Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Oates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Candace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
There was a time in life when I was very overweight and unhealthy. I had high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and weighed over 325lbs. It wasn’t until I found out I was 6 months pregnant with my now 18 year old son that I decided to take my health more seriously. Now my careless actions were 100% affecting my unborn child’s health. When I went to speak to a professional about how to become healthier, I was handed an Atkins book. The in house nutritionist looked at me with disgust and said “Read this. If you have any questions, make an appointment. ” I felt so lost. It took me years of professional education, trail and error to understand how to be a healthier version of myself. After I felt like I had a decent grasp on how to fuel my body more effectively, I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others navigate the murky waters of health and wellness. I became a Diabetes Prevention Specialist, personal trainer, health coach and eventually fate pulled me to start our non-profit, Obesity Awareness IN Action (www.OAAmovement.org).
Candace, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I transitioned into the health and wellness industry because I felt an Universal pull to help others understand how to be a healthier version of themselves through nutrition and movement. I felt it would be comforting to allow others to see I had been heavier and was once riddled with metabolic diseases. I am a walking example of how diet choices and movement helped me not only shed weight, but stop taking medication in its entirety for my high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. Many of my clients tell me that since I have walked the path, my experience with the journey sets me apart from others. When COVID reared it’s ugly head, the world could see the extreme importance of self care. Many people hospitalized were the ones who were obese and/or suffering from metabolic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. Many of these individuals were within the underprivileged/underserved areas. I felt a calling to help educate youths in the necessary areas to help end the cycle of unequal dissemination of tools/research/health &wellness information. Rosemary Parson and I co-founded Obesity Awareness IN Action (OAA). Now, I spend as much free time as possible educating youths in health and wellness in Northern Colorado. Our services are at zero cost to the schools and facilities. OAA currently works with the Boys and Girls club Larimer and AIMS Community College, College for Kids program. I do an monthly in-person group health coaching class at the Chilson Center in Loveland and Personal Train many clients. Between working at the City of Loveland as a Diabetes Prevention specialist, health coach and personal trainer for adults and working with 6-12th grade youth through our non-profit, I am able to work on a wide range of ages and economical classes. Health and Wellness education is my passion.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back in time, I would have chosen the health and wellness field as a major in college and began educating others sooner. I began my serious working career as a training area director for a major restaurant chain working long hours, eating crappy food, getting zero sleep and made zero time for myself. I thought happiness stemmed from having a lot of money. It took me realizing that I was not living, I was infact slowly killing myself with poison and lack of movement before I truly valued the old adage “health is wealth.” What good is money if you can’t walk comfortably or die of an heart attack? I am 100% where I need (and want) to be.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
To succeed in the sector of the health and wellness field I specialize in, you have to listen to other people’s stories without judgment. Many people are doing all they can in their Wheelhouse to be as healthy as they know how to be. Depression, lack of sleep, failing marriages, medications, illnesses, small children, single parent, a perception of having a lack of time, a spouse who is sabotaging them and a multitude of other things may be affecting them as a whole. Being fit and well does not look the same for everyone. Being fit and well does not look the same ON everyone. Be kind and have grace. People who are struggling with their weight and personal issues know it. They don’t need a reminder of who and what they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.oaamovement.org
- Instagram: LowCarbCandace.OAA
- Facebook: Facebook.com/oaamovement
- Linkedin: Candace Oates
- Twitter: @oaamovement
- Youtube: @HealthyLivingWithCandace
- Other: Blog: https://trimambitions.com/