Meet Miriam Kaseff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Kaseff. 

Hi Miriam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started my own health journey in 2014 after my bout with breast cancer. I needed to find a balance that I had been missing. I was determined to take control of my health and do whatever I could to decrease the chances of experiencing another life-threatening diagnosis. While I made some changes on my own, I found I could make faster and more lasting changes with the right support. 

I began educating myself about food labels. I avoided processed foods and foods with high sugar content, unhealthy fats, and unpronounceable ingredients. I also started purchasing organic fruits and vegetables and humanely raised, grass-fed meats. I focused on reducing my stress level and worked on transforming negative thought patterns. I also discovered new ways of working out and instead of strictly doing aerobic exercise, I started doing strength training. (I’ve never felt stronger!) I changed my mindset, my routine, my health, and I am proud to share my success with others. 

I am now an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Through Precision Nutrition, a premier coaching program based in Canada, I achieved a Level 1 certificate in the science of sports and exercise nutrition and a Level 2 Master Class certificate. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Bad times have a scientific value. These are opportunities a good learner will not miss”. 

I think most people have challenges on the path to success. Reframing obstacles to become learning experiences can be an important part of growing as a person and entrepreneur. 

I had some physical and mental setbacks since my reconstructive surgery in 2013. I was hospitalized for five days with IV antibiotics for an infection in my remaining breast tissue. While in the hospital, a resident told me that one of the implants may need to be removed. This was devastating news to think I may be “lopsided.” I had to work through this mental challenge by looking at the big picture. I am alive! I will be able to do everything I want to do in life, travel, spend time with my family and friends, exercise, and work. I was very fortunate that the medication worked, and I was able to keep my implant, but it was a mental and physical rollercoaster ride for me. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a former special educator, I worked for 14 years with children who were Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their families. I loved seeing the lightbulb turn on for kids that struggled to understand language, which impacted their learning. Breaking down goals into small manageable steps was how these students became successful. 

Now, I coach women like me, who struggle to maintain a healthy balance in their lives. I help overwhelmed women manage doctor-prescribed diets by teaching them to adopt a healthier lifestyle without feeling deprived. Oftentimes, doctors will hand their patients a sheet of paper with all of the foods they need to eliminate, without much explanation or assistance in implementation. I often hear, “This is a list of everything I eat!! What can I eat now?” I feel so great when my clients’ symptoms are reduced and they know they can still go out for dinner and enjoy the food they eat while maintaining their health. 

I’m known for providing compassionate accountability. One client, Robyn said, “For several years, I’ve had several doctors recommend that I make significant changes in my diet (gluten-free, grain-free, etc.) for various health reasons. I’m all for it; however, I have had a tough time executing so that the changes stick. Miriam is the secret sauce! She has helped me find food substitutions that work, new recipes, accountability, and so much more! For the first time, I think I can make the necessary food adjustments (and there are a lot!) I need to make to improve my health, clear up my skin and feel better. Miriam was the missing link. She’s been my food Sherpa. So grateful I found her!!” 

My teaching experience, along with making my own lifestyle changes helps me relate well to my clients. I am fortunate to have married my two passions of teaching and health/wellness. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
We live in such a fast-paced world. While my heart went out to so many who lost loved ones during the pandemic, I was fortunate to be able to take a step back and slow down. I connected with old friends and had time for self-care. I didn’t realize how busy I’d become until everything stopped. My husband, who is immunocompromised, and I were able to hunker down for our safety. We realized after 30 years of marriage that we still like each other!! For me, it was a time to reevaluate what’s important in my life. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://welllifewithmiriam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welllifewithmiriam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/welllifewithmiriam/

Image Credits
Cassie McKenzie Taylor