I'm all about living a well-rounded approach to wellness -- one where enjoyment matters just as much as nutrition.
While things weren't always this way for me (I experienced anorexia and compulsive exercise in high school), I'm grateful for the ways my rocky path ended up positively shaping the ways I view nutrition and wellness today.
Hello & welcome!
I'm so glad you're here!
true health is rooted in enjoyment
in enjoyment
nutrition expert. ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST.
LOVER OF DARK CHOCOLATE.
nutrition expert.
ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST.
LOVER OF DARK CHOCOLATE.
hey, I'm Libby Stenzel
For as long as I can remember, I've been passionate about nutrition, health, and fitness. As a Type A perfectionist, I'm the first to admit that trait comes with both its pros AND its cons. My *somewhat obsessive* temperament is part of what led me to once take an extreme approach to "health," ultimately developing anorexia nervosa and a compulsive relationship with exercise back in high school.
Fortunately, I was able to use my driven nature to help myself make a full recovery. The transformation and healing I've experienced through my recovery inspired me to start my private practice, Libby Stenzel Nutrition, to support other women in healing from disordered eating.
I started my blog, Everyday Chocolate, in 2021 originally as a resource for all things eating disorder recovery and intuitive eating. While I still write about intuitive eating concepts and having a healthy relationship with food + exercise, the blog has since pivoted to reflect more of my current wellness journey today, providing inspiration for living a truly healthy lifestyle that is rooted in enjoyment.
Born and raised in Michigan, I completed my undergrad, master's degree, and dietetic internship at the University of Michigan. Prior to starting my master's, I worked for two years with Cru at the University of Michigan mentoring college women in their walks with Christ.
I majored in art history in undergrad.
things you should know about me
I'm an introvert to the core. If I've got an open evening, you'll find me relaxing with a good book and, of course, some high-quality dark chocolate.
things you should know about me
I'm widely adventurous when it comes to the outdoors and love all things skiing, backpacking, running, and hiking.
things you should know about me
I went to my first Michigan Football game when I was 5 months old. Anytime we beat Ohio State, it's a highlight of my year! :)
things you should know about me
Yoga is an integral part of my weekly routine. In the mornings, you can catch me working on my backbends and handstands!
things you should know about me
In a (very) different life, I'd be interested in pursuing a career as a personal chef!
things you should know about me
things you should know about me
I majored in art history in undergrad.
things you should know about me
I'm an introvert to the core. If I've got an open evening, you'll find me relaxing with a good book and, of course, some high-quality dark chocolate.
things you should know about me
I’m widely adventurous when it comes to the outdoors and love all things skiing, backpacking, running, and hiking.
things you should know about me
I went to my first Michigan Football game when I was 5 months old. Anytime we beat Ohio State, it's a highlight of my year! :)
things you should know about me
Yoga is an integral part of my weekly routine. In the mornings, you can catch me working on my backbends and handstands!
things you should know about me
In a (very) different life, I'd be pursuing a career as a personal chef!
my holisitc health journey
Even as a young teenager, I had the intuitive sense that what we eat and put on our bodies truly does matter. I was into buying organic and low-tox skincare products back before "crunchy" was more of a thing... it just made sense to me that what we put on and in our bodies would impact our health in significant ways!
Prior to my eating disorder, I experienced a number of frustrating chronic health symptoms, including significant face and body acne that was quite embarrassing to me as a preteen. The acne wouldn't shift no matter what products I tried or how healthy my lifestyle seemed. I didn't realize at the time that my skin issues were indicative of underlying gut issues and bodily inflammation!
After my eating disorder recovery my chronic health issues worsened in my 20s and early 30s, culminating in significant gastrointestinal symptoms and an autoimmune condition.
Through functional lab testing I discovered a number of root causes of my symptoms, including gut pathogens, heavy metal toxicity, low stomach acid, copper toxicity, and several significant food sensitivities (including a strong sensitivity to gluten). I worked through several functional protocols and changed my diet accordingly, leading to the healing of my gut symptoms and a remission of my autoimmune condition... all naturally and without the help of Big Pharma!
I now eat what is most easily described as a "modified paleo diet" -- no grains, gluten, dairy, soy, seeds, or nuts, but I do eat legumes (other than peanuts). This is all based off my personalized lab testing -- I "test and don't guess" when it comes to medically-necessary food restrictions.
And, of course, I've found plenty of creative ways for my new eating patterns to still be amazingly satisfying and delicious!
A WELL-ROUNDED APPRoACH TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS, ROOTED IN ENJOYMENT
my nutrition philosophy
- A healthy relationship with food is the foundation for incorporating nutrition science in a truly healthy way.
- Food is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed.
- It's when we pursue satisfaction in our eating choices that we are most likely to feel calm and centered around food.
- There's no such thing as a "perfect food choice." There are only trade-offs.
- What we eat does impact our health, and, in my opinion, typical intuitive eating dietitians tend to minimize the real effects of harmful additives and inflammatory foods. At the same time, it's important to make a proper risk assessment and not overly obsess about the things that don't have a major impact (or that are okay in smaller amounts).
- The healthiest approach to nutrition is one that that is rooted in enjoyment.
Tasty meal and snack ideas to inspire you toward creativity, balance, and satisfaction in your eating.
Everyday Eats
Life updates, travel recaps, day in the life posts, and more!
Intentional Living
Tools, insights, and reflections to support you in your recovery journey.
Disordered Eating
Thoughts on health and wellness from a holistic perspective, considering all aspects of your well-being.
Health & Wellness
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