Growing up, I had what we now call an ‘almond mum’ or ‘crunchy mum.’ She was the picture of health, active daily, never drank alcohol and loved growing and eating her own fruits and vegetables. She loved going on adventures, hiking, swimming, and even trying wakeboarding at 54 with us kids. She would make me the most nutrient-dense, whole-food lunches that had my teachers offering her money to make theirs too. She would always say, “You have two things in this life, your family and your health”, a quote that still resonates with me today. She always looked younger than she was and rarely, if ever, had an illness or injury before passing in a freak accident.

My father could not have been more opposite. He was a smoker until he got lung cancer, which then caused him to turn to alcohol. His diet was predominantly fatty meats, soft drinks and processed carbs. The older he got, the more sedentary he became, and his body responded in kind. I don’t remember my dad ever being well, surviving multiple cancers (Lung, Liver, gallbladder, Bowel), 2 strokes and a heart attack. His body started to give out, taking away his ability to walk and use his hands, as neuropathy took over. It was horrible to watch, and I wonder how he made it to 71 years before liver cirrhosis took what was left of him. I got firsthand experience of how diet and lifestyle play a role in how your body shows up in this life.

This is what drives my practice, to help people learn how to take better care of themselves so that they can live a beautiful long vibrant life.