West Beach Yoga & Nutrition

"Hi! I'm Lauren, a mom of two young boys, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and

yoga enthusiast."

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Hi everyone, I'm Lauren - I'm a mom to two energetic boys, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and exercise/yoga enthusiast.

As an RHN, I'm passionate about helping my clients transform their relationship with food through education, habit formation, mindful eating strategies and learning to make better choices to live a healthier life, and feel and look their best! I'm dedicated to working closely with my clients to teach and motivate them to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

As an RYT 200 yoga instructor I love guiding people through their yoga practice and encouraging my students to be present in their breath and bodies, and adjust their practice depending on how they feel in that moment. To me, advanced yoga is paying attention to where you're at that day, and adjusting your yoga practicing accordingly.

NUTRITION & YOGA TRAINING

In December 2012 I earned my Registered Holistic Nutritionist designation from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and have been counselling and blogging ever since. Helping others live a healthy lifestyle and accomplish their goals is my passion.

I completed my RYT 200 hour teacher training at Empower Me Yoga in June 2018. It was an incredible, but challenging 4 months. I overcame fears and found strength I didn't know I had. Every weekend and evening that I left my husband, and two young sons I knew it would be worth it in the end.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

AN115 Advanced Course in Detoxification October 2013
Sun Salutation Workshop with Brittany Bryden 2018
The Art of Assists and Adjustments Workshop with Tiffany Harris 2019
Arm Balance Workshop with Katie Laferriere 2019

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY

My mission is to help clients achieve their health goals, feel and look their best and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. No more diets. Nutrition advice is not one-size fits all. Everyone is unique, and their nutrition needs are too. 9 times out of 10, it’s about something much bigger than food. The reasons behind what, why and how we eat run deep. My job is to earn my clients trust so we can get to the bottom of it.

TEACHING STYLE

Embodied; I’m right there with you in the poses. Breath-focused; if you’re holding your breath, you’re not doing yoga - use breath to fuel the body and keep the mind focused, and present. Authentic. Creative. Evolving. Present, Not Perfect. Mindfulness-Focused. My classes play with the idea of yin and yang; there are relaxing and challenging poses throughout the class.

BEFORE YOGA & NUTRITION

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2005, I worked in the corporate world of downtown Toronto, but decided it wasn't for me. I quit my job, traveled with my husband across South America and the Caribbean while studying to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.

Then along came our first son Jack, a move to Ottawa and a year later, our other son, Max! During those years, between dirty diapers, breastfeeding and playgroups, I would often think about what I wanted to do when I went back to work. I always envisioned myself doing something that I love, while also helping others. Now my dream has become a reality, and there is no looking back.

In my spare time, I love spending time outdoors and being active with my family and friends. I love to plan and cook delicious healthy meals, and I aim to find time for physical activity every day.

Movement is medicine! I love doing at-home workouts or leading yoga classes. Self-care is not selfish, and I'm most effective at work and taking care of my family when I take care of myself. I make time for myself every morning, getting up at 5am to exercise and mentally prepare for the day, which helps me start my day with gratitude and positive energy.

Favourite Mantras

Discipline is self-love.
Replace the phrase "I have to" with "I get to"
The more you know, the more you realize you don't know.
Take it one day at a time.

Favourite Quotes

Courage is not a feeling. Courage is a noun, the strength to go forward even in the face of fear.
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” - Mark Twain