My name is Deanna Balberman, and I am an ex-competitive dancer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) and CrossFit Level 1. I am a proud Western Mustang alumni and have a Bachelor's Degree in Media Studies.
During University, I was missing the consistency and social connection that I experienced during my dance career. I felt a little lost in my movement routine. I spent many gym sessions on the treadmill, looking over the weight room - too intimidated to attempt things myself. I did what felt comfortable. I would run, do an ab circuit and leave. Eventually, I did HIIT programs that I bought online, and finally, I paid for a personal trainer. This was the first time that I really learned how to lift weights. HOT DAMN is it ever hard at first! Squatting to parallel? Ya right! Hanging from a bar? Not a chance! Although I was learning, I still didn’t have the connection I was missing from dance. My friend recommended CrossFit, and although I was nervous, I dove in! I never looked back. IT. WAS. SO. HARD, but the camaraderie I felt in class was what I was yearning for. The class cheering you on, as you finish a tough workout. The coach genuinely caring about your success. The challenge to try new, and might I add, very awkward things. It was love at first lift.
At the same time, I tried pretty much every diet e-book out there. I stuck to it for maybe 5 days, and then stopped, only to start a new one the next week or month. “Start fresh on Monday,” right? I became vegan for some of the wrong reasons - eager for weight loss that it promised (not accurately, might I add). I tried it all.... Twice ;).
Although I loved health and fitness, and started it with the best intentions, my interest became an obsession, and I developed some disordered tendencies. I was always more than eager to try the newest fad diet, and workout twice a day, even when I was very sore, and not sleeping/recovering. Even when I didn’t have my period for 1.5 years, I didn’t think I had a problem. I looked healthy, but inside, I was not well.
I was still in this mindset when I signed up for Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I figured I would be the nutritionist that would turn everyone into vegan CrossFitters - who had amazing energy to hit new personal records… BOY, was I wrong.
Through a lot of self-work during the course of the R.H.N. program, I came out wanting to help my clients get out of this all-or-nothing mindset. Because, although I always thought it would, a certain number on the scale did not guarantee happiness. Under-eating and overexercising did not bring me joy, so it was time to seriously reevaluate what I truly wanted for myself and my life.
I strive to inspire others to feel great in their own skin ~ NOW ~ not 10 pounds from now. This will happen through accepting where you are at, being open minded, trying new things, and having FUN with life. Do I think it is realistic to looooove every inch of yourself? No. But, I will support you in your journey of body neutrality over negativity. I can promise you, adding a supplement or switching your diet to something intense, won’t cure your brain fog, or give you magical wings… I would know, I probably tried it! However, switching your mindset and being open minded CAN help. Small, realistic goals/habits CAN help. A holistic practitioner CAN help. We understand where you are at. We understand that food is not the only thing that can make you healthy/unwell. You are not alone in this. I am here for you.
There is so much misinformation and "mumbo jumbo" online with nutrition and fitness. High carb, low carb, no carb? High fat, low fat, keto? Paleo, carnivore, vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free? CrossFit, hot yoga, Barry’s Bootcamp, HIIT, Olympic weightlifting, marathons, triathlons? What will get you fit/healthy? The answer is simple: It is the thing that you genuinely enjoy. The thing that lights a fire under your butt and makes you feel lively! There is no right answer, and I am here to wack down that forest of weeds preventing you from seeing the sunshine. The light, hidden behind the unruly vines and thorns, standing in your way.
I want to inspire you to stop and think. To implement daily, positive change. To offer my hand. To guide you along a path with me. A path towards a better you.
Are you ready to dea-se the day?! Haha, yes, I like a play on words.