For most of my life, my A1c was above 10, and weight was always a challenge with my Type 1 Diabetes and Hashimoto’s. I struggled with non-purging bulimia in my 20s, experienced multiple diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes, and eventually reached almost 170 pounds. My clothes no longer fit. I was bloated and in pain all of the time, which left me feeling miserable and unattractive. I suffered from chronic fatigue and burned out from the constant ups and downs of my diabetes and weight. And when it came time for family planning, I felt completely lost and alone.

After years of trying countless fad diets, procrastination, and denial, I eventually hit a point where I was fed up with feeling guilty and ashamed of my body. I knew I needed help, so I enrolled in a weight-loss health coaching program, and the weight started to come off. After getting married, I realized just how important a healthy A1c was for pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and having a healthy baby. I knew I could no longer leave my health to chance—and that I had to advocate for myself.

Through that process, I learned that managing my health wasn't just about another diet or trying harder. I had to eliminate trigger foods and work on resetting my gut health. Supporting my mental health was critically important, and once I learned how to listen to my body and understand what it needed, I could then use food and holistic lifestyle changes to support my diabetes, weight, and overall well-being.

Today, I have a completely different relationship with my body and how I nourish it. I lost over 30 pounds and, more importantly, I have kept it off. I have been able to reduce my A1c to 5.5, and manage it within pre-pregnancy targets. My IBS symptoms have disappeared, I have more energy, sleep better, and feel empowered with my health - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I no longer feel like my body is something I have to fight against—I understand how to work with it.

If you’ve experienced diabetes distress or burnout, struggled with stubborn weight, Hashimoto’s, or want to better balance your health and hormones for optimal fertility, click the button below to access the free training video I've put together for YOU.