I was an accomplished attorney, wife, mother of five children, involved community activist, and PTA president, and seemingly happy in all my roles. On the inside, it was another story entirely.

I felt terrible about myself and ashamed that I could be “so together” in all other areas of my life, but with regard to my weight I was a failure. I was consumed with thoughts that people were judging me for my appearance. I was always dieting, always thinking about food and counting points, calories, and continually obsessing over when and what I could eat. I lost weight on my diets, but gained the weight back each time.

I was tired of being tired.

And I reached a point where I decided I no longer wanted to feel this way. I committed to never diet again. It was the restrictive dieting that was causing me to regain my weight. Eventually the pendulum would swing from severe restrictions to no limits at all. I realized there must be a place in between where you allowed your body to lead, where you ate when you were hungry and stopped when you were full. I made a commitment to change my lifestyle and my habits. I began eating whole real foods and the weight started to melt off. It’s been four years since I lost 50 pounds, but more importantly, four years during which I have maintained my current, healthy weight.

My journey led me to the world’s largest nutrition school, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. As a certified integrative nutrition health coach, and the director of Main Asset Health LLC, I am living my intended purpose and my true passion.

I want my clients to be healthy in every sense of the word.

I guide others toward their health goals by helping them change their relationship with food. We focus on the mind-body connection coupled with the psychology of eating. Bridging the gap between nutrition and personal growth and development is where the change and the magic happens, and why sustainability is possible.

You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge and so I create a safe space for my clients to share their struggles with emotional eating, diabetes, IBS, autoimmune diseases, stress, and other health challenges. I actively listen and my clients feel heard and understood. I then offer recommendations appropriate to guide them toward their goals.

I work with my clients individually in person, on the phone, or via Skype, and through group programs. Beginning April 20 I will be teaching a five-part workshop called “Healthy Eating Made Easy.” I will cover the art of menu planning and prepping; meal ideas; and recipes for weekdays, Shabbos, and holidays. I am offering all readers a free one-hour breakthrough coaching session to talk with me about your health goals. Connect with me at www.mainassethealth.com to register.

Chani Herrmann, Director, NJ Yachad, and Eve Yudelson, Director of Adult Day Services at NJ Yachad, added: “Gila Guzman has joined us in our Yachad vocational program for a series of sessions regarding nutrition and wellness. Gila has been a dynamic, interactive guide. She has covered many topics including healthy food choices, healthy eating tips, how to discern what is healthy, and how to satisfy food cravings and nutritional needs. She also teaches healthy lifestyle habits. Gila has a clear, direct manner. She is warm and understanding of each individual’s needs. Gila teaches in a way that everybody can learn and is a positive presence and always listens and connects to each individual. Gila’s tutorials go beyond healthy eating and encompass healthy living tips as well. Gila has added to Yachad Vocational’s self-care program by helping our Yachad Vocational workers be more aware and proud of their choices.”

I offer workshops, lectures, supermarket tours, pantry makeovers, and cooking demonstrations. To read more client testimonials and to subscribe to my newsletter go to my website, www.mainassethealth.com, and follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mainassethealth. I can be reached at 917-647-1788. I look forward to hearing from you!

By Gila Guzman, JD, CINHC