My hectic schedule calmed down during my 30s, and I was able to focus more on the food foundations I grew up with. But healthy eating took on new meaning when I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in my early 40s. It was a shock, and although I didn't cry—usually it's cheesy things, like sappy commercials, that choke me up—I do remember lying awake at night feeling scared. In the weeks leading up to my first surgery, I sat on the deck with my husband and stared out at our beautiful view of the Colorado mountains—and that's where I found my peace and strength. I decided I would not only beat the illness but come out stronger and happier.
During my eight rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation, I spent a lot of time researching natural ways to beat cancer and speed my healing process. All the information I gathered pointed to one central philosophy: The food and chemicals that you put in and on your body really matter. I began experimenting with my diet and found that I felt my best when I ate clean foods, such as fish, lean meat in moderation, and as many colorful vegetables as I could find. I started eating salads as big as my head, switched to natural makeup, and cleared my house of toxins—I even began cleaning with vodka instead of the nasty chemicals I'd used for years (though that's just the tip of what you can do with this helpful alcohol).
As I started feeling better and seeing how my healthy choices also improved my husband's life, it clicked. This was my calling: to help other people cut through the clutter of diet advice and find their own happiness through healthy food, similar to how I helped myself. I started taking classes to become certified in holistic nutrition.
At the time, I was a self-employed CPA, but once I was feeling better, I decided to keep that job on the back burner while I explored my passion for helping others heal with food. I started my own business called the Vail Diet. It's not just about weight loss; instead, I focus on helping clients simplify clean eating and encourage them to focus on nutrient-dense, high-quality foods that make them feel good and that improve their health.
I used to joke with my husband that the real reason I showed him the amount of sugar he was eating was because I was the one who had to deal with his mood swings caused by the sugar rushes and crashes. But cutting out added sugars and processed junk has truly helped both of us balance our minds, bodies, and emotions.
I would never wish disease on anyone, but for me, cancer led to some of my greatest gifts. Through researching my treatment and recovery, I discovered my true calling. Now I feel more aware and more empowered to influence positive change in myself, in my husband, and in others.
