There is a TON of information out there about health and wellness, and it seems like it’s changing all the time (remember when carbs were basically banned?). On the blog, I break down the latest and greatest in the health world with real, science-backed evidence you can trust. That way, you have all the facts you need to decide if a certain workout or a new superfood works for your life. Things in the wellness world move pretty fast, but you can count on this blog to be a reliable, data-backed resource that you can come back to again and again.

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Let’s cut through the fluff. Because when it comes to weight loss, you’ve probably been fed the same surface-level advice over and over again:“Eat less, move more.”“Just stay in a calorie deficit.”“Be consistent.” And while those things technically aren’t wrong — they also barely scratch the surface of what it actually takes. So here it […]

The Shit They Don’t Tell You About Weight Loss

Since moving to Lisbon, I’ve been reflecting more than ever — not just on how I live, but how I feel living it. There’s something unfamiliar, grounding, and quietly powerful about the pace here. And it’s invited me into a version of health that feels a little less rigid… and a lot more real. I’m […]

My Health Didn’t Change—My Definition of It Did.

I’ve been meaning to write this. Not because I had to, but because something about this story still doesn’t feel real—and at the same time, it’s the realest thing that’s ever happened to me. Before Lisbon, there was Chicago. A city I love, and a life I built with so much pride and effort. I […]

The Trip That Brought Me Back to Life (and to Him)

One of the first questions I ask my clients is:“What’s your ideal day?” Not because I expect them to say “Wake up in the Maldives and sip margaritas,” but because most people haven’t been asked to think about it. Not realistically, anyway. After almost a decade of coaching, I’ve noticed something consistent — people don’t […]

It’s Not That You Can’t — It’s That You Won’t Let Yourself

When it comes to fitness, there’s a common misconception that Pilates can replace strength training. Many women, in particular, turn to Pilates as a way to “tone” their bodies without the fear of bulking up or putting too much strain on their joints. While Pilates offers many benefits, it doesn’t serve the same purpose as […]

Why Pilates Isn’t a Substitute for Strength Training

When most people hear the words “meal prep,” they immediately cringe or avoid it altogether. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to think that meal prep means dedicating hours on end every Sunday to chop, cook, and portion out each meal for the week. It sounds overwhelming, time-consuming, and like something only super-organized people can manage. […]

Does Meal Prep Feel Like A Chore? Let’s Simplify That Shit.

We talk a lot about stress management these days. Things like journaling, walking, hobbies, therapy, meditation… all good. All helpful. But after 10+ years of coaching people, I’ve come to understand something deeper: Stress management isn’t just about tools—it’s about awareness, mindset, and how honest we’re willing to be with ourselves. Because most people don’t […]

Stress Management Is the Real Work (And Most People Are Avoiding It)

New Year’s resolutions are always full of promise. We tell ourselves, This year is going to be different. We’re going to wake up earlier, hit the gym, eat cleaner, and finally crush those fitness goals. But let’s be real—how’s that going for you so far? Odds are, most of us have already fallen off track […]

How Are Your New Year’s Resolutions Holding Up? Let’s Be Real – It’s Time to Start Now

When it comes to fitness goals, especially strength training and muscle building, many people fall into the trap of thinking that eating less is the key to success. After all, the idea of cutting calories to lose fat is widely promoted. But here’s the truth: eating less doesn’t always align with the goal of building […]

WHY EATING LESS ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER FOR YOUR GOALS

When people think about strength training, they usually focus on big lifts, muscle growth, or endurance. But one of the most overlooked aspects of strength is grip strength—your ability to hold, carry, and control weight with your hands. Whether you’re an athlete, lifter, or just someone who wants to move better in daily life, grip strength plays a […]

Grip Strength: The Underrated Power for Performance

I'm a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach in Chicago. On paper, I specialize in strength and conditioning, pre- and post-natal fitness, and online nutrition coaching. I've had the opportunity to work with organizations like Under Armour, Lululemon, and the Chicago Blackhawks at MB Ice Arena. Day to day I'm blest to work with both athletes and the general population in the Chicagoland area. 

I'm Nikki,

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