We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Pasarow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Until recently, I don’t think I actually ever had the confidence to start my own business. I have always worked though – – starting as a pre-teen babysitter for neighbors, and then at the age of 15 1/2, I got a job at a clothing store in our local shopping mall. My dad drove me to and from work until I got my license shortly thereafter.

I worked various jobs throughout college (more retail, and then a luxury travel agency) and then upon graduating with an English degree from UCLA, I got my first “real” job and started my career in Public Relations. I worked my way up the agency ladder and for the most part enjoyed the work that afforded me the ability to be creative, mentor, travel the world and work with so many brilliant and talented colleagues and clients..

As I approached 30 years in the business, however, I knew there was something more out there for me – – something that would feel more meaningful and on my own terms. Fortuitously (and coincidentally), I gave notice to my firm in February of 2020, with Covid hitting a month later, so in the first part of my “new” chapter, we were in a global pandemic which forced me to slow down and sort through all the things we all had to deal with during that very dark time.

It was during this time that I had an “aha” moment and decided it was time to truly prioritize my health, ideally lose some of the weight that I have put on over the years, and see if through diet and exercise, I can actually bring down my “borderline” cholesterol numbers that my doctor had been keeping an eye on. It was either this, or go on cholesterol meds, which is something that I wanted to avoid, if possible.

After six months of researching and following the science (no fads, just facts) I lost 12 lbs. right off the bat and realized I was on to something. I never felt hungry or like I was missing out because I did not deprive myself of my favorite foods – I just cut back on them. I then lost another 15 lbs (25 total) and as a result, I lowered my cholesterol and triglycerides by more than 20 points, and also no longer had sleep issues or lower back pain.

One of the things I enjoyed most about my PR career was mentoring and coaching team members so after having my own personal experience with nutrition and its impact on me, I realized I wanted to receive formal training and share my learnings with others as a nutritionist and weight loss coach. I received my Certification from Precision Nutrition, one of the world’s top nutrition coaching techniques used by brands such as Nike, Apple and Equinox, as well as professional athletes worldwide.

It was a full house of firecracker seniors today at my Nutrition Tips For Seniors presentation at The Variel, a wonderful senior living community in Woodland Hills. It’s inspiring to see these active and independent older adults seeking out how to look and feel better through nutrition.
I aid clients in managing food sensitivities, debunking diet myths, and assisting those with weight goals. My 1:1 and group nutrition coaching fosters a healthier relationship with food, empowering clients to grasp the impactful connection between their diet and overall well-being. The good news: It’s never too late for healthier nutrition.🤗✨🫶 🙌🏻 #nutrition #nutritionforseniors #nutritionist #nutritioncoaching #healthyeating #nutritioncoachingseniors

What should our readers know about your business?
My approach to nutrition and food coaching is rooted in science and does not follow a restrictive fad diet or unrealistic fitness regimens. I teach my clients that they do not have to choose between losing weight and eating the foods they love. They learn that a successful nutrition and feeling more comfortable with food is about balance, consistency and small shifts in their mindset.

One of my favorite things to teach clients who are looking to lose weight is the difference between discipline and deprivation. You can eat whatever you want, just not as much as you want. And the #1 thing you crave is what you deprive yourself of – so don’t do that!

In my practice I help women and men of all ages navigate various food sensitivities, dispel diet and “good vs. bad” food myths, and guide those seeking to lose or gain weight. My unique coaching approach helps my clients feel more comfortable around food and understand how what they eat can effectively change the way they look and feel.

The good news is that it’s never too late to develop better nutrition habits. Following a balanced-diet meal plan can help you reduce your risk for illness and stay active and independent for longer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley so there are many local places I love to take people to when they visit us. It seems like everyone loves visiting the Hollywood sign so we like to take them up Beachwood Canyon (fun walk, lots of cool nooks and streets) and breakfast at Beachwood Cafe or Clark Street Diner. Visiting the beach is a must – the drive over the picturesque, mountainous canyons leading into Pacific Coast Highway is so beautiful and really gives a sense of the rich terrain between the valley and the coast. We love dining at the Reel Inn for an early low-key dinner on the patio and then we like to walk across to the beach to watch the beautiful sunset.

Downtown LA obviously has so much to offer – amazing theater, museums and restaurants. It’s also fun to grab some beers and snacks at Angel City Brewery and then walk over to Little Tokyo for some amazing ramen or sushi. There are so many great, authentic Japanese restaurant options there!

Some of my valley faves: hiking over Fryman Canyon in Studio City is picturesque and not too strenuous if you have some non-hikers with you (and often comes with celebrity sightings); quaint shopping and eats on Tujunga Avenue nearby is always fun; and my family and I love the shops and restaurants at Sportsman’s Lodge. On a recent night a group of us had so much fun having dinner at Roberta’s Pizza followed by rock n’bowl at PINZ in Studio City.

And last but not least, Huntington Gardens in San Marino (Pasadena) is truly one of the greatest gems not only in So Cal but I think in the U.S.. The gardens are immense so give yourself a few hours to explore. We love it so much we are members and go as often as we can. There are lots of great spots to each in Pasadena or nearby in Highland Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful for my incredibly supportive husband, Ted, and my two wonderful daughters, Anabel and Emma, who have been my greatest cheerleaders throughout my career journey. It took a lot of courage for me to make this big leap into launching my own business and they never once doubted me and provided me with endless encouragement and inspiration, every step of the way.

I am thankful for the folks at Precision Nutrition who taught me so much about nutrition and the ins and outs of starting my own coaching business, and of course for all my incredible friends and extended family who were all so supportive of this new chapter in my life.

And last but certainly not least, I am so grateful for each of my clients who trust and support me and also teach me along the way. It’s such a pleasure to be on this journey with you all!

Website: www.susanpasarownutrition.com

Instagram: @susanpasarownutrition

Linkedin: @susanpasarow

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