Fit Mom Talk: Natalie Jill

By Kate Horney

This spring I had the opportunity to attend the FMI 2013 Spring conference in Las Vegas.  We brought Jackson, so my time was split between workshops and mommy duty (wouldn’t have it any other way)… but during one of our workshops I had the pleasure of meeting fellow busy and fit mom, Natalie Jill….

Natalie Jill helps people across the country reach their health, fitness, life and business goals. Natalie is a well known Licensed Sports Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer who specializes in weight loss consulting and counseling people with food allergies and intolerance’s. Natalie was diagnosed as having Celiac Sprue over 12 years ago and this experience makes her well versed to help those with special needs dieting. Natalie is also an accomplished fitness model, host and spokesperson.

The following is an interview I had the privilege of doing with Natalie Jill…

Kate: For those reading the blog who might not know you, or your background, can you give us a little background on yourself—how did you get into the fitness industry, where did you begin?

Natalie: I never thought that I would be a fitness model (which I started doing at age 39!), let a alone a fitness, nutrition and motivational  MENTOR to so many. Nutrition and Fitness was always a hobby to me for years and years while I navigated the world of Medical Device Sales. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I DECIDED to start my life over, make a change to myself and move into fitness and nutrition coaching full time. You can see my whole story here: http://nataliejillfitness.com/you-make-your-own-luck/

Kate: Where do your priorities lie now? Family? Training? Both? Other? Etc. How has your focused changed over time?

Natalie: Honestly it all goes together. I am not longer a slave to corporate America and I am fortunate enough to make my own rules and schedule now! My family (my daughter and very supportive boyfriend) are of course my priorities but training, eating clean healthy real foods and living an active and healthy lifestyle all goes with that and blends together.

Kate: You have obviously made fitness a priority even in your busy schedule. Was there a moment of definition where you consciously decided to go for it or was it more of a passive thing? In other words, did you make a concerted effort or did you just get lucky? 🙂

Natalie: You make your OWN luck. There is not “being passive and getting lucky”. Nobody is going to “discover you” and even if they did- so what? Unless you WORK, Add value, bust your butt to get yourself out there and add value things don’t happen.

Kate: You have had a lot of success in staying fit will being being a busy mom, especially in terms of doing what not many moms have been able to do: create your life so that health and fitness is sustainable and can fit into your limited time schedule. How would you advise the busy mom who wants to leverage their time better? What’s the first step?

Natalie: We all have the same 24 hours in the day. If you want something bad enough you will find a way. It is up to YOU and nobody else to create a life that you want.  If you are not happy with your life, your schedule, your situation take a good hard look at why you continue to live that way? If you need help “getting outside of yourself” ask a friend or a mentor for some honest constructive feedback as to what you can change. I do this frequently. We ALL get “stuck” at times. Asking for help is never a bad thing.

Kate: What about moms who say they cannot achieve their goals because they don’t have time?

Natalie: We all have the same 24 hours in a day. They don’t want it bad enough. We don’t find time, we MAKE time.  If you have time to vent about my statement you have time to take it out in a brief and intense workout 🙂

Kate: What is ONE THING these moms can start on today that will not overwhelm them?

Natalie: They can just START. You don’t have to do all things at once. Just START. I always say to thing “addition” not “subtraction”. What can you add to your day to get you closer to your goals and moving in the right direction? Can you ADD more water? Can you ADD more fruits and veggies? Can you ADD more movement? Can you ADD 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes or an HOUR to your day to focus on bettering yourself?

Kate: How do you personally channel your energy and get focused on your goals? In other words, how do you manage “everyday stuff” getting in the way? Any hard & fast rules?

Natalie: I have a running to do list. It is LONG and will likely never ALL get done. Every night, I revise the list. The most important things get put first on the list. I do those FIRST THING before tacking anything else or concerning myself with others demands of me.

Kate:Personally, what is most important to your wellbeing?

Natalie: Balance

Kate: How do you maintain a positive outlook, or do you? Are there times of doubt, insecurity, fear, etc? How do you deal with them?

Natalie: Of course. I am human 🙂 We will ALWAYS have times of doubt. It usually happens when I start comparing to others. There will ALWAYS be someone better, stronger, younger, more talented, more popular, etc… I find the best thing to do is NEVER compare. Even if that means taking yourself off social media newsfeeds, turning off the TV etc… Once you take “competing” and “comparing” with others out of the equation and focus on YOURSELF and becoming a better YOU each day the doubt, insecurities and fears diminish.

Kate: Anything else you would like to add? Anything you would like to promote?

Natalie: Sure how about my ebooks?

Thank you, Natalie for taking time to talk with me! 🙂 If you’re a busy mom who makes health & fitness a priority, make sure you check out Natalie!