic Nutritionist Certification (CHN) (full diploma program consisting of 2200 hours of study in holistic nutrition, nutrition science, biochemistry, anatomy & physiology, nutritional pathology, and symptomatology)
- Raw Food Chef Certification
I am a member in good standing with the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition and the Health Coach Alliance. I hold the RHNP™, RHNC™, and RHC™ registered designations.
For over 20 years I've been working as a Holistic Nutritionist, Wellness Business Coach, educator, writer, and speaker. I also do a ton of research, writing, and authored an in-depth course manual which is being used in our popular Integrative Nutrition Coaching Certification.
I absolutely LOVE my job and every single one of you I get to know along the way.
Private Practice Specialization
50 & Fabulous
Is that a thing? It is! Many of us dread getting older like it is some kind of curse. And for good reason if you look at what is happening to the body in your 40's:
Any of this ring a bell? Not to worry, I've got your back sister! It does NOT have to be this way, and I will show you how to feel and look the best you every have, and yes at 40+!
Full disclosure: I have just entered my 50's and feel better than ever! I've been there, done that, and know it works. A few years ago I never thought I would say this, but 50 can be pretty great if you do it right.
Is that a thing? It is! Many of us dread getting older like it is some kind of curse. And for good reason if you look at what is happening to the body in your 40's:
- Hot flashes and soaked bedsheets
- Acne that you haven't seen since you were a teenager
- A spare tire that you woke up one morning and found wrapped around your once svelte waist
- Anxiety that comes out of nowhere and lands itself on your chest like a 4000 lb elephant
- Standing in the middle of a room wondering what on earth you went in there for
- Tossing and turning all night praying to the gods for an hour of uninterrupted sleep
- Aches and pains that make you feel like you are 90
- Wrinkles that you are positive were not there yesterday
- Happy, no sad. No, mad. Wait...happy.
- Your significant other sees that 'look' in your eyes and immediately walks the other way
- You are tired....so, SO tired
Any of this ring a bell? Not to worry, I've got your back sister! It does NOT have to be this way, and I will show you how to feel and look the best you every have, and yes at 40+!
Full disclosure: I have just entered my 50's and feel better than ever! I've been there, done that, and know it works. A few years ago I never thought I would say this, but 50 can be pretty great if you do it right.
Nutrition for Addictions Recovery
My second area of specialization is nutrition and holistic mind/body coaching to support addiction recovery; a largely overlooked, yet key area of focus that should be part of EVERY recovery plan. After losing multiple incredible yet suffering humans that I loved dearly to addiction, I have devoted my research and practice to this area of focus.
This Includes food addition and emotional eating; two of the main causes of obesity in this country, and two issues that more often than not go hand in hand. People are eating their feelings and eating themselves to death. Literally.
Addiction is addiction. Food addiction is no different from a heroin addict, or a alcoholic in the way that food stimulates the same feel good receptors in the brain. Sure it takes a lot longer to ultimately succumb to the effects of food, but the end result can be just as tragic for many. For others, it is a life of shame, poor health, and a toxic cycle. Those with an addiction to food have a complicated road back to health and balance because unlike alcohol or drugs, food is essential to life and cannot be completely removed from the equation.
My second area of specialization is nutrition and holistic mind/body coaching to support addiction recovery; a largely overlooked, yet key area of focus that should be part of EVERY recovery plan. After losing multiple incredible yet suffering humans that I loved dearly to addiction, I have devoted my research and practice to this area of focus.
This Includes food addition and emotional eating; two of the main causes of obesity in this country, and two issues that more often than not go hand in hand. People are eating their feelings and eating themselves to death. Literally.
Addiction is addiction. Food addiction is no different from a heroin addict, or a alcoholic in the way that food stimulates the same feel good receptors in the brain. Sure it takes a lot longer to ultimately succumb to the effects of food, but the end result can be just as tragic for many. For others, it is a life of shame, poor health, and a toxic cycle. Those with an addiction to food have a complicated road back to health and balance because unlike alcohol or drugs, food is essential to life and cannot be completely removed from the equation.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I encompass mind/body/spirit philosophies geared towards helping YOU live your best life with vibrance and positivity. Life can be challenging at times but only you are responsible for your life, your health and your happiness.
Often we don't know how bad we feel until we experience how good we CAN feel. We have a program that has worked for thousands of others and will work for you too! Nothing can make you feel more powerful than investing time and energy into reaching a goal or manifesting a dream.
If you are a potential student who wants to follow your dream, and create a rewarding, successful career, click HERE and start your journey towards the best life imaginable by enrolling in our Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification. If you are a wellness professional who needs a business strategy, click HERE.
Often we don't know how bad we feel until we experience how good we CAN feel. We have a program that has worked for thousands of others and will work for you too! Nothing can make you feel more powerful than investing time and energy into reaching a goal or manifesting a dream.
If you are a potential student who wants to follow your dream, and create a rewarding, successful career, click HERE and start your journey towards the best life imaginable by enrolling in our Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification. If you are a wellness professional who needs a business strategy, click HERE.
If you are a potential client and don't life in the local area, that is OK, I work with people just like you all over the globe via phone, skype and email - check out the services page. We also have very popular online programs with huge success rates.
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Wishing you Health, Abundance, and above all HAPPINESS!
xo
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Wishing you Health, Abundance, and above all HAPPINESS!
xo
Lynnel
Interested in doing this job?Click the button below to learn more about how amazing a career in the integrative health field can be!
You can also get in touch directly with our academic advisors here: admissions@nutraphoria.com |