I get several inquiries via social media and email that generally ask the same questions so I’ve created a list of answers here for you! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to Contact Me.

Q: How did you lose the weight 12 years ago?

A: Well, it took 9 months of focus and dedication.  After many failed attempts, I hit what I call My Breaking Point. Basically, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I decided to start with small changes and worked my way into the lifestyle you see today. Read more here at My Weight Loss Story. 

Q: How did you keep the weight off for 14 years?

A: Let me start off by saying, losing the weight was the easy part. Keeping it off has been the biggest challenge. In the last 14 years, I’ve experienced many ups and downs. But through it all, I’ve managed to make this lifestyle a priority. Did you know that the majority of people who go through extreme weight loss gain it back within 2-3 years? When I heard that early on in my journey I was determined to not become that statistic. So, I set out to make this lifestyle sustainable. Read more at My 10 year Weight Loss Anniversary!! The years in review.

Q: How did you avoid loose skin?

A: This was another priority for me throughout my journey. Through research, I knew that if I just stuck to cardio I likely wouldn’t achieve my desired goals. I incorporated weight training into my regimen early on. This helped me tighten and tone as the weight came off. And of course, it allowed me to maintain my curves! More tips on this can be found at My Top Tips to Avoiding Loose Skin. 

Q: What is your current regimen?

A: Well, I’m active most days, but the level of difficulty varies. This is what a typical week will look like:

• Monday: Arms

• Tuesday: Yoga for Flexibility

• Wednesday: Shoulders & Abs

• Thursday: Legs

• Friday: Vinyasa Yoga

• Saturday: Back and Abs

• Sunday: Rest Day (or a light Yin Yoga).

I usually aim to get about 10,000 steps in a day - which can be done via a leisure walk or some HIIT cardio - depends on my mood!

I also have a very consistent morning routine that focuses on mindset - details of that can be found here.

As for my diet, even while traveling, I eat 4 meals a day. My meals are heavy in complex carbs and lean proteins and I avoid processed foods and refined sugar. For the most part, I have a pescatarian-based diet! I follow the 80/20 rule where 80% of my diet is extremely clean while 20% allows for some fun! 

I limit dairy because it effects my skin. My animal protein of choice is always fish. I LOVE wine (all types, especially sparkling) so I treat myself to a few glasses a week and I try to avoid hard liquor. 

Q: How do you remain so motivated?

A: First, I should note that I’m not always motivated. I struggle too! But, I always bounce back. It comes down to the fact that I just love feeling amazing. When you get to this optimal state of health, you simply never want to turn back. Having energy, happiness, joy, and confidence all comes with this lifestyle. Any time I feel like straying (which happens often), I remember it simply isn’t worth giving up this feeling. It’s really hard to describe it until you get there. Trust me, once you do, you never want to look back.

Q: How did you grow your social media following?

A: Truth is, I went viral. I never set out to grow my following, it just happened. Many accounts/media/influencers got a hold of my before and after photos and would re-post them. I would say I am able to keep and continue to grow my following based on the consistent, valuable, and authentic content I provide. I intentionally ensure anything I put out has purpose behind it. My followers are loyal because of this. I have been consistent over the years and people recognize my approach, so they continue to follow and share my page with their friends!

Q: How did you become certified and start your business? 

A: I took an in-person course! I am a practical learner, so online courses wouldn’t work for me. I prefer classroom style teaching, so I signed up with my local gym (under a national association) and completed it! Then, I was able to take on clients. I decided to start an online and travel business because of my love for travel. I knew I couldn’t commit to one country for too long so it made most sense to have offer my services virtually. 

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: Well, at the moment I am a dedicated Online and In-Person Trainer and am the co-founder to the Whole Experience Retreats. But this is only recent. A decade before this lifestyle, I was in corporate HR. I decided, however, that it was time for an indefinite break from corporate to live a more purpose-driven life. To learn more about my story, you can find details here. 

Q: How do you afford to travel so much?

A: In 2015, I went on a journey to get out of debt. My full and detailed story can be found here. But in short, after a few years of intense frugal living, I did it! Once I was out of debt, I had more disposable income than I was used to. It was around that time that I decided my new disposable income would go to experiences vs. materialistic items. I’ve now adopted a bit of a minimalist lifestyle. I rarely shop and keep very few expenses. I live humbly and really just enjoy spending my money on things that bring me joy. This lifestyle change allows me to live the way I do! My first priority is always saving, and my second is seeing as much of the world as possible! All of my disposable income goes to travel ☺