Hello Queen!!! What inspired you to become a nutrition and movement expert?

I was introduced to healthy eating and movement early on as a child, more so after being diagnosed with Epilepsy. In the Winter of 1996, I sat in class like any other day learning a math lesson one minute, and the next waking up at Stoney Brook Hospital, scared and confused. I had just experienced what was later found to be a grand-mal seizure, at 13 years old.

I can remember hearing someone talking about how changing the way I eat could make my seizures go away, and I told myself I would give that a try. So, because of my experiences with my medical journey, it was no surprise to those in my family when I announced I wanted to become a Neurologist at 16 years- old.

As I finished my junior year in college I realized I wanted to gain my Nutritional science degree and focus on helping people find their version of healthy, due to a few challenges I crossed in life.

How do you define “Your Version of Healthy” and why is it important to you? – Please also tell us more about your New Daily Journal, along with the mission, process, where we can find it, and how we can stay connected?

“Your Version of Healthy”, which stems from my desire to impact the lives of others positively is my motto. I strive to help people make informed choices about their health, and help them understand how you choose to take care of your well-being shouldn’t look like anyone else’s version but your own.

The “Your VERSION of Healthy” Daily Journal by myself and Evangelist Angelica Williams is a thoughtfully crafted go-to toolkit for leveling up your daily game. This is more than just a journal or planner. We packed this journal with all the essentials for a warrior. Every two weeks has a fresh vibe with a unique keyword focus that prompts mindfulness and keeps you on top of your wellness game. From dope recipes that nourish the body, biblical application that nurtures the soul, meal planning that’s on point, grocery, and to-do lists to keep you organized.

And Let’s not forget the moments of gratitude section. We’re keeping it real with these sections aiming at prioritizing self-care. There are additional sections as well that include weather and mood monitoring, water intake tracking, sleep pattern information/tracking, and fitness achievements. All of these devices are key to obtaining YOUR VERSION of health. This journal is gender neutral making it great for men and women, and it can be found on Amazon or my website www.asohlifestyle.com starting December 8th, 20233.

Can you tell us more about your experience as a nutrition partner with Walmart, Home Depot Backyard, and Orange Theory Fitness?

As a nutrition partner, my collaborations with Walmart Health, Home Depot Backyard, Orange Theory Fitness, and The Covenant House, which are some of the country’s top Fortune 500 companies are all about elevating the health and wellness game within the local community. Walmart has stocked its shelves with nutritional goodness and has given the community a wellness portal at a convenience. Making healthy choices accessible for everyone, including my monthly nutritional class addition.

The Home Depot Backyard isn’t just about projects: it’s a wellness zone. It’s where I blend Atlanta’s first and largest cold press juice class, and nutrition with outdoor chill. Now, teaming up with Orange Theory Fitness, that’s where the real synergy kicks in. We’re not just talking about workouts! we’re dialing in on the nutritional aspects and benefits of cold-pressed juice, education, and also power gains. The Covenant House has been the most humbling, teaching un-housed and trafficked youth how to find nutrition and cook within food deserts and unfortunate conditions. Overall I’m helping redefine what it means to live well, amplifying the impact with expert nutrition guidance.

What are some of the challenges you face in helping people find the balance between health and everyday living?

I don’t face many challenges when helping others find “Your Version of Healthy” because of my approach. Commonly, individuals express finding a balance between health and everyday living challenges are; time, access, resources, overload, pressures, stress, and motivation / financial constraints. So when addressing their expressed concerns we take a personalized positive and holistic approach, considering all of the circumstances.

Preferences and cultural factors also play a role and place sustainable changes with encouragement in place of where others tell or suggest what they should stop or can’t do or can’t have.

Negative practices help no one!

Chef LeighM.

How do you incorporate cold press juices into your nutrition guidance and education?

Cold-pressed juices can be refreshing and a nutritious addition when thrown into the mix. Whether teaching a class or talking to someone one-on-one, I highlight how juices contribute to overall health and well-being.

We talk about how juicing can be used for portion control, weight management, as a meal replacement, hydrational support, workout support, a life balance, goal encouragement, and both the mechanics / financial aspect of cold press juices, as well as the hardware. By introducing these points into my education I help others make informed decisions about incorporating cold-pressed juice into their diet while maintaining a balanced and healthy approach.

Can you share some insights on the importance of meal prep and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle?

Meal prep is truly a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle. Whether you have a family or you are single, in school, working a corporate job, or an entrepreneur. When done right, it becomes a time saver, it helps you to control the nutrients you put in your body, it helps with portion control, it gives you a form of consistency, it is EXTREMELY budget-friendly, and meal prepping keeps you from being wasteful.

I love giving clients helpful and game-changing meal prep/planning tips.

What topics do you cover in your speaking engagements, nutritional classes, and seminars?

Beyond the Kitchen and Clinical needs, I talk about dynamic health, wellness and motivation. I love to inspire my audience to embrace a holistic approach to well-being. Encompassing not just what’s on the plate, but also nutrition and chronic/devastating diseases, mental resilience, mindfulness, mindset change, corporate change, balance and lifestyle choices.

Within my seminar and speaking engagements. Workshops and classes are always fun, teaching others how to incorporate nutrition through cooking, meal prep and cold press juicing into their daily routines is very inspiring.

How do you manage to cater to clients across the nation and participate in various events?

Being a nutritionist, chef and motivational speaker, I get what others see- life as a full plate. But for me, I manage to cater to clients all over the world, rock all events and have time for family and self.

1. I mange my schedule; first by scheduling virtual nutrition consults.

2. Virtual Nutrition Consults: It allows me to connect with clients around the globe. Diving into their health goals, creating personalized meal plans and keeping the nutrition game strong.

3. Motivational Webinars. These Webinars have been great for motivational talks. Workplace wellness events and virtual summits allow me to bring the energy, inspire change and drop knowledge on healthy living, resilience, mindfulness, change and so much more.

4. Flexible Scheduling Apps. Time zones are just numbers to me. I keep a flexible schedule to accommodate clients except for premium days. Premium days are office, self-care, and family days. If a client wants to book me on a premium day, they pay a premium price. It’s all about making sure everyone gets the attention they need, including myself and my family.

5. Delegate Smart. I’ve got a team rolling with me. Delegating tasks lets me focus on what I do best – inspiring and creating. From client management to event logistics, outsourcing and serving it’s a pretty well-oiled machine. That is a peek into how I operate as a nutritionist, chef, health, wellness and motivational speaker.

What are some of the most memorable events or clients you have worked with?

Each person and organization I have worked / still work with holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. I would say a significant one to me would be Mayor Angelyne Butler. Mayor Butler was the first dignitary who gave me not only a platform for my brand but who continued to give me the opportunity to wow and grow with them.

I was even allowed to cook for Yene, Senegal’s Mayor, the Honorable Massamba Mbengue of Africa. Samantha Lee Gibson, if you know her you know her, she is a beautiful ball of God-driven energy. She gave me a different kind of platform to showcase my gift and truly helped me understand the unicorn God created me to be.

Miss Cloe & Epilepsy Foundation, This was one of my favorite speaking engagements, having the opportunity to speak on a platform to express life challenges and showing the audience in person that you too can overcome anything.

And lastly, Home Depot Backyard. Working with such a group of amazing individuals who truly care not only about growing and helping a community of people but also about helping their partners grow in ways beyond THBY is unlike many other platforms I have come across.

In your opinion, what are some things women of color can do more of, and less of, that will help increase the quality and health of life?

Women of Color hear it often but the question is do we really LISTEN to the answer? Focus on SELF first.

Chef LeighM.

S- seek support from those around us. Friends, family, partners and professionals. Women of color too often make themselves available and forget to look for others’ support. Do you have someone to cheer you on, tell you no when you need to hear it, someone to lend a hand when you are struggling, someone to tell you they are proud of you?

E- exercise. engaging in regulated physical activity that promotes a physical healthy release, rise in endorphins, and contributes to your overall heart health, The number one silent killer among the black and brown community is heart disease. We let the weight of the world stress our lives so much, which is destroying our hearts in many ways. Keeping active helps reduce stress and heart disease.

L- leisure. Make time for leisure activities, hobbies, and things that bring you joy, relaxation, fulfillment, and prompt mental and emotional health.

F- Fuel. and nourish your body with healthy food that provides the energy and nutrients needed for living your best life.