Amy’s Path from Challenges to Amazing Health
Hello, I’m Amy, the passion and soul behind Healthy, Restored, Inspired. This is my path from challenges to amazing health. That path was fueled by culinary inspiration and knowledge about restoring and finding balance in wellness. If you’re on the same quest, or simply looking to dive deep into the wonders of a low-carb and ketogenic lifestyle sprinkled with inspired living, you’re in the right place.
From Dance to Amazing Health
Over 25 years in the dance industry, as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and judge was exhilarating, but it wasn’t without its physical toll. From injuries to inflammation, I had it. As a teen, I began having thyroid issues that further complicated my health. Moving through adulthood, my body just couldn’t keep up with the mounting health issues and hormonal imbalance, I began adding autoimmune conditions to my growing list of health complications.
The Struggle With Modern Medicine
At one point, I juggled over 9 prescriptions each month, only to find my health deteriorating further. My trust in conventional treatments was destroyed, especially when I realized the damage done to my liver and the ineffective management of inflammation.
Rarely did my doctors ask me what I nourished my body with. One doctor even told me that consuming more than 600 calories daily was too much. (Ummmm what????) Yep, that’s where this journey really began, not just from one doctor, but 6 scary doctors. One even admitted she knew nothing about the labs she was drawing and that’s why she sent me to so many specialists.
Rediscovering Health Through Food
Through research, trial, and error, I took control by monitoring my blood sugar, documenting my food, eliminating inflammation-triggering foods, and unintentionally embracing a ketogenic diet before I knew it was a trend. As a passionate cook, my ability to embrace food science flourished. The lifestyle felt like home, and I became my own best recipe developer, ensuring I didn’t feel deprived. I was able to replace a lot of my favorite foods with better ingredients to ensure I stayed within my goals.
Overcoming Stagnation and Spiritual Reawakening
Despite shedding 140lbs and rejuvenating my health, I faced a challenging few years of setbacks. In this introspective phase, I realized the missing piece – My spirituality. Reconnecting with God transformed my perspective and reaffirmed my purpose.
When I began to approach the reality of my health and how every aspect of my life belonged to God, things began to change. I was able to develop a way of eating that went beyond the myth that a keto diet was 5% carbs, 25% protein, and 75% fat. It was insane to think about then and there was a reason. If 75% of your calories are coming from fat, your body isn’t getting enough nutrients to heal and maintain a healthy body.
Why Healthy, Restored, Inspired?
The why came as a natural progression. I was committed to eating healthy, which led to restoring my total wellness (mind and body). I felt so great that I was inspired to live life to the fullest.
I’m always trying new things, partly ADHD, which drives my innovative and creative mind. (Just ask my husband, he LOVES my wacky ideas). My mission is to share my failures, successes, and journey alongside you as we savor mouthwatering recipes, celebrate health triumphs, and uncover the deeper joys of a life lived with passion and purpose.