Women In Wellness: De Bolton Of FaithFueled Life On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing

An Interview With Wanda Malhotra

Embrace discomfort and challenge yourself by taking on new and challenging activities. Overcoming obstacles not only strengthens you physically but also contributes to your emotional well-being and overall progress in life. When I began I preferred comfort and now I am always up for a challenge. When you continually succeed from challenge your perspective will change.

Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called Women in Wellness, we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing De Bolton.

De’s impressive 100-pound weight loss transformation fueled her mission. She is now passionately dedicated to empowering women in their forties and beyond to reclaim their bodies. Through faith-based coaching, De helps her clients make sustainable lifestyle changes in their mindset, nutrition, and fitness. De serves as an inspirational figure, motivating families to cherish and honor their bodies. Her commitment to community education, fitness, and nutrition is exemplified through her faith and fitness mobile app, which aims to empower individuals to live healthier lives.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

My story began with my weight loss journey. Years ago, I decided that I was sick and tired of being tired. I was a hundred and five pounds overweight, a stay-at-home mother of three, and desperate for change. Everything began to change when I stopped scrolling and wishing when I began to live out loud and stop holding myself back.

I’ve experienced remarkable opportunities beyond my imagination. Over the years, I’ve undergone significant internal and external changes. It required dedication, stepping out of my comfort zone, and embracing challenges. Though it wasn’t easy, it’s achievable. When I relinquished my excuses, I discovered my true potential. Shifting my focus from convenience to purpose ignited my motivation. Neglecting self-care and personal growth is an inadequate justification.

Once I shifted from wishful thinking to taking action, my life transformed beyond my wildest dreams. With unwavering determination, I embarked on an 18-month journey of consistent effort, drastic dietary changes, and progressive milestones. As a result, I shed a hundred pounds, gaining so much more than just a slimmer figure. This journey instilled in me newfound confidence, discipline, and a deep empathy for women facing weight loss struggles.

Little did I know back when I set foot on my fitness path, the incredible destination it would lead me to. Initially driven by the sole desire to be thin, a profound shift occurred within me, kindling an aspiration to empower others on this path. I discovered a deep love for embracing a healthy lifestyle, and I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences in fitness and wellness.

During my weight loss journey, I embarked on a path of self-education and a passion for coaching. I returned to school to pursue a Fitness and Exercise Science Degree, facing the challenges of balancing my studies with three daughters and a job. Despite these obstacles, I immersed myself in acquiring as much knowledge as I could in the field of Fitness and Wellness.

Upon graduating, I continued my educational journey and achieved numerous certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These certifications include

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist
• NASM Weight Loss Specialist
• NASM Senior Fitness Specialist
• NASM Stretch and Flexibility Coach

I am an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, PK Fit Coach, TRX Level 1 Certified, Yoga SCW Mania Ballet Barre Instructor, Revelation Wellness Instructor, Launch Leader and Educator, HIIT & Flow Instructor and Master Trainer, Make A Difference Academy Certified Wellness Advisor, 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher, 100hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, and currently working toward my Live Well Certification, a Christian Trauma-Informed Embodiment Certification.

Through these qualifications and certifications, I have equipped myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive and effective fitness and wellness services to my clients.

Throughout my fitness journey, each certification I have acquired has shaped my path, leading me to incorporate various learned elements into customized fitness programs I create. My ongoing commitment to learning and expanding my knowledge in the wellness industry inspired the development of integrative movement practices. These practices aim to assist women in reconnecting with their bodies in a transformative way.

My current mission is to empower strong women throughout their personal wellness journeys. I strive to equip them with essential tools to live freely, make better nutritional choices, and honor their bodies as sacred temples. My passion is to motivate, inspire, and encourage individuals to embrace a healthy lifestyle.There are several methods I employ to accomplish this.

To support this mission, I have created a faith and fitness mobile app. This platform provides women with expert guidance on how to build muscle, lose fat, and incorporate somatic practices, breath meditations, and mindful nutrition into their daily lives, ultimately guiding them toward sustainable lifestyle changes.

Recognizing the high costs and limited accessibility of personal coaching, I created the FaithFueled life app to make holistic wellness achievable for everyone. My inspiration was to provide a comprehensive array of guided programs tailored to the unique needs and preferences of women aspiring to become coaches but constrained by financial limitations. By offering diverse options catering to various lifestyles, learning styles, fitness abilities, and goals, this app empowers women to pursue holistic wellness independently while benefiting from expert guidance.

In my classes, I am all about making movement matter, setting up everyone in the room for success, and challenging them to do more than they did before. By fostering a culture of hard work balanced with fun, I ensure that my classes are not only enjoyable but also impactful and worthwhile. Personally, I have embraced the mindset of continuous self-improvement, and I inspire others to adopt the same approach, promoting personal growth and development.

My passion lies in unveiling the unseen and amplifying the voices of the unheard. I fulfill this purpose through my role as a Somatic Facilitator at On the Inside, a non-profit organization. We utilize somatic practices, including movement, mindfulness, art, and connection, to support incarcerated women.

Currently, I am a valued member of a dedicated team at a treatment center specializing in mental health and substance abuse recovery. At High Focus Treatment Center, I facilitate yoga therapy sessions for adults and adolescents in intensive outpatient programs. Our sessions focus on restorative movement and deep relaxation techniques to aid in the healing process of the patients.

Wellness is not about following a plan and getting to a goal. Wellness is a different practices that include, breath, movement, mobility, strength, nourishment, rest and enjoyment to live life to the best of our ability. I’ve learned over the years through my own journey that when you make wellness a lifestyle it helps you live life well.

Many people strive to maintain separate aspects of their life, yet incorporating wellness into various facets can be highly beneficial. Integrating wellness into career, relationships, finances, recreational activities, family, friends, spirituality, and health can lead to a more holistic approach to life. That as how I coach and how I help women make sustainable changes.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?

My goal is simply to help strong women get stronger through their wellness journey. How? By equipping them with the tools, they need to live free, nourish better, and honor their temple. I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing women.

“Mrs. Kathy”, a remarkable client I’ll never forget, was 60 years old when we first met. She suffered from severe immobility in both her knees and ankles, and simple tasks like buckling her seatbelt or getting off the floor or out of the bathtub required assistance.

Through dedicated training, Kathy’s mobility improved significantly. After just 6 weeks, she regained the ability to buckle her seatbelt independently. With continued effort over 3 months, she could get off the floor with the support of a nearby surface.

Her progress continued to flourish. After 6 months of training, Kathy could get off the floor and out of the bathtub without assistance. As a testament to her perseverance and hard work, a year into her training journey, she accomplished an incredible milestone by completing her first 5K walk.

Kathy’s transformation stands as a true inspiration, showcasing the incredible potential for improvement and independence through consistent effort and unwavering determination.

I learned that it is never too late to take back your life. That small consistent effort compounds and pays off and that independence in mobility transfers to other aspects of life. When I finished training with Kathy she had lost weight which was her goal but she had gained mobility, confidence, and lifestyle habits to increase the quality of her life.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Throughout my career and especially when I first started, I have learned two important lessons while working with people to achieve wellness.

The first lesson learned was “It’s not about me,” shifting the focus away from my expectations and desires. While I may yearn for someone to invest effort, their readiness is beyond my control. Previously, I experienced frustration when clients fell short of their potential due to a lack of commitment. Now I understand that coaching isn’t about me; it’s about the client’s journey and growth.

The second pivotal lesson is that people are capable of remarkable growth and positive change, provided they are willing to invest the necessary effort. Throughout my coaching journey, I have been privileged to witness countless clients successfully transform their lives. They have triumphed over obstacles, achieved their goals, and experienced enhanced happiness and well-being. It is an honor to play a role in their transformative journeys.

A challenge I initially grappled with was extending my coaching services to every client who approached me. Over time, I came to realize that my coaching style might not be the best fit for everyone. While I desire to lend a helping hand to everyone, the reality is that not everyone will benefit from my approach. Having gained this insight, I have become more selective in choosing the clients I work with, and I have also cultivated a network of fellow coaches to whom I can refer those who may be better suited to their expertise.

In the early days of my coaching career, I lacked a clear understanding of my unique coaching style and the clientele I was best positioned to serve. This clarity emerged through time and refinement. Today, coaching is an absolute joy for me, and I am thrilled to witness my clients surpass their goals as a result of our effective partnership.

The most important lesson that I have learned from many mistakes personally and professionally is “Get over yourself.” Our pride and our ego will either lead us to do things that we may fail or try things without asking for help. To achieve our goals, we need to get over ourselves or put our pride to the side, embrace humility, and do the hard things like ask for help to reach our desired goals.

Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?

The work I do with my clients, classes, and group coaching generates a ripple effect of influence. My clients are empowered to make decisions and develop habits that positively impact their lives. This influence extends to those within their sphere of influence, creating a lasting impact. Through the tools I provide, I am making a significant contribution by facilitating healing and enabling individuals to overcome the traumatic imprints they have experienced.

Revitalizing Lives through Holistic Integration

In a society plagued by chronic stress, I am committed to empowering individuals by providing them with the tools and skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. By integrating spirituality, mindful movement, embodied faith, rest, and nourishment into their daily lives, my clients experience transformative and sustainable changes that enable them to live more fulfilling lives.

Living in America has left many individuals with traumatic imprints that inhibit their ability to process and cope with life’s stressors effectively. My mission is to support clients in cultivating resilience and self-awareness, allowing them to live at a higher capacity and experience profound personal growth. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect, positively impacting their communities and fostering a more compassionate and thriving world.

Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?

1 . Breathwork and connection

Breath is a gift that we take for granted but has a tremendous effect on hjpw we can better our well-being. Experience a profound connection with your higher power through the practice of breathwork. I guide my clients in breath prayer or meditation, empowering them to inhale their desires and exhale their worries. Engaging in this mindful practice, especially when coupled with a higher power, creates a powerful channel for connection through each inhale and exhale. Another recommendation for my clients to connect with their higher power is bookending your day with an outpouring of gratitude is an often overlooked, yet highly effective way to bolster your overall well-being.

2 . Get outside.

Better well-being is accessible to everyone and does not need an expensive coach, gym membership. It can be as simple as getting outside. Stepping outside is a straightforward yet impactful way to improve your overall well-being. Nature is a readily available resource that can significantly enhance your wellness.

3 . Challenge yourself in movement.

Incorporate movement to challenge yourself. This can be in anything whether you prefer walking, strength training, stretching, running, dancing, biking. Our bodies are not meant to be complacent they adapt to challenges. Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals boosts confidence, self-efficacy, and ignites a desire for higher capacities.

4 . Everything we need to nourish ourselves has been given to us.

It doesn’t need to be manufactured. The acronym F.O.O.D. stands for “Fresh fruits and vegetables (or frozen if unavailable),Omega 3s and 6s (which is found in nuts, oils, seeds), Organic or natural proteins(from either plants or animals) and Drink water. In America, we are fortunate to have a variety of options and choices. Drinking water is essential; as adults, we must do many things we may not enjoy, such as paying taxes, brushing our teeth, or drinking water. Dehydration can lead to poor decision-making.

5 . Rest well.

I want to emphasize the importance of not only getting enough sleep, but also giving your mind and body moments of rest throughout the day. Taking deep breaths and simply being present in your felt sense of being can greatly benefit your well-being.

I encourage my clients to incorporate “release moments” at the end of each hour. Inspired by Brendan Bruchard, this practice involves setting a timer for five minutes and repeating the phrase “I release” to yourself for five minutes. You can also add specific intentions, prayers, or meditations during this time.

By taking a moment to breathe and let go, you can process and release thoughts, emotions, and sensations that may be weighing you down.It allows you to transfer from one task to the next without lingering thoughts or emotions from the previous task. This practice not only rests your mind and body but also reduces the burden you carry. While sleep is essential and encouraged, incorporating release moments into your daily routine can greatly enhance your overall well-being.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

That’s an excellent question. As I explore the concept deeper,I’m discovering that incorporating wellness practices can positively impact those who have compartmentalize various aspects of their well-being. When these aspects are harmoniously integrated, they function effectively.

The awareness surrounding somatic and holistic health practices is growing. I firmly believe that in the near future, a holistic approach to wellness will become common knowledge. There are many efforts and movements being made to ensure that easily understandable education at the elementary school level about incorporating wellness practices into all aspects of life. This can potentially help our society achieve better overall well-being. I’m seeing a rise in companies investing in holistic partnerships and practices to support their employees.

As we continue to observe this approach, we can see that it positively impacts various areas, such as reducing the prevalence of diseases, providing support for mental health, and empowering individuals with a higher capacity for wellness.

The movement has already started. Now, we need to support, encourage and ensure that these resources and education are accessible to everyone.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

1. The Importance of the Warmup and Cooldown:

The warmup and cooldown are the most crucial components of your workout. They prepare your body for exercise and aid in recovery. Personally, in my youth, I struggled with warming up effectively. I have discovered that when I take the time to warm up properly, my performance significantly improves.

2. Progress over Perfection

This goes back to the main lesson I have learned. This is a common quote but there is profound truth. Rather than focusing solely on the length of time it takes to reach your goals, take time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way.

Celebrate your achievements and stay focused on your journey.I always say, “You don’t care how long it takes to get to Disney World, you’re just happy that you got there” The journey is just as important as the destination so don’t limit it with a time stamp.

3. Embrace Daily Movement:

Incorporate small, frequent movement into your daily routine. Regular movement has a cumulative effect and can serve as a powerful motivator to achieve more. We often get overwhelmed with the time it may take to move. We need to get dress, move, and get dressed afterwards. Time scarcity is a major obstacle for many people. Movement matters whether its in big chunk or bite sized. Practice little and often.

4. Challenge Yourself:

Embrace discomfort and challenge yourself by taking on new and challenging activities. Overcoming obstacles not only strengthens you physically but also contributes to your emotional well-being and overall progress in life. When I began I preferred comfort and now I am always up for a challenge. When you continually succeed from challenge your perspective will change.

5. Find a Supportive Community:

Surround yourself with a community that promotes accountability and a fulfilling life. Being part of a community fosters motivation, growth, and support, enhancing your chances of achieving your goals.The United States holds the unfortunate distinction of being the loneliest country in the world, but it doesn’t have to be this way. By challenging ourselves and actively seeking out community, we can combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections. The process may require effort, but just like anything worthwhile in life, the rewards are well worth it. We grow stronger together in community.

Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?

Amongst all the matters close to my heart, mental health is currently at the forefront of my concerns. Its silent impact on countless individuals necessitates our support. We must remember that we often remain unaware of the struggles people are enduring. Promoting wellness can be a valuable tool in assisting them to cope and create a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. I personally have overcome a mental health battle and I have watched others I love fight to be well mentally. I want to be a support and adovocate for mental health.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

You can set up a goal consult (https://www.faithfueledmom.com/service-page/goal-consult) for one-to-one training or you can join my FaithFueled Life App and access over 24 programs to help you achieve your goals. bit.ly/FAITHFUELEDLIFE

Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.

About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.