I don’t know how I managed to get to 50 without knowing how to cook. Some think that it is in a woman’s DNA, but I can assure you it is not. I managed to marry someone who liked to cook so I became an expert dishwasher. After our separation, however, I managed to cobble together meals that were mostly pre-made or pre-cooked. You know what I mean.

Weight has always been a thing, but toward 50 I decided to make health a central part of my life. I joined a gym and then quit it. And then I joined again. (Financially, this is not the way to go.) This time, I met a trainer who was my age and we spent our sessions laughing and rolling our eyes at the offensiveness of ageing. Still, I couldn’t manage the food aspect of my life. I was practicing mindfulness through a couple of apps, I was working out, I nurtured good relationships with friends and family, but still, one piece of my “wholeness” was missing - Nutrition.

I was attracted to Jenna’s website because it seemed authentic and I liked her story. She had been there. The last thing I needed at 49 years old was a skinny 20-year-old to tell me to just consume fewer calories and I’ll be okay. I was turning 50 and had a lot of hormones going on, so I wanted someone who had been there, someone who knew the way. Plus, Jenna had a kick-ass resume. She had more than life experience to back her. She was a smart cookie. A smart healthy cookie. ;)

When I look in my fridge, it has completely transformed. Did you know that your body actually tells you that it likes or dislikes certain food items? Of course, I knew that, but it wasn’t until I worked with Jenna that I felt it. I think it is because I felt good for the first time in my life, so when I ate something that disrupted the balance, I felt it. I realized that my body was telling me what was nourishing and what was garbage. It allowed me to change my mindset so that I no longer wonder if it will taste good, but if it will feel good. Even saying the word “nourishment” feels good. But I’m a bit of a word nerd. :)

Each week, I was given recipes that even I could make and these have become my staple diet. I have often texted her from the grocery store to ask questions, and she always responds. She even got me through Covid-19 when my emotions spilled over into our session. My self-esteem was so low that week, and she helped me look in that mirror and realize that I was worthy of love. Especially self-love. This is often the reason why we eat and sabotage ourselves. She helped me get through that and I’ll never forget it.

My journey with Jenna was my 50th birthday gift to myself. It was my best present I received (but don’t tell anyone). I have the tools now to learn more about nutrition and digestion. I am more in tune with my body and listen to it. Jenna has taught me so much and I’ll always be grateful for that. Certainly, my refrigerator looks different today, but it is only a reflection of how I have transformed because of her.

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LIZ MCNEILLY