Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lacy Ngo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lacy, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Yes, I was what many would consider on the heavier side when I was in middle school. After being teased, I decided to lose weight. I lost weight, but in the process became obsessed with weight. Later, I decided to get a degree in Human Nutrition so that I could help others lose weight too. While at Clemson University, I learned that the power of food reached well beyond weight loss/weight gain. Nourishing food could drastically reduce the risk of disease, help our mood, promote optimal brain function, and promote a healthy immune system. I learned all of this, yet I still worried about weight every day. Fast forward years later…I was starting to notice my health-mentally and physically decline. My seasonal allergies and asthma were worse than ever. I found myself feeling a sadness that I just couldn’t shake. I was getting frequent colds and cases of flu throughout the fall and winter. My hip was hurting, and my stomach felt bloated for most of the day. Addressing these issues started to become more important to me- more important than my weight. So, I decided to put my nutrition degree to work and focused on eating foods that, according to scientific research, helped with my mood, seasonal allergies, asthma, and supported my immune system. The results were unbelievable! EVERYTHING improved so much so that it felt like magic. But it wasn’t magic…it was science. I rarely get colds. My asthma and seasonal allergies are almost undetectable. My mood has improved by leaps and bounds. Ironically, I even lost 50 pounds after I stopped weight obsessing. It’s funny how for so many years, my head knew the impact food could make on our health. But until I experienced it firsthand, I couldn’t fully grasp just how impactful food really was.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in Human Nutrition. I enjoy writing and have been featured and/or quoted in media outlets like Parade, The Healthy, Eat This, Not That!, VeryWell Fit, and Fitbit.com. My specialty is faith-based mindfulness and evidence-based nutrition. I am the author of several books including “18 Weeks to a Healthier, Happier, More Purposeful Life.” In “18 Weeks to a Healthier, Happier, More Purposeful Life,” I share the exact steps that, based on extensive scientific research, produce the most dramatic health and weight loss success. This book is a wellness program and journal as well as an uplifting and inspiring book all in one.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

No, I can say with 100 percent confidence that having a background in nutrition has helped me improve my own health in ways I never could have imagined. Now, I get to use my professional knowledge and personal experiences to help others improve the health of their mind, body, and soul.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In this market, I think it helps to get yourself out there, even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone. I am a writer, so I enjoy writing in publications. I am not as comfortable in front of the camera. However, my mission is important. I know that my approach to health has changed me and can dramatically change the health and happiness of others. So, if I have a chance to spread my message, I take it, even if that means doing on-camera interviews, participating in live talks, or being a guest on popular podcasts. And guess what, I always end up having fun when I do them!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindfulnessinfaithandfood.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindfulnessinfaithandfood
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindfulrd
• Other: https://paddleplanit.com