I used to think that wearing a smaller pant size and a fit body was more important than a healthy inside. I used to hate myself. I used to think I could only be loved and accepted if I had the perfect body. I never felt like I was enough. 

I was wrong on so many levels…

When I was a little girl I experienced lots of negative and hurtful comments around my weight and appearance. As a child being made fun of or the joke of the party was something I dealt with on a regular basis. Over time my insecurities grew. 

Overwhelmed by fear, I learned how to self-protect and avoid being the center of attention. I learned how to NOT be noticed. I learned how to avoid people. 

 Because of all the hurt, pain and rejection I had major body-image issues. My insecurities called the shots in my life. 

• I realized I didn’t like myself. 

• I believed the lies spoken over me. 

• I worked out just to be thinner. 

• I tried diet after diet to be thinner. At my lowest point I even starved myself to be thinner.

 There was nothing healthy about my lifestyle. 

BUT GOD!

God planted seeds in my heart when I was 10 years old. At a youth camp a registered Dietitian spoke to me and a group of girls. She talked about a healthy body image, healthy diet and the importance of being physically active. 

I have never forgotten that day, it was a day the seeds of healing were sown.  It was the first time someone spoke to the destiny inside of me. She doesn’t even know it but she awoke something within me and was a part of me getting my Bachelors of science in Nutrition and Dietetics. 

God has been faithful to me in helping me to overcome a horrible body image, crippling insecurities and a poor self-image. It is a daily process of renewing my mind and believing who God says I am! 

Today, I am more excited than ever to continue to help empower others in finding and living a healthy lifestyle. Not just a surface level health but a deep rooted healthy lifestyle that transforms you from the inside out! 

I pray you know how valuable you are. You matter and you have an amazing purpose! 

I want to leave you with this powerful scripture!

“You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb. I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. It simply amazes me to think about it! How thoroughly you know me, Lord!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:13-14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The Summer is definitely my favorite season! There are so many great things to do in the Summer. Just the other day I took our little miss strawberry picking. We grabbed our bucket and walked out to the field covered with fresh, sun kissed berries! The sweet smells of Summer were in full effect! We walked up and down each row and searched for big, bright red berries. They all looked so good, It was hard not to eat them as we picked!

So what is it about these little gems that makes them so amazing?! Well, you’ve all heard that big things come in little packages, this is definitely true in this case. All berries are nutrient packed super fruits and provide substantial health benefits.

A Nutritional Powerhouse!

• Berries are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect our bodies from inflammation which to lead to many chronic health conditions.
• Berries protect against free radicals which cause cell and organ damage.
• Berries are loaded with fiber which helps to keep you full longer and promotes weight loss/management.
  
• Cranberries in particular promote urinary and digestive health. 

For Optimal Health Benefits Choose A Variety of Berries Daily!

• Add fresh berries to oatmeal and dry cereal.
• Use frozen berries in smoothies and salads
• Layer berries in between scoops of low-fat yogurt for a healthy treat!
• Top low-fat frozen yogurt with berries!
• Freeze berries in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer safe bag to enjoy fresh berries throughout the entire year!

Berry Good Tips!

• Pick dry, firm and bright colored berries.
• Avoid the 3 m’s when looking for fresh berries; Mold, Moist and Mush.
• Store berries in a sealed container in the produce drawer in your refrigerator. Blackberries do best when stored in an open container.
• Prep berries so that they are readily available for snacking. Rinse with one tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water. Dry thoroughly, divide into snack size bags.
• Berries will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator so they are a great option for a quick and easy snack!

Now if you’re thinking what I’m thinking… Go ahead, get yourself a big bowl of berries and enjoy a taste of Summer!