Mari Llewellyn's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness. From battling low self-esteem and mental health challenges to losing 90 pounds and founding a successful supplement company, Bloom Nutrition, Mari's story resonates with anyone seeking to reclaim their health and well-being.
The Early Years: A Life of Transitions
Born in Chertsey, London, Mari's early life was marked by international moves. She spent her formative years in Geneva, Switzerland, immersing herself in French culture. However, at the age of ten, her family relocated to Scarsdale, New York, due to her father's diplomatic career. This transition was jarring, as Mari's perception of America, shaped by television, clashed with the reality of living in an affluent town grappling with obesity and a fast-food culture.
College Struggles and the Turning Point
Mari's challenges deepened in college, where she grappled with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. Despite appearing to thrive socially, she used food as an emotional crutch, leading to weight gain. Her academic performance suffered, and she faced the possibility of dropping out.
Hitting rock bottom became the catalyst for change. Mari made the difficult decision to leave school and move back in with her father. This provided the space she needed to reflect on her life and recognize the impact of her mental health struggles.
Embracing Fitness and Nutrition
Initially, Mari felt overwhelmed by the prospect of returning to school or finding a job. Instead, she focused on what she could control: her health. She began by transforming her diet, replacing unhealthy choices like muffins with nutritious options like eggs, oatmeal, and healthy fats. She incorporated foods like avocado and salmon, which kept her feeling full and supported her mental well-being.
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As her confidence grew, Mari incorporated exercise into her daily routine, starting with frequent walks with her dog. Eventually, she mustered the courage to join a gym, even though she initially struggled with anxiety and would sometimes leave before even entering. She educated herself on fitness and nutrition through podcasts, learning how to lift weights effectively.
Mari's workouts were centered around bodybuilding exercises, targeting different muscle groups each day. Her goal was not only to lose weight but also to change her body composition and build strength.
From Personal Transformation to Entrepreneurship
After losing over 90 pounds, Mari's journey took an unexpected turn. Encouraged by her fiancé, Greg, she shared her transformation photo on Instagram. The post went viral, attracting a large following and requests for her workout and nutrition guides.
Mari responded by creating a workout PDF and selling it online. She then launched resistance bands, which she and Greg personally packed and shipped. The success of these ventures led her to embrace entrepreneurship full-time.
Driven by a desire for high-quality nutrition, Mari and Greg launched Bloom Nutrition, a supplement company tailored to women. The company's mission is to empower women to achieve their best selves by providing accessible and effective health and wellness products.
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Key Takeaways from Mari Llewellyn's Journey
Mari Llewellyn's story offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to improve their health and well-being:
- Embrace your wellness journey: Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Take the time to discover what works for you, listen to your body, and celebrate every step, no matter how small.
- Prioritize mental health: Mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Don't hesitate to seek support, set boundaries, and be open about your experiences.
- Small habits, big change: Transformation doesn't happen overnight. Focus on incorporating small, sustainable habits into your routine, which will lead to significant growth over time.
- Redefine self-care: Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Find practical ways to incorporate it into your daily life.
- Trust the process: Whether you're pursuing personal goals, managing mental health, or navigating fertility challenges, trust in your unique journey.
Mari's Daily Routine
Mari's current daily routine includes:
- Breakfast: Bloom Nutrition Greens, Bloom Supplements, three eggs, smoked salmon, and berries.
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with tuna and salad.
- Snack: A smoothie with Bloom Protein, mango or banana, and almond milk.
- Dinner: Tacos with organic tortillas, avocado, shrimp, salad, and Greek yogurt.
The Importance of Community
Mari emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community. Surrounding yourself with people who share your goals and encourage you along the way can make the process more enjoyable and increase your chances of success.
Lessons in Mental Health
Mari's story also sheds light on the importance of addressing mental health challenges. She openly discusses her struggles with anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). She emphasizes the need to seek professional help and develop coping mechanisms to manage these conditions.
The Power of Exercise
Mari believes that exercise has transformed her life for the better. She experiences a significant mood boost after working out and finds that it helps her feel stronger and more capable.
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Business Success
Mari's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. Bloom Nutrition has become a successful supplement company, empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.
The Strength App
Mari's Strength app offers guided workout programs for all fitness levels, available for both home and gym settings. The app also provides recipes and nutritional guidance to support users in their transformation journeys.