My holistic nutrition practice evolved when I started to learn more about trauma and reflected on my relationship to stress.

As a 1st generation, Chinese Cambodian Asian American born of parents who are refugees, I had high self-expectations and a difficult time identifying uncomfortable emotions. For over 3 decades of my life, I was so out of touch with my body and how the daily presence of stress and anxiety affected me. That was just my "normal" and as I grew older, I became more exhausted, developed more muscle tension/body aches, elevated cholesterol levels and digestive issues. I never have labeled myself as an emotional eater, but as I look back, my “sweet tooth” that I had since childhood was no coincidence. Food was a way to self-soothe, feel joy and create excitement in my life. 
‍
The more I learned about my body’s own stress cycle, the easier I could recognize how chronic stress was negatively impacting my clients’ physical and mental health too. This critically matters because chronic stress and trauma drive more inflammation in the body, which directly impacts digestive function, worsens mood, depletes energy and more! This can lead to a vicious cycle of depleted nutritional stores and imbalances in the body that contributes to more stress and less resilience (i.e. ability to deal with stressors and grow). I've learned how to get out of this downward spiral, and I can help you do the same!

Want to learn more about the books that have shaped my lens and practice? Check out my favorite's here.
‍_{Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.}