How a Freshlife nutritional consultation changed an entire family

by Erin Roush
Freshlife Director of Wellness Services

I cherish Sunday mornings, the one day a week I allow myself to sleep past 6:00 AM; waking to the sound of birds chirping instead of an alarm clock, the fabulous aroma of organic coffee wafting through the house, the realization that this day there is no schedule to adhere to and I can stay in my pajamas as long as I like. I often make a Sunday morning run to the store still wearing the yoga pants and t-shirt I slept in, donning flip flops with a disheveled pony tail atop my head. I accept that the chances of seeing someone I know are greatly increased by hoping not to. And yet, off I go in this state, telling myself it’s early enough to dash through the store for the Sunday paper and some fresh breakfast fruits without bumping into anyone I know.

On one such occasion, I found myself at the checkout behind a husband and wife couple I recognized as Freshlife shoppers. My internal dialogue began: “Do I say hello in this state of appearance? Will they even identify me outside of the supplement aisles and without my name tag?” This mental chatter ceased with the moment of recognition when eye contact and friendly smiles were exchanged. I said hello, reminded them how they know me, and the conversation sparked from there. The tale unfolded of how happy they are with the diet makeover they underwent as a family a few years ago. As I searched the files in my mind, I remembered the scenario: elementary-aged son diagnosed with ADHD and put on medication. While his behavior at school became satisfactory, his quality of life took a turn that his parents couldn’t bear to watch. Placing his groceries on the conveyor belt, the father shared with me how difficult it had been for him to choke back the tears every morning as he sat on the edge of his son’s bed and administered his medication. No appetite, no enthusiasm for life, no affection, no longer their exuberant child. Unwilling to relegate their son to this routine, they had taken action and changed the course of their son’s future by applying the guidance provided through a nutritional consultation at Freshlife.

As a wellness coach, these are the most rewarding moments for me - the expression of sincere appreciation for the knowledge I have imparted and the realization that people really are listening. Suddenly, it didn’t matter that I was caught in my PJs buying groceries outside of my own store. What mattered that Sunday morning was the connection I felt with this couple as kindred spirits, as parents, as people who chose a different path. Hearing this sincere testimony of lives changed makes all the 6:00 AM alarm clock mornings worth it, and, in a manner of speaking, recharges my batteries as a Wellness Coach.

I recently read that psychologists have discovered it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Summer is before us - what changes do you need to make on behalf of a child in your life? Do you have a child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, on the path of life-altering prescription medications for a problem that can often be fixed by cleaning up the diet and nourishing the brain? Summer is before us, almost three months of longer days, abundant locally grown produce, plenty of sunshine and outdoor activity. If you are on the fence about the course of action taken to manage the attention and/or behavior challenges of a child you love, I encourage you to seize this opportunity and try a new path. Without pressure from the school or worry over your child’s performance, this summer presents the perfect opportunity to see who your child is without medication and with all the nutrients needed to correct any deficiencies. With gratitude for every opportunity, I am here to listen to your story and offer guidance. Be well.