When we first decided to interview a health coach, our initial focus was on the importance of taking vacations. But as we delved deeper, we realized that wellness encompasses so much more—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To explore these vital aspects of well-being, we reached out to Maria Morehouse, the owner of STRIVE Wellness Co., a Holistic Nutritionist, Fitness Coach, speaker, and organizer of STRIVE women’s wellness retreats. Maria shared her insights on how to live a balanced and fulfilling life, and we’re excited to pass on her expert tips to you!
About Me
I see clients virtually, 1:1 and have an online membership called Strive Inside. My practice focus’ on health at every size, and adding in health supporting behaviours, rather than dieting. Encouraging my clients to stop waiting to be a certain size, or look a certain way to live their best life. #dothething
I live with my husband and 2 goldens, Clark + Gus. You will find us cycling, hiking, paddleboarding and most recently playing Pickleball in our spare time!
What are your thoughts on Nutrition
I used to think that to be healthy you needed to eat perfectly. Restrict certain foods, food groups and only eat at certain times of the day. I now know, it’s SO much more than that. Yes, we want to eat foods that make us feel well, and give us nutrients we need by eating a well-balanced diet… includes fun foods, supports us culturally, physically, mentally and emotionally. Remember going for a bike ride and enjoying an ice cream with your family on a beautiful sunny day, won’t negate the Kale salad you had at lunch…but it will provide beautiful memories! 😉 #kaleandcupcakes
I love to move, I often say I was born a mover. There was a time though, when I moved to change the shape of my body, to burn calories, earn food. When there is an association that movement is something we have to do to shrink/ change our bodies, a chore, or when it’s part of a plan, more often than not when the plan goes by the wayside, movement does as well. Doing things I really truly enjoy. My goal is to be a LIFE LONG MOVER – moving in ways that feel good, and I enjoy helps with this mentality.
I see movement as a form of respect rather than punishment, something I GET to do rather than have to do. My goal is to be a LIFE LONG MOVER. Participating in activities I love to do (soccer, trail running, spin class) makes it something I look forward to, it is such a gift to be able to move. It’s never an “if”, rather a “when” will I move today.
Foundational health habit! If you aren’t sleeping well, the other habits just won’t fall into place. Some basics for a good night sleep; Consistency with your bedtime (to the best of your ability), avoiding blue light (electronics) and hour or so before bed, dark, cool room, listening to a sleep meditation, or sleep stories, or reading often help!
Vacations are a time to disconnect for the everyday, and reconnect, let go and recharge.
I think phone free, downtime. A walk, or run on trail, a book on the deck with a tea, or paddleboarding on the lake at our camp.