In the spring of 2019, my world took another unexpected turn when I received the news that my mother was unwell. In response, I made the decision to temporarily close my meal delivery service and put my Master's program on hold to provide care and support alongside my sisters.

April 7, 2020 marked a painful day as I lost my mother to cancer, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown that altered life as we all knew it. Coping with the loss of my mother, the responsibilities of raising my son, managing a business during a pandemic, and navigating the hormonal changes that come with perimenopause began to take a toll on my health, leading to a gradual weight gain.

I realized that physical activity alone couldn't undo the effects of stress, long hours at a desk, and perhaps a bit too much wine. It was then that I made a commitment to educate myself in functional health, seeking a deeper understanding of how to lead a vibrant life regardless of age.

Now, at 51 years old, I'm on a gentle journey to shed those extra pounds with a newfound understanding of how my body functions. 

I've now traded in my rigorous heated workouts (which I LOVED) for weight training, Pilates, and walking. I focus on adding more animal protein into my diet for muscle mass, and I aim for progress and not perfection.