Intro 2.0

More in-dept intro

Hi! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I have a pretty long food and exercise history, so I figured it made more sense to do a separate long-winded post about myself. Short version: weight gain, hormonal issues, weight loss, excessive cardio, different hormonal issues, celiac, hypothyroidism, weight gain, PCOS, heavy lifting, dietitian, finally healthy! For the longer version, read on.

As a kid, I was pretty inactive and ate basically anything and everything. My mom taught me from a young age to read labels and avoid partially-hydrogenated oils (IE trans fats), so I definitely had some idea about nutrition and ate pretty well, but I also ate a lot of junk. When I was in high school, I went through puberty and had terrible cramps and PMS. My pediatrician at the time put my on the pill, and I figured it would fix most of my hormonal issues. Around the same time, I got some independence, and I started eating more fast/convenience foods and put on some weight.

In my senior year, I decided to go off the pill, as it really was not fixing my cramps, and I also decided to go on my first ever diet and start exercising. The “diet” was completely made-up from random tid bits I heard and found online, but let’s just say if I had to guess I was probably consuming between 800-1400 calories per day. I also started doing one hour of cardio each day. I’m sure you can guess where this is going, but I basically dieted myself down to a very unhealthy weight because, honestly, it became addicting. I also happened to lose my period along the way - post-pill, my cycle never really resumed normally, which was likely due to my very low food intake and excessive exercise regimen.

I went back on the pill as a band-aid of sorts - it was unhealthy not to have a period according to my doctor, but instead of investigating why I did not have one, I was simply prescribed the pill and that was that. I maintained a low weight for about 5 years, and then I decided I no longer wanted to be on synthetic hormones and I took myself off the pill. Within three months, I had gained 30 pounds despite no real changes in my diet or exercise.

I immediately saw an endocrinologist because I suspected hypothyroidism, and she told me I was fine. I also did not get a period for the first three months, but that was “normal.” Another 3 months later, I saw my OB-GYN to discuss my cycle, and he ran my labs and found my TSH was incredibly high - in other words, I had hypothyroidism. This could explain the weight gain and lack of menstruation, so I started synthroid and went on my way. I had a rough time with regulating my thyroid, which seems to be abnormal to most doctors, but I did not get better immediately and it was not until I convinced a doctor to put me on Armour thyroid (more natural form) that I saw any improvement in moods and physical state. But that’s a story for another post.

ANYWAY, finally thyroid is regular, I still have no period, so the investigation begins. My hormones are low, but not “abnormal.” I am told I may have a brain tumor (THANKS DR). Ultimately, an ultrasound confirms PCOS, but I did not have all of the typical signs so it took a long time to diagnose. Back on the pill I go. Oh and let’s throw some Metformin in there too.

Okay so I’m doing okay, but I start to research ways to heal my hormones naturally. This brings me to nutrition and heavy lifting. And I love it. I completely change my mentality on lifting and food, and I decide to study nutrition and fitness and pursue my new passion. It all clicks. Going to school, feeling pretty good, I stop the Metformin because I can control my blood sugar through diet and exercise (don’t worry, this is confirmed by a Dr.), and all seems okay. I also stop the pill and actually get my body to have semi-regular periods without any assistance.

Last piece of the puzzle. I’m in an internship, and I have terrible stomach issues for a month straight. I’ve always had a sensitive stomach, and at one point was diagnosed with IBS, but this is unbearable. I convince myself I have C. Diff (a common bacteria found in hospitals), and I make myself an appointment with a doctor. He kinda laughs at me because I’m healthy and C. Diff does not commonly infect healthy individuals, but he runs some labs and finds I have celiac disease. Another thing to add to the list. I start a gluten-free diet and surprisingly learn for the first time what it is like to have no weird pain/gas/discomfort post-meal, and it’s amazing.

Flash forward to today. I have continued to research all things hormone, diet, and exercise related, and I have maintained a healthy weight and hormonal balance for years. I have experimented on myself with countless diet and exercise routines, and I can confidently say I can handle most goals and health conditions. Unexplained weight loss and weight gain are often rooted in hormonal responses, and repairing hormones - whether they be sex hormones, adrenal/stress hormones, hunger hormones, etc - is imperative to achieving any weight-related goal. I am a big proponent of weight training, as its benefits far outweigh the benefits of cardio alone, and both are necessary for a healthy, balanced routine. I have worked with people looking to lose weight, gain weight, change physique during and post-menopause, people with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, people who do olympic lifting and Crossfit competitions, and people simply looking to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. I honestly love seeing my clients succeed, and whatever your goal, I truly believe I can lead you to achieve it with diet, exercise, and supplements to fit your individual needs.