It’s a significant milestone, a moment of reflection and immense gratitude: Unbound Wellness is celebrating its one-year anniversary! What an incredible journey it has been. This isn’t merely another blog; it’s the culmination of years of mental, academic, and emotional preparation, a space I envisioned where authentic health narratives meet practical, delicious recipes, and where a vibrant community of like-minded individuals can connect and thrive.
For the past year, Unbound Wellness has been my driving passion, the dynamic platform through which I’m launching into professional nutrition counseling. It represents a dream I’ve nurtured for years, and it’s exhilarating to see it flourish. The connections forged, the stories shared, and the progress witnessed within this community have been nothing short of inspiring. I’m truly excited to see what the future holds and how this blog will continue to evolve as an integral part of my life and mission to empower others on their wellness paths.
To mark this special blog birthday and to celebrate with the amazing community that has supported me every step of the way, I wanted to share a more personal glimpse into my world. Here are 10 things you might not know about me, offering a deeper understanding of the person behind Unbound Wellness and the experiences that have shaped my unique approach to health and holistic well-being.
1. I Never Ate Meat as a Kid, a Challenge That Fueled My Journey to Gut Health
Looking back, my childhood aversion to meat wasn’t born from noble ethical convictions or a conscious choice for a vegetarian lifestyle. Instead, it was a direct symptom of profoundly poor digestion. The mere thought, let alone the consumption, of cheeseburgers or even bacon would cause me to gag. My body simply rebelled against it, creating a deep-seated dislike that lasted for years. This persistent refusal to eat meat, unfortunately, had significant health repercussions that shaped much of my early life.
As a result of this restrictive diet, I developed severe anemia, became an extreme carb addict, and displayed clear signs of hypoglycemia and adrenal fatigue as early as middle school. My body was desperately craving essential minerals, so much so that I was convinced I had no sense of smell – a bizarre symptom of profound nutrient deficiency. I genuinely believed my limited palate was “normal” and stubbornly resisted any attempts to change my eating habits. Even my initial attempts at gut healing protocols in my early twenties, which ultimately failed, likely did so because my body simply wasn’t receiving the fundamental nutrition it needed to repair and thrive. It was a vicious cycle of malnourishment and digestive distress.
It wasn’t until I was 23, facing a desperate need for change, that I committed to a new healing diet with unwavering determination. This marked a turning point. Very slowly and carefully, I began reintroducing beef into my diet, starting with small amounts in the form of meatballs and nourishing bone broth, consumed perhaps once a week. This gradual reintroduction was critical. Over time, as my digestion slowly improved and my body began to heal, I graduated to more diverse forms of meat, eventually even enjoying bacon and, surprisingly, nutrient-dense liver. This personal transformation solidified my understanding of the profound connection between diet, nutrient density, and overall well-being, a lesson I carry into my professional practice today.
2. My Unathletic Childhood Paved the Way for a Holistic Approach to Movement
If there’s one thing you need to know about my childhood, it’s that I was decidedly not athletic. My well-meaning mother enrolled me in nearly every sport imaginable: soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, golf. At one point, she even signed me up for a boys’ baseball team, which, as you can imagine, was an incredibly awkward experience for a young girl who could barely hit a ball. I was truly terrible at all of them – uncoordinated, awkward, and often overwhelmed by the competitive environment. The shame I felt over my perceived lack of athletic ability was significant, and for a long time, it colored my perception of physical activity.
However, as I matured and gained perspective, I realized that true worth isn’t tied to prowess on a sports field. There are, literally, a million different ways to be skilled and successful in life. This realization allowed me to shed the lingering embarrassment and embrace movement on my own terms. So, apologies to my PE coach; those experiences didn’t break me; they simply redirected me.
While I may not excel at traditional team sports, I am far from inactive. My approach to movement is now centered on activities that I genuinely enjoy and that serve my body well. I’ve discovered a decent knack for weightlifting, appreciating the strength and resilience it builds. Yoga has become another beloved practice, offering flexibility, mindfulness, and a deep connection to my body. Even hiking, which I still somehow manage to be a bit clumsy at, is an enjoyable way to connect with nature. And, of course, the simple, reliable act of walking remains a constant and welcome part of my routine. My journey from an uncoordinated child to an adult who embraces diverse forms of mindful movement highlights the importance of finding personalized approaches to staying active and well.
3. My Lifelong Obsession with Online Writing: From Childhood Tales to Unbound Wellness
My passion for writing and connecting through the internet isn’t a recent development; it’s a thread that weaves through my entire life, starting from elementary school. It began innocently enough, with me penning whimsical poems in early online poetry forums. As technology evolved, so did my platforms: I graduated to Xanga (a true throwback for anyone who remembers it!), then to Blogspot, and eventually to the versatile world of WordPress, where Unbound Wellness now resides. My early writing days involved typing elaborate stories and fictional novels on my mom’s desktop computer, squirreling them away in my room as if they were top-secret manuscripts.
Yes, I am the proud (and slightly embarrassed) author of imaginary Smithtown, NY Time Best-Selling Titles like “Area 51: 911” and “The Return of the Mermaids.” For some inexplicable reason, all my early works were infused with peculiar sci-fi themes. While those early literary endeavors were undeniably silly and charmingly naive, I am profoundly grateful for the consistent creative outlet that online writing has provided me throughout the years. It taught me how to articulate thoughts, connect with an unseen audience, and build narratives.
Today, having Unbound Wellness as a platform where I can reach thousands of individuals seeking guidance, support, and genuine connection has only deepened that gratitude. The ability to transform a lifelong hobby into a meaningful profession, where I can share valuable health information and foster a supportive community, is truly a dream come true. This journey from childhood scribbler to professional blogger underscores the power of nurturing one’s passions and allowing them to evolve into something truly impactful.
4. Meet Stinky: The Unconventional Love Story of My Feline Companion
Confession time: I’m a terrible cat parent, at least when it comes to naming. My beloved feline companion, a creature of absolute charm and affection, goes by the name of Stinky. And yes, it stuck because, well, I’m a bad parent.
Stinky entered our lives in the most unexpected and dramatic fashion during a fierce ice storm. My mom was leaving work when this poor, shivering stray cat burst through the doors, seeking refuge from the bitter cold. My mom, with her kind heart, couldn’t bear to leave him out there. I offered to take him in for just one night, a temporary measure, or so we thought. For quite some time, he remained nameless, a fluffy, grateful guest. It was my husband, Daniel, who playfully started calling him “Stinky,” and to our surprise, it just stuck. It seemed to perfectly capture his mischievous yet endearing personality.
Initially, we weren’t sure we were ready for a cat and even tried to rehome him. Stinky hopped between a few families, but it quickly became clear that he belonged with us. We were simply kidding ourselves; he had already captured our hearts. Now, he’s an irreplaceable member of our family. He even has a tiny heart-shaped marking on his side, a sweet detail that perfectly matches his affectionate nature. He is, quite literally, the most lovey, needy, and utterly adorable cat imaginable. His presence brings so much joy and warmth to our home, reminding me that the best things in life often arrive when you least expect them.
5. Bridging Wellness and Digital Strategy: My Dual Role as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Digital Marketing Consultant
Beyond my role as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, my full-time profession and burgeoning side hustle lie in the dynamic world of digital marketing. It’s a career path that, in many ways, feels like a natural extension of my childhood obsession with writing online. My journey into this field began during college when I realized the traditional Registered Dietitian (RD) route didn’t align with my holistic philosophy. I switched my degree from Dietetics to Emerging Media and Communication, a pivotal decision that set me on this dual path.
I specialize in content creation, developing compelling narratives and educational resources that resonate with audiences. My expertise also extends to crafting effective marketing strategies and implementing growth marketing techniques designed to expand reach and engagement. My full-time role is in the advertising sector, where I hone these skills daily. Simultaneously, I channel this expertise into working with other health professionals, helping them to amplify their voices, connect with their ideal clients, and truly “shine” online. This blend of nutrition and digital marketing allows me to approach wellness communication from a uniquely informed and strategic perspective. If you’re a nutritionist or health professional seeking expert digital assistance, I invite you to reach out to me; I’d be delighted to explore how I can support your mission.
6. My Unconventional Internships: Learning Versatile Skills at Disney World and Gas Monkey Garage
My career trajectory has been anything but conventional, punctuated by two incredibly distinct and insightful internships that taught me invaluable lessons far beyond their initial scope. I never set out to work in the entertainment or automotive industries, yet opportunities arose that I simply couldn’t pass up. The first was at Disney World, participating in their renowned college program. This experience was a masterclass in customer service, operational efficiency, and managing expectations in a high-energy environment. It taught me the importance of meticulous planning, problem-solving on the fly, and creating magical experiences for diverse audiences – skills surprisingly transferable to building a supportive online community.
My second unique internship was at Gas Monkey Garage, the Dallas-based custom car shop featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit show, “Fast N’ Loud.” They needed social media assistance, and I was eager to dive in. My role primarily involved managing their social media channels, particularly Twitter, and engaging with their passionate fanbase. I even had my fleeting moment of fame, appearing in the background of one episode – a memorable 0.05 seconds! Both Disney and Gas Monkey, despite their stark differences, provided me with hands-on experience in public relations, brand management, and dynamic digital communication. These diverse experiences broadened my perspective and equipped me with a versatile toolkit of communication and marketing skills that I leverage every day in Unbound Wellness and in my consulting work with other health professionals.
7. Twice the Love: Our Two Unforgettable Weddings to the Same Incredible Husband
When it came to getting married, my husband and I were so eager to start our life together that we simply couldn’t wait for a grand, traditional event. Our journey began with an intimate elopement, a decision I wouldn’t change for anything. It was incredibly sweet, profoundly personal, and blissfully stress-free. With just our parents, siblings, and me in a charming mod cloth dress, we exchanged vows in a truly meaningful ceremony. It was perfect in its simplicity, focusing entirely on our commitment to each other.
However, we also wanted to celebrate our union with a larger circle of family and friends. So, nine months later, we made up for the lack of stress (and lack of a killer dress!) with a full-fledged wedding celebration. This time, we opted for a delightful brunch-themed event, which allowed for a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Being deeply involved in health and wellness, I even made my mini Paleo crepe cake, a special touch that showcased my passion for nutritious, yet delicious, treats. Those were truly good times, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. While the non-Paleo cake proved notoriously difficult to cut, every moment of both celebrations was cherished, creating a beautiful narrative of our journey together.
The actual, non-Paleo cake was also super hard to cut…
8. My Transformative Shift: From Scoffing at Paleo to Embracing a Primal Approach
It’s almost comical to reflect on my initial reaction to the Paleo diet. Introduced to the concept through CrossFit when I was around 18 or 19, my immediate argument, delivered with a healthy dose of skepticism, was “Cavemen didn’t buy bacon at Costco!” The idea of cutting out staples like black beans and oatmeal felt utterly restrictive and unnecessary. My perception of Paleo was narrow, equating it solely with a simplistic, historically inaccurate view of “caveman eating.” I couldn’t fathom giving up foods that I considered healthy and integral to my diet.
What I failed to grasp at the time was the deeper philosophy behind the Paleo framework. It wasn’t merely about mimicking ancestral diets, but rather about focusing on traditionally prepared, nutrient-dense foods and systematically removing modern, processed inflammatory foods from the diet. This shift in understanding was profound. While I ultimately align more closely with the principles of Weston A. Price and a broader “primal” advocacy, emphasizing nutrient density, gut health, and proper food preparation, my journey through Paleo was pivotal. Today, I am a grateful and active member of the Paleo community, engaging with its principles from a much more informed and nuanced perspective. This evolution in my dietary philosophy has been central to my own healing and underpins many of the foundational principles I share through Unbound Wellness.
9. Discovering the Autoimmune Protocol: My Serendipitous Path to Healing Leaky Gut
The irony isn’t lost on me that I once scoffed at the Paleo diet, only to find myself unknowingly adhering to many of its core principles out of necessity. At the age of 20, I received a diagnosis of leaky gut, a pivotal moment that forced me to confront my health challenges head-on. Driven by a desperate need for relief and healing, I began to experiment with my diet, systematically cutting out grains, nuts, and nightshades – long before I had even heard of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). It’s truly fascinating how intuition and desperate circumstances can lead you down paths that science later validates.
My discovery of the Autoimmune Protocol was purely serendipitous. While searching for recipes that accommodated my increasingly restrictive diet, I noticed a recurring label: “AIP.” Intrigued by this mysterious acronym, I delved deeper into what AIP entailed. I learned about its comprehensive approach to gut healing and inflammation reduction, which involved further eliminating seeds, legumes, and the remaining grains from my diet. The impact was nothing short of astonishing. I was genuinely shocked by how much better I felt on AIP – the reduction in symptoms, the increased energy, and the overall sense of well-being were transformative. While I have since successfully reintroduced several foods, I continue to follow the general template of AIP, a testament to its effectiveness in managing my gut health and supporting my overall vitality. This experience taught me the profound power of dietary intervention and the importance of listening to my body’s unique needs.
10. The Unwavering Call to Nutrition: How I Built My Dream as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
There are moments in life when clarity strikes with such force that you simply “know.” For me, that moment arrived a little over a year ago, when I woke up with an undeniable certainty: I had to pursue my passion for working in nutrition. This wasn’t a sudden whim; it was a powerful reawakening of a long-held dream. I had originally started college studying to become a Registered Dietitian, but I quickly realized that the conventional RD route, heavily focused on outdated food pyramid guidelines, simply wasn’t aligned with my holistic, root-cause approach to health. While I changed my academic path then, the desire to help people through nutrition always lingered in my heart.
A year ago, that latent desire became an urgent calling. I was resolute in my decision to return to school, but this time, to a program that resonated with my philosophy. After extensive research, I discovered the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) and immediately knew it was the perfect fit. Their emphasis on bio-individuality, foundational nutrition, and holistic healing spoke directly to my beliefs. The only obstacle was financial; I didn’t have the savings readily available to enroll. So, last summer, amidst planning my wedding, I took on an intense digital marketing project, working tirelessly to earn the tuition. I pushed myself to the absolute limit, and though I achieved my goal, it wasn’t without consequence – I actually worked myself into a Hashimoto’s flare-up. While not my recommended strategy, it undeniably worked, demonstrating my fierce determination.
Today, I am overjoyed, incredibly blessed, and profoundly excited to say that I am a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. This achievement not only allows me to fulfill my lifelong dream of working one-on-one with individuals, helping them get to the root of their health struggles through personalized nutrition, but it also makes me a more well-rounded and empathetic consultant for my digital marketing clients in the health and wellness space. Every day, I am grateful for the journey that led me here, for the support I’ve received, and for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. God is good, and I am thankful for His guidance on this path.
So, there you have it – ten facets of my life that have shaped who I am and what Unbound Wellness represents. This past year has been an extraordinary chapter, and I am incredibly grateful for each one of you who has been a part of it. Every email, every thoughtful comment, every social media conversation – your support has been invaluable and truly fuels my passion. You have no idea how much your friendship and encouragement mean to me. I can’t wait to embark on the next year, and the year after, continuing to grow, learn, and connect with this incredible community. Here’s to many more years of unbound wellness together! 🎉