Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Rice.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was in college, I struggled with anxiety, depression and digestive issues, which led to binge-eating disorder and sugar addiction. I found a way to turn things around and fell in love with health and wellness. Soon after, I got sick on a trip and my digestive issues became worse than ever. I was reacting negatively to almost every food I ate, doctors and nutritionists didn’t know what to tell me. I found out I was intolerant to gluten and dairy, but removing those still left me with a number of problems. Eventually, I found out I had Candida overgrowth and I developed orthorexia and exercise addiction while addressing it. I lost over 40 pounds in just a few months and reached a dangerously low weight. With the help of an incredible therapist and nutritionist, I worked through my eating disorder and exercise addiction, but my body was still not absorbing food and I kept losing weight.
I saw many more doctors and nutritionists, taking as many tests as I could. Doctors shrugged me aside and thought I was making up my digestive problems and a few misdiagnosed me. I quit my jobs and ended up taking time off from college to address my health. I tried to act as my own doctor, studying everything I could find to help heal myself. I eventually found the Paleo diet, and it completely changed my life. I was finally able to heal my gut and restore my weight. I eventually found out I had Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a few other bacterial overgrowths and a number of food intolerances. My Candida overgrowth eventually came back, and it took me over a year to finally get rid of it.
After those experiences, I became incredibly passionate about helping others take their health into their own hands. I wanted to help others heal through diet and lifestyle changes, as well and educate others on the importance of gut health. I started sharing my experiences and health information on my blog for anyone else looking for answers and eventually started a podcast, now called: Wellness Realness. I decided to become a Primal Health Coach, and I started my own health coaching business straight out of college. I later decided to enroll in the Nutritional Therapy Association to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Since then, I’ve also started a second podcast, called Straight Up Paleo, to share more information about the healing power of nutrition. I feel blessed every day that I get to work with clients individually and in my group program to help them overcome their health struggles, whether that be digestive issues, sugar cravings, body image, weight management, fatigue, skin health, or their relationship with food and exercise. My goal is to be the person I was looking for when I was sick and to make sure all of my clients feel supported 100% along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! In terms of my health, most people in my life didn’t believe or understand what I was going through. I could barely understand it! I was incredibly scared because despite how much I was eating, I kept losing weight. I was worried I would never be able to figure out what was going on, and I feared I wouldn’t be able to heal.Doctors didn’t know how to help me and would shrug me aside, so I had to learn to be my own health advocate and to keep fighting for myself even when the health professionals I turned to gave up.
Struggling with my digestive issues at the same time as mental health issues and an eating disorder was very difficult and overwhelming, but I had to keep fighting for myself and ask for help and support from people I trusted in order to get through it. I also had to learn to surrender at times for the sake of my health. Quitting work and taking time away from college was difficult for me because I had to admit that I couldn’t do it all at once. In the end, taking time off was the best decision I ever made for myself.
When I did eventually figure out the diet and lifestyle changes I needed to make for my health, it was definitely a struggle to stand firm in those habits because I received so many judgments from others. I wasn’t a typical college kid – I was making paleo meals, prioritizing sunlight and exercise and trying to build a business on the side. I learned to not care what other people thought and to really be confident in myself.
Starting my blog, podcasts, and health coaching business have certainly not been easy. Juggling it all has felt impossible at times, especially while still in school. Time management is key! There are always days when I’m scared I’ll fail – having your own business is not easy, and it is definitely a risk. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing, but eventually, I found my way. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am so passionate about what I do, so it’s all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Christina Rice Wellness – what should we know?
I’m the creator of Christina Rice Wellness, a wellness brand dedicated to helping others find their healthiest lives through a holistic approach. I work as a holistic health coach and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, helping individuals address their health issues through nutritional and lifestyle recommendations. I specialize in gut health, relationship with food, body and exercise, weight management, sugar addiction and hormone health. I work with clients 1 on 1 and also in my group coaching program, the Paleo Women Lifestyle Program. This program includes five weeks worth of education about nutrition and lifestyle changes that will help all women optimize their health, lifelong group coaching with me and the support of all of the other women in the program.
I also blog on my website, ChristinaRiceWellness.com and host two podcasts – Wellness Realness and Straight Up Paleo. Wellness Realness is about all things related to health and wellness, including food, nutrition, exercise, relationships, business, entrepreneurship and more. Straight Up Paleo is a podcast that focuses more on health and nutrition from a paleo approach. I also am a proud Beautycounter Consultant and strive to help educate others on the importance of using nontoxic personal care products for their overall health. Additionally, I work as a doTERRA Wellness Advocate to show others the healing power of essential oils int heir own lives.
I’m probably best known for my very “real talk” and straightforward approach to health and wellness – I love busting nutrition myths and fads. People also know me for my sugar-free desserts, love for gut health, unconventional recipes, and emphasis on nutrient density. Clients also know me for my emphasis on self-love and cultivating a positive relationship with your body, which I am very proud of.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes! So many people have helped me along the way, and I am incredibly grateful. A family friend, Angela Whittaker, was a huge supporter and mentor to me during my time in college when I battled with my health issues. My therapist and nutritionist at the time were key for me in restoring my health and eventually finding my life’s passion. I have so many mentors who have really helped me find my path and helped me launch my own business, including my first full-time employer, Jordan Younger, my Beautycounter mentor, Nicole Christensen and my doTERRA mentor, Meg Doll. One of my best friends and my podcast co-host, Kara Halderman, has been another huge support and teammate through it all, as has our intern Kelly Scott, and two of my other interns, Sammy Conrad and Rachel Chang. When it comes to podcasting, in particular, the entire team from Mind Pump Media has also been a huge support and inspiration for me.
I would not be able to run this online business without the help of my incredible web designer, Anelise Salvo, and my friend and photographer, Danika Miller. Without them, I wouldn’t have a website and ebooks I am so proud of! I’m lucky to have an incredibly supportive group of friends who have cheered me on the whole way – too many to name, but they know who they are! I am SO grateful to all of my clients, especially those who have been with me from the beginning. As they grow, I grow and many of them have become dear friends. Their support for my business means the world to me. The women in my program are incredibly supportive and make my day every single day – I am so thankful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: christinaricewellness.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: christinaricewellness
- Other: straightuppaleo.com
Image Credit:
Danika Miller
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
