While what you eat doesn't necessarily define you, it can certainly shape your habits and well-being.

During my childhood, I ate what many term the "Standard American Diet" (aka SAD).  It consisted of a steady amount of sugar (think Frosted Flakes, white bread, and pasta), take-out, and processed foods (including TV dinners).  When I ventured off to college and made similar choices, I gained the infamous "freshman fifteen".  Even after I graduated and became a full- time registered nurse, I continued to make poor food choices.  Combined with lack of sleep and the stress of a new job, I was completely out of balance both mentally and physically.  It was during this time that I trained and completed my first marathon despite the fact that I weighed the most I ever had and my energy was at its lowest.  Fortunately, over time, I began to rebalance myself.  I moved to the city (goodbye commute!), prioritized sleep, added some veggies and fruits into my diet, became more confident in my career, and was enjoying my social life. 

In my late thirties, I became a first-time mother and experienced postpartum depression.  On top of that, my daughter was colicky and had a milk allergy. Since I was breastfeeding, I removed dairy from my diet and that was a challenge.  I struggled to find alternatives to sustain my appetite and this led me to consume a 400 calorie vegan cookie every day! I began to experience a similar imbalance to my earlier years; however, this time my body was at its lowest weight.  I was feeding my body sugar to keep it going, instead of nourishing it with what it really needed!

​