Hello, my name is Michelle Hayes, and I am so happy that you have taken the time to check out my website. As a Certified Nutrition and Women’s Fitness Coach, Registered Nurse, and someone who has navigated through weight loss, emotional eating, and overcoming health issues like High Blood pressure, Depression, and Pre-diabetes, I know the struggles and challenges that you might be facing, too.
For me, losing over 100 lbs at age 47 motivated me to share my story with you. And, five years later as I continue to work on my own health. I contend for my health daily, and I believe that is what keeps me healthy.
Now in my 50s, I am able to be much more active than I could be in my 30s.
My ongoing fitness journey is something I’m eager to share with you, especially if it helps you in your own health journey.
My journey to where I am today began at age 47 in 2018.That is when I made decision and choose not to relinquish my health to the feeling and the stereotypical idea that the average middle-aged woman much live with being overweight. I did not want to give up on that person who I felt that I had to be and feel even in my 40’s
I spent years doing a lot yo-yo dieting myself – only it was more of an on again – off again every starvation diet that promised me to lose weight for good. And I did lose weight 20, 30 up to 50 pounds at a time only to gain it all back and then some.
Throughout my life I have struggled to stay a size 12 or 14, but in my 40’s I ballooned to a size 24. My blood pressure was high, and I was pre-diabetic, depressed and feeling so lost. Funny thing was at one time I came close to accepting this and just part of getting close to 50. Then I had a wake up call, my blood pressure was rising, I had so many night when I thought I would not live to tomorrow as I was having chest pain and my doctor saying, my medication had to increase. In that instant I knew it was time, time to take control, lose the weight or it will be too late. I wanted to live.
I had allowed myself to be best friends with food and alcohol, after going through a divorce. That emotional relationship I created with food that was not making me feel ay better about being me, and certainly was not making me happy. Being in that state of mind I was eating senselessly. I was not exercising, not happy with the way I looked and felt. I lacked confidence, had no energy and it affected my attitude towards life, I had no motivation and I felt like I was a failure.
I have since changed my relationship with food, I have a healthier relationship now and in the process have lost 120 lbs. Going from 268 lbs to 148 lbs at my lowest weight since I was a teenager.
I have learned how to feel healthier and stronger through better eating habits and being active in different ways.
I have discovered me again by discovering my “Why” to be fit and healthy. I feel whole, healthy and happy
I am a strong believer that in order to lose weight and keep it off, you have to uncover your personal “why ”.
Your “why” will be the motivation it takes to stick with a new healthy way of living.
I am the epitome of what changing your relationship with food and living a healthier lifestyle can do. I am a sister, an aunt, a friend and a woman who lives a life with many ups and downs, who has gained massive knowledge and experience in the field of health, weight loss and health maintenance through my own journey. I am passionate about helping others reach their goals and live a healthier life. I will share ways that women like me in their 40’s and beyond can lose weight and have a happier, healthier life. Eating healthy and staying active does not have to be stressful. It should be a positive experience that you can enjoy and incorporate into your life.
I believe in the power of small changes and habits that can make a big difference. By incorporating small changes into your daily routine, you can make lasting improvements to your health. I’m here to support and motivate you to reach your goals. I am so happy you are here. I will share recipes, workout tips, and advice on how to stay motivated. I will also provide support and guidance throughout the journey. With the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. Let’s get healthy together and make this chapter your best chapter yet.