Established by Michelle McNeill, CHC in 2022 in response to the need for a shift in how we, as a society, thinks about health. We live in a society that is obsessed with looking good, even if it is at the expense of feeling good. After a LOT of research as a part my own health journey, I became very discouraged. You see, I was watching my husband's parents, my dad, and my grandmother decline quickly. One had a sharp body, but a mind that was going. Another had a mind intact, but the body was going. Yet another was lost on both sides. I saw the need to make a change in MY health... NOW!
I came to the realization that the same fate awaited me if I didn't start to make changes. I also realized that the "diet" or "health" industry was more about the almighty dollar than actually helping people. My journey toward better health was doomed before it was started because I was stuck in the traditional "diet" mentality of losing weight.
After a year of trying to lose weight, I began to stop and take a look at the weight loss industry. Basically, nothing really worked for long term weight loss. A staggering amount of people that lost weight, not only regained what they lost, but often gained MORE than they had lost. Even exercise equipment and weight loss apps weren't designed for the obese. A "beginner" program could put a a true beginner into cardiac arrest! It was time for something different and that included a look into my Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition. I needed a Total Health Mentality change.
After I realized that the diet and health industry had truly failed those who needed it most, my quest for the thing that really indeed would work began. After a year of looking, I found a Health Coaching Certification program. A true Health Coach - not a title attached to a seller of a meal plan in a MLM company. Now, I was in NO position to be a health coach. I was overweight, out of shape, and my health stunk! But, the course appeared to have all the info that I was looking for to make change for ME. I talked to the school and they told me that the course might actually be the very thing *I* needed to get on the right course. So, with no intention of coaching, I took the course. BAM! Life CHANGED. I finally had the information (and tools!) that I needed to make changes. I've heard so many diet plans say that they are "sustainable" when they are not anywhere close. I've seen folks lose weight, only to gain it back. I've seen people spend crazy amounts of money in an effort to take control of their "health". I've seen people do a lot of harm to their bodies/hormones while losing weight. I've done many of these too!!! You've heard it said that "Knowledge is Power". Well, I finally had the knowledge and the power to get where I needed to be.
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After becoming a Certified Health Coach for MY benefit, I just couldn't hang on to this information and not share. Have I achieved my final goal? No. But, the amazing results and changes that I have seen and have achieved, cannot be hidden under a rock. Who better to teach the overweight than someone who has truly walked in their shoes, understands their struggles, and knows their level of frustration? Who better to encourage you along your journey than one who has needed the same encouragement? The knowledge I now have regarding how my body works, what it needs, and how I should treat it/feed it is what is making my goals achievable. Knowing the "why" behind weight loss and true health, is key to making change. Best of all, it is based in true science, and years of research. That said, I wasn't left with mere knowledge. I was also given the tools that I needed to implement my newfound knowledge. No, I'm not talking about expensive meal plans, specific supplements, a certain way to exercise, multi level marketing, etc. I'm talking about practical ways to implement the knowledge in ways that work for my personality, my stage of life, my busyness, etc. The great thing is, this same knowledge and these same tools can help any personality type, stage of life, skill level, or busyness of life. It's all about finding and implementing what works for YOU. There is no such thing as "one size fits all" person, or even "one size fits most". We are all unique! But the beauty of the knowledge gained and the tools available is that they cross over and apply to everyone.
In the end, I found that my focus should not be on losing weight. My focus truly needed/needs to be on being healthy. Sure, I could choose to lose weight and not exercise. Reality... exercise is necessary! No, I'm not talking about running marathon. I'm talking about moving, and get my heart pumping at a reasonable level. Can you lose weight without exercising? Absolutely. Can you be truly healthy without exercise? No. Does cutting or counting calories help me lose weight? Yes. Can it also disrupt my hormones and change my personality? Yes. I have learned that to be truly healthy, I have to work on my Lifestyle, my Exercise, my Attitude AND my Nutrition. That's where myTotalHealthMentality comes in. One of the biggest comments that I have received since starting this journey is that I look younger. Yes, they notice the weight loss. But they see the vibrance and the joy even more!
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Join me in the journey to a better TotalHealthMentality. But, it won't by myTotalHealthMentality, it will be YOURS.
Need a little extra help? Get the help you need, when you need it.
Personalized help in shifting your pantry from inflammatory to anti-inflammatory food, health hurtful to health hearty food.
Pantry Makeover
Get help navigating the grocery store aisles, reading labels, and understanding "young foods" vs "old foods" and where to find them.
Personal Shopper
I'm so thankful for the journey that has brought me to this place and to this knowledge. Thankfulness is part of the journey, but it's also something I genuinely feel. My life has changed. It has not only affected me in a positive way, but those who are around me.