Today we’d like to introduce you to Nataly Neuman.
Hi Nataly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Florida International University alumnus who graduated with a BA in Psychology from the School of Integrated Science and Humanity in 2014. Following graduation, I was accepted into NYU’s Steinhardt School of Applied Psychology for a Masters’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness in 2015.
During my time as a master’s student, I began to gravitate toward my true passion which was to motivate others. I practiced this by helping students at Fordham University reach their career goals at the Career Center. However, during my time as an intern, I was facing my struggles.
Throughout my 20’s I struggled with body image. Growing up in Miami, I felt it was imperative to be “bikini ready” at all times. My self-worth was connected to my appearance and weight. I began to diet, deprive myself of my favorite foods, and starve at times when my body was telling me that I was hungry. I would lose 10 pounds and gain it all back and more!
I tried every diet you could think of. It became a vicious cycle, a cycle that caused me to feel lethargic, moody, and self-conscious. Food stopped becoming what it is, a source of nourishment. Instead, it became my safety blanket, my worst enemy, my reward, and my punishment. It was attached to every emotion possible. Again, food is amazing, but it has one purpose. To keep you alive and well. I was then in the pursuit of changing these patterns forever- and I did!
During the pandemic, I shifted from my career in the perfume manufacturing industry to starting an amazing company in the sustainable product field. I was able to learn tremendously and grow as a person. I also became a CDC Certified Lifestyle Coach and began volunteering once a week, teaching senior citizens about wellness at my husband’s amazing medical practice in Delray.
I was so inspired by these people. I was able to watch them transform their lives immediately. We covered topics ranging from nutrition, gut health, mental health, stress, and coping mechanisms, to manifesting their dream life. They taught me that it is never too early or too late to learn something new and apply it to your life.
I started seeing them drop weight without dieting and some of them were able to get off medications. I had a very determined individual lose 35 pounds! What was more important, however, was seeing how happy, energetic, and healthy they felt. I knew then that I had found my purpose. Since then, I have opened my private practice and have helped so many people shift their perspectives and gain a stronger and healthier relationship with food and self. I love what I do!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is never a smooth road because life is unpredictable. My biggest struggles with body image and food had turned into my greatest blessings. If I hadn’t gone through these difficult times, I wouldn’t have been in the pursuit of wellness. I wouldn’t have done the research, spoken to the experts in the field, read the books, become certified, or do the work.
Most of the time the struggles we face are blessings in disguise. It is our choice to decide whether we will allow them to bring us down or learn from them and rise to help others who may be struggling with similar things. If you are currently struggling with something in your life, whether it be your career, love life, relationships, or with yourself, I urge you to take a step back and try to find the space to grow from it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My niche is different in my field because I am NOT a nutritionist. I stray away from giving my clients a meal plan because I do not have that specific education. Together we work on your thoughts and feelings about your body and food.
I tailor my programs based on the person I am working with. Some people may have food addictions, some may have anxiety around not finding healthy options at restaurants, some are yo-yo dieters, some have body dysmorphia, and some just do not know why they aren’t losing weight. I help them find freedom from all of that.
Through these topics, we can go deeper and work on self-sabotaging behaviors, false beliefs, toxic coping mechanisms, and childhood traumas. Once we tackle these topics, my clients begin dropping weight without cutting out their favorite foods or overexercising.
I am so incredibly proud of my clients when I see how much more love, they have for themselves. To me, that is worth everything. Their accomplishments are truly my accomplishments. I can watch them become stronger, healthier, happier, and more confident individuals.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being a listener. I love people. I love learning through different perspectives, experiences, cultures, and religions. In my opinion, that is the only way to gain wisdom. When I work with someone one on one, we grow together. The more your truly listen to what the person in front of you is saying, the more you gain insight into how people function.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natalyneuman.com/
- Instagram: @WellnessW0rld
