We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Leeney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

A lot of coaches in my industry advocate for low-calorie items or items that fit into their “calorie goals” for the day. To me, it’s so much more than just the calories we are eating. I focus on the ingredients in packaged foods and emphasize a diet filled with whole foods and lean proteins. Many people reach for ultra-processed foods when trying to eat healthy. I firmly believe that if you read and understand the ingredients you are putting into your body, you will find success in your long-term diet.

Kate, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into this business by wanting to eat healthier for my wedding. I quickly realized that I felt better and had more energy while reaching my health goals. From there, I focused heavily on learning more about the ingredients in our food system and how to read labels to support my long-term health. I also gained extensive knowledge about stress management, quality sleep, and finding enjoyable movement through my journey and certifications. Shortly after, I became a mother of two girls and continued my journey of learning, growing, and focusing on best practices. Overall, my goal is to live a long life with a good quality of life, and I want that for my clients as well.

I am most proud of the women who have created long-term relationships with their health. They have built lifelong habits, which makes me so proud. I have helped hundreds of women meet their unique nutrition goals. My main goal is to assist clients in finding optimal nutrition choices for health and wellness outcomes. We focus on behavior change and strategies to develop lasting changes and healthful nutrition habits. I love seeing clients step into their greatest energy and strength. Creating long-lasting habits is essential to me when working with each client. I am also very proud of my recipe eBook that just came out in July!

Here are my core beliefs:

Our health is a product of what we eat. To make sustainable changes, you need a plan with research-backed tactics and formulas. You also need to eat the foods you love and enjoy. There is always a way to make your favorite dishes healthier. I emphasize ingredients and label reading, which supports both your short-term and long-term health goals. I teach clients how to find time to focus on themselves and how to fuel their bodies in the best way possible.

Our health is a product of our actions. I believe that taking small actions toward your big visions every day is what sets you up for success. Your daily actions will accumulate, helping you achieve your significant goals.

Wellness is more than physical health. Wellness integrates fueling your body, engaging your mind, moving your body in ways that feel good, and nurturing yourself.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I love this question. If you’re a business owner, don’t feel stuck in what you’re currently doing. As you evolve, your brand evolves. Life changes, and it’s crucial to understand that your niche or expertise will change too. I find myself consistently pivoting in my business to help women, including myself, achieve their goals. For example, what worked in your 20s won’t necessarily work in your late 30s, 40s, and beyond. I’ve embraced continuous learning because women’s needs shift as they age, prompting me to adopt best practices tailored to each client.

In my 20s, I focused heavily on macros. By my mid-30s, my focus shifted to ingredients, emphasizing high protein and fiber. Currently, I’m pursuing a certification in hormones and gut health because I recognize its significant impact on women’s health in their 40s and beyond.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My advice is to prioritize your mental health when it comes to social media. Followers and likes shouldn’t hold as much importance as they do today. Personally, I’ve always struggled with sharing my personal life on social media. I prefer not to be constantly online, avoid posting pictures of my kids on my business page, and limit the time spent creating content. It feels unnatural to me, so I follow my intuition. As a result, I believe I’ve cultivated an authentic audience who appreciates what I share, whenever I share it.

When running a business, it’s crucial to shape it for the long term in a way that reflects your values. While social media is a powerful tool, it’s essential not to let it consume you. Consistency over time is key to building your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nutritionbykate.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_bykate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luminouslifenow

Image Credits

Lindsey Ross
Christiana Basso