Meet Kerri Pagliarini

We recently connected with Kerri Pagliarini and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerri , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Let’s start with a little story – once upon a time, I was pretty much best friends with sugar. We were inseparable until… well, let’s just say it was a relationship that needed to end.

But that was after a wake-up call that landed me in the hospital. Yep, that serious! I started to change my diet and lifestyle and saw amazing changes and I wanted to learn even more. I went on a quest for knowledge and found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Once I became a certified holistic health coach I focused on women with hormonal imbalances, but here’s where it gets interesting. While helping amazing women tackle hormonal issues, I discovered a sneaky villain – our collective nemesis, sugar! Turns out, it was the secret troublemaker in many of our stories.

And that’s where my passion ignited! Teaching, coaching, sharing laughs and a-ha moments – that’s my jam. I’m all about showing you how to break up with sugar without feeling like you’re giving up the joy of life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely! My mission is to empower women to transform their relationship with sugar, drawing from my personal battle with sugar addiction. This experience was a profound teacher; it showed me the complexities of dietary habits and the power of mindful eating. What makes my approach special is its foundation in compassion and practicality. I believe in balance, not deprivation. It’s not about completely cutting out sugar but learning to enjoy it in moderation. Enjoy the amount that is right for that client where they still feel in control. This philosophy is central to my brand, where I teach a realistic and joyful approach to food.
The most exciting part of my work is witnessing the transformation in women who once felt helpless against their sugar cravings. Seeing them regain control, without giving up on life’s sweet pleasures, like a slice of chocolate cake, is deeply rewarding.
In today’s world, there’s an overload of dietary information, often contradictory, leaving many confused about what to eat. My new digital cookbook is designed to cut through this noise, offering simple, delicious recipes that balance blood sugar and satisfy sweet cravings in a healthier way. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a tool to help navigate food without guilt or confusion. I want to show that a balanced approach to sugar is possible and delicious!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities were resilience, empathy, and knowledge. 1. Resilience: Overcoming sugar addiction and building a brand required immense resilience. It’s about persisting through setbacks and maintaining belief in your mission. For those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience by setting small, achievable goals. Celebrate each victory, learn from setbacks, and remember that progress isn’t always linear. Resilience grows when you challenge yourself and adapt to the outcomes.
2. Empathy: Having experienced the struggle myself, empathy was crucial in connecting with and supporting others. To develop empathy, practice active listening and put yourself in others’ shoes. Understand that everyone’s journey is unique. This understanding will not only enhance your ability to help others but also enrich your own experiences.
3. Knowledge: Understanding the science behind sugar addiction and food helped me create effective strategies for myself and others. To build this knowledge, start with reputable sources and perhaps consider formal education or certifications. Stay curious and open to new research, and apply this learning to develop practical, evidence-based approaches.
For those starting out, focus on these areas, but also be patient with yourself. Personal growth and professional development take time, and every step forward is valuable. Remember, your unique journey and insights can become your greatest strengths.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a combination of mindful breathing and holistic practices, which are the same tools I share with my clients. 1. Mindful Breathing: This is my go-to strategy. I practice deep, breathing — inhaling slowly through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth. This type of breathing helps activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. I encourage my clients to practice this several times a day, especially during moments of high stress or when cravings feel overpowering.
2. Self-Care: Engaging in holistic self-care practices is vital. This includes activities like gentle yoga, spending time in nature, journaling, or enjoying a hobby. These activities help in grounding and centering oneself, providing a break from the stressors of daily life.
3. Clean Eating and Hydration: I make sure to nourish my body with balanced meals and stay hydrated. Proper nutrition and hydration can profoundly impact our mood and energy levels, which is especially important when dealing with overwhelm.
4. Positive Affirmations: I use positive affirmations to reinforce my strength and capability in handling challenges. Affirmations like “I am capable of handling whatever comes my way” can be powerful in shifting one’s mindset during overwhelming moments.
5. Seeking Support: Finally, I’m not hesitant to reach out to my support system when things get too heavy. Sharing your struggles and seeking advice can provide new perspectives and much-needed emotional support.
I share these strategies with my clients, emphasizing that managing overwhelm is not just about tackling the immediate stress but also about building a lifestyle that supports overall well-being and resilience.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move