We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jackie Ganz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jackie below.
Alright, Jackie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
Just start! For so many there’s fear in starting something new. Fear of giving something up and making a change. I get it. I’m right there with you. When it comes to building healthy habits, we so often think there needs to be this perfect time. “I’ll start after this trip. Oh wait, then there’s this event or holiday and then ________.” I have had clients talk themselves down a six month timeline of excuses. There will always be something. What a blessing! We get to celebrate all of these wonderful occasions with the people we love. How can we feel our best when that time comes? How can we have the tools to live by our own definition and value of health 80-90% of the time, so we can have the ability to indulge without guilt or shame the other 10-20%? And to be able to pick right back up the next day into our routine without skipping a beat. It’s called a lifestyle, a practice. It takes starting with simple daily habits, building upon them, being consistent with them and finding gratitude in the “I get to.” When you give yourself permission to throw out the rule book and stop trying to be perfect you will surprise yourself at just how much you are capable of. It’s so fun to watch and be a part of these discoveries and journeys!
Jackie, 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 like to think of myself as a late bloomer. I was always passionate about health and wellness and have had a pretty windy personal health journey myself, which ultimately led to me discovering functional medicine. I just never thought I would be working in this field. I was an actor, but not a happy one. The thing that brought me joy when I was young, that I went to school for, that I always dreamed about was no longer fun. In fact, I was really unhappy. It took a big scary family emergency to shake me to my core and make me see how fragile life is and how time is not guaranteed. My dad suffered a massive stroke that almost took him from us. My life was forever changed that day, in many ways, one being the trajectory of my career. Cut to now, I’m a functional medicine certified health coach and board certified health and wellness coach. I work with clients on implementing diet and lifestyle changes, meaning nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, stress resilience, and creating a clean and supportive environment. I work primarily with women to regain their energy and free themselves from the constant food chatter and yoyo dieting. I’m passionate about gut health, balancing blood sugar and helping new moms nourish themselves and their growing families. Some clients come to me on their own with specific goals and some are looking to implement protocols from their doctor or practitioner, but need help before they retest. I’ve been the patient and client before, so I understand what it feels like to be unwell and the frustration when it feels like you’re not finding the right answers or being told everything is “normal” when you know it’s not. You know yourself and your body best. Always be your own advocate! Everyone is at their own stage of their health journey. We start wherever that is and work at their pace. They have my full support, guidance and accountability. There is a lot of noise out there and it can become confusing and overwhelming. I listen and help break things down so they feel heard and empowered to make choices, take action and feel confident. It’s so cool when it clicks for someone. I feel a sense of pride even though it was all them. Sometimes this happens while we’re still working together and sometimes after the fact. I love those texts and emails sharing wins at any stage!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The role of caregiver has been woven through my life. It is a role I am proud of and it also takes a lot out of me. I cared for my dad (along with my mom and sister) for 5 years after his stroke until he passed away. During this time I became a mother. On my caregiving days, I would bring my son and my dog and we would get Pops through his day. Those days were exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I wish we had more of them. They built strength, resilience, empathy and expanded my capacity for love. I see those traits in my son too.
I’m a mom of two now to an infant and a toddler, and it’s a constant juggling act. I like to call it beautiful chaos. Most days I feel like I’m in a pinball machine. I’m sure most parents and caregivers can relate, there aren’t enough hours in the day. After I get the kids to bed, I feel like an exhausted Wonder Woman! This is usually when a lot of work gets done. Caring for them and their needs, nursing my infant, working, running my household, being a present partner, and carving out moments for my healthy habits (gotta walk the talk!) requires patience, organization, stamina, planning, diligence and yes, resilience!
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes!! (I said that really fast and loud!) I wish I had had the courage to give into this passion and take the leap years before. I say that because it would have saved me a lot of years of anxiety, fear, and limiting beliefs. But I’m here now and every journey is perfect and unfolding as it’s meant to be. I know my calling is helping people feel their best!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepurepractice.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepurepracticela
Image Credits
Marie Buck Photography