For as long as I can remember, I have been focused on how to optimise performance.  How can I be faster, stronger, happier, healthier?  What are those things within my control that if I were to tweak, would make all of the difference?
 
2yrs ago, I received a call from my brother with bad news; he had Stage 4 cancer and was given a dire prognosis.  In that moment, my world shifted, it literally fell out from underneath me.  He is not only my brother but also my mentor and my friend.  Nothing can prepare you for this type of news, I had been blindsided and suddenly in that moment, my entire view of the world had shifted.  Around this time, I noticed others in my peer group who were also becoming unwell.  I felt that I needed to do something but at this moment it was unclear…what actions should I take?
 
Treatment options were limited for Cliff, so he set out to change those things that he had complete control over – his food choices.  My brother, with the help of a nutritionist radically changed his diet, moving away from the typical Western diet and embracing more whole foods and plant based eating.
Happily, I can say, he is with us today, strong and healthy although still fighting cancer he is winning the battle.  The doctors are baffled, mystified and inspired by his vitality, attitude and slowing down of his disease.  Watching my brother slowly recover his health and seeing the significant role that diet plays in our wellness inspired the Eat to Thrive program
 
Nutritional science is still in its early stages, and there seems to be many myths and fads around food and food choices. It can be confusing and overwhelming  for the consumer to make healthy choices.  With the help of a holistic nutritionist, we developed the Eat to Thrive program.  A 5 week fully supported program that will unravel the mysteries of food. Participants will walk away with a very clear understanding of how to fuel themselves as well as reclaim control over their health and wellbeing. 
 
We will face many challenges in our lives and by embracing the mindset of ‘Breakdowns can lead to Breakthroughs’ has made all of the difference for me.  Today, my brother is so grateful for the sweetness of life, never taking it for granted.  He has taught me that we can face challenges as opportunities and this has made all of the difference.
 
 
 
MICHELLE NEWTON
 
Sport Psychology Coach Vancouver, Mental Trainer, Certified Performing Edge Coach, Classical Homeopath, Competitive Athlete,
Co-author of  the book, “Success Stories, Profiles of Canada’s Top Coaches.”
Coach for Eat to Thrive; 5 weeks to better Health.
 

Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
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​Do you perform well during training but choke during matches or critical points?  If the answer to this is yes, you are not alone.  It is one of the most common complaints of the competitive athlete.  Sometimes referred to as choking, it will inevitably diminish your ability to perform at your best.

When the athlete is focused on winning or carries high expectations, choking is more likely.  Athletes need to focus on the here and now, and most importantly focus on their process.  In the present moment, there is no room for doubt, only positive action and the joy of competing. When you look only at what you need to do right now; your score, will take care of itself.  Most importantly, the game is a lot more fun when you focus on what you have control of.  You have control of how you show up, your effort and your mindset.  Dwelling on past mistakes?  Give yourself an inner pep talk, adopt a power pose, take a breath, think about your technique.  All of these strategies will get you back into the game and the results will take care of themselves.   
Got a sport psychology question?  Send it our way at,  momentumsportcoaching@gmail.com, we would be happy to answer it.
 
ABOUT MICHELLE NEWTON
Sport Psychology Coach, competitive athlete, speaker, author, PECI certified coach.
momentumsport.ca