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STYKU 3D BODY SCANNER

Styku is a 3D body scanner that is the latest in high tech body fat testing. This innovative fitness tool delivers millions of measurements with a margin of error that is less than 1%, to create a 3D image of your body in only 30 seconds. It does a lot more than just take measurements, it analyzes the measurements to determine your body fat percentage, lean muscle, bone density, and even identify your risk for certain health conditions.

An accurate body fat measurement is beneficial for ensuring body fat is in optimal range for overall health and addressing health concerns about:
Regulating blood sugar (lower diabetes risk)
Improving heart health (lower heart attack/ stroke risk)
Decrease joint pain
Increasing energy levels

Using the body fat reduction calculator, we can set realistic targets and calculate goals for daily calorie intake. This can be adjusting also, if you are looking to build muscle or gain weight.

Once the 3D model of your body is made, Styku uses advanced technology (DEXA technology) in feature recognition to identify specific base point such as your waist, hips, and bust. It analyzes that information to create measurements including volume, circumferences, and surface areas so that you get a more accurate, detailed picture of the size and shape you really are – not the distorted, usually larger version that our minds often trick us into believing.

How Accurate is Styku 3D Scanner?
As for Styku, a study at the University of North Dakota found their reliability to be “nearly perfect” for measuring circumferences, surface areas and volumes of the body.
Three-dimensional body scanning technologies create millions of data points across the human body for precise measurement. Typically, these technologies can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3D measurements can provide better indicators of health, fitness and physical performance than can measurements such as lengths or circumferences. As databases of 3D scans grow, researchers can start to look at new shape indices, or measures that can translate to understanding peak performance or recovery from injury

When you do a Styku body scan it will provide you information to help you better understand your body and what is going on inside it.  Other Benefits include:

-3D model of your body which is more accurate than photographs
-Measures body fat percentage, BMI, body volume, and BMR
-Assesses your waist to hip ratio to help determine certain health risks
-Measurements at more than 20 points all over your body
-Completely safe and non-invasive
-Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels
Assesses posture
-Provides data that is transferable for various uses including physical therapy, tailor measurements, etc.
-Is affordable
-Track your fat loss goals
-Monitor your changing body shape as you lose weight
-Track your fitness level
-The ultimate wellness tool An great feature is the

Posture analysis. This Reveals imbalances in muscle symmetry and strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics. These can hinder exercising and cause pain. This information can be useful for your chiropractor or even physio therapist.

If your interested to see yourself in 3D, and view ways to improve your overall health, Styku can help. Book your Appointment today and see yourself in 3D!


Body Composition: Fat vs Muscle

You have been working so hard, putting in the blood, sweat, and tears… but the scale isn’t moving, or it’s going in the opposite direction you want.
UGH!!

I see this time and time again with clients, and even my past self. It can get frustrating and can crush your motivation.

Let’s break it down.
Your body weight is simply your body’s Total Mass. Body composition is what your weight is made of—muscle, bone, water & fat. It is essentially dissecting exactly what you’re made up of.

The most important thing to remember is that although fat and muscle may weigh the same, muscle is significantly denser than body fat. Fat will have a greater volume and the muscle fibers will have a greater density. This means that 15 pounds of muscle takes up much less space & looks smaller than 15 pounds of fat.

Just because you aren’t losing pounds doesn’t mean you aren’t losing fat. You are most likely experiencing changes in water weight, or potentially gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time.

The higher your percentage body fat, especially visceral fat that lines the organs in your abdomen, the greater your risk for developing nutrition related chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. This is where body composition testing can help you get a better idea of your overall health.

The Styku 3D scanner can help calm the confusion and help you better understand what is going on INSIDE your body. It does full body measurements, scans body fat, lean muscle, bone density, and much more.

Not only can Sarah help you down the path of developing a healthy lifestyle, and incorporating a healthier diet, but with the Styku she can help give you the bigger picture of what is going on inside you, along with your overall health.


NOW TAKING NEW ONLINE CLIENTS

We all need motivation & a support system to lean on! An online Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, RHNP will be there to push you when you need an extra hand so you stay on track regardless of the challenges you might face.

There is no one size that fits all when it comes to your health & each person is unique. Sarah will help you find the right plan for you based on your age, metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, and food preferences.

We all have our challenges and sometimes facing setbacks can derail us from reaching our goals. Whether it is lack of time, stress of life, sleep disruptions, low mood or simply not knowing where to begin, a RHNP will help you identify and work through the barriers with flexible and easy solutions that work for you.

➡️Sarah is Now Taking New Clients!⬅️

These programs are just as effective in person as online. You will always have Sarah’s guidance with 24-7 email support, and bi-weekly check in’s.

Contact Sarah today for More Information! 🙏🏻

Sarah Beziare
Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner
Sports Nutrition Specialist
Clinical Certification for Stress & Anxiety Regulation
Reiki Master


The Modern World of Influencers

Searching the internet for some motivation, or “fitspiration”, while you are on your health & fitness journey can give most people the push they need.  But on the other side of that comment, it can cause a lot of stress and disappointment for some, even body image issues.

Look at the latest news of the Liver King coming out admitting he’s spending $11k a month on steroids under a team of medical professionals’ guidance after constantly denying taking anything to start with.  All while encouraging others to follow his clean way of living.  He is not the first and he will certainly not be the last. You don’t know what influencers are taking behind closed doors.

A lot of Influences are open about their journey, but most of the time you don’t know how long it has taken them to get to the point they are now. It could have taken them 10 years to get as fit and healthy as they are currently. Or they were that athletic fit youth who continued their sport endeavors right into adult hood.  You don’t know their actual fitness and health history, let alone the role of their own genetics.

How about the influencers that sell meal plans, and they have no nutritional background, no education, just their own personal experience to go by.  Every-BODY is different!  I cannot express that enough.  I have purchased programs from a couple of influencers as an experiment to see what they really offered.  All it was a cookie cutter meal plans each time. Always eating the same bodying builder meals of eggs and oatmeal. Chicken with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Dont forget the lean steak with baked potato and cauliflower, every day. Plus your giant protein shake and mammoth jug of water daily.  EVERY ONE OF THEM! No consideration of hormones, possible intolerances, inflammation, or anything like that which a professional would investigate and monitor.  Again, Cookie Cutter!

You have no idea how many times I have had clients sit with me and say they found a person on Instagram and they are taking XX, XX and XX for supplements. So now they want to…  *Sigh*
What are your goals? Have you gotten into a constant exercise routine and fine tuned your diet? Unless you are an athlete focusing on sport performance, most of the nutrients you need are found in natural sources of food.  They can take whatever they want, and if it works for them, awesome.  It doesn’t mean it will work for you. It doesn’t mean your body will react the same.  It doesn’t mean you even need it! Approach with caution.

The world has enough males and females with body image issues and eating disorders, even children are being affected! We are in a world where the use of photoshop and editing programs are so common. Be careful when comparing yourself to a photograph online or give yourself unrealistic idea’s of what it means to be “hot” or “beautiful: because someone got more “likes” then you.  Remember, these influencers have a special lighting, cameras, even down to their own photographer.

This journey is yours and yours alone. Step outside of the world of social media and just be you. You are not defined by a number on the scale, or the size of pants you fit into.  You are a beautiful soul trying to do what is best for your own personal wellbeing and health.  For that alone I applaud you for putting yourself first.  Keep on your journey, enjoy every moment of it. When you look back you are going to be so proud of yourself.  


🥑Why fats are important to your body?

Fats have been demonized for the longest time.
Even today, thousands of individuals and sources demonize the poor nutrient and suggest that we should cut all fat from our diet. While many assume that fat makes you fat, or that fat is “unhealthy”, this couldn’t be further from the truth. However, there is an important distinction that must be made in order to understand what types of fat are good for you, and what fats aren’t…

But, the truth is, mounting evidence suggests that fats are integral for our health and wellbeing. Plus, it is part of our human Macronutrients – Proteins, Carbohydrates, and FATS!

🥑What Are Dietary Fats?

Dietary fats are organic molecules made of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Depending on their structure, fats come in three categories – saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.

Based on that, fats can have different effects within our body. As far as the health effect of fats goes, researchers have come up with a general rule of thumb:

If a fat comes from unprocessed food (fatty fish, avocado, etc.), then its effects are mostly good. If the fat comes from processed goods (potato chips, cookies, etc.), then it’s best to limit them.
Pretty Simple, Right.

Now that we have a basic understanding of fats, let’s take a look at what they do for us.

🥑Why Fats Are Critical

Fats are vital to our health and wellbeing. Some of their functions include:

● They aid the production of hormones, enzymes, and cells;

● They help the body absorb vitamins A,D,E,K

● They maintain our brain health;

● They are vital for our cardiovascular system;

● They support our metabolism;

● They keep us full after meals and prevent us from overeating.

● They are our body’s 2nd energy source after Carbohydrates (long distance runners, marathoners, triathlon runners all use fats)

Some research even proves that getting enough dietary fats is vital for our mental health, and it can help treat and prevent depression. Hence Essential Fatty Acids are on every protocol I make for overall general health, let alone the amazing health benefits in general.

So, what can be classified as good fat? Monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats are generally all acceptable options if they derive from whole, natural food sources and oils.

1. Monounsaturated fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds;

2. Polyunsaturated fats: meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs.

OK, so what are examples of bad fats? No matter what diet you follow, you want to avoid processed foods and trans fats at all costs. These are the unhealthy fats that are largely correlated with diseases, cancers, poor health markers, obesity, etc.
Note: Saturated fats can pose some benefits, but when used in moderation, excess can cause inflammation and may raise cholesterol.

1. Trans fat: junk food like cookies, fast food, and low-grade oil like canola or sunflower oil.

2. Saturated fats: butter, cheese, coconut oil, etc;

🥑How to Get More Fats In Your Diet

Here are some of the healthiest fat sources you should add to your grocery list:

● Fatty fish, which is also vital because it provides us with the much needed omega-3 fatty acids;

● Whole eggs;

● Avocado;

● Olives and extra virgin olive oil;

● Coconut and coconut oils;

● Seeds and nuts;

● Full-fat yogurt;

● Cheese;

● Dark chocolate.

Fat isn’t universally bad, it’s about making smarter choices and becoming more informed!


Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Strength Training While Losing Weight

There is a huge misconception that you shouldn’t lift weights when going through a weight loss phase. Not only is it believed to stunt your results, but it’s actually thought to be counterproductive.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Strength training/weight lifting can be greatly beneficial for fat loss.
Why? Because it builds up lean muscle, increases the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and increases the speed of your metabolism.

It is agreed that cardiovascular exercise is probably a better candidate for general caloric expenditure during the workout – the keyword here being ‘during’. Strength training is universally more effective at burning total calories and fat overall.


Let me explain… By increasing muscle mass, you increase the BMR. In its simplest terms, a higher BMR equates to more calories being burned in the space of 24-48 hours.


Why is this beneficial for weight loss?

Through building lean muscle and increasing your BMR, you inevitably burn more calories at rest throughout the day AND increase your overall caloric deficit – a necessity for weight loss. This is what is known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).


Still not fully understanding?

During an aerobic, cardiovascular workout, it’s widely accepted that more calories are burned than during a typical strength training workout of the same duration. The distinction? While you may certainly be losing weight, you’re also losing a proportionate amount of muscle at the same time. Additionally, it can also slow down your metabolism rather than speed it up. this is a detriment if you’re trying to lose weight.

Here’s the answer: Increase the intensity and begin to implement a consistent strength training regimen consisting of weight-bearing exercises in conjunction with aerobic activity. This is the optimal weight loss plan.
Oh, and don’t forget to hone in on your diet as well!

For more information on sports nutrition contact Sarah today!

Sarah Bezaire
Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, RHNP
Registered Holistic Nutrition Counsellor, RHNC
Sports Nutrition Specialist


Tips To Improve Gut Health

Have you experienced persistent symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain and acid reflux? Were you able to identify the reason for these recurring symptoms? A variety of organisms like fungi, bacteria, viruses and other microbes reside inside a human’s gastrointestinal tract, also known as the ‘gut’. The majority of these live inside the large intestine and are also responsible for the effective functioning of the immune system.

Around 300 to 500 different species of bacteria reside in our digestive tract. Many studies have shown that an imbalance between these microorganisms can be associated with poor immunity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and more.

Here is a list of day-to-day actions you can take to improve your gut health:

1️⃣Consume a healthy diet

A balanced diet is critical for a healthy living. Your diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, proteins, fats and fibers. Plant-based and high fiber diets promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Seeds, legumes and nuts are also beneficial for the overall health of the digestive tract.

2️⃣Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks have high sugar content that harms microbial health. The acid in carbonated drinks also encourages the growth of harmful bacteria that cause stomachaches and diarrhea.

3️⃣Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety are one of the biggest killers of good gut bacteria. Are you consistently under tight deadlines at work? Are you a working mom or dad struggling

to juggle both a career and a family? Try pinpointing one or two things that really cause your head to spin and write them down. Then make it a priority to unwind by making one or more of the following lifestyle modifications. Remember, de-stressing looks different for everyone!

Try Meditation, breathing exercises, silencing your phone, treating yourself to a massage, go for a walk in nature, read, get creative.

4️⃣Stay hydrated

The human body is made up of more than 60% of water. A person should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Water keeps the right balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and protects the mucous lining of the gut. H20 flushes out the body’s toxins and bad bacteria while helping you stay full longer, promoting mental clarity and digestive regularity, and providing your skin with a healthy glow! And while

you’ve likely been told to drink about eight glasses of water daily, bio-individuality is key when it comes to proper hydration!

5️⃣Eat slowly

Eating slowly and chewing food properly improves the absorption of nutrients. This aids in the process of digestion too. It also assists in reducing stomach aches and acid reflux.

6️⃣Get uninterrupted sleep

In Ayurveda, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to maintaining optimal gut health. When we sleep, we enter the rest and digest state. Remember, the basis of good health is our ability to digest food as well as emotions. Giving your body time to rest will ensure that your digestive and nervous systems have time to recharge for the next day.

7️⃣Take Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics enhance your gut flora by improving digestion, nourishing good bacteria, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, improving cholesterol levels, promoting hormonal balance, and lowering the risk of weight gain, obesity,

and cardiovascular disease.

The benefit of prebiotics is that they are plentiful in food, so you don’t need to add another supplement to your diet!

8️⃣Identify food Intolerance’s

Some people can be intolerant to certain food items. The symptoms of food intolerance can include diarrhea and/or constipation, bloat, gas, abdominal pain and acid reflux. If these symptoms persist, a person should consult a general practitioner and after blood test results these food items should be removed from their diet. Working with a Nutrition Professional will help with the elimination process and making sure you still receive the proper nutrients your body needs through diet.

9️⃣Move More

Movement supports digestion by increasing blood flow and stimulating the bowels. Have you ever had to hustle to the bathroom during or after certain exercises? There’s a reason for that! Moving for just thirty minutes a day five times a week

can improve your gut and overall health. In fact, there are specific exercises you can do to support your microbiome, including yoga, tai chi, and aerobic activities. Certain yoga poses, including seated spinal twist, cat-cow, and child’s pose, focus on stretching, lengthening your abs, and breathing. Plus, taking long, deep breaths in any position helps stimulate your digestive tract.

The community of microorganisms that lives inside the digestive tract all have impact on how the body and brain works. With simple changes to our gut health we can enjoy a happier mind set, enhanced immunity, decreased risk of developing neurological diseases, and even lose weight.


❄️Now that we in Canada are well into the winter months, I want to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects approximately 15% of Canadians who will report at least a mild case of SAD in their lifetime. While 2-3% will report serious cases. People with a family history of any form of depression may also be at risk of developing SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is when individuals become more depressed in the winter months, when the days are shorter and darker. Women are more likely to suffer from SAD than are men. These symptoms go beyond the “winter blues”. Those who suffer with this type depression lose their energy, suffer anxiety attacks, withdrawal from family/ friends, irritability, trouble focusing and decision making, gain weight as a result of craving the wrong foods, sleep too much, and have a reduced sex drive.

Foods greatly influence the brains behavior. A poor diet, especially one with a lot of junk food, is a common cause of depression. The levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which regulate our behavior, are controlled by what we eat, and neurotransmitters are closely linked to our mood.

When doing research into SAD, its was very upsetting to see little to no mention of Nutritional therapy to help treat this disorder. Rather it was prescribed anxiety and depression medications. This my be needed for server cases, but as always, medications do not fix the root cause of the problem, rather they are band-aids for symptoms. Treating the underlying cause will still only help relieve the symptoms and disorder in the long run.

When the brain produces serotonin, tension is eased and we are more upbeat. Serotonin also plays a roll in mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels can cause anxiety, depression, and insomnia. When the brain produces dopamine or norepinephrine, we tend to think and act more quickly and are generally more alert.

The substance that processes serotonin is an amino acid called tryptophan. Consuming tryptophan converts into 5-HTP, then converts again in the brain to serotonin (and is then converted once again into melatonin, which helps you sleep). Without this essential amino acid, the process cannot be made. Consuming foods such as tuna, salmon, turkey, chicken, oats, cheese, nuts, seeds, yogurt, etc, will help you get your daily intake of tryptophan, or you can purchase it as a supplement.

🥦🥬Essential Nutrients To help with Depression and SAD🥑🥥
1. Essential Fatty acids are also vital for your brain as it aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, therefore having well functioning neurotransmitters. They also work with hormone production and functioning. Aim for at least 1000mg EPA/DHA.
2. The B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the bran ad nervous system. The B vitamins work together as your anti-stress and energy vitamins. Unless you are deficient in a specific B vitamin (after verifying with blood work, not self diagnosing), a B complex is more efficient as all the B vitamins work with each other.
3. Zinc is essential for the body overall. But it is found that people with depression are deficient with this mineral. 25-50mg daily during the winter months (cold and flu season)
4. Magnesium is effective for treatment of depression and anxiety as it has a calming effect on the body, and it is needed for the nervous system. The RDA is 400mg a day.
5. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates the adrenal glands, among other things. Sufficient intake of this essential vitamin can result in an improved mood, increased energy and bone health, and decreased feelings of stress, especially those suffering from depression and SAD. At least 2000IU are recommended during the winter months to treat this disorder.
**NOTE: high doses of vitamin D causes toxicity, the best way to check you levels for adequate dosage is to get your blood work done**☀️

❄️Getting outside in the fresh air and in sunshine when it is available should be top priority. As someone who also is greatly affected by the weather and SAD, I know this is easier said than done. But it is only going to benefit you in the end. Bundle up, grab a hot tea and take a 20 min walk. Engage in some self care by mediating, exercising regularly, stretching and doing yoga, cuddling with a pet, giving a loved one a call, and taking a nice relaxing bath.

Always remember, if your depression or SAD becomes too much to reach out to a family member or friend to talk. Or call a helpline.
I am even offering my own ear to anyone in need.
You are never alone 🫂

Please seek medical attention if you feel you are depressed and/or experiencing any SAD symptoms.


How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?

Fascinated by the mental health advantages of exercise? Or how exercise can reduce anxiety or depression? Exercise releases chemical substances such as endorphins and serotonin which improve your mood. Studies show that it can reduce feelings of depression or isolation and help in the recovery of other mental health problems.

But what is good mental health? Good mental health is a state of wellbeing where an individual realizes their own potential, is able to maintain relationships and has control of all of their emotions and actions. The sense of having a purpose, goals and adding value to each of these things are all signs of good mental health.

Below are five ways through which exercise or physical activity improves mental health:

1. Being A Mood Booster;

2. Decreasing Stress;

3. Increasing Self-Esteem And Self-Confidence;

4. Improving Sleep;

5. Forming New Brain Cells.

1.    Being A Mood Booster

Exercise is a mood booster that reduces both depression and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity increases endorphin levels, the powerful “feel good” chemical that produces a feeling of joy and euphoria in the body. That’s the reason why some people like to perform exercise when they feel stressed.

2.    Decreasing Stress

Physical activity, such as exercise, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system’s function that increases the overall capacity of the body to respond to stress. As mentioned above, exercise produces endorphins (natural painkillers of the body) that reduce stress naturally. Exercise also improves our sleep, which consequently reduces stress. Meditation, massage therapy, deep breathing and acupuncture are other forms of physical activity with similar benefits.

3.    Increasing Self-Esteem And Self-Confidence

Doing physical activities will cumulatively lead to a whopping increase of self-esteem — and self-confidence along with it! Weight loss or body toning from these activities may allow you to get better-fitting clothes, a slimmer physique or the opportunity to climb a hill without getting winded. Being able to strengthen the body as well as the mind is one of the many advantages of physical exercise.

A useful way to approach exercise is to set goals. When someone performs exercise they will have an underlying end goal; it may be to lose weight, be more active, reduce stress or any other fitness goal. Completing the goal leads to a feeling of accomplishment and leads to a confidence boost. Studies show that a physically fit person is more confident than someone who has not achieved their desired fitness level.

4.    Improving Sleep

If you have trouble having a good night’s sleep, then exercise can help. Physical activity raises the body’s temperature and can have relaxing effects on the mind, resulting in better sleep.

5.    Forming New Brain Cells

Studies show that aerobic exercise helps generate new brain cells — a process called neurogenesis — and improves overall brain efficiency. It also prevents memory loss and cognitive impairment by reinforcing the hippocampus (the brain’s portion responsible for memory and learning). Moreover, exercise pumps blood to the brain so you can think more clearly. It is then clear to see that moderate physical activity is beneficial for us all.

Bottom Line

After reading the above article, you should be able to conclude that exercise has many benefits, and we can use it to have better physical and mental health. Health specialists recommend 30 minutes of moderate physical activity four times a week. Some suggest that walking is best among all exercises as it is suitable for all age groups. However, you can choose other workouts that work better for your needs and interests. It may take some time to find the right exercise for you, but it will be worth it for your mental health once you do!

Be sure to talk to your medical professional before starting a new exercise program.



It is that time of year again.  I have already received several messages, along with many people coming into the store (or calling) to see if we carry the magical weight loss supplement they just saw on tv.  

**Big sigh**

That’s right, its New Year Resolution time!

Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for setting new goals for the year and making commitments to oneself to improve their life or overall health. Heck, I myself got some pretty awesome goals lined up too!
But I have been in this “Resolution” industry for quite some time now. If it wasn’t as a Personal Trainer just staring at the door to open as people flood in to get their gym memberships and sign up to work with a trainer, it is as a Nutrition Practitioner having people emailing or calling me saying over and over that they want to lose weight.  Yet in both industries the same things happen, 1-2 months in they quit.  Goals are out the window, and they are back to their same old habits they came in with.  

Did you know in a new poll of 2,000 Americans, it found that it takes just 32 days for the average person to break their resolution(s) — but 68% report giving up their resolutions even sooner than that.
Why you ask?  About 35% of participants who failed their New Year’s Resolutions said they had unrealistic goals. There is the 33% of participants who failed didn’t keep track of their progress. And 23% forgot about their resolutions. Eating healthier and exercising are the top resolutions people set for themselves. These are awesome goals to have and they will greatly improve your health, obviously.  But people go about it all wrong.

The main strike they have before they even start is following the next internet sensation of a diet, or whatever is the popular way on tiktok.  The internet is filled with FAD DIETS promising quick and easy weight loss, of course they leave out to incorporate healthy eating and exercise.  Let alone they are NOT maintainable for a long period of time. Usually because they are so low calorie, or they tell you to avoid every food group there is making you feel tired and sluggish as you are craving that doughnut that is sitting on the table in the office.  Do you really want to struggle and deprive yourself for the rest of your life? Are you going to miss every birthday, celebration, holiday? Come on now, obviously you won’t!

I want you to ask yourself these questions.
If these magic pills worked, why doesn’t everyone take them? And why is obesity still one of the top chronic diseases?  …….
Let that sit.

Of course, those FAD diets never tell you to focus on your relationship with food, your lifestyle, or examine your “why” behind your eating patterns. None even suggest there is an underlining health condition that needs to be addressed first, both physical and mental.  Topics like these are the real reasons behind what makes or breaks your “diet”.  

Don’t get me started on how many people come to me wanting to lose 5-10lbs a week for the next 3 months!  **Insert Face palm**  But did you know people who lose 1-2lbs a week are more successful at keeping it off, PERMINITLY!  
Listen, if there’s one thing I want you to get out of this rant, is that in order to make TRUE and PERMINATE lifestyle changes you need to not just focus on cutting food out and depriving yourself, but rather learn how food is working in your body and what it actually does for you.   Yes, restricting your calories will help you lose weight, but too low calories will also leave you tired, irritable, depressed, slow down your metabolism, throw off your hormones, constipation, cognitive decline, nutrient deficiencies, headaches, and may reduce fertility, just to name a few.  Are you willing to risk all this because you want impractical weight loss, right now?

With the proper knowledge and the motivation, you can do anything you put your mind to. Sure, some people need some assistance and guidance. There is a lot of information out there on the good ol’ inter-web and it can get very confusing.  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with people reaching out for help. In fact I give those people so much respect.  This is a journey that can be conquered, I am even proof of that, I myself was not the fit active kid in school, I was very much overweight. I put the work in to lose 80lbs myself, and kept it off for 10+ years.  So believe me, if I can so can you.  

My journey fueled my passion for fitness and nutrition, hence I became a Personal Trainer and a Nutrition Practitioner. Believe and trust in the process and you will reach your goal. It wont happen overnight, it wont be as easy as taking a pill or a special drink, or a magical wrap.  
If you need that support and guidance, don’t be ashamed, or embarrassed. I am here to help. To motivate, educate, and to support you.  Sometimes we all need a hand to hold. Believe in yourself and you can crush your goals, I know you can.  


I’m excited to share this amazing journey I have been on. Eventually I will be adding Reiki to my services.


So I was reading a fitness magazine when I came across this little blurb about how there is a rise of “Anti Diet Dieticians”.
Wow! Cool😎
This may be interesting I thought to myself.

So basically these dieticians align themselves with the Health at Every Size Approach and is a Contributing to “balance eating, “life-enhancing movement” and weight inclusivity”.
Ok…
So what do they do? 🤔

Like all other dietitians they’re all about nutritional guidance but instead of telling you foods to eat or not to eat they focus on helping you get back in touch with biological cues, example the same to your body when it’s hungry.
…….

Why is this a new thing?!? And is that not Intuitive Eating? Or Mindfulness when it comes to your food? 😳
Something I have been teaching and working with ALL my clients with rather then relaying on calorie counting or extensive meal planning (because honestly who has time for that?!).

Wow…. Never know I was part of a movement.
But honestly, your body knows best.
Always has, and always will.

-Sarah




What makes me different?



Do you suffer from food allergies?

After you eat do you feel bloated, gassy, tired, lethargic, get headaches, have constipation or diarrhea, changes in mood, rashes, pain, or anxiety?

It is very possible you my have a allergy or sensitivity to the foods you are eating. I myself have food I am allergic to: wheat (celiac disease) , dairy, soy, and eggs. This picture (left) was taken the morning I was cross contaminated, and (right) 24h later. Even though it can take up to a week for the bloat to completely go away.

A allergy is a inappropriate response by the body’s immune system. Substances that provoke allergy responses are called allergens. Emotional factors such as stress and anger May aggravate allergies, especially if the immune system is not functioning properly.

Allergies can also be inherited from your parents, it is statistically likely that 1 in 3 children will have allergies if one parent does. If both parents have allergies the chances that turned children will have them also raises the 7 in 10. Some of the most common allergic foods are wheat, milk, eggs, corn, shellfish, soy, nuts, chocolate, Ect.

A person with food intolerance is unable to digest and process food correctly, usually due to the lack of a certain enzyme or enzymes. A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food.

Currently the only way to deal with food allergies is to avoid foods that trigger reactions. If you suspect a food allergy you can try an elimination diet. Removing all food of suspected allergy from your diet for 2 weeks, and then reintroducing each food one at atime per week. If you find your symptoms are returning then you know that food causes of an allergic reaction.

If you need help with an Elimination diet or how to adapt to a new lifestyle with an allergy or sensitivity, feel free to contact me.



Did you know your gut is your “second brain”? And it is one of the first things I address with clients when starting a program.
Your digestive system is a critical component of your health because it is where absorption of nutrients and the process of elimination takes places. If you can’t absorb the nutrients you consume then you are at a high risk for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies which can cause a whole host of health problems.
When the body doesn’t properly eliminate waste and toxins, healing simply is impossible.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are normally present in the digestive tract. They are important for digestion and other useful functions such as preventing yeast and pathogen overgrowth, and synthesizing vitamin K. The most common probiotics are acidophuilus and bifidobacteria. Cultured or fermented foods also contain various types and amounts of beneficial bacteria.
Example of foods are: kefir, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, umeboshi, yogurt, and cheese.
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