Partner Spotlight: Christy Smith

This blog is part of a series that will introduce you to Northeast Indiana health and wellness practitioners. Get to know Christy Smith of Christy Smith Nutrition.

1) What inspired you to get into nutrition/wellness?

I have an autoimmune disease (Hashimotos Thyroiditis) and struggled with weight gain. After going through a wellness program for that, and seeing many of the other clients healing diseases simply by changing their foods, I knew I wanted to help people heal in that way as well.

2) Who’s your ideal or typical client?

Someone who is committed to healing and feeling as good as possible. I don't like to focus on weight loss as a primary goal, so I love when someone is focused on getting well and ditching the diet mentality.

3) What’s a common myth or misperception about nutrition you’d like to debunk?

That there's only one way to be healthy. I've learned through trial and error that there are as many ways to achieve health as there are people. It's fun trying to find the best, longest-lasting solution for my clients and rewarding when they actually enjoy it.

4) How would you describe your motto or philosophy around nutrition?

Oh boy, I am not a typical nutritionist. I sort of get angry at the stereotype of the yoga-thin body drinking green juices all day and existing on air and kale. I enjoy fruity pebbles on occasion and believe true health is found in that balance. The word balance is probably overused when it comes to health and moderation but it's so true. Give me onion rings on occasion and I'm a happy girl. Being happy and content, not restricted and angry, is also part of a healthy diet. ;)

5) What do you like to do for fun?

I like to do anything in nature. Kayaking, hiking, walking, just sitting outside and enjoying some hot tea with a book. I also love being creative and am learning how to use watercolors. My two boys and golden retriever, Charlie, keep me busy and laughing, too.

6) How can someone work with you?

By starting at my website and checking out the services I offer. They can reach out after that to schedule a quick discovery call, or go ahead and schedule right on the site. I have services for a variety of needs from reducing inflammation to general nutrition counseling to help with GLP1s, like Ozempic and Mounjaro and more.

7) What’s a random fact about you?

I was absolutely terrified of whales (humpback specifically) between the ages of 21 and 41. Literally had to fast forward the part in Nemo where Dori talks like a whale (sorry kids, it wasn't a scratch in the DVD!). But I went to an energy healer/shaman lady and long story short, it cured me. I can actually watch, and enjoy, whale videos and sounds now.

How I did it: My fitness journey

I wrote this post last summer for another platform and am sharing it here, as it answers a lot of frequently asked questions.

"Journey: an act of traveling from one place to another.”

People can go on various journeys in a lifetime. For me, it was one 5 years in the making—going from unhealthy, obese and self-conscious to one where I am happy, healthy and comfortable in my own skin. It could be said that the 55 pounds (and 15% percent body fat) I’ve shed are the byproduct of my hard work and dedication over the past few years.

When I first set out to “lose weight,” in 2013, it was a crusade driven in part by my genetic predisposition. I knew diabetes and heart disease didn’t have to be my destiny. (Both of my maternal grandparents died of heart disease.) I also was obese and not happy in my own skin. I wanted better for myself. So, with the support of my family and friends, I made the first step that would turn into a 5-year quest for improved health.

Me, at my heaviest

Today, when people hear about my commitment to health and fitness (and subsequent weight loss), they often ask: “So, how did you do it?”

I believe it comes down to the following factors. (Spoiler alert: some are unpleasant truths):

1) Sacrifice: You will undoubtedly have to give up some things to make space for your commitment to yourself. Some might even call you selfish and question your motives. It can be a lonely journey at times, but the rewards are worth it. I’ve had to make some tough choices about how I spend my time, but you should know that you should never have to justify putting your health first.

2) Grace: In the last 5 years I’ve experienced some great sadness and grief. (Both my father and father in law died in a year’s time, among other things.) There were times I wanted to throw in the towel, because I was so spent emotionally. And sometimes I didn’t feel like working out or cooking. So I didn’t. Give yourself permission to take a break and then get back on the wagon when the timing is right. The gym will be there.

Also, the trajectory is never a straight line. I’ve had weeks where my diet was off and my workouts fell to the back burner. I’ve been so close to a goal only to regress. What matters is that you recommit to yourself and your goals.

I’ve also had my share of chronic health problems that were undiagnosed until about two years ago and stymying my progress. (Hello, hypothyroidism.) Side note: you have to be your own advocate in the healthcare space.

3) Joy: I tell my clients that among the single most important predictors of adherence to an exercise program is enjoyment. Do you like to run? Are weights your thing? How about group classes? Whatever it is, you have to enjoy it or else you’re essentially sabotaging yourself and you won’t get results. I had a brief period when I was trying to run — it actually worked against me. I hated it and my body started to hold onto fat. It was very discouraging. Once I cut back on the cardio and committed to a strength training regimen, I saw the greatest results. Every body is different. You have to find what brings you joy and gets you results.

4) Consistency: Change does not occur overnight. It can take months or even years to reach a goal. (I know this firsthand.) But committing to something, no matter how seemingly modest or insignificant, can yield great results. Think of the tortoise and the hare. While it took a multi-year commitment to get where I am today, I am better for it. There’s no magic pill that can substitute for a sensible diet and adequate exercise. (I want to scream this from the mountaintops!)

5) Community: Find your tribe. When I first re-committed to consistent exercise, I found kickboxing and it proved to be a great outlet for me in more ways than one. I met a great group of women with similar goals. I found a way to improve my health, boost confidence and learn a few self-defense moves at the same time. Whether it’s a friend who serves as an accountability buddy or a personal trainer, it’s been proven that people are more successful when they have someone else behind them.

I hope my story was helpful. I did it. And so can you.

Me, in August 2018

I tried intermittent fasting for 3 weeks and here’s what happened....

I should begin this post with a disclaimer and a few caveats. I am neither a clinical professional nor a dietitian, so this information should not be interpreted as medical advice. I am simply sharing my experience.

OK, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the fun part. I tried intermittent fasting (henceforth referred to as IF) upon the recommendation of my physician Dr. Veerula of Fort Wayne Integrative Medicine. (Side note: if you’re looking for an MD, he’s your guy.) He had told me about a host of benefits associated with IF, including fat loss, improved mental clarity and slowing down the aging process. I had hit a plateau with my weight, in addition to experiencing some other symptoms. I figured I had nothing to lose, as this program costs no money and is both flexible and simple, as Cynthia Thurlow explains in her TEDx Talk.

So I set out to try IF for three weeks leading up to my birthday. Here are the ground rules I followed (mostly):

• Consumed all food and drink only during an 8-hour window (mainly 12:30p -8:30p) and fasted for 16 hours

• Drank my usual 90 ounces of water (plus unsweetened coffee and tea)

If I could distill my IF experience so far into 3 points it would be these:

1. I was less hungry. It was a bit of a transition for the first few days, but once I got past that I felt less hungry and my blood sugar seemed to be better regulated. Overall I believe I consumed fewer calories because I had a narrower window of time in which to eat. I did lose a pound of fat and about .33 percent in body fat. 

2. I was more mindful about what I ate. Staying on track required me to plan more in advance than I had in the recent past. With only 8 hours to consume 3 meals, I found myself being more strategic about what I ate and when.

3. My workouts didn’t suffer. In general I worked out in a fasted state. I didn’t notice any difference in my performance. I didn’t feel dizzy or weak. I did try to be intentional with my dinner if I had a workout in the morning. These were the times when I’d eat a more carb-heavy meal the evening before so I could bun through a quick source of energy the next day. 

In general, IF was fairly easy to integrate into my life. But like any lifestyle change, it requires foresight and sacrifice. I plan to continue eating this way, at least during the week. 

If you have tried IF, I’m anxious to hear about your experience. Share your comments below.