Megan Barefoot is the founder of No Shoes Nutrition, where she combines her extensive educational background and personal experience to guide clients toward optimal health. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree and certifications as a Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Health Coach, Megan specializes in gut health, optimizing metabolism and inflammation reduction. Over the past eight years, she has helped countless individuals achieve their wellness goals through personalized nutrition plans. Her unique approach focuses on small, sustainable changes tailored to each client's lifestyle and needs. Megan offers virtual consultations for individuals and groups around the world.
Megan Barefoot, Founder of No Shoes Nutrition
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hi there! I'm Megan Barefoot, the heart and soul behind No Shoes Nutrition. As a certified holistic nutrition consultant and health coach, I'm passionate about helping people transform their lives through nutrition and wellness. I hold a bachelor’s degree in science and have spent the last decade immersed in the health and wellness field.
My journey started in a rather unexpected place—deep in the oil and gas patch of Calgary, AB, Canada, working as a geologist. I loved every moment of it, but life took a beautiful turn when I met my wonderful husband. Together, we have two amazing daughters who sparked a profound shift in my career path. My girls, who began their lives with various gut issues, inspired me to dive deeper into nutrition to find the best ways to support their health.
Now, instead of analyzing rock formations, I’m dedicated to analyzing nutrition and wellness strategies to help others lead healthier lives. When I'm not busy with No Shoes Nutrition, you'll likely find me camping or hiking in the breathtaking mountains, spending quality time with my incredible family—including our two spirited cats—or indulging in a variety of crafts with my daughters.
I believe that life is an adventure meant to be lived fully and healthily.
What inspired you to start No Shoes Nutrition, and how did you come up with the name?
The answer lies in a deeply personal journey that began with my daughters' health. My youngest daughter was only six months old when we introduced solid food, and her digestive system essentially came to a halt. This was an incredibly stressful time for our family. After consulting several doctors, we were told to put her on a stool softener and wait six to eight years for things to improve. I couldn't accept that. The prospect of living with such stress for years was daunting.
Determined to find a better solution, I dove into research about the gut and discovered the incredible role of the microbiome. I learned that by changing our food, we can transform our microbiome, improving not only gut health but also mental wellness and overall well-being. This revelation was a turning point for me. Faced with the choice of returning to work as a geologist or pursuing a new career path, I chose to stay home and immerse myself in the world of nutrition.
The name "No Shoes Nutrition" has a fun backstory. Given my last name, I initially wanted to call my business "Barefoot Nutrition," but the name was already taken. I had to get creative. Thinking about an alternative way to express "Barefoot," I landed on "No Shoes." When paired with "Nutrition," it felt perfect. The name naturally resonated with the grounding, natural approach I wanted to bring to my nutrition practice.
Starting No Shoes Nutrition was not just about launching a business; it was about embracing a passion for holistic health and helping others on their journey to wellness. It's a name that reflects my personal journey and the grounded, natural approach I bring to my practice.
Can you share some key principles or philosophies that guide your approach to nutrition and wellness?
At No Shoes Nutrition, my approach to nutrition and wellness is guided by a few fundamental principles that are rooted in holistic health and personal experience:
Individualized nutrition: Every individual is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. I believe in creating personalized nutrition plans that consider one’s lifestyle, preferences, and health goals. It's not about a one-size-fits-all diet but about finding what works best for each person.
Gut health is paramount: A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall wellness. Through my journey with my daughters' gut issues, I've learned the profound impact that gut health has on the entire body, including mental well-being. I emphasize the importance of nourishing and balancing the microbiome to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Whole foods first: Eating less from a box and more from the earth is a key philosophy at No Shoes Nutrition. I encourage consuming whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense and free from artificial additives. This not only supports physical health but also fosters a deeper connection to the food we eat.
Balanced and sustainable approach: Nutrition should be sustainable and enjoyable. I advocate for a balanced approach to eating that allows for flexibility and enjoyment, rather than restrictive dieting. The goal is to cultivate a healthy relationship with food that can be maintained long-term.
Mind-body connection: Wellness is not just about the food on your plate but also about your mental and emotional health. Practices like mindfulness, stress management, and self-care are integral to my approach. By addressing the mind-body connection, we can achieve a more holistic sense of well-being.
Education and empowerment: Knowledge is power. I aim to educate my clients about nutrition and wellness, so they feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health. My goal is to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their wellness journey.
These principles guide every aspect of my practice, from individual or group consultations to community workshops. I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve their health and wellness goals through a balanced, informed, and holistic approach.
Who Should Hire You and Work With you?
I look at myself as an ideal partner for anyone seeking to improve their health and well-being through holistic nutrition and personalized wellness strategies. Here are some specific groups who would benefit from working with me at No Shoes Nutrition:
1. Individuals with gut health issues:
Those experiencing digestive problems, such as bloating, constipation, IBS, or other gut-related issues, can benefit from my expertise in gut health. I have personal experience in this area and focus on nourishing and balancing the microbiome.
2. People seeking sustainable weight management:
If you’re looking to manage your weight in a healthy and sustainable way, I offer personalized plans that focus on whole, unprocessed foods and balanced eating habits. I emphasize long-term health rather than quick fixes.
3. Those with food sensitivities or allergies:
Individuals struggling with food sensitivities or allergies will benefit from my approach to identifying and managing these conditions. She can help create meal plans that accommodate specific dietary restrictions while ensuring nutritional needs are met.
4. Clients seeking a personalized nutrition plan:
Individuals who need a tailored nutrition plan that considers their unique lifestyle, preferences, and health goals can benefit from my personalized approach. I believe in creating customized strategies that fit seamlessly into my clients' lives.
5. Individuals with high inflammation issues:
If you struggle with aches and pains that affect your day-to-day life, then nutrition can help! I can help you figure out what is holding you back and together we can figure out where the root of the inflammation is coming from. We can create strategies to help you move forward inflammation free.
Whether you're dealing with specific health issues, seeking to improve your overall wellness, or looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate guide to help you navigate your nutrition journey, I am here to support you every step of the way.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about working with a certified holistic nutrition consultant and certified integrative health coach?
I truly believe that most people don't understand how food is affecting their everyday well-being. By changing just a few things each week, adding in some amazingly delicious foods, and crowding out some of the habits that no longer serve us, we can feel amazing. Is it always easy? No, habits can be hard to break, and when you're not getting quick fast results like you would with a fad diet, frustration can set in. However, if you're willing to put in a little work and are OK with feeling comfortable with being uncomfortable for a short period of time, the results are astounding.
I would love to have the opportunity to work with people before they jump into quick fad diets, take multitudes of medications, and lose hope with their health. I know from personal experience and from working with hundreds of clients that the food we feed ourselves can make a huge difference and that there is no one-size-fits-all perfect diet. At No Shoes Nutrition we customize, and work with your personal needs, your lifestyle, and your likes and dislikes, to create a new long term lifestyle nutrition plan. We want to give you the tools in your toolbox to help you move forward towards optimal health.
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