This Friday is the official day of love. Making February the month of it. And if I can catch you before you roll your eyes at me, I think it’s something amazing to celebrate.

Valentine’s Day is not just some commercialized fluffy, overly pink + sparkly holiday for couples and little kids (or kid-like adults) who like any occasion to eat candy and chocolate. No, no.

I mean real love. As a concept. As a theory. A way that you live your life. It’s SO much bigger than romantic love alone, if you allow it to be. Especially in the context of a healthy life that is joyful, fulfilled and happy. It’s the most necessary ingredient.

I’ll even venture to say that love itself- practicing acts of it, giving it away [to others AND yourself], feeling it, receiving it and reveling in it is the POINT of life. No matter what else you do or don’t believe. For me, at least.

And the more you have, the more it multiplies.

And because of that, my heart is pretty full with it most days with the type of work that I do. None more especially so though than when I’m working with my private coaching clients. And while I limit my capacity to work with only 10 people at one time so I can give them all 100%, 24 hours a day, the effects of finally living a healthy (permanent) lifestyle can have on all other aspects of their lives makes my heart explode. Which means it’s something that deserves to be shared, celebrated and just…. well, loved by everyone else too.

So, this week is a very special week. It’s the first post in a month long “Share the Love” Series. Happening right here.

Twice a week through the month of February, I’ll be sharing a story. Someone’s real story. Gems and true life examples of why being healthy matters.

Personal interviews of some of my favorite people from all walks, ages and situations in life that start from knowing nothing about food, feeling frustrated with their health, or having a negative relationship to either. Sharing their candid stories, real thoughts, their “last strand” moment, favorite healthy tips, favorite treats, and advice to others.

So be sure to come by and visit the blog weekly (or daily) and get a little dose of inspiration, encouragement and true, big LOVE.

Today kicks it all off with someone very special.

Meet Deidre. Mid 20’s, in grad school, and navigating real life. And even more beautiful on the inside than out.

Q (Sarah): Tell me 5 words that describe yourself:

A (Deidre): Caring, loyal, funny, free-spirit, friendly.

3 words to describe your life currently:

Active, surprising, creative.

How long has it been since we started our work together?

End of June, 2013

What was your “last straw” moment? The time that you remember thinking- this is enough! I’m ready for a change that’s going to last. Or, alternatively, what were you struggling with the most before we met?

The last straw for me was in May 2013 when I went bridesmaid dress shopping for my sister’s wedding. I remember store we went to and they only had a “sample size” to try on. It was WAY too small for me… and they had to get the expander out and clamp me in. To top it off, at the end, they had to measure me and told me what my equivalent size in bridal was… Let’s just say it came as a shock and I was completely mortified.

What was going through your head when we first started working together (you can be honest—were you doubtful, etc?)

When we had our initial consult, I was still holding onto the idea of counting calories and eating a high protein-low carb diet. I was open to what you had to stay but I still wanted to apply my own diet methods to your new lifestyle “plan”. But then I really thought about it… If I don’t invest 100% into this then I won’t get 100% out of it. And trying to modify the weekly diet meal plans to be under a certain amount of calories and making sure my carb intake was still low was way too much work with 2 jobs and school. So I finally decided to just give up control and trust you. Thankfully. 🙂

Any daily symptoms that you used to have but are gone now?

Before I started, I was experiencing fatigue a lot, processed carbohydrate cravings (breads, chips, crackers) in the afternoon and sugar cravings after dinner. I have so much more energy now. I’m not constantly “starving to death” in between meals. And I rarely experience cravings.

I also had a lot of bloating in my stomach and what felt like my digestive system was inflamed after I had just a serving size of bread. Now that I am gluten-free per your suggestion, I have had no digestive track issues. Which is the best feeling ever. But I never would have really realized it before because I thought feeling blah and tired as just kind of normal.

What is different about your day to day life post working together? This can be anything you want. How are you different: mentally, physically, spiritually or emotionally?

The biggest difference is that I totally trust myself now. I listen to my body because I trust that it IS actually time to nourish myself. And I actually enjoy cooking now, it doesn’t seem like a chore to me anymore. I also have increased performance at the gym and at work because I’m no longer experiencing fatigue. I’m just happier. I feel good, and people notice.

What is your favorite “treat”?

Wine. For sure.

What is your favorite travel snack, or on the go food option(s)?

Hard-boiled eggs, veggies w/ hummus and green smoothies!

What is your favorite real food recipe and/or what real-food recipe do you make the most often?

I love roasted cauliflower steaks with chicken sausage and tomato sauce. Just like pasta but way more satisfying!

What would be your advice to someone who used to be just like you and/or a healthy tip to share with everyone?

My advice is to load up on the vegetables. I try to have them in at least two of my meals for the day. They control my blood sugar, so that I’m not “starving to death” or experiencing any bread cravings in between meals.

Also, it’s not for everyone, but going gluten-free has  probably helped me the most. I eat more vegetables to replace the gluten type carbohydrates I was eating before which stabilizes my energy and I no longer have digestive track problems.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve been on a diet since I was 13. I wasn’t born with an incredible metabolism and I’ve always been “heavier”. However, I grew up in a  pretty health conscious family and was always interested in diet and nutrition. I even minored in Nutrition in college! Even with all of this knowledge and experience, I never saw the results I wanted, or if I did, I was never able to maintain them.

Trusting you to show me a much different path and outlook and believing in myself has allowed me to lose 25 pounds (and I dropped 17 of those pounds without exercising)! And it’s almost been a year and I’m still there– through the holidays and all. It’s for good.  I didn’t have to starve myself, count calories or question the nutrition value on processed foods AND I was still able to drink wine! 🙂 I honestly think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, for how much my outlook on life, energy and everything else has changed for the better. And I have my whole life ahead of me — I feel blessed I learned this stuff at such a young age so I can carry it through with me for the rest of my life.

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What’s this personal coaching route we’re talking about? Just drop a quick note here and find out if it’s the right fit for you and if we currently have a waitlist.

Did you enjoy this post? Well, don’t keep it to yourself, pay it forward and share this message with someone you love! Get on our weekly healthy email here, full of amazing tips, easy real food recipes and healthy inspiration. It’s free healthy lovin’, delivered right to your inbox, and always spam free, we promise.

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Read more about Sarah here.