
My Story
Hi! My health and wellness journey started when I was still young. I have always been physically active, incorporating different types of exercises, and ate generally healthily. Bulk of what I ate was home cooked. Processed food and soda were very limited in the house. I didn’t have issues with my weight, and was also considered "thin".
Fast forward to when I started having my own family. Like most young mothers I felt pressured and struggled to lose that post pregnancy “pouch”. Apart from working out, I tried several diets and even considered doing a tummy tuck procedure. I found the diets restrictive, isolating and unsustainable. I was not enjoying my food because my meals were different from what my family was eating. The weight loss would also be temporary. Though I was not overweight, I was obsessed about reaching my ideal weight and body type because I thought that equated to being healthy.
In my quest to be fit and healthy for myself and my family, I joined a health supplement company and became a certified Metabolic Health Coach. With the training and additional learnings on health, I became my fittest and healthiest form in years. I discovered my passion for coaching also at this time.
However, 2 years before I turned 50 my Mom suddenly passed away. A few months after, my Dad was diagnosed with stage 2 prostrate cancer. Other life events happened and I found myself gaining weight in the midsection, anxious, having problems with sleep and bleeding heavily for a month in every cycle. I was confused with what was happening to my body. Despite applying what I learned as a Metabolic Health Coach, my body was not responding as it used to. I felt awful and lost. A sense of emptiness came over me which, at that time, I couldn’t understand why. My OB GYN prescribed hormonal birth control pills for me to regulate the bleeding. I was told I need to take it for as long as I am still ovulating. While the pill helped in regulating my menstrual cycle I didn't feel comfortable relying on it to help with my body's natural rhythm.
In May 2020, I decided to get my body's rhythm back in a natural way and bring balance in my life by signing up for a health coach training program at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in New York. I learned about the concept of bio-individuality, that there is no “one size fits all” approach to health and nutrition as each person is unique. I also discovered that overall health is not just about the food on your plate but involves your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being. Towards the end of 2020, I was already able to address my health issues by eating real food that is unique to my body; adopting breathing, yoga and meditation to help manage my anxieties ; and being mindful and present in my physical movement, social interactions and way of life. I have also learned to listen to my body by being more compassionate to myself and giving it permission to rest.
UPDATE:​
In March 2023, I took Precision Health Alliance's (PHA) level 1 course to become an endorsed ph360 health coach as I wanted to be a better coach to my clients, and to make sure that what I have learned in IIN will still be applicable as I get older. My learnings in ph360 took me to the science of epigenetic where I discovered my body's innate strengths and capabilities that helped me become more confident with my body now. I am also able to support clients better and have journeyed with them in knowing their bodies fully well, and what actually works for them at this stage in their life. I am looking forward to coaching more women and helping them achieve a more vibrant and joyful life.