Thriving Through Nutrition:
My Journey of Wellness with Heather Gabbert
In a world where health and wellness have become paramount, finding the right path to thriving can seem like an elusive goal. However, for me, Anita Terlizzi, and my dear friend Heather Gabbert, the journey towards optimal health has been both personal and professional. As certified health and wellness experts, Heather and I have dedicated our lives to helping others unlock the secrets of living a life of strength, balance, and longevity. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to empower individuals to prioritize their health and wellness, reclaiming control over their lives and embracing the second act of middle age with vigor and vitality.
Hi, I’m Anita!
Allow me to introduce myself, as I will be writing most of the blog posts around here. I’m Anita Terlizzi, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Thrive 55. Health and wellness have been my passion for years, and through my personal training business, I've been able to help hundreds of men and women achieve their fitness goals and live their best lives. For over fifteen years I have called this business, MissFit Personal Training. I am so excited for my clients to experience the newly rebranded, Thrive55+ and discover how they can truly thrive in all areas of their life. How did MissFit become Thrive55? Well that’s another blog post for another day! Today, I want you to meet your Thrive55 Nutrition Expert, Heather Gabbert!
Meet Heather: A Nutritionist with a Heart of Gold
My friend Heather Gabbert, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist with years of experience in the field of nutrition. Her journey began at Southern Illinois University, where she discovered her passion for nutrition and wellness. Since then, Heather has worked tirelessly to help individuals achieve optimal health through proper nutrition. From her work in oncology to her role as a sports nutritionist, Heather has touched the lives of many with her expertise and compassion.
Heather's and my paths first crossed during our college years at Southern Illinois University. Bonding over our shared love for health and wellness, we formed a lasting friendship that would eventually lead us to collaborate on projects aimed at promoting holistic well-being. With our combined expertise in fitness and nutrition, Heather and I are on a mission to revolutionize the way people approach their health, one step at a time.
The Power of Nutrition: Fueling the Body for Optimal Health
For Heather, nutrition is more than just a profession—it's a calling. Inspired by her own journey to wellness and fueled by her passion for helping others, Heather believes that food can be a powerful tool for healing and vitality. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of proper nutrition on both physical and mental well-being. Through her work with clients, Heather empowers individuals to make informed food choices that nourish their bodies and support their health goals.
Our Top Four Tips for Thriving Through Nutrition
In our quest to promote optimal health, Heather and I advocate for four key principles that form the foundation of our approach to nutrition:
Ditch Processed Foods: Processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives that can wreak havoc on our health. By opting for whole, unprocessed foods, we can fuel our bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Limit Dairy Consumption: Despite its widespread popularity, dairy products can be inflammatory and may contribute to a host of health issues. Heather advises her clients to limit their consumption of dairy and explore alternative sources of calcium and protein.
Avoid Gluten: While not everyone needs to avoid gluten, some individuals may experience adverse reactions to this protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. By eliminating gluten from their diets, many people report improvements in digestive health and overall well-being.
Cut Back on Sugar: Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Heather and I encourage our clients to reduce their intake of added sugars and instead focus on whole, naturally sweet foods like fruits.
The Rainbow Reset: A Holistic Approach to Nutrition and Wellness
As part of our holistic approach to health and wellness, Heather is a passionate advocate for the Rainbow Reset. Inspired by the vibrant colors of the rainbow, this nutritional framework emphasizes the importance of eating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables to support optimal health. By incorporating foods from all color groups, individuals can ensure they're getting a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fuel their bodies and promote longevity.
Building Community: The Key to Thriving Together
Central to our mission at Thrive55 is the belief that we're stronger together. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to build a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to prioritizing their health and wellness. Whether through our podcast, online platforms, or in-person events, Thrive55 was created to be a supportive environment where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together on their journey to thriving.
As Heather and I continue to inspire and empower others to live their best lives, the future of Thrive 55 looks brighter than ever. With our unwavering dedication to health, wellness, and community, we're poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we touch. Together, we'll continue to champion the power of nutrition, movement, and community in helping individuals thrive at every stage of life.
To listen to the full podcast episode between Heather and Anita, click here!
To learn more about Heather Gabbert, visit HeatherGabbertRDN.com.
