The Stick Of The Week! is Arja Pennanen Lytle. Arja is in the NOW as founder and nutritionist for Balance Body and Soul Nutrition, a nutritional consulting practice that offers one on one sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops and other creative ways to educate people about the benefits of healthy living.
"I am a holistic nutritionist who loves to help people eat better, sleep better, and just generally feel better by using whole foods, lifestyle recommendations, herbs, and some supplements to bring the body back into balance."
"I am a holistic nutritionist who loves to help people eat better, sleep better, and just generally feel better by using whole foods, lifestyle recommendations, herbs, and some supplements to bring the body back into balance."
Arja Pennanen Lytle
Arja is a mother of a prechooler with a passion for healthy living and healthy eating. I've never professed to be perfect and I'm constantly looking for new and creative ways to make my life, and my husband's life, easier and simpler while still keeping us healthy and happy.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
In 2007, I quit my job and returned to school to study nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto, Ontario. Balance Body and Soul Nutrition is the result of taking a chance and following my passion. I believe that by using whole foods, herbs, supplements and lifestyle changes, people are capable of bringing their bodies back into balance. Through my business, I teach my clients that you don't have to accept not feeling your best as being "normal." We all have busy lives and individual challenges, but there are always creative ways to incorporate healthy food and a healthy mindset - both of which are equally imporant to feeling your best.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I took a break after the birth of my son, so I'd say I'm still simmering. I know what I can do for people and what makes my approach different, but I'm still in a major "business building" phase. I have so many ideas that I want to put into action right now! I don't think I ever intend to be fully cooked though because to me, that implies that I don't have anything left to learn or new to bring to the table, which I hope will never be the case.
In 2007, I quit my job and returned to school to study nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto, Ontario. Balance Body and Soul Nutrition is the result of taking a chance and following my passion. I believe that by using whole foods, herbs, supplements and lifestyle changes, people are capable of bringing their bodies back into balance. Through my business, I teach my clients that you don't have to accept not feeling your best as being "normal." We all have busy lives and individual challenges, but there are always creative ways to incorporate healthy food and a healthy mindset - both of which are equally imporant to feeling your best.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I took a break after the birth of my son, so I'd say I'm still simmering. I know what I can do for people and what makes my approach different, but I'm still in a major "business building" phase. I have so many ideas that I want to put into action right now! I don't think I ever intend to be fully cooked though because to me, that implies that I don't have anything left to learn or new to bring to the table, which I hope will never be the case.
Arja and Gabriel
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Trying to balance family and follow your passion at the same time is challenging, but totally worth it. Just don't lose sight of what keeps you in balance. Make sure that you keep a bit of time for yourself and don't spend every free minute working on your business, idea or feeling guilty that you're NOT working on your business. It's ok to take a break and have a little fun. But, on the flip side, don't be so concerned about whether or not following your passion is going to take away from your ability to be a good mother. We were people with dreams before we had children, and showing our children this side of us, teaches them a valuable lesson about hard work and the importance of being true to yourself. If you give up all of those dreams, there will come a day in the not so distant future, when you start to have regrets about what might have been.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I was struggling with digestive issues and some mood disorder problems (anxiety, depression) and started to realize how by eating a certain way, I actually started to feel better. More and more I found myself reading books and searching the internet for answers and information. Then people began to talk to me about nutrition and food. I had never felt so interested and passionate about something before and since I was terribly unhappy in my work situation, I began to consider a return to school to study nutrition. My husband was very supportive of the idea, so I took the leap!
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
There is nothing that makes me happier than working with a client who starts to recognize how much better they feel after making some basic lifestyle changes. It inspires me to want to help other people feel as good as them! I also want to be a good example for my son and show him that eating and living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to limit our enjoyment of things. I want to be the best that I can be for him, and give him the best foundation for a lifetime of health that I possibly can.
Trying to balance family and follow your passion at the same time is challenging, but totally worth it. Just don't lose sight of what keeps you in balance. Make sure that you keep a bit of time for yourself and don't spend every free minute working on your business, idea or feeling guilty that you're NOT working on your business. It's ok to take a break and have a little fun. But, on the flip side, don't be so concerned about whether or not following your passion is going to take away from your ability to be a good mother. We were people with dreams before we had children, and showing our children this side of us, teaches them a valuable lesson about hard work and the importance of being true to yourself. If you give up all of those dreams, there will come a day in the not so distant future, when you start to have regrets about what might have been.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I was struggling with digestive issues and some mood disorder problems (anxiety, depression) and started to realize how by eating a certain way, I actually started to feel better. More and more I found myself reading books and searching the internet for answers and information. Then people began to talk to me about nutrition and food. I had never felt so interested and passionate about something before and since I was terribly unhappy in my work situation, I began to consider a return to school to study nutrition. My husband was very supportive of the idea, so I took the leap!
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
There is nothing that makes me happier than working with a client who starts to recognize how much better they feel after making some basic lifestyle changes. It inspires me to want to help other people feel as good as them! I also want to be a good example for my son and show him that eating and living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to limit our enjoyment of things. I want to be the best that I can be for him, and give him the best foundation for a lifetime of health that I possibly can.
Gabriel
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
When I am in mama mode, that's it. Unless I'm on a really tight deadline for something, my time taking care of my son is just that. I only have part-time childcare so this can be frustrating and it definitely leaves me less time than I'd like for my business. But when my son goes down for his nap, (he still takes one - thank goodness!) then that's my time to get some more work done! Technology like smart phones and tablets, also make it easy for me to sneak in e-mails and social media on the run, but I try not to spend too much time using those when it's mama time.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Opening up a multi-disciplinary clinic in my neighborhood where people can come and find alternative and holistic practitioners under one roof. Along with small group exercise like yoga and pilates, workshops and cooking classes that can be held on the premises. It's been my dream since before I graduated from school and it's the dream that drives me currently.
Balance Body and Soul Nutrition can also found on FACEBOOK and TWITTER
When I am in mama mode, that's it. Unless I'm on a really tight deadline for something, my time taking care of my son is just that. I only have part-time childcare so this can be frustrating and it definitely leaves me less time than I'd like for my business. But when my son goes down for his nap, (he still takes one - thank goodness!) then that's my time to get some more work done! Technology like smart phones and tablets, also make it easy for me to sneak in e-mails and social media on the run, but I try not to spend too much time using those when it's mama time.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Opening up a multi-disciplinary clinic in my neighborhood where people can come and find alternative and holistic practitioners under one roof. Along with small group exercise like yoga and pilates, workshops and cooking classes that can be held on the premises. It's been my dream since before I graduated from school and it's the dream that drives me currently.
Balance Body and Soul Nutrition can also found on FACEBOOK and TWITTER
RSS Feed
