My Story
Victoria Joanna BBA, CNP, RNCP
For years I battled weight issues, I was constantly on a diet and trying the latest fads and magic pills from the time I was 15yrs old. In University I developed an eating disorder that could have destroyed my health. While I was lucky that it didn’t develop into something more serious, I wish I had known that what I struggled with was common for so many women. I thought I was the only one who hated her body and so I constantly deprived myself in order to reach the ideal weight. After discovering holistic principles of nutrition and the connection between mind and body, I finally learned what it takes to reach a healthy weight and stop the endless cycle of deprivation and obsessing over food and exercise.
An Early start
My journey into the world of nutrition and holistic health began at the age of 16. After a routine surgical procedure for gallbladder issues, I ended up with complications that included severe nerve damage in my right leg. I was put on heavy pain medication and told that the chances for recovery were slim and that I shouldn’t expect to ever walk without a limp or be able to run. I was devastated but something in me refused to give up hope.
My health only got worse. I began to develop digestive problems from the initial surgery as well as the medication, which eventually began to affect my liver. At the same time, my mother, who had always taken an interest in alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine, took me to see a practitioner that did energy work. Two years after my surgery, I regained movement in my leg and I was walking and running again by the time I started University. It was the first of many experiences in my life that would show me the power of possibility and of the human body to heal itself.
When I was in my second year of University, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t know it at the time, but this experience would change my life. It was a terrifying diagnosis. I didn’t understand anything about cancer, I felt completely powerless to help. I was even more concerned when my mother told me she did not want to pursue traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I spent the next six months supporting my mother in her therapy, reading every book, article and case study on cancer treatment and alternative therapies and seeing various practitioners, including naturopaths, nutritionists, iridologists and acupuncturists.
The Healing Power of the Body
My mother’s treatment included nutrition, herbs, supplements, cleansing and visualization. To support her, I also did the cleansing and changed what I ate so she didn’t have to do it alone. After six months, my mother went into full remission and has been cancer free to this day. Not only did she reverse her dis-ease, she felt better and looked younger than ever. She was a completely different person.
This experience taught me about the power of the human body to heal itself, the importance of following your intuition, of practicing prevention and self-care, and ultimately, taking control of your own health. Not only did my understanding about health and disease completely change, but I also ended up healing all of the problems I had experienced with my digestion, my liver and my weight. I felt amazing! My energy went through the roof and my cravings were gone.
Life Takes Over
My passion for health continued. I read and studied about nutrition, and also became more interested in eastern philosophies that see the mind and body as connected. I studied quantum physics, energy medicine and began to practice yoga and meditation. All of this in my spare-time as I finished my business degree and went on to pursue a career in marketing and advertising.
Unprepared for the challenges of a demanding and fast-paced career, my good eating and lifestyle habits slowly got side-lined by late nights, long meetings, bottomless coffee and endless takeout. I started to experience issues with my weight and digestion again. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to get back on track given all that I knew about healthy eating.
Frustrated by my lack of willpower and self-discipline, I began to read and study psychology, neuroscience and the subconscious mind. By understanding the connection of physical, mental and emotional factors, I was able to get my health back on track and regain my energy, motivation and drive. As I began to feel better physically, I realized there was a deeper source of my growing lack of fulfillment. I began to explore my values, interests and clarify my vision for my life. I was amazed at how much of who I was, got lost somewhere along the path of doing what I thought I should be doing. I reached the goals I thought I wanted and yet I wasn’t very happy. Something in me knew there was more. I wanted to do more, be more and feel more. I felt like I wasn’t living the live I was born to live.
The transition wasn’t easy, but it was easier than staying where I was. With the help of a coach and some amazing, inspiring people that I met along the way I was able to overcome my fears and self-doubt so that I could follow my passion and live a life that I absolutely love.
Paying it Forward
I went back to school to formally train in nutrition and life coaching so that I could help others to take control of their health and their life. Today I run my own wellness company, dedicated to helping others discover the tools to look and feel their best, so that they too, can heal their bodies, discover greater vitality and live their full potential.
