I had the absolute honor of sitting down with one of my former clients, Melissa Long. Melissa’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer at a young age, she has walked through some of the deepest valleys from the physical toll of cancer treatments to the hidden complications from breast implants. But Melissa’s journey didn’t stop at survival. She shares how discovering functional medicine completely transformed her approach to healing and ultimately led her to become a practitioner herself. We dive into the lifestyle and diet shifts that played a crucial role in her recovery, her journey through motherhood (including her miracle pregnancies), and the ongoing challenges she’s faced with such grace and strength.

What inspired me most was hearing how Melissa leaned into her faith throughout it all — how her mindset, trust in God, and commitment to radiance and resilience carried her through the hardest seasons. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing is not just about the body. It’s about our spirit, our thoughts, and the blessings we choose to focus on even in the hardest moments. If you’re navigating a health challenge or just need a dose of hope and inspiration, you don’t want to miss this one.

Check out & follow Melissa on IG: @natural.minded.mama

Resources:

Listen to "The Emotional Root of Physical Symptoms" (Apple, Spotify)

Listen to "Physical Manifestations of Lack/Fear" (Apple, Spotify)

Listen to "Find Resilience + Strength Through Prayer (Apple, Spotify)

Listen to "The Great Physician + Ultimate Healer" (Apple, Spotify)

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I share my heart about the challenges of sticking to dietary changes in social settings—a struggle I know so many of us face, not just myself and my clients. I open up about the mindset shifts that have helped me, including learning to recognize societal pressures and choosing to prioritize my health without guilt or apology. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to navigate social gatherings, so you can stay true to your health journey while still enjoying meaningful connections. My hope is to encourage you to honor your well-being and remind you that it’s okay to put yourself first—you’re worth it.

Takeaways

• It's common to struggle with dietary changes in social settings.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy choices.
• People often eat for pleasure rather than nourishment.
• Recognizing societal conditioning can help shift perspectives.
• Focus on valuing your health over others' opinions.
• Sending love to those who don't understand your choices is important.

Connection Call

Connect with me on IG: @thekatevazquez

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I open up about my journey with food and how understanding ingredients has transformed my health and the way I nourish my family. I share personal experiences that taught me the importance of reading labels and being mindful of the compounding effects of our food choices over time. Together, we’ll explore the hidden impacts of processed foods and the simple joy of creating healthier alternatives at home. I also share tools to empower you to make more informed decisions for your health. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Takeaways:

• Many people mistakenly believe that certain "healthy" foods are healthy.
• Reading food labels is crucial for understanding what we consume.
• The compounding effect of certain food choices can lead to chronic health issues.
• Homemade alternatives can be healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options.
• Awareness of food ingredients can empower better health decisions.
• Functional medicine provides insights into the quality of food and its effects on the body.
• It's important to minimize the intake of processed foods with long ingredient lists.
• Making small changes in diet can lead to significant health improvements over time.

Book a complimentary Connection Call with me to explore how we can work together to support your health journey.

What did you think of this episode? Share with me on IG: thekatevazquez

Resources:

Download the Yuka app & use the scanner for free.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.