In today’s world there are so many conflicting philosophies on health and wellness.  I believe in the bio-individuality approach whereby every person’s body is unique and different.  There is no one ‘diet’ that works for everyone.  I take a holistic approach by looking at a number of factors that contribute to overall health and happiness including eating habits, sleep patterns, relationships, career and spirituality. All of these elements make up our ‘primary foods’ and contribute to one’s overall health. These primary foods ideally need to be in balance to achieve true wellness.  With that said, I know how difficult it can be to achieve balance.  Life is busy and we never seem to have enough time, yet we all deserve to enjoy this life.  I strive for simplicity and to live by the 80/20 rule.  If I can make good choices with simple healthy meals through 80 percent of my week, I accept that 20 percent will be those times when I indulge in my favorite foods. 

Regardless of age, gender, budget or one’s history with food, each individual can achieve optimal health through a few fundamental principles.  It doesn’t need to be complicated, but listening to your body and the wisdom that it gives you is key to discovering your ideal style of eating that will provide you with energy and vitality for life.

I have always been interested in eating good food, and I have always been known to have a ‘healthy appetite’.  In other words, I love to eat!  I spent my childhood and college years in the South where healthy eating was not always a priority, but from an early age I became interested in nutrition and wellness. Over time this interest has become a passion and a lifestyle that has only intensified after having kids.  I have two boys who need quality, whole foods to nourish their growing bodies, and I need to nourish myself so that I have the energy to keep up with them.

After helping friends over the years improve their eating habits, I made the choice to attend the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. This experience opened up my culinary world more than I thought was possible, and I was inspired to experiment with nutritious, whole foods and cook them in ways that still taste like a delicious, gourmet meal.  I have never felt better in my life. My goal is to reach a broader audience and to educate others on how to make healthy choices and improve their lives, not by some short-term, fad diet, but through a long-lasting, realistic lifestyle change.

I am a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a B.A. Psychology and a Minor in Business Administration.  I completed my training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to be a Certified Holistic Health Coach.  I also completed the Immersion Program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

A Holistic Approach to Healthy Living by Holly Hurd | June 4, 2014