Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Recupido.
Hi Donna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The majority of my life has been in the field of veterinary medicine. At about age 40, something happened. First, I felt burnout and my job no longer filled my professional cup. Two, I was hitting the age where I was dealing with pre-menopause and my body was changing in a way I did not like. I was putting on weight. I was fatigued. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and high blood pressure. I was working out 7 days a week, and nothing was happening. I was frustrated now, personally and professionally. This was a double-edged sword as I struggled to find a happy place in my personal and professional life. I saw a doctor and worked on the hormone part of this issue. Next, I hired a nutrition coach, which changed me in many ways. First, it changed my health and my body. I got back into shape. I loved what I saw in the mirror, and I reversed my pre-diabetes and high blood pressure diagnosis and was taken off those medications. My nutrition coach helped me not only physically but also mentally. I worked with her for a year and decided that I was passionate about helping others and nutrition’s role in their health. I also ran my 2nd half marathon and cut 1 hour off my time! I became a certified nutrition coach. I started my own business. I achieved my mindset certification (which helps so much with coaching), and now I am working on becoming a certified personal trainer. I want to help others like my coach helped me. She changed my life. Thanks Emily!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No way (This may not be what you want or need, but I am an open book, so going to share it. Feel free to leave it out if you need to) No part of my adult life has been a smooth road. My insecurities as a young lady and being a hopeless romantic since birth (really, I think I was) led me to choose men that were not good for my life. I wanted nothing more than to be a wife and a mom. When I was 14, I was in modeling school, and at the end, we stood up to show our portfolios and give our speeches. All the girls wanted to be doctors, lawyers, and the president, and I said, “I want to be married and have 10 children!”
Reader’s Digest version is I was married 3 times.
- Physically abusive. Yes, I am a survivor!
- Was a drug abuser. I did not know this as I had never done or been around drugs, so had no clue what the signs were here.
- I Moved out of state to further my career, and he stole everything I owned, cheated, and ended in me having to start my life with 1 suitcase!
Now I love myself. I have 5 amazing children and 6 grandchildren. Coaching fills my heart in a way that poor husband choices didn’t. I have overcome so much, so when I coach, I understand when my clients tell me they struggle. I am empathic in my coaching, as I have been there too!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been in the veterinary field for 35 years. I have accomplished many things, including speaking in the United States and Canada. I have been published in veterinary journals. I earned the designation Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) when there were only 200 in the US and Canada. I am very proud of these accomplishments. I am more proud of my clients! I am overjoyed when they send me their weigh-ins or photos, and I see these changes! When they tell me how they feel, physically and mentally., because of our working together as coach/client. I want to cry with happiness. What sets me apart is that I care about my clients. I want to avoid taking on 100 clients to make money. I want to be their 1:1 person, their cheerleader, their confidant. I want to see the person and do whatever I can to help them reach their goals! I also design my programs using balance. I am not into restrictive diets or lifestyles. Life is too short for that. You can achieve your weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals using balance. I am stuck to sustainable! I truly care!
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
Usually, I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren, and now – I have many tattoos! I have 4 dogs and a cat!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balance_nutrition_and_wellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalanceNutritionandWellness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnarrecupido/
