Who's That Gal: Natasha Gayl, Health Coach and Personal Chef

Name: Natasha Gayl
Age: 30
Occupation: Health Coach and Personal Chef, Natasha Wellness
Hometown: Andover, MA
Current ‘hood: Cambridge, MA
Currently reading: GUT by Giulia Enders
Favorite workout: yoga + weight training
Favorite Boston spot: Life Alive
I never leave home without____: a waterbottle, gotta stay hydrated or else I get cranky

Tell us more about what you do. What is holistic living?

I specialize in holistic living from the Ayurvedic perspective. Ayurveda is really a way of life - a lifestyle that focuses on bringing the body into balance. As you may know, we tend to get thrown out of balance living the modern lifestyle we have created for ourselves. I teach my clients how to eat for the mind-body type, what types of exercises are best for them, and how to create a daily ritual that brings ease and happiness into their lives. Once you dip your toes into the study of Ayurveda, it’s with you forever - it’s absolutely life changing!

How’d you get started? What inspired you to pursue this career?

I have had my own health issues for over a decade including Lyme disease which messed with so many of my organs functions. As somebody who was often sick, I was always looking for ways to feel better. This is where my research and experimentation began. I tried pharmaceuticals and western medicine with no improvement so naturally, I moved toward the eastern approach of holistic and natural healing. I studied Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, all the trendy diets, and health crazes and finally Ayurveda.

Ayurveda made the biggest impact on my health which is why I pursued my longtime dream of becoming a health coach. I don’t wish what I had to go through upon my worst enemy - it was expensive, exhausting and unpleasant to say the least. My dharma is to give back what I learned to my community. I see so many people going through similar struggles that I went through, Lyme-related or not, and I feel the need to educate and help those in need. I truly am here to serve and bring light to the world while I am here on this earth.

This is a time of year when a lot of people are headed (back) to the gym and looking for some motivation. What motivates you to stay healthy?

I used to use bikini-weather to motivate me, and no lie, I still do to an extent but now my motivations are so much less about the physical. These days I’m motivated to have more energy, to feel good in my body, to be happy, and to be present and loving to my family and friends. If I don’t exercise, eat well, or meditate I become a fraction of myself, my inflammation goes up and I become very down on myself and life. It’s so important to take care of the bodies we live in physically, mentally and spiritually!

You also share recipes on your site. What’s your favorite thing on your personal menu this week?

Oh my gosh, I LOVE FOOD. I’m already thinking about what’s for lunch while I’m eating breakfast. This week I’m very into my morning coconut yogurt w/ spiced cooked apple, pressure cooker paleo chili, turkey meatballs with spaghetti squash, and all the adaptogenic potions to keep me calm and energized through the winter.

What is your most exciting offering right now?

My clients have been asking me to take the stress out of eating well for them since day one and I finally said YES. I am so excited to publicly announce that I have added Personal Chef and Meal Delivery to my services. I create a custom menu based on your dietary preferences and health goals, grocery shop, develop recipes, cook and deliver ready-made meals right to your home or work. So if you or anybody you know needs a little help in the kitchen send me a message!

What’s the best thing about starting your own business?

Being my own boss. I’ve always had trouble being told what to do - it’s my human design and I totally own it. Knowing myself, how I work, and what inspires me has been key to building a business from the ground up. I had a vision and seeing my business baby thrive is the most rewarding feeling ever.

What’s the hardest?

I’m the only one at Natasha Wellness so I do it all! It’s really fun and exciting for me to have a hand in so many different things as a business owner but it can get overwhelming. I manage my website, blog, shop, accounting, marketing, social media, etc. It can get to be a lot sometimes but for the most part, it’s what keeps me guessing which is an important aspect of my work ethic. I get bored if I’m doing the same mundane thing every day.

What skill is most important for you to be successful? Why?

Being mindful and grounded. I meet with a lot of clients every day and the most important thing is for me to be present and create space for them. If I’m coming in with my own baggage I’m not able to be a good coach to them.

How do you balance your professional life with your personal one?

They mesh so often. Health and wellness is part of my life, it’s hard for me to go through my day NOT thinking “I should put that on Instagram” or “I should write a blog post on that” but you know what? That’s why I love what I do! This is the path I chose and I’m grateful I get to do this rather than sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day.

Any advice for other professional ladies?

Get really clear on the life you want to live. Imagine it, meditate on it, make a vision board and look at it every day. Then, work backward from there - what will it take for you to live the life you desire? I’m big on manifesting and honestly, it works.

Anything else you want to share?

I have an amazing recipe freebie on my website that I want to share with your readers. Head to natashawellness.com/signup to get 25 of my favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack recipes. Your belly will thank you.