From Struggle to Strength with Mari Llewellyn

"I was ready to feel happy again, and every time I got that endorphin boost, I was like, oh my God, this is why I'm doing this." - Mari Llewellyn   Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, both mentally and physically? My guest today, Mari Llewellyn, knows that feeling all too well, but found a sustainable and satisfying way out. As the co-founder of Bloom and the founder of Strength by Mari, Mari's story is a testament to the transformative power of fitness and mental health. She joins us to share her incredible journey from battling severe mental health issues and significant weight gain to becoming a successful fitness entrepreneur and mental health advocate. In this episode, Mari takes us back to 2017, a pivotal year when she decided to turn her life around. Struggling with borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety, Mari found herself at 250 pounds and deeply unhappy. She recalls how simple dietary and lifestyle swaps began to change her life. The gym became her sanctuary, where she discovered the empowering effects of weightlifting, setting her on a path to not only lose 90 pounds but also transform her mindset. Mari’s approach to fitness and nutrition is refreshingly realistic and sustainable. She emphasizes the importance of routine, finding what works for your body, and using dietary strategies as tools for achieving specific health goals. Mari shares how she navigated the often confusing world of nutrition, overcame the pitfalls of fad diets, and what she focuses on to support her active lifestyle. But the most profound change Mari experienced was in her mindset. She talks about how fitness helped her build confidence, set and achieve goals, and ultimately see herself in a new light. Mari's story is not just about weight loss; it's about reclaiming her life and finding a passion that she could share with millions. Her top 10 podcast, "Pursuit of Wellness," and her thriving business are testaments to the fact that when you change your mind, you change your life. Tune in to hear Mari's inspiring story and her actionable tips for achieving lasting health and wellness. Whether you're struggling with your own health journey or looking for a motivational boost, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Don't miss it! FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/mari Organo King of Coffee: https://www.organogold.com/nz-en/premium-gourmet-king-of-coffee/ Evolved Chocolate: https://eatingevolved.com/ Lily’s Chocolate Chips: https://www.lilys.com/products/lilys-dark-chocolate-style-baking-chips-9-oz-bag.html Sprouts Organic Riced Cauliflower: https://shop.sprouts.com/product/28032?shopping_context=delivery&retailer_id=279 Vital Choice wild-caught seafood: https://vitalchoice.sjv.io/daKYGy Reignite Wellness™ Glutamine Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/glutamine-powder Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Try Rx Sugar: jjvirgin.com/rxsugar use code JJVIRGIN20 for 20% off.  Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=931205&pw=347877 Pursuit of Wellness: https://thepursuitofwellness.com/ Mari Llewellyn IG: https://www.instagram.com/marillewellyn/?hl=en Bloom Nutrition IG: https://www.instagram.com/bloomsupps/?hl=en Pursuit of Wellness Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofwellnesspodcast/   Episode Sponsors:  Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off  

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Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives. It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty. Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully. Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives. At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!” For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self. In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil. Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook. JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium. Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life. Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! - Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review - Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 - Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.