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Lissa Figgins

Hi, I'm Lissa Figgins. As a Women's Wellness Consultant, my mission is to help busy women prioritize their wellness. With a simple 3-step plan you can finally turn knowing into doing. I bring over 20 years of experience educating others to help women create a true lifestyle change. Do you ever know what you should do to take care of your health, but find you just aren't doing it? As women, we often put everyone (and everything) else first and ourselves on the back burner...and then one day wake up and wonder why we look and feel the way we do. It’s often because there's a gap between knowing and doing that's filled with excuses...time, money, motivation...but it's really a matter of making it a priority and having a plan. I am a wife, mother, health coach, entrepreneur, blogger, educator, and friend. On my happiest days, I am connecting with…

Maureen Vincenty

As a Peak Performance Health Coach, Maureen is an expert in transforming the bodies and lives of her clients. Formerly a NASA/EPA scientist, her obsession with research turned to health after losing her mother to cancer unexpectedly. She has spent the past 18 years researching optimal health, fitness, and preventative wellbeing. Her passion is to help high performers transform their nutrition and lifestyle so they can look, feel, and perform their best.

Christi Witten

Growing up, I had a huge passion for performing. My schedule would consist of school, show choir practice, musical practice, voice lessons, dance lessons, and practicing on my own. When I went to college, I didn’t have that full schedule. I felt alone, bored, depressed and didn’t know the focus of my education. I went to the gym to cope. There, I quickly learned how nutrition and fitness could impact anyone’s life. My passion for movement in performing shifted to movement in fitness. My studies in college changed from unknown with a music minor to a Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion from The University of North Texas. After college, I continued my education and training to expanded my knowledge and experience. I am certified in group fitness, personal training, nutrition coaching. Currently, I'm working on my Master's in Exercise Science. Currently, I am a manager at a corporate fitness center…

Dr. Jessica Hayman

Dr. Jessica Hayman is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona, where she practices and resides in Sedona. She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She also holds Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Spanish from The University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Naturopathic Medicine actually found Dr. Hayman. She was determined to find answers to the root cause of diseases that her friends and family were dealing with. She soon realized that the alleviation of disease is prevention and wellness. Her curiosity and desire for living a clean lifestyle turned a passion into a profession. She sees herself as a facilitator to empower patients, take measures to better their lives by seeing the world around them in a new light. Dr. Hayman has seen how when given the best conditions for thriving the body can heal on…

Lorraine Miano

Lorraine Miano, Certified Health & Hormone Coach discovered her passion of offering menopause advocacy, support and resources to women in all phases of menopause through health coaching, proper nutrition and preventive lifestyle choices. She received her certifications as a Health Coach and hormone health expert from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been able to help even more women by writing and publishing her first book, The Magic of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back! The book helps guide women through the struggles they face as they begin menopause and helps tackle the daily changes such as balancing hormones holistically, getting a better night’s sleep and reducing or eliminating hot flashes, to name a few. Lorraine loves to encourage her clients with her mantra “Menopause is NOT an ending! IT IS a new beginning!” Please click here for your free guide Eat Your Way to Hormone Health…

Debbie Movsesian

Debbie Movsesian is a physician assistant and a health coach. She graduated from the University of Michigan and attended PA school at George Washington University. She has many years of experience treating cardiac patients. Her passion is health promotion and disease prevention and treating the root cause of disease. This passion led her to start coaching as she believes it is the education plus close support and accountability that truly inspires long-lasting health. She believes we all have the power to live a life free of chronic disease without relying on medications. Debbie is passionate about helping people unleash that power through a multidisciplinary approach centered around whole food, plant based-nutrition. Her simple, tasty way of eating is easy to make a healthy habit and proven to prevent and even reverse common illnesses. Unlike medications, which only treat symptoms, Debbie’s method, which incorporates food and other lifestyle strategies, gets to…

Letticia Callies

Letticia is a joy-filled Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, who is passionate about promoting the natural healing capabilities of the body using essential oils and lifestyle changes as a means to achieving abundant health and wellness. She is NAHA certified and certified in the French Method, which is the internal use of essential oils. Her strong communication skills and empathetic nature serve as an avenue for building trust and openness with her clients. She focuses on identifying the root cause of the issue within the context of the whole person including lifestyle, stress levels, and diet. She is known for saying “Choose JOY” because when life gets hards, a JOY mindset has been her saving grace and it has served as a means of inspiration and encouragement for her clients, family, and friends. Letticia holds a Masters Degree in Communication and incorporates multiple methods of communication in her wellness education and training…

Suzanne Taylor-King

Welcome! Are you ready for more energy, more vibrancy, and a greater sense of well-being in all areas of your life? Let's up-level to the ultimate version of you! Healthy, Fit, Energetic & Happy! If I can do it so can you! Suzanne was once confused, sick and totally bored with her life! It made her physically sick, tired and lethargic, then diagnosed with MS and faced with either the challenge of healing her body or going on medication to prevent the progression of the dis-ease that was happening in her body! She went on a 2 year quest to heal her brain lesions, emotions and physical body and end the inflammation in my body! Finding her passion along the way ~ designing healthy lifestyles for others! Taking that passion and turning it into a career helping others do the same! Along the way I finding essential oils and aromatherapy…

Erica Hunter

Erica Hunter is a wife, mom, holistic health coach and lover of veggies. She believes the food-body-mind connection is powerful, and daily food choices matter. As a Health Coach, she helps clients become fearless about food as they eliminate foods from their diet due to food sensitivities, allergies, and other medical conditions. She received her training as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts.

Dr. Melissa Brennan, DC, FICPA

Since 2006, Dr. Melissa Brennan and her husband, Dr. Jarrod, have focused on caring for your entire family. Dr. Melissa has certifications in Pediatrics, Pregnancy, Webster Technique, Acupuncture, and Nutrition Response Testing. In 1997, Dr. Melissa was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. After many years of being on medications and suffering from complications (such as kidney disease, arthritis, sun sensitivity, butterfly rash, and extreme fatigue), she was motivated to find a more natural approach to treating her disease. She became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2004 which started her on the road to a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Today, Dr. Melissa’s lupus is in complete remission. She attributes her health to Chiropractic, Acupuncture, a Whole Food Diet, and Nutritional Supplements. She has taken what most consider an “unfortunate disease of lupus” and turned it into a huge blessing and wonderful opportunity to help others seek more natural ways to improve their…

Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA

Dr Karen Wolfe is an Australian physician, Coach, Speaker and author. Born in Sydney Australia, Karen graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and completed a Masters Degree in Psychology from National University in California. She worked initially in Australia as a family physician followed by 8 years of experience in the administration of national health care, wellness and senior programs in her role as the Medical Director of the Australian Government Health Service. She is the author of seven books, including Is Your Lifestyle Killing You? – The 8 Simple Steps for Lasting Weight Loss and Optimal Health, Create the body Your Soul Desires: The Friendship Solution to Weight, Energy and Sexuality and her new eBook Gut Matters: 4 Ways to Optimize Your Digestion to Boost Your 'Second Brain' and Improve Your Mood Karen is a Guiding Mindful Change Coach and a Holistic…

Kimberly Price

Kimberly Price is a WHOLE LIFE strategist, holistic health practitioner, certified yoga instructor, philanthropist, wife and mother of four; passionate about taking the HELL out of healthy living; (be it with a smoothie, laughter, a fun event or an unconventional type of mediation,) to help you start thinking, acting and living like the CEO of your life so that you can find the courage to start moving forward faster in your Health, Relationships and Business. She is about whole-body wellness and helping to inspire and empower people to believe in what’s possible for them, in living their biggest best lives. She lives for clean eating, loves the outdoors, a restorative yoga class, adventure travel, a good pair of jeans, smooth jazz music, the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of the wind, and her day to day life with her four crazy kids, husband Nate and their four-legged hairy child…

Dr. Stacy LeQuire

Hello! I’m Dr. Stacy LeQuire. I’m so honored to be a part of the Healthy Living List! A bit about my background...I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1997. I completed my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2001. After graduating I spent some time as an associate in Seattle, WA and later my husband and I co-founded Main Street Chiropractic in a Boston suburb in 2004. After practicing on both coasts, we moved back to my beloved home state of Minnesota. We have been active in the Rochester community since 2008 and are co-owners of Vitality Chiropractic and Evergreen Family Wellness. I am motivated to share the small changes and habits that enhance health and “stack the deck in your favor” when it comes to chronic disease. I like to encourage…

What to Believe About Nutrition

What’s eating you? Or, more accurately, what are you eating? It seems like new diets are all the rage right now yet none of them really focus on the nutrition behind them. With all the hoopla, how do you know what to believe about nutrition? You can find lots of information on the internet but every article you read contradicts the next. How can you make heads or tails of it? Are you: Confused by all of the new diets What nutrition has got to do with it Ready to lose weight but don’t know-how Want to feel better and have more energy Desire healthy glowing skin Concerned about your health Or… do you simply want to know what you should eat and what you should avoid and why? We can help! The March edition of the Wonder Series, Living Healthy List Experts Alexis Simmons, Kimberly Price, Maureen Vincenty, Suzanne Taylor and me, Denise Stegall, …

Your Attitude on Aging Determines How You Age

Did you know that genetics determines about 20-30% of your health and longevity? That means that 70-80 percent of what determines how well you age is up to you! Your lifestyle is the dominant factor and your attitude on aging determines how you age. There are a number of categories that fall under lifestyle and lifestyle choices but I'm going to focus on four of them: diet, movement, mindset, and meaning. Diet Eat Real Food! What you eat determines your overall health. Eating a variety of foods high in nutrition and low in calories is the basis of a healthy diet. Consuming less salt, sugars, and saturated and trans-fats, are an essential and the healthiest most sustainable way to lose weight. Done right, your food choices actually protect you against chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Movement I don't have to tell you that you need to…

The Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives

From meatless alternatives at your local fast-food restaurant to a shift towards completely plant-based diets, changing your diet is easier than ever. The rise of plant-based alternatives has never been more prevalent. But is it right for you? This isn’t your typical Burger King menu. And that’s not your typical burger. In fact, it’s not made of meat at all. That’s because it’s 2020 and the meatless revolution has gone mainstream with plant-based meatless options that aren’t just easier to find – they’re hard to miss. Last year, the company Beyond Meat, one of the leaders in meatless alternatives went public with an initial offering over around $25 a share. The company is now valued at more than $10 billion with shares trading around $69. It's obvious with the rise of plant-based alternatives that that many of us are jumping on board. Impossible Foods, its closest competitor, just received a…

Save Money on Your Home Yoga Practice

Take a few yoga classes and you may find yourself addicted to that post-practice high. Do you wonder how you can get more of that feeling? Especially now if your favorite studio hasn’t reopened following the pandemic lockdown. While elevating your practice can take time and hard work, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use these budget-savvy tips to transform yourself from a casual student to a seasoned yogi. Simple Ways to Save Money on Tools and Tech for Expanding a Yoga Practice at Home Your Home Practice Can Save Time & Money Paying for classes at a gym or studio can be pretty costly. Still, consistent practice is essential to improving your understanding and prowess when it comes to yoga poses. So how can you maintain a regular practice without paying for those expensive classes? Well, you can start by picking up yoga gear at stores like…

The Healing Power of Nutrigenomics

What is Nutrigenomics? In the simplest of terms, nutrigenomics is the study and branch of genetic research of how foods affect our genes and how, in return, genetic variations affect the way we react to nutrients in foods. These genes instruct your amino acid arrangements for proteins that create your traits. Nutrigenomics is a big word and it has a big impact. I was introduced to nutrigenomics when I was sick and wanted to change. At the time I was struggling with a lot of health issues and in order to cope, I swept the hardest parts of my life under the rug. Essentially, I was resigned to getting sicker. My body hurt and my gut health was a mess soo I was curious to see how it could help me. You are what you eat You may have heard this term, its been around as long as I…

Eat Real Food at Keto Life with Matt

Have you been thinking about doing "Keto" but not sure how to do it the right way? Your friends who are on Keto tell you about all the crap they are allowed to eat, and you think, that can't be healthy. There has to be a better way. There is! Keto Life with Matt shows that you can eat real food, have more energy, increase mental clarity, and lose weight. Google searches for “ketogenic diet” are at an all-time high. The stream of keto-related emails, ads, and sales pages is almost relentless but many of them only touch the surface or are just trying to sell you something. What is Keto? The “keto” diet is any extremely low carbohydrate diet ( 10-20 grams) that forces the body into a state of ketosis. When Ketosis occurs molecules called ketones build up in their bloodstream. What are Ketones? "Ketones are chemicals your…

Health Food Supplements You Should Know About

Health food supplements (supplements) are one of the hottest selling products in the market these days. In the US there are billions of dollars in sales every year. Recent surveys show that more than half of the adults in the U.S. use supplements in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, soft gels, gel caps, and liquids. Its' not surprising that studies show a close correlation between health and nutrition. When you have an insufficient amount of nutrients your body's defense mechanism is weakened causing medical problems from the common cold to severe long-term illnesses. The higher use of health food supplements is attributed to public awareness of health issues and improved standard of living. Types of Health Food Supplements There are different types of supplements, including macronutrients (amino acids, proteins, essential fatty acids), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), enzymes (digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes), probiotics (beneficial bacteria in the gut),…

Household Products You Never Knew Were Toxic

As the country is slowly reopening some people are going back to work. Many of us, however, are still practicing Shelter In Place in our homes or apartments. If you are lucky you have an outdoor space where you can exercise and get fresh air. Living in an apartment or in a city you may have limited to no outdoor space. You really are confined indoors with all of the household products you never knew were toxic. Since the beginning of Shelter In Place, people have shared on social media that they've spent their free time cleaning and clearing out their spaces. This brings three questions to my mind. What type of cleaners are you using? Is your space ventilated? What kind of air are you breathing in your home Why is this important? Toxic Exposure! We're looking at household products you never knew were toxic. Natural health experts…

Herbs & Vitamins that Help Men Live Longer

Have you ever thought about the gap between the life expectancy between men and women? For years, as a nutritionist and life coach, I have tried to get my husband to eat healthier, take his vitamins and get more exercise.......and don't get me started on the drinking more water!!! One at a time over the past 15 years he is come along, not with broccoli, but different healthy lifestyle suggestions! There are many herbs and vitamins that help men live longer. Interested? If you're like most people, this may be the first time that you've heard that today, many women all over the world outlive men by an average of as much as 10 years. Before you give up and accept your fate, you might be surprised to hear that there are a few things that you can do to have a longer, more productive, and healthy life. Could it…

Is Better Sexual Health Only An Apple Away

You've heard the phrase an apple a day keep the doctor away, correct? It's common knowledge that eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables promotes optimal health. What if that apple is the key to better sexual health? Could it be that simple? Is better sexual health only an apple away? Let's explore. Tom is 45-years old. He is married with two children and has a good job. He has never been the athletic type and for as long as he can remember he's been a few pounds overweight. In the past ten years, his life has progressively become more sedentary. With two children and a job that is increasingly more burdensome, the available time he has to train or d participate in sports shrank to almost nothing. When it comes to eating a healthy diet, both Tom and his partner would love to behave as role models for…

Real men take care of themselves

It’s a fact: Guys are less likely to administer self-exams, eat healthy food, take their vitamins, ask for emotional support, and wear sunscreen. The price of their lack of self-care may be a high one. Real men take care of themselves! The average male may be hastening his own demise by drinking and driving, having unsafe sex, or succumbing to suicide as a result of depression. The main reason? Men don’t want to be seen as wimps. In our society boys often are told from a young age “don’t be a crybaby” and “take it like a man,” and many have been ostracized for showing vulnerability. When a boy crosses over into manhood, societal expectations don’t suddenly shift. If anything, there seems to be more pressure on men to “suck it up” with maturity. If you’re a man, improving your odds of living a long and healthy life includes letting go of the harmful idea that the body is indestructible. I'll let you in on a little secret, real me take care of themselves. Here’s a look at some of the greatest threats to men’s…

Feed Your Beneficial Bacteria

Your gut and its inhabitants, the microorganisms that make up your gut microbiome have many key functions that influence your overall health. A healthy gut microbiome is important for men and women of all ages and something to take into consideration when it comes to your lifestyle and dietary choices. I bet you've never thought to feed your beneficial bacteria. Research continually shows that your gut microbiome can influence your overall health. Specifically through the production of metabolites that can positively or negatively interact with your immune, cardiovascular, metabolic, and nervous systems. Although a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome has yet to be defined, there are properties that are strongly associated with healthy people. Bacterial diversity describes the balance of the different types of bacteria. It is a measure of how many different types of bacteria are present and their amounts. Bacterial diversity is important especially to increase the beneficial bacteria. Healthy…

Nutrient Deficiency and Multivitamins

A Case Taking a Daily Multivitamin Did you know that the World Health Organisation estimates that more than 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in the vitamins and minerals essential for health? Granted, the majority of these 2 billion people live in developing countries. However, this nutrient deficiency or micronutrient malnutrition (MNM) is also widespread in industrialized countries. That would be us in the US, Canada, and Australia among others. Studies show that 77 percent of men in the United States are low in magnesium, many are deficient in vitamin D and vitamin B12. Regular use of antacids for heartburn is associated with low levels of B12. In Australia low levels of calcium, iron, vitamin b6, and magnesium are common. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency affects just under 1 in 4 Australians. The United States and Australia are wealthy countries so why are we experiencing nutrient deficiencies? In wealthier countries, higher…

Healthy Lifestyle Helps Defend Against COVID 19

Have you ever been starstruck? It's such a strange feeling when you bump into a celebrity who you've admired from afar. You even feel like you "know" them. I met Billy Joel in an elevator in Philadelphia, the same elevator that I first saw my husband. Most recently I was given the chance to interview Dr. Michale Gregor, founder of NurtitionFacts about how a healthy lifestyle helps defend against COVID 19. If you have not heard for him, Michael Greger, M.D. is a licensed general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition and is a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He is one of the top experts in his field and is consistent in his message about how a healthy lifestyle helps defend against COVID 19. Dr. Greger is a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important public…

How to Get Sleep With a New Baby

Congratulations, you're a new mom! Maybe you've put off having children to focus on career, struggled with infertility, or just decided that now the time was right. You've experienced pregnancy, labor, delivery, and finally, you can bring your baby home and relax. Right? Many new parents, especially those who have waited to have children do not realize how much a new baby disrupts your entire life, at least for a while. The new center of your universe needs so much from you, 24/7 leaving you feeling overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. So, it is essential for you to learn how to get sleep with a new baby in the house. Why is sleep so important? Sleep deprivation has a cumulative effect that builds over time. When you are experiencing a lack of sleep, you put your health at risk. Sleep deprivation affects your mood, body, cognitive abilities, and potentially all aspects of…

Eat Well Without Going Broke

There is a common myth that eating healthy and fresh, including organic produce, dairy, and meats, is expensive and is out of reach for many families. As a Personal Finance Coach & Educator, I have indeed seen clients spend thousands of dollars per month on their groceries and supplements. After all, when you don’t have your health, what else is there? Some would argue it is worth holding on to, or restoring, at any cost. I assure you that you can eat well without going broke! But what about those of us that want to feel great and sustain eating well, while living within our means? On the heels of the recent Living Healthy List "Diet Demystified Summit" (here's just one interview that talks about food. You can get gain access here if you missed it) I want to provide some tips and a resource for those who struggle with the…

Sugar Can Crash Your Immune System

Hey, Its Dr. Melissa Brennan! I know right now everything in life is out of balance. It seems that since our routines have all but gone out the window that our eating habits have followed. That may be OK for a day or so but not for longevity. Why? Because eating food full of preservatives, additives, and sugar can crash your immune system. FACT: Sugar is 8 x’s more addictive than cocaine. Sugar cause obesity, inflammation (disease), feeds cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes, depression, infertility, impotence, depression, and brain function. The average American consumes 17 teaspoons (71.14 grams) every day. That translates into about 57 pounds of added sugar consumed each year, per every person in America. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following guidelines: 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar/day = 100 calories/day for women 9 teaspoons (38 grams) of added sugar/day = 150 calories/day for men 3-6 teaspoons (12…

Self Care Recipes Using Items From Your Pantry

I'm writing to you during Week 2 of my Co-Vid quarantine. I don't know about you but I'm not quite feeling quite myself. Rather than wallow or get stressed out, let's do something constructive. It's time for a Pantry Raid! I've given you three self-care recipes using items from your pantry. I can see very clearly the image of a picture I saw once of a woman jumping headfirst into a glass of wine. And... I imagine that most of us want to recreate our own version of that same picture right about now. Throw into the confusion of these times, two boys, ages 5 and 2 who are a whirlwind of nonstop energy and what appears to be slightly stubborn defiance disorders. They are home now with me all-the-time. I love them but... I know you feel my pain and I yours. So, What do we do about this?…

Live a more enjoyable and meaningful life

How will you remember this time of early 2020? How did you live? Will you recall how you were possibly quarantined, riddled with angst and fear, hoarding toilet paper? OR... Will you remember how for the first time in a long time your family shared meals together, played games together, talked, laughed and loved together? It's time to flip the switch for a more enjoyable social distancing experience. The way you took the time to relax and partake in some self-care and reflection. You finally finished that project you put off. Implemented your health and exercise routine? The constant and elevated stress of daily living and working melted away, allowing you to be more mindfully present in each moment? Social distancing has given us the gift and opportunity of being able to do a lifestyle “re-set”. Living a more enjoyable and meaningful life. Gratitude, compassion, empathy, and joy can be…

How You Can Reprogram Your Genes

How many times have you heard others say or thought to yourself, “well it’s just my genes so there is nothing I can do about that!”? I'm here to tell you something really exciting... you can actually reprogram your genes! We commonly think of our genes as fixed traits that we inherit from your parents, such as hair and eye color, height, personality characteristics, predispositions to alcoholism, flat feet, heart disease, and the list can go on. Lifestyle behaviors do not have much influence over these types of inherited traits but you can directly influence the genes involved in health and wellness. Specifically, the genes that influence muscle development, body fat storage, inflammation, and other aspects of general health and longevity. On a journey towards optimal health, you get to uncover which lifestyle choices UNLOCK your own unique genetic potential. Genetic Reprogramming Think of your genes like an…

Lifestyle Changes to Achieve Your Best Health

What does it take to achieve your best health for ourselves and our community? Can lifestyle changes like diet and exercise help you achieve your best health? Mental health, obesity, and diabetes are among the leading health priorities facing our community and 80% of these chronic conditions are lifestyle-related. Mei Liu, Founder of the Lotus Health Foundation understood that in order for people with chronic illnesses to get better they need better information, clear education on nutrition and someone to listen to them. "Locally in Minnesota, I couldn't find a program that delivered all three of these pieces so I decided to do something to help!" Lotus Health Foundation is hosting a three-day event, 20/20 Perfect Vision of Health. The program will focus on education, prevention, and improving the health of our community, one person at a time through self-care. The 4th annual Community of Wellness Event will be held in…

Maureen Vincenty

As a Peak Performance Health Coach, Maureen is an expert in transforming the bodies and lives of her clients. Formerly a NASA/EPA scientist, her obsession with research turned to health after losing her mother to cancer unexpectedly. She has spent the past 18 years researching optimal health, fitness, and preventative wellbeing. Her passion is to help high performers transform their nutrition and lifestyle so they can look, feel, and perform their best.

Christi Witten

Growing up, I had a huge passion for performing. My schedule would consist of school, show choir practice, musical practice, voice lessons, dance lessons, and practicing on my own. When I went to college, I didn’t have that full schedule. I felt alone, bored, depressed and didn’t know the focus of my education. I went to the gym to cope. There, I quickly learned how nutrition and fitness could impact anyone’s life. My passion for movement in performing shifted to movement in fitness. My studies in college changed from unknown with a music minor to a Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion from The University of North Texas. After college, I continued my education and training to expanded my knowledge and experience. I am certified in group fitness, personal training, nutrition coaching. Currently, I'm working on my Master's in Exercise Science. Currently, I am a manager at a corporate fitness center…

Dr. Jessica Hayman

Dr. Jessica Hayman is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona, where she practices and resides in Sedona. She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She also holds Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Spanish from The University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Naturopathic Medicine actually found Dr. Hayman. She was determined to find answers to the root cause of diseases that her friends and family were dealing with. She soon realized that the alleviation of disease is prevention and wellness. Her curiosity and desire for living a clean lifestyle turned a passion into a profession. She sees herself as a facilitator to empower patients, take measures to better their lives by seeing the world around them in a new light. Dr. Hayman has seen how when given the best conditions for thriving the body can heal on…

How to Lose Weight on a Plant Based Diet

In my quest to help people create vibrant health, lose weight, and reverse the effects of disease, I started following a few well-known experts in the area of diet and nutrition, specifically plant-based nutrition. I wanted to learn how to lose weight on a plant based diet. One of the people I look to for her guidance and expertise is Chef AJ. Chef AJ is a Los Angeles based culinary instructor, professional speaker, and author of the popular book Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight, which chronicles her journey from a junk-food vegan faced with a diagnosis of pre-cancerous polyps, to learning how to create foods that nourish and heal the body. Devoted to a plant-based diet for almost 40 years she is also the host of the Foody TV television series Healthy Living with CHEF AJ. On her cooking show, she teaches how to create…

Tips for Sustainable New Years Resolutions

Lets me begin by saying, "I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions". The notion of them gets lost in cultural pressure, obligation, and " shoulds". I'm all for resolving to be the best version of myself by carving out time to create intentions and set goals, but how and when I go about that is possible any day of the year! That said, if you consider the New Year as a time to look ahead and make changes in your life I have 3 tips to make your transition to health, wellness and overall wellbeing successful and sustainable (anytime) in 2020. #1. Choose Now. (and now, and now, and now, and now...) You can choose anything, anytime! Now is the most powerful time to create your life. Not yesterday, not tomorrow. What you receive from being in the present (the now) is the freedom to make a choice one moment…

A Micronutrient Rich Diet is Best Says Dr. Joel Furhman

Dr. Joel Furhman is an American celebrity doctor and an internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing. He strongly advocates what he calls a micronutrient rich diet. A former competitive figure skater, he suffered a serious injury that removed him from competition. He says an alternative medicine therapy helped speed his recovery and led him to become a physician. Through his medical practice, as well as his New York Times best-selling books and PBS specials, Dr. Fuhrman has helped thousands of people lose weight permanently and reverse chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and chronic pain syndromes, including migraines, using a nutrient-dense, plant-rich eating style, a Micronutrient Rich Diet, that he calls the Nutritarian diet. "The nutritarian diet is an eating pattern created by Dr. Joel Fuhrman initially published in his top-selling 2003 diet book Eat to Live. The diet is vegan, gluten-free, low in sodium, and low in fat.…

Habits to Boost Mental Energy

We all need mental energy to meet the challenges and opportunities of our lives with gusto. Too oftenour mental energy comes from caffeinated drinks or dietary supplements. A multi-million dollar industry has risen around supplying us with canned mental energy. There’s nothing wrong with a few cups of coffee or tea, and some herbal supplements have promising benefits. However, relying too heavily on these methods can take a huge toll on your health and on your wallet. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can boost your mental energy with subtle lifestyle changes instead of running to the coffee shop or apothecary. Get The Right Amount Of Sleep Your body and brain need sleep. Cutting back on sleep can make it seem like you are being more productive if it adds hours to the day, but cutting back on sleep makes you function less effectively. Everyone…

The Magic of Menopause: What You Need To Know

There are so many myths and misconceptions about menopause. Often times, a women's perception of all phases of "the change" will determine her experience with it. Every woman needs to learn about the magic of menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy is not an option for many women, due to family history or their own health issues. There are holistic options including nutrition, lifestyle, and mindfulness to help women reduce or eliminate challenging symptoms. In her interview with Linda Thompson of The Author's Show, Lorraine Miano, Certified Health & Hormone Coach, shares info about her book, The Magic Of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back! She also discusses her positive views on what is often a challenging time for many women and offers advice and support on how to holistically manage the symptoms of "the change" including perimenopause and menopause, while also encouraging women to have a positive outlook…

Digestive Health – Part 3

In the previous articles, I have been discussing The Importance of Digestive Health. Hopefully by now you understand that in order to have health, you have to have a healthy digestive tract. A lot of people ask me: How does the digestive system work? Here is a simple breakdown (pun intended) of how it works: First, you must eat and chew enzyme-rich food. What does that mean? Whole foods contain more nutrients and enzymes than processed food. Next, chew your food entirely. Remember when your grandma used to say slow down and chew your food? Well, there was a reason she said that. Most of your food breaks down in your mouth when you chew your food. The more you chew, the more it breaks down. Then, the food enters the stomach where it pre-digests for an hour. This will break down 75% of your meal. If and when the…

Lorraine Miano

Lorraine Miano, Certified Health & Hormone Coach discovered her passion of offering menopause advocacy, support and resources to women in all phases of menopause through health coaching, proper nutrition and preventive lifestyle choices. She received her certifications as a Health Coach and hormone health expert from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been able to help even more women by writing and publishing her first book, The Magic of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back! The book helps guide women through the struggles they face as they begin menopause and helps tackle the daily changes such as balancing hormones holistically, getting a better night’s sleep and reducing or eliminating hot flashes, to name a few. Lorraine loves to encourage her clients with her mantra “Menopause is NOT an ending! IT IS a new beginning!” Please click here for your free guide Eat Your Way to Hormone Health…

Goal Setback? Here’s How to Accomplish Your Goals

"Giving up your goal because of one set back is like slashing your other three tires because you have a flat." You did it. You set a realistic goal and created an action plan with small, manageable tasks. You asked for support when you needed it. You monitored your progress and pivoted when necessary. And then came the relapse. Speed bump, setback, roadblock...whatever you call it, they’re inevitable. Find out how to how to accomplish your goals and: Respond Shift Strategize ...for a powerful comeback. Here’s the thing: breakthroughs are inevitably followed by fallbacks, big or small. Here's how to accomplish your goals: Don’t expect to glide through your resolution—that’s not what habit-changing is all about. It’s undeniably easy to slip into old routines, and positively toilsome to forge new ones. You will in all likelihood face challenges and have a few slips. So here are a few key points…

The Rebalance Formula™ for Food Sensitivities Master Class

Do you experience fatigue, digestive problems, migraines, body aches, anxiety or depression? Have you ever considered that food sensitivity could be the cause? Back in 2008 I was feeling awful. I suffered from such intense fatigue that on some days I couldn’t even leave the house. I had persistent body pains from my head through to my feet. What’s worse, the decline in my physical health meant that I started becoming what I refer to now as “Mean Mommy”. Because I was suffering so intensely, it made it very difficult for me to be patient and present with my kids. It was a difficult period of my life, but everything changed when I decided to adopt a gluten-free diet. Quite frankly, the results were shocking (in a good way!). Within two weeks, I was a completely different person – or more accurately, I started feeling more like myself than I…

The Truth About Food: Carbs, Proteins and Fats

For many years, my husband and I exercised and “ate healthily.” We cut down on carbs and focused on lean meat and veggies for our dinners. We worked hard all week so felt we deserved to “take the weekends off” which usually meant overindulging way too much for 3 days. During the week, we missed having rice and potatoes and would have enjoyed more fruit. But we believed the carb restriction was healthy and would help keep weight off (and that we needed to do it to make up for the carefree weekends!) Then my husband went in for his checkup and the doctor told him his sugar was high - he was pre-diabetic, his cholesterol was high and the doctor wanted to start him on medications...WHAT!??!? About this time I had been immersing myself in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Core Curriculum which was teaching me the truth…

Digestive Health & Immunity

Digestive health is one of my favorite topics to teach and is one of the main reasons people seek care in our office. I am excited to say that we have helped thousands of our patients achieve more optimal digestive health. In my previous article I talked about the number of Americans who struggle with the painful and often life altering effects of poor digestive health and the amount of money spent to (unsuccessfully) alleviate their tummy troubles. Included in that article (see here) are the many different diagnoses that all boil down to one thing. Digestive problems. According to the NIDDK 60 to 70 million people affected by digestive diseases. The facts are alarming! First , lets quickly touch on digestion. Digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble food molecules into smaller water-soluble food molecules so that they can be absorbed into your blood plasma . It's basically how…

Debbie Movsesian

Debbie Movsesian is a physician assistant and a health coach. She graduated from the University of Michigan and attended PA school at George Washington University. She has many years of experience treating cardiac patients. Her passion is health promotion and disease prevention and treating the root cause of disease. This passion led her to start coaching as she believes it is the education plus close support and accountability that truly inspires long-lasting health. She believes we all have the power to live a life free of chronic disease without relying on medications. Debbie is passionate about helping people unleash that power through a multidisciplinary approach centered around whole food, plant based-nutrition. Her simple, tasty way of eating is easy to make a healthy habit and proven to prevent and even reverse common illnesses. Unlike medications, which only treat symptoms, Debbie’s method, which incorporates food and other lifestyle strategies, gets to…

Denise Stegall

Welcome to Happy Living. Are you ready to Love the Life you Live? Imagine your dreams and desires for yourself are your new reality! The things you have been waiting for, hoping for, dreaming about are all there for you……….are you ready to go for it? Hi, I’m Denise Stegall, The Happy Living Coach. I help guide women 40+ build their dreams, accelerate their results, and create richer more fulfilling lives. I’ve motivated women to come out of their shell and see life in a new way by empowering them to take charge of their health, supporting them to create balance and inspiring them to love the life they live. Together we will breakthrough limitations and achieve greater results than you ever imagined. My programs, workshops and even single sessions focus on three pillars of success: Eat Real Food, Make Good Decisions and Be Accountable. Within the pillars, we delve…

Erica Hunter

Erica Hunter is a wife, mom, holistic health coach and lover of veggies. She believes the food-body-mind connection is powerful, and daily food choices matter. As a Health Coach, she helps clients become fearless about food as they eliminate foods from their diet due to food sensitivities, allergies, and other medical conditions. She received her training as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts.

Dr. Melissa Brennan, DC, FICPA

Since 2006, Dr. Melissa Brennan and her husband, Dr. Jarrod, have focused on caring for your entire family. Dr. Melissa has certifications in Pediatrics, Pregnancy, Webster Technique, Acupuncture, and Nutrition Response Testing. In 1997, Dr. Melissa was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. After many years of being on medications and suffering from complications (such as kidney disease, arthritis, sun sensitivity, butterfly rash, and extreme fatigue), she was motivated to find a more natural approach to treating her disease. She became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2004 which started her on the road to a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Today, Dr. Melissa’s lupus is in complete remission. She attributes her health to Chiropractic, Acupuncture, a Whole Food Diet, and Nutritional Supplements. She has taken what most consider an “unfortunate disease of lupus” and turned it into a huge blessing and wonderful opportunity to help others seek more natural ways to improve their…

Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA

Dr Karen Wolfe is an Australian physician, Coach, Speaker and author. Born in Sydney Australia, Karen graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and completed a Masters Degree in Psychology from National University in California. She worked initially in Australia as a family physician followed by 8 years of experience in the administration of national health care, wellness and senior programs in her role as the Medical Director of the Australian Government Health Service. She is the author of seven books, including Is Your Lifestyle Killing You? – The 8 Simple Steps for Lasting Weight Loss and Optimal Health, Create the body Your Soul Desires: The Friendship Solution to Weight, Energy and Sexuality and her new eBook Gut Matters: 4 Ways to Optimize Your Digestion to Boost Your 'Second Brain' and Improve Your Mood Karen is a Guiding Mindful Change Coach and a Holistic…

Dr. Stacy LeQuire

Hello! I’m Dr. Stacy LeQuire. I’m so honored to be a part of the Healthy Living List! A bit about my background...I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1997. I completed my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2001. After graduating I spent some time as an associate in Seattle, WA and later my husband and I co-founded Main Street Chiropractic in a Boston suburb in 2004. After practicing on both coasts, we moved back to my beloved home state of Minnesota. We have been active in the Rochester community since 2008 and are co-owners of Vitality Chiropractic and Evergreen Family Wellness. I am motivated to share the small changes and habits that enhance health and “stack the deck in your favor” when it comes to chronic disease. I like to encourage…

Catch Some Z’s, A Guide to Better Sleep

Sleep! It’s the cornerstone to optimal health and equally important as eating healthy and exercising. Yet, 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough and it’s negatively affecting everything we do! Is there a guide to better sleep? It's no secret that chronic stress, anxiety, and tension are the leading causes of insomnia and sleeplessness among adults. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, side effects from medications, and other underlying medical conditions can also contribute to our lack of sleep. Nonexistent sleep routines, exposure to high definition television, and blue light from our computers and cell phones are also keeping us up at night, too. Sleep is that golden chain that ties our health and our bodies together. -Thomas Dekker So, what’s the big deal if you don’t get enough sleep. If it's once in a while then the consequences are minor, you feel tired the next day. But…