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

Hi Marisa, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I fundamentally disagree with the conventional advice of “eat less, move more” when it comes to weight loss. This approach oversimplifies a complex issue, failing to account for the myriad of factors that can affect an individual’s ability to lose weight. Conditions such as insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, and even autoimmune disorders can significantly influence weight loss outcomes. For example, someone struggling with a hormone imbalance may find that increasing their carbohydrate intake helps restore balance, allowing for more effective weight loss. Conversely, individuals who are already over-exercising might be inadvertently sabotaging their progress by increasing hunger and making it challenging to maintain a calorie deficit.

A truly holistic approach to weight loss encompasses far more than just calories in and calories out. It should integrate nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, mental health, gut health, hormone health, community support, and even spiritual well-being. As a holistic fitness coach, I’ve seen firsthand how chronic dieting can lead to metabolic slowdown and deeper health issues. Many of my clients, after years of calorie restriction, found themselves trapped in a cycle that left their bodies unable to shed excess weight. My approach often begins with encouraging clients to eat more nourishing foods to heal their bodies from the damage inflicted by restrictive dieting. Only after addressing these foundational health concerns can they begin to see sustainable weight loss.

Ultimately, I believe in a bioindividual approach tailored to the unique needs and health conditions of each person. While some individuals might benefit from the traditional “eat less, move more” mantra, many others require a more nuanced strategy that prioritizes overall health and well-being. By focusing on healing from the inside out, we can pave the way for healthier, more sustainable fat loss that respects the complexities of individual bodies.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Holistic Fitness Labs, we offer a fat loss and reverse dieting courses, along with personalized holistic fitness coaching. Our mission is to shift the narrative around modern fitness culture, which often feels like a battleground of constant hunger, exhausting workouts, and self-sabotage. We prioritize our clients’ health and well-being over quick fixes, empowering our clients to transform not just their bodies, but their overall lives in a sustainable way. By combining modern science with years of practical experience, we guide our clients toward achieving lasting results while feeling good throughout the journey.

What excites me the most is witnessing the profound transformations of our students. When they share stories of newfound energy, happiness, and food freedom—expressing how they can enjoy their favorite foods without fear of weight gain or finally achieving their weight loss goals while feeling their best—it reinforces the purpose behind our work. Building this business has not been without its challenges; overcoming obstacles like navigating client skepticism and fostering trust took time and perseverance. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and staying true to my mission. I want the world to know that Holistic Fitness Labs is not just about losing weight; it’s about fostering a healthier relationship with food and oneself, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My go-to spots in LA include my favorite healthy restaurants: Great White, Sage Regenerative Kitchen, Cafe Gratitude, and True Food Kitchen. And of course Erewhon is a must-stop for anyone interested in seeing a grocery store with a high concentration of healthy and unique (though admittedly way overpriced) foods. Lastly, I would definitely recommend getting outside in the beautiful Southern California weather and hitting the beach and going for a hike in Malibu.

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 have so much gratitude for each and every individual who has watched my content on YouTube over the years. Without them, I would not have been able to build the platform or business that I have today. I also have to give a big shoutout to my business coach, Danielle Samuels (@daniellesamuelsconsulting), without whom I probably would have lost my mind trying to navigate building a business.

Website: https://www.holisticfitnesslabs.com/

Instagram: @missfitandnerdy

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/missfitandnerdy

Other: https://www.missfitandnerdy.com/

Image Credits
Jose Ruben Rodriguez
Victor Freitas

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