Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Considine.
Sarah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Long Beach, California, in a neighborhood full of culture with tons of kids my age to play outside with all hours of the day. We (my big sister and I) were very fortunate enough to have parents who were extremely supportive and hard working, trying to give us the best life they could. I was raised eating a healthier version of the Standard American Diet, with a plate of fruit and veggies always on the table at every meal. My mom loves to cook, so I was always in the kitchen with her watching her prepare dinner after a hard days work.
I started working at my first job when I was fifteen, at a local coffee shop as a barista. This job gave me a ton of life experience, working with older people, as I was one of the youngest ones when I first started. I feel as if I sort of “grew up” in this job, and learned a lot about myself. When I was 16, I became interested in what everyone else at work was eating, as a lot of them were so-called “hippies” and didn’t eat animals for compassionate reasons. We would get into discussions about this on our long daily shifts, and I became intrigued by the idea. I had always believed that meat was supposed to be a part of our daily diet, and I didn’t think I could enjoy food without it.
This is when I first became a vegetarian. I gave up meat for a bit at first, and then I continued without it for the next year or so. I was still eating pretty unhealthy though, which now I would describe myself then as a “junk food vegetarian.” This diet continued to intrigue me, and I started to hang out with people from work who were into this lifestyle as well. I constantly struggled with acne throughout my teens, and my new vegetarian lifestyle wasn’t helping much. Although I started this diet out of curiosity, my reasons slowly transformed into my compassion for animals and my desire for a healthier life.
Throughout college and the next ten years, I became a vegan, giving up all animal products. I discovered how much better I felt without dairy, and also how much clearer my skin became. I ended up losing a ton of weight, mostly because I wasn’t exactly sure how to eat at that time. After I graduated college in 2010, my interest in plant-based nutrition evolved. During this time, I met my future husband, moved to sunny San Diego, and started a whole new life path.
I ended up going back to school in Encinitas, to the “Natural Healing Institute”, to complete my certificate to become a “Certified Nutrition Consultant.” At this time, my love for cooking (which originated from my mother), started to evolve. I started to play around in the kitchen and realized I had a huge passion for plant-based cooking. This is where my story continues, as I am now a holistic nutritionist and plant-based chef, feeling so grateful for everything that has brought me to this part of my life!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth journey for myself, but I feel as though that is part of the adventure. Throughout the last ten years, I have struggled to find my “place” in life. I originally went to school for fashion merchandising, and quickly discovered after graduation that this was not where my heart wanted to be. At one point, I also considered teaching as a career, but I also soon realized that I was pursuing this more for the freedom to travel (summer’s off), and not because I wanted to teach kids and make this my life journey. I constantly felt discouraged throughout these years, wondering if I had a passion and what I was supposed to be doing with my time.
Once I found my fire for plant-based nutrition, there were also some trial and errors throughout my beginning years. After some failures, I quickly discovered that I needed to follow my heart, not give up, and give this career everything I have because it truly is where I am meant to be. The past two years, I have grown a lot, taken chances, and said “yes” to as many things as possible. I really feel that if you want something in life, and don’t give up, everything will fall into place. I hope other women can relate to me in that you have to keep trying things out until you find your purpose in life.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I work as a private chef and health coach, helping people feel their absolute best. I spend my days experimenting in the kitchen, using plants for fuel, and creating beautiful meals for my clients to help them thrive. I also create plant-based meal plans, helping to guide those who feel lost a bit and looking for some support in their health journey. I coach my clients and work with them as a support system, guiding and teaching them on how to fuel their bodies for a long, enjoyable life. I really believe that plant-based nutrition is growing and is the answer to increased longevity and feeling amazing for the rest of your life. This job is the job that keeps on giving for me, and I can’t wait for what is to come!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
As we all know, social media can be both a positive and negative thing for business, but if you can take what you need from it and use to grow, it can be very beneficial. I have used Instagram to expand my business, and it truly has been such a great way to meet clients and like-minded people who inspire me daily. I also attend a pilates studio in Encinitas called “Bodyrok”, and this has connected me to so many amazing female entrepreneurs and potential clients. My advice is to just put yourself out there, and do things that would normally scare you, and you will continue to flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatcleanwithsarah.com
- Email: sarahconsidine.nutrition@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatcleanwithsarah
Image Credit:
Ryan Considine
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