Hi, I’m Susan Palace!
I’ve been a health coach specializing in helping busy, successful people reach their “Happy” weight for over 13 years.
My journey began when I gained 30 lbs. in 3 years from the sedentary lifestyle and internal stress working as the Director of Marketing at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
I loved my job but thought a career change would help me lose weight so I started my own yoga and corporate wellness business when I moved to Atlanta. While for over 20 years, I enjoyed being more active and learned lifelong practices to increase my well-being, it was not the answer to reaching and maintaining my desired weight.
I was preoccupied and not happy with my body for many years. I lost trust in myself with every attempt to improve and every New Year’s Resolution I would make, and break.
It wasn't until I stopped making resolutions that I found real freedom & success in reaching my own "happy weight". I thought if I could just find that “perfect” way to eat, I would lose weight & feel better about myself. I studied nutrition. I exercised and meditated every day. I ate healthily, yet I was rarely satisfied.
I tried all the things…. eating raw, macrobiotic, blood type, food combining, paleo, keto.
Yet I was:
Overweight
Often hungry & craving sugar
Out of energy (every afternoon)
Then I realized that my search for perfection was being unkind to myself. My self-talk was not nice. I made a decision that surprised me. “I do not care what I weigh, I just want peace - with food, with my body, and with myself.” Once my goal became to feel good - to be kind and loving to myself rather than a number on a scale, things began to shift — the good and loving choices became easier to make. I stopped watching calories, and instead chose foods, and portions, that made me feel good
A nutritionist friend introduced me to the program I now coach, and I was able to lean into the principles rather than perfection. I discovered a way to eat & think & be that provided the key. I embraced the mindset, tools, and practices that gave me true freedom.
Freedom to:
Reach my happy weight and optimize for over 13 years!
Feel satisfied - without excess hunger and cravings!
Sustain my energy all day!
Exercise is now something I do to care for my body rather than chase the scale. I eat for fuel and for pleasure and I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions!
Something I didn’t see coming was how healing and fulfilling helping others, as a coach, would be. Having the tools to serve people creates meaning and purpose that satisfies me in a way that food never could.
My challenges became my calling, and my pain became my purpose as I support others to create a more free, empowered, and happier version of themselves.
Susan received her BBA and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and worked in the healthcare field for 10 years before founding her business in 1995. She is a certified Integrative Yoga Therapist and received her Health Coach Certification from The McDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (COPE) at Villanova University College of Nursing. Susan has numerous training certifications and 25 years of study in mind/body health. Her nationally distributed audio CD called: KidVisions: Empowering Children Through Relaxation and Imagination, is used by health practitioners around the country.
My Approach
My passion is to help you and your body become happier. I consider your unique body, habits, and lifestyle to help you create a new relationship with food and your body that is nourishing and empowering. This doesn’t come from a pull-up your bootstraps mindset, but rather from someone who understands the challenge. You see, my own journey is what fuels me and my approach. There is nothing wrong with you or your body – nothing to fix. You don’t need more willpower or discipline. My approach is uplifting, positive, and flexible while being results-oriented and grounded in what works. As your partner, I am with you every step of the way!
Mindset
I may be the only health coach on the planet who will tell you that you don’t need the motivation to lose weight… you just need the right mindset. Let’s work together to create a new orientation and set you up on a path to success.
Eating
Contrary to some beliefs, you don’t have to starve yourself to lose weight. It’s quite the opposite. I help busy, successful people reach their “happy weight” by eating small mini-meals which include healthy fats, proteins, and carbs every 3 hours. This approach jumpstarts your metabolism and reduces hunger and cravings.
Thriving
Making your body happy is more than a number on the scale, it is an empowered way of being. It is a choice to enjoy life and focus on what matters most. Making a few simple shifts may be just what you need to look and feel your best. Getting healthy can be a great adventure!