Q&A with Holistic Wellness Coach, Myrite Rotstein
Why did you get interested in this field?
“For a long time growing up I struggled with a love/hate relationship to food and my body. I was very stressed at school, and found myself looking to food for comfort. I liked to constantly experiment with one diet or another in an effort to control my body, and find the “perfect diet”. By the end of high school, I began suffering from constant stomach pains and bloating that had me keeling over in pain and missing many days of school. After medical tests and visits with specialists, I was told it was probably due to IBS or stress. I desperately wanted a remedy or a magic pill. I wanted to be told what to eat and be given the answers! Yet, apart from the diagnosis I wasn’t offered any solution. As a result, I was forced to rely on listening to my body rather than on struggling to control it. I learned that only I had the answers I was looking for, and that there was no “perfect diet”. Since everybody is entirely unique, I learned to see what worked best for my body. I started by experimenting with new foods and recipes. I also read books about health and nutrition, eager to soak up the knowledge.
If my pain was potentially caused by stress, I discovered that I needed to learn how to manage it. It took a health crisis for me to learn how to be gentle with myself. When I needed rest, I listened. I understood that food alone wasn’t the missing piece. I also needed to listen to how to nourish my body outside of food. I needed to change other aspects of my life in order to get my body balanced. I tried yoga and meditation, I said “no” more often, and released toxic relationships that were draining my energy. My symptoms slowly began to subside, and I was empowered even at a young age to help people discover a balanced relationship with food and their bodies. I was looking for a system that did not rely on perfection, deprivation or guilt, but on true enjoyment of food and life.”
Where were you trained?
“I went on to study the field of nutrition and health at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City, where I learned a variety of traditional and modern diets. It is amazing how few people realize there is a direct connection between how you feel and function and what you eat. Eating is fun, intimate, therapeutic, comforting, nourishing, and supportive…that sounds like a relationship to me! I want to help people understand this connection and make choices that support their lifestyle.”
What differentiates you from a Dietician?
“While dieticians focus on the micro and macro nutrients of food, the calories and food pyramids, I look at food in a much bigger picture. Food is really just one piece of the puzzle.
Many people are over-eating because another area of their life is not properly nourished, such as spirituality, work, relationships, and connection to the body (movement). Also, rather than me telling you what to eat, my goal is to empower you to be your own health expert. I want you to learn the tools to listen to your body, and we can keep adjusting your diet and lifestyle based on your evolving needs.”
What type of clients do you work with?
“I work with creative professionals who are struggling to find balance. They want to work hard and spend time with their families without having to sacrifice their health and “me” time. Their goal is to have an active lifestyle, get inspired in the kitchen and find meaning in their lives. They are ready for change and transformation and they are excited to learn about food and their relationship to it, in a whole new way.
Whether you’ve been passionate about health your whole life, or you’re a newbie, I am there to support you in taking it up a notch-or two in a way that is sustainable and fun.”
What is your approach and style of your modality?
“My approach is ABUNDANCE! While most diets work to eliminate or avoid certain foods, I believe in adding in healthier choices….eventually these will naturally crowd out the foods that no longer serve you.”
How does your coaching style set you apart from other practitioners?
“I work differently than other practitioners because I am able to guide my clients into discovering what is holding them back from their own success. I balance my gentle approach with a tougher coaching side that holds clients accountable and honest with themselves. My goal is to empower clients to live their best life and their fullest potential. If they are holding themselves back because they don’t believe they can do it, I help support them in pushing forward towards their goals.”
Do you ever eat sugar, bread, beer, wine…?
“I get this question a lot. YES. While I am very conscious about what I put in my body, I choose to be flexible in a way that works for me and keeps me on track. Being healthy is not about rigid perfectionism, it’s about being okay with where you are at, taking responsibility for the choices you make (rather than beating yourself up AFTER you eat too many chips), and engaging in life as fully as possible with a friendly, compassionate, positive mind.”
What are your five favourite foods?
“Kale chips, almond butter, dark chocolate, roasted squash, and my mom’s chicken soup. I was a vegetarian for most of my life- so nowdays I really appreciate my mom’s soup because I can taste all the love that she fills it with.”
What kind of results can I expect from working with you?
“More energy, decreased dependence on sugar and caffeine, end food addictions, vibrant health, better sleep, inspiration in the kitchen, rejuvenated perspective, positive body image, cooking more at home, making healthy living a habit rather than something you try.”
Do you have client references I can review?
“Yes! Please see the Tastymonials page for client success stories.”
