Gigi Carter - From Couch Surfer To Competitive Cyclist & Wellness Coaching: Part I

Like many executives in her generation, Gigi Carter successfully orchestrated a mid-career pivot in her 40s. Blessed with a secure, fulfilling family life and a successful career, she too often found herself feeling run down and fatigued. Physical manifestations – caused by chronically high cholesterol – of an overall lifestyle that failed to represent her true self. A strategist by profession and tenacious by nature, Gigi wasn’t prepared to solely rely on pharmaceuticals to solve her health issues. Instead, she completely overhauled her lifestyle. Gigi provides nutrition and fitness coaching to individuals. She also provides institutional consulting services to help clients improve employee, student, and member health while leaving a lighter environmental footprint by transitioning to a plant-centered organization.

It would be an understatement to say our lives have changed greatly over the last several weeks with the pandemic of COVID-19. I decided to use today's episode based on some recent conversations with families trying to find a sense of order, especially with their kids, now that all the schools have essentially shut down until the summer and kids are having to finish out the school year at home. And, I could think of no better person to interview on this topic than my wife, Andrea. Andrea and I have 5 children and we’ve homeschooled for the last 13 years. Our oldest is now a freshman in college, our son is attending public school as a junior, and our three youngest daughters are still being homeschooled. I wanted to offer support and encouragement to anyone who has been “forced” into default homeschooling because of the current crisis. My wife is truly amazing! She graduated at the top of her class in high school and college; she’s an amazing graphic designer; the most selfless person I’ve ever known; keeps our household running, and all while educating our children. Andrea offers practical advice and brings encouragement to moms and families who are struggling to find routine right now. This is not an episode about convincing anyone to homeschool, it’s simply a way to help sort some things out, connect with you, and share some things that have worked for us, as well as some things that have failed. I hope you find this episode encouraging, comforting, and calming.

On today's show, I discuss the seven things that helped me to succeed on a plant-based diet and stay the course. But, you might be surprised to learn that several of those things had nothing to do with food. A plant-based diet is not only about eating it is about lifestyle and increasing the quality of that lifestyle. So, you shouldn't be surprised if you see other areas of your life improving once you go plant-based.

In today's episode of the Shane & Simple Podcast, I talk about the events that lead to me adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. As well as my decision to change my career at 46 and pursue my desire to be a food blogger.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SHANE & SIMPLE PODCAST. Hey everyone! This is Shane Martin and you may know me from my popular vegan recipe blog, Shane & Simple. Yes, I’ve decided to start a podcast because that’s what all the cool kids are doing these days. In this episode, I just want to say “HEY”, do a quick introduction, and give you a brief overview of what the Shane & Simple podcast is all about. Two words: Stories and community. Both are vital to our everyday existence. I hope you enjoy it. Peace & Feast.