Meet Melissa

Struggling in figuring out how to raise a healthy family, lose weight, and change your health in today’s busy, chaotic, stressful world? 

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Hi, My name is Melissa Leisenring. I am a health and wellness coach that is all about empowering you with your own health and your family. ​I received my coaching certification from Wellcoaches as well as Lifestyle Medicine Coach from American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2022.  I am also a physical therapist with 15 years of experience. 

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I was always active growing up and into my college years I was consistent with my workout routine but did not pay attention to my eating habits. I would eat whatever I wanted not giving a second thought to what I was putting into my body or if I was eating because I was hungry.

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I started paying more attention to my eating habits when I started my career as a physical therapist as part of our job is to teach our patients how to live a healthy lifestyle help them have better quality of life recovering from an injury or surgical procedure. I knew I could not teach what I did not practice in my own life.

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I also have a strong history of cardiovascular diseases in my family which is primarily influenced by our lifestyle choices. I knew I wanted to live a long and healthy life for my family and that was another big motivator for me to live a healthier lifestyle.

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I started to make changes in my own health.​ I started by learning about nutrition and how it influences our bodies. I made small changes that have led to lasting success to this day.  I started cooking healthier meals and having healthier snacks. But at the same time, I still allow myself to have treats in moderation. I do not believe in depriving you of the foods you enjoy.

 

Gradually, I started focusing on other areas that can influence our health such as physical activity, self-care, sleep, and mental well-being. Working on all these has changed in how I feel about myself, given me more energy, and has allowed me to enjoy life in the way that I want to!

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Then about 4 years ago our youngest daughter was diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) and we had to make some lifestyle changes with our daughter. We had to eliminate or limit some food choices that she loves as they were triggers, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, finding ways to manage her anxiety/stress which was triggered by holidays and birthdays being the biggest one, and incorporating some supplements.  

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By making those changes with our daughter’s life, her symptoms are better managed. Staying consistent with these habits are always a challenge but reminding myself of WHY I am doing this helps me stay on track. My "WHY" is raising a healthy family so that my daughter is able to enjoy life and that I am healthy for my family so that we are living life in the way we want to.   I have times where I have fallen “off the wagon” for a while but always find myself getting back on track. Having a vision for my family’s future is what motivates me to continue despite ​​​living in a busy stressed-out society. 

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I find joy in helping others especially when they notice that small changes can make a big difference in their life. I want to empower you with the tools you need to create your version of a healthy life so that you are able to live and feel your best!  Book a free consultation call to learn more about how working with a health coach can help you.