Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Nelson.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really begins around the time I was in college. I’ve always had a passion for food, and when I moved off campus I taught myself how to cook. That’s also when my body image and weight issues began. After I graduated, I moved home to LA and started working in Fashion PR. At first, I loved it because I am a big fashionista and self-proclaimed style expert. Sending clothes to celebrities and influencers and then seeing them worn was extremely thrilling for me!
During the first few years back in LA, I was consistently gaining weight. I was always eating out or ordering Postmates, and my apartment was conveniently located next to two grocery stores. I was working out pretty actively, but my body was changing and my clothes were getting tighter. Working in fashion started taking a toll on my body image – I was surrounded by clothes that would never fit me sending them to girls with unrealistic bodies. It really weighed on me! I started trying various diets like Weight Watchers or cutting out gluten and dairy, but nothing ever really stuck. I was never committed because there was no instant gratification. I also didn’t really understand how to eat healthy and how different foods affected me. It finally got to the point where I was not only unhappy with myself, constantly comparing and feeling immediate guilt for anything I did or ate, but I didn’t feel good either. My stomach was always upset after every meal, I was popping laxatives like candy and I just didn’t get it. Eventually, I educated myself on nutrition and a lightbulb went off in my head.
I started making changes and noticing small differences in my body, but I still wasn’t 100% committed. It wasn’t until the summer of 2018 where I knew an engagement was on my horizon that I really took things seriously. From then on out, I focused on my eating and exercise habits and I felt amazing. I had more energy, more confidence and never felt bad about the decisions I made.
While my physical health was improving, my mental health was suffering. My job was no longer making me happy, and I felt like my creativity wasn’t being utilized. I considered switching to event design, but that wasn’t it. I switched PR companies thinking maybe a change of scenery would help, but that only made things worse. Right before my wedding, I was so stressed and overwhelmed by work and not being happy with my career that it led to me quitting with no job security. It was an extremely difficult decision, but it had to be done. After I got married, I immediately started looking for jobs within the health and wellness space. I felt so moved by the work I had done on myself, I wanted to work somewhere that had similar values and beliefs. Eventually, I started working in influencer marketing for a tea brand, but that fell through as the uncertainty of the pandemic became stronger.
To me, that felt like a sign from the universe to finally pursue what I actually wanted to do – health coaching. I was already sharing nutrition advice with my friends, and I reignited my love for cooking during the pandemic. I had learned firsthand the power of healthy eating, and I felt a strong call to share that message. I also really admired other health coaches and industry leaders, so I wanted to do something similar. I had the courage to ask for support and enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where I completed their six months program. And that takes me to current day. Not only am I guiding people to make healthier food choices, but I am also helping them with their mental health too. That’s something super close to home after a year of completely changing careers and going through a pandemic at the same time!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own business has not been easy. Finding new clients has been a challenge. Although my school gave us some great marketing tools, most of them don’t apply during a global pandemic! I’m also working on a tight marketing budget, so I’m always challenging myself to come up with free ways to reach people. It hasn’t been easy, but I think it will make me a better business owner in the end!
Additionally, there’s much pressure around social media. Constantly producing high-quality content is a lot harder than it looks, and to be honest it isn’t always fun! It’s also really hard not to compare followers and likes to others. There are a lot of health influencers these days, and although my goal isn’t to be an influencer, I can still get in my head about it. I just have to remind myself that I’m moving at my own pace, and it’s important for me to be authentic. Followers do not equal worth!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Feed Your Belly With Mellie?
I’m a holistic health coach, and I work with busy, overwhelmed individuals who are looking to lose weight and create balance in their lives. I help people develop and sustain a healthier lifestyle both mentally and physically by motivating them to make positive changes. I meet clients where they’re at and move at a pace that feels comfortable for them because there is no one size fits all method!
I don’t believe in restriction. Instead I give my clients nutrition guidance so they can make their own educated choices. I believe in adding more real foods into your life, which as a result will crowd out the foods that don’t serve you. I’m constantly working to create healthy recipes that people actually want to eat! I’m a foodie myself, and I enjoy a greasy cheeseburger and fries every now and then. I think I have a good perspective on what people like to eat and how to present it in a way that is healthy yet still appealing. Something I am starting to offer is monthly meal plans which include three meals a day for five days, a detailed shopping list, and notes for how to modify each meal to your preferences. I also am available via email to answer question.
Something that makes me stand out is my “no bullshit approach” to creating a balanced life. Because I am “holistic” I look at the full picture. Health isn’t just about what you eat! Mindfulness is a huge tool when it comes to creating balance and I try to present ways to practice it without being ostentatious. You don’t need to be a yogi to meditate. Instead, I help clients find the mindful moments in their everyday life. I still consider myself a work in progress, so I understand how making changes can be challenging. I’ve been through all the ups and downs, so I have zero judgment!
As my client, you and I will meet (via zoom or in person) twice a month for 50 minutes. Together we set goals, discuss all the ways to achieve them, nutrition information, and so much more. Additionally, I offer pantry cleanouts, grocery store and farmers market tours, and I can also create custom meal plans if that’s of interest. The biggest and best thing I offer is accountability and encouragement. Making these changes stems from a mindset change, and you ultimately are the one who has to commit to the work. I’m here as a resource to motivate you with endless support!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I credit my lifestyle changes, nutrition knowledge, and all motivation to Kelly LeVeque! Reading her book “Body Love” is what opened my eyes and made the lightbulb go off. It was the first time the science of food and how the body works was explained to me in a way that made sense. I realized there wasn’t something fundamentally wrong with me when I would overeat. It had to do with what I was eating and how our blood sugar works. This book was the beginning of my journey, and I will always admire Kelly and her work!
My clients also inspire me so much! Seeing them actually implement the changes we discuss and feeling the magic of it all is what energizes me. It’s really validation that I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do, and I made the right choice!
Of course, my family, husband, and friends have also been so supportive and encouraging throughout this entire progress. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them!
Pricing:
- $195 per month
Contact Info:
- Email: melissa@feedyourbellywithmellie.com
- Website: www.feedyourbellywithmellie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedyourbelly_withmellie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feedyourbellywithmellie
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/feed-your-belly-with-mellie-los-angeles
Image Credits:
Joe Beckley
