About Me/My Story
I'm pretty sure this photo describes me perfectly. I am playful, adventurous, and free. I love this photo because I see the happiness in my eyes and the joy in my smile, something that doesn't exist all the time.
I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa when I was twelve. I was depressed, anxious, and isolated. I hated who I was and tried desperately to morph into someone else. This never happened, of course.
I spent life in a haze, either in constant emotion or deep melancholy. I tried everything from what feels like a billion different counselors, acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, three hospital stays, and residential treatment. Nothing seemed to pull me out of the spiral I was trapped in.
That is, until I found my saving grace: healing foods and weight lifting.
Up until this point I was used to feeling weak and fragile, focusing on making myself disappear, but that all changed when I realized how strong I felt. The first time I lifted weights I knew I had found some kind of freedom, because I no longer desired to be fragile anymore. I craved the feeling of being a strong, confident women.
Without too much trouble, I was eating again. Healthy, healing foods that I felt great enjoying. And my feelings of guilt almost entirely dissipated because I knew being strong meant nourishing my starving body and giving myself everything it needed.
My journey wasn't perfect, it took a lot of ups, downs, twists, turns, and rock bottoms to end up at a happy place. And even today, my story still has some steep mountains and dark nights, but life isn't linear and recovery isn't perfect, and that is okay!
One of the major issues for me during recovery was the need to talk to someone, but constantly failing at working well with traditional therapists. It just wasn't for me, and because of that, I ended up having to rely on myself. And this is not easy and not recommended!
In an ideal world I would have loved for there to be someone to turn to no matter what, so this is what I want to create. I don't want you to feel alone and I don't want you to only rely on yourself, because recovery is a hundred times easier when you have people to lean on and support you.
When you reach out for help, may there be a loving friend there to support you. I would love to be that loving friend.
To learn more about my coaching packages, click here --->>> COACHING PACKAGES
To learn more about my full story, stay tuned for a new ebook!
My Education
I earned my bachelor's in health & wellness from Kaplan University, where I gained a wealth of knowledge from public health, nutrition, and holistic well-being. I am also currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying to become a certified health coach. I am half way completed, thus I am able to start working with clients! This program has been amazing, and I have learned so many great things not only about food, but also about primary food, such as relationships, career struggles, spirituality, and more. And I am a certified person trainer by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, where I gained knowledge about the body, how it moves, and how to exercise in a way that will be best for the individual.
Together, these learning experiences have prepared me to reach my dream of working with those who suffer from eating disorders, low self-esteem, body image issues, and lack of self love. And, because I have personally experienced all these issues, my wealth of knowledge is very personal and supportive.
-tayla
I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa when I was twelve. I was depressed, anxious, and isolated. I hated who I was and tried desperately to morph into someone else. This never happened, of course.
I spent life in a haze, either in constant emotion or deep melancholy. I tried everything from what feels like a billion different counselors, acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, three hospital stays, and residential treatment. Nothing seemed to pull me out of the spiral I was trapped in.
That is, until I found my saving grace: healing foods and weight lifting.
Up until this point I was used to feeling weak and fragile, focusing on making myself disappear, but that all changed when I realized how strong I felt. The first time I lifted weights I knew I had found some kind of freedom, because I no longer desired to be fragile anymore. I craved the feeling of being a strong, confident women.
Without too much trouble, I was eating again. Healthy, healing foods that I felt great enjoying. And my feelings of guilt almost entirely dissipated because I knew being strong meant nourishing my starving body and giving myself everything it needed.
My journey wasn't perfect, it took a lot of ups, downs, twists, turns, and rock bottoms to end up at a happy place. And even today, my story still has some steep mountains and dark nights, but life isn't linear and recovery isn't perfect, and that is okay!
One of the major issues for me during recovery was the need to talk to someone, but constantly failing at working well with traditional therapists. It just wasn't for me, and because of that, I ended up having to rely on myself. And this is not easy and not recommended!
In an ideal world I would have loved for there to be someone to turn to no matter what, so this is what I want to create. I don't want you to feel alone and I don't want you to only rely on yourself, because recovery is a hundred times easier when you have people to lean on and support you.
When you reach out for help, may there be a loving friend there to support you. I would love to be that loving friend.
To learn more about my coaching packages, click here --->>> COACHING PACKAGES
To learn more about my full story, stay tuned for a new ebook!
My Education
I earned my bachelor's in health & wellness from Kaplan University, where I gained a wealth of knowledge from public health, nutrition, and holistic well-being. I am also currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying to become a certified health coach. I am half way completed, thus I am able to start working with clients! This program has been amazing, and I have learned so many great things not only about food, but also about primary food, such as relationships, career struggles, spirituality, and more. And I am a certified person trainer by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, where I gained knowledge about the body, how it moves, and how to exercise in a way that will be best for the individual.
Together, these learning experiences have prepared me to reach my dream of working with those who suffer from eating disorders, low self-esteem, body image issues, and lack of self love. And, because I have personally experienced all these issues, my wealth of knowledge is very personal and supportive.
-tayla