Wendy, I know you have helped me many times over. It seems like you have so many different talents and avenues to reach out to people who want a better lifestyle. Can you share with us a little about you and your journey? What is the best way to define your role today?

Well, I’ve always been into health and fitness, and in my 20’s and 30’s I was really focussed on fitness. I was super fit back then. I worked as a trainer and taught aerobics classes. And in my spare time I competed in triathlons and half marathons. Then Jayson (my husband) and I lived in the UK for a while and worked in pubs, so that was a big lifestyle change! We worked very long hours, didn’t eat very well, drank too much and rarely exercised.

One of the first things we did when we got back home to Australia was to get back into a regular exercise routine. We also knew that our diet needed to change, so we cut out most of the junk food, cut down on alcohol and slowly over time, made healthy changes.

That’s when I became a lot more interested in nutrition, and I worked for a big weight loss company for a few years. That was valuable experience and I learned a lot. That’s also when I became certified with Precision Nutrition. As much as I enjoyed my job though, I found that the more I learned, the more I wanted the freedom to do my own thing. So I started Wendy’s Way to Health in 2014, and it’s grown from there.

These days I describe myself as an Over 50’s health and fitness expert. I feel that my personal experience plays an equal part, along with my knowledge, in how I’m able to help my members and followers.

Wendy, one of the things I love about your approach to health is that you are always so positive! I need that! This time of year has us reflecting on our past, present and future. Many women feel like they want to change but its too late in the game. Is it ever too late to begin living a healthy lifestyle? What is the best way to begin?

It is absolutely NEVER too late! Small changes over time are the key to long term success. This can be a lot harder to put into practice than we realize, though, because of the “all or nothing” dieting mentality that most of us are used to. So really, changing the way you think is the first step.

People often tell me they don’t want to start a diet or exercise program because it is so hard and they are afraid to fail. For those who feel like its hopeless, what is the best way to transition into a healthy lifestyle to minimize risk of failing?

I know, I hear that all the time, too. It can be really hard, especially when you’re doing it on your own. And like I said earlier, we tend to think that we have to make lots of changes, all at once. However, it’s been proven that making small changes over time, with guidance and support, is a much better path to success.

It’s going to be different for everyone, so you need someone who understands that, and is able to guide you on your unique journey. You shouldn’t just be looking to follow a set “cookie cutter” type program, but rather a set of guidelines that you can tweak along the way, to find what works best for YOU.

Wendy, you seem like the picture of health, and you have such a great attitude! Have you always had this? Have you ever had to come back after a road block and how did you do it?

Thank you, Amy! It’s something I work at every day, because I know it’s worth the effort. I think you could call our time living in the UK a road block. As I said above, I started with exercise. I knew it would increase my energy levels, and that would motivate me to start making other healthy changes. I didn’t worry about a time frame, or an end date, because without sounding woo-woo, it really is an ongoing journey. Getting yourself fitter and healthier is only the beginning. Continuing to do it consistently every day is the real challenge!

Some of the trends or fads in the health world are a bit daunting. They often seem so complicated like you would spend half of your life in prep for the food alone… which seems very inconvenient. Does it have to be that way?

I totally agree with you, most of these ideas are crazy. They’re expensive, time consuming, and a lot of them don’t actually have any evidence or scientific facts to back them up. Trends and fads are a dime a dozen; common sense is invaluable.

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be complicated. As with anything new, it can be hard in the beginning, but it gets easier over time, as you develop habits – it just becomes part of what you do. It’s also about wanting to make the effort, because you’re worth it.

You always seem to have great energy! What would your typical breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack include on an ordinary day? (I’m writing this one down!)

Haha! I love fruit, so a typical breakfast for me is a yoghurt brekkie bowl, or porridge with fresh fruit, nuts & seeds. My lunch is quite often leftovers from last night’s dinner. Otherwise, it’s some chicken or canned salmon in a bowl with chopped tomato, cucumber, feta, or avocado or home made dip. A typical dinner is meat and vegetables. So chicken breast, or pork or steak with steamed or roasted veggies. I usually have a snack after I’ve exercised, and it’s usually something I’ve made myself like an energy bar, banana bread or a mango ice cream pop.

I’ve learned that binges and regret come from deprivation, so nothing is off limits. I apply moderation and common sense instead. I make most of my own snacks and treats, because I know what’s in them. Sometimes I buy myself a cake or some chocolate, sometimes I don’t. Balance is a beautiful thing!

Wendy, you wear so many hats. You always approach people with open hands that say, “Let me help you.” (I’ve gotten some very kind messages from you in the past and boy that meant so much to me!) I wish everyone had a friend like Wendy! Are there any dreams you have for other directions you might take your message and influence?

For the moment, I want to keep growing The Healthy Normal Revolution. My goal is to have a large, vibrant community of women who are changing and improving their health. Facilitating that makes me feel good, and I just want to do more of that!

I love your Monday Motivation segments, I love your very down to earth and friendly approach. What are some of the places you go for inspiration, motivation and a pep talk when you need it? Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

I get my inspiration from a variety of different places. Quotes and posts that I come across on social media from other health professionals, and I love yours too in the Sizzler group. I also look to my mentors at Precision Nutrition and fellow coaches/colleagues when I need help or a boost.
My mantra is “There’s no right or wrong way to live a healthy lifestyle. Because there isn’t just one way.”

Wendy’s Way to Health has so many ways it can help women. What are the key components of programs and resources people can find through you?

The Wendy’s Way website is what I like to think of as the place where we meet. It’s the front room of my business “house,” where you can see what I’m about and what I have to offer. There are free recipes, articles and resources, and you can sign up and join the Wendy’s Way community.

https://wendyswaytohealth.com

The Healthy Normal Revolution is my membership program – it’s all the other rooms in my business house! It’s unique in that you can get individualized guidance in a group setting. Members have online access to the videos, guides, and resources whenever they need them. The forum though, is the key to success, because it’s where you set your intentions, track your progress, ask questions, get my guidance and connect with the other members for friendship and support.

https://wendyswaymembers.com

I have participated in the Brekkie challenge, and it really helps me stay on track with my eating all day. Can you share a little about the Brekkie Challenge? When is the next one, and how can readers get involved?

The brekkie challenge has two main objectives. Firstly, it’s a stepping stone for anyone wanting to make some healthy changes, as breakfast is a great place to start. It’s also helpful for anyone who needs to get back on track, or anyone who needs some inspiration and new ideas for healthy breakfasts.

Participants have a healthy breakfast every day and post pics in the Facebook group. They use the recipes I provide, and/or their own. The next one will be in January. I haven’t set a date yet, but we usually start mid January, after all of the holiday craziness is over. There’s more info on the page on my website:

https://wendyswaytohealth.com/brekkie-challenge

Wendy, here in the USA we just celebrated Thanksgiving, a lovely holiday of thanks but also the biggest eating day of the year! And Christmas and New Years are just around the corner! Can you share any good tips or survival skills as we go into the holidays and all the tempting treats? (I am going to be baking Grandma’s Christmas Cookies and I know I will be sneaking a few and I already feel guilty! Thank you in advance for this one!)

This time of year can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve got lots of simple tips on my blog, here are a couple of links:

http://wendyswaytohealth.com/how-to-enjoy-christmas-without-the-weight-gain/ http://wendyswaytohealth.com/oops-i-lapsed/

I’ve also teamed up with another coach, Deb Guttierez in the Forever Fierce FB group to share daily tips in the group leading up to Christmas.

If you were to take a day to spoil yourself, what would it include?

An ideal day of spoiling myself would start with a delicious, healthy breakfast, of course – you know breakfast is my thing! So maybe pancakes, (my recipe) or a chocolate & strawberry topped flax bun. Then I would have a lovely walk at the beach, followed by coffee somewhere. A massage and a facial would be next. Then I’d relax with a good book, or a movie, and I’d end the day with dinner cooked by Jayson and a glass of wine.

What are 3 bucket list items you want to include in your life story?

#1 I want to meet you and all of our other Forever Fierce sisters IRL!

#2 is more traveling. I’ve seen a lot of England, but I want to go back and visit all of our wonderful friends and family there. A cruise is something I haven’t done that I’d like to, so a European river cruise would be fabulous.

#3 is the freedom to not be tied to living in one place. This is also travel related, as there’s still loads of places in Australia that I haven’t seen yet. I’d like to have a base here in Tassie, but be able to spend extended periods during Winter exploring the amazing little beachy towns and villages along the NSW and Queensland coast.

You can find Wendy at all of the following social media platforms