January Whole30 Group Guest Speaker #3: Maria Romaine Brace
Maria is a well-known, rockstar fitness instructor here in Indy and I just love her energy! Being a fitness instructor myself, I love how she makes it all about her class attendees and their success. Maria will be sharing in our January Whole30 Group how fitness can play a role in your wellness journey and all the benefits of moving your body (not just the physical benefits!) Read on to meet Maria!
*Reminder that we start with prep on January 2nd, our Whole30 will start on January 7th and then conclude with reintroduction and food freedom guidance. You can still sign up HERE!
Tell us about yourself, what’s your story?
I’m the oldest of six children, married for three years to my husband Dwight, and proud fur mamma of our 100 lb Doberman, Peacy. We live in Broad Ripple and family is our everything! For the past ten years, I worked in corporate America at a company called Angies’ List but always knew I wanted to go full time into my health and fitness business. Because I knew that I grew "Like the Lettuce" on the side as much as I could. It wasn’t until 5 months ago that my husband and I were ready to make the transition - I then dumped my desk job and cut off the golden hand cuffs! Running my online bootcamp business and growing #TeamLettuce created enough revenue to pursue that dream and I’m now able to focus on opportunities I never was able to before. I now teach my downtown Y cycling classes, and Orange Theory Fitness-Avon.
What is your relationship like with food today?
I definitely struggled growing up. Always wanted to be a skinnier prettier more confident version of myself and I often thought dieting would help me achieve that. But it also created the viscious cycle of overeating, waiting till Monday to finally get it right, and just a whole lot of self loathing. Ten years ago I decided to get serious about finding out what my body needed to not only feel the most myself, but be an awesome instructor, and be an example others could look up to. I still have my moments, but now that I look at food as fuel instead of as a treat, escape, or something "good or bad", its a night and day difference.
What is your fitness routine like?
While I teach tons of classes (cycling, treadmill, rower, weights)... my own workouts happen from my at home gym. I try to participate in new programs every few months to keep me body guessing and I always do it with my team and online bootcampers so I can stay motivated (because if no ones looking or knows, does it really happen?). Social media is absolutely my accountability buddy and for that I’m so thankful because I always stay motivated and challenged and inspired!
Do you have a favorite personal development book or podcast you would recommend?
Anything Chalene Johnson or Marie Forleo gets me going.
Have you ever done a Whole30 and if so, what did you learn from your experience?
Yes! Twice now. I always learn how good food can taste without all the added sugars and chemicals. I surprise myself with how focused and energetic I can be when I eliminate all the crap. Also how much money we save by eating at home instead of constantly eating out. I ALWAYS drop 5+ lbs and eliminate inflammation. I highly recommend it.
What advice would you give someone considering the Whole30?
Definitely do the research. Read the book while you do it. Lean on friends and support or a coach and enjoy the ride! Make sure you’re coming from a good place. Doing anything from a place of fear or shame or negativity will only leave you in fear, shame, and negativity.
Favorite Quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”- Marianne Williamson
Where can everyone find you and learn more about what you do?
My Instagram @likethelettuce or my website: www.mariaromaine.com
Isn’t Maria so great? I love the quote she shared and how you are meant to shine and how when you let your own light shine, that gives the people around you permission to shine too! Love her servant heart and can’t wait for her to share more with our group!
Our January Whole30 group starts January 2nd with prep and our official Whole30 will start January 7th! Reserve your spot ASAP HERE.