VitalSelf is a health and wellness company providing holistic health counseling, nutrition and life coaching, yoga classes, health & wellness programs and workshops. We work with busy professionals (individuals, couples, groups and companies) in the A holistic approach At VitalSelf, we practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that we look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we look at how all parts of your life affect the whole. No one diet works for everyone The concept of bio-individuality is that each person has their own nutritional needs. So, when the experts say, “dairy is good for you” or “fat is unhealthy,” it’s too much of a generalization. One person’s food is another person’s poison, and that’s why fad diets don’t work in the long run. I look at your age, health, activity level, blood type, metabolic rate and personal preferences to determine your dietary needs. Everything is food Healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, regular physical activity and a spiritual practice are essential forms of nourishment. When these “primary foods” are balanced, what you eat becomes secondary. Integrative Nutrition Pyramid At VitalSelf, we embrace the Integrative Nutrition Pyramid. The Integrative Nutrition pyramid depicts a balanced approach to nutrition: more high-quality, organic vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, protein and water; less meat, milk, sugar and artificial food. The pyramid is surrounded with the primary food circle, the parts of life that satisfy our hunger for living and create a balanced life.
Individual and Group Coach training from Coach Training Alliance (CTA) - ICF Accredited
Bachelor of Science from Radford University in Radford, Virginia
VitalSelf services emphasize key personal wellness areas, including: reducing stress, increasing energy, eating healthier, breaking through emotional barriers, gaining clarity and increasing overall vitality! VitalSelf aims to empower clients to live passionate and fulfilling lives by balancing career, relationships, nutrition, physical fitness and spirituality.
We are available for wellness workshops, and seminars. We meet with clients in person or via the phone or skype. Our offices are located in Arlington and Alexandria (Delray), Virginia.
Our Approach
About the President and Founder, Amy Arnold, CHC, RYT, RM
Like you, I am a work in progress!
I have not always been healthy and balanced. In reality it’s something I work at, daily. Fortunately, I have found a way to make healthy living a way of life, look forward to every day and I want to help you EMPOWER YOURSELF, FOR LIFE!
In order to understand a little about who I am and why my experiences and expertise can help you achieve health, balance, wellness, AND your dreams, I would like to share with you a little about me.
My Path to Wellness:
I've been on the wellness path for quite a few years and came to this profession out of passion, curiosity and love of life. With a 25 year history of emotional eating, I had gained and lost over 400 pounds. There were several significant events in my life that I believe contributed to this challenging issue – 1) my parents divorce, 2) moving frequently as a child, and 3) my Mother passing away at a very young age. I’m unable to pinpoint any of these events as the single driver for my unhealthy way of dealing with emotions and food, but I know that they all contributed to internal void that I felt most of my life. Whenever I felt lonely, sad, stressed or uncertain, I turned to food. For me, food was comfort. I needed to identify the triggers that led to my emotional eating; and develop a healthy relationship with food. Luckily, I did identify the triggers and re-established my relationship with food. I now appreciate the nourishment and pleasure that it brings to my life.
RUNNING AT A CORPORATION ON PURE ADRENALINE
After 16 years at America Online (AOL), I was an executive with a lot of responsibility and I was burnt out! I loved my job, my team and the ride was amazing, but the ups and downs had taken their toll on my health. Driven by the adrenaline rush, I lost sight of what is really important. In the crazy pace of corporate life, I was losing myself...physically and spiritually.
THE WAKE UP CALL
The adrenaline addiction was killing me. I found that getting up in the morning was quite difficult, I was experiencing blackouts during meetings, had candida, and had a very hard time concentrating. A motorcycle accident several years before had created several challenges included a herniated disc in my neck, a pinched nerve and knee issues, but I thought I after much physical therapy and time, I thought I should have been in better health at that point. I didn't know what was happening to me, but I knew I needed a break.
RETREAT and REFIT
I took a sabbatical; traveled, exercised daily, studied, meditated & hung out with family and friends. At the end of 7 weeks, I knew it was time for a life change. While leaving AOL was difficult, it was the right decision.. I faced a personal mid-life challenge at age 42 and turned it into an opportunity. In doing so, I’ve reconnected with myself and my life is much fuller in every way, than ever before!
FOSTERING MY NATURAL SKILLS SET
I have always been a good listener, had the desire to help others and others have always come to me for advice and support. I have always felt that at my core, I was a healer. Experiencing the zest for life resulting from my journey to wellness and balance, I wanted to help others achieve the same. It was time to realign my work-life goals.
MY VISION
That people from all walks of life have the tools they need to prevent sickness and disease and live a happy, healthy vibrant life.
MY TRAINING
Certified Health & Nutrition Counselor, American Association of Drugless Practitioners Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and
Certified Yoga Teacher – Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica – registered by the Yoga Alliance Organization (Interdisciplinary Yoga – 200 hours – base is Hatha Vinyasa Flow yoga)
Certified Trance Dance & Tantric Shamanism Facilitator, completed certification in Guatemala through Journey to the Heart
Certified Quantum-Touch Practitioner
Certified Reiki III Master/Teacher Level, Usui Shinpinden, The International House of Reiki
Certified Principle & Oneness Energy Experience Facilitator, Oneness University, Fiji & India -- The Oneness Blessing brings a sense of calmness, clarity and the feeling of Oneness with everyone and everything.
Graduate of the Anthony Robbins Mastery University
PERSONAL
I love yoga, hiking, biking, motorcycling, yoga, dancing, swimming, climbing, weight training, the outdoors, sunrises, sunsets, quite moments, great food, laughing, great jokes, hugging, learning, contributing, walking my dogs, spending time with my friends and family and traveling!
I’m currently working to reverse two disc challenges in my body – I am confident that I will do this and my discs and body will feel more vibrant than ever. I plan on blogging my experience this fall as I believe it will help many people with neck and low-back disc issues.
I remind myself to embrace every day as though it were my last! I surround myself with supportive people who share my passion for life. ;-)
--- Life …Live it, Love it!
Amy
Amy Arnold
President & Founder
amya@vitalself.com
