In a world filled with bustling schedules and constant demands, finding a path to true wellness has become an essential pursuit for many. Anna Schmid, a beacon of inspiration in the realm of Functional Nutrition & Wellness Coaching, stands at the forefront, guiding individuals towards a holistic and nourishing approach to life. As a Functional Nutrition & Wellness Coach, Anna Schmid doesn’t just provide dietary advice; she crafts personalized journeys that delve into the intricate connections between mind, body, and spirit. In an age where health is often reduced to quick fixes and fad diets, Anna takes a different route, emphasizing the importance of functional nutrition — a methodology rooted in the idea that every individual’s body functions uniquely. Join Mystic Mag on a transformative exploration as we unravel the layers of well-being under the expert guidance of Anna Schmid.
Can you share how you incorporate principles of yoga into nutritional guidance? Are there specific yogic philosophies that you find particularly impactful when it comes to making dietary choices?
I would start with the statement that yoga is a mind-body practice; it’s about reconnecting with your body. I truly believe that you can eat as healthily and cleanly as possible. But if your mind is filled with rubbish and you have no connection to your body, then none of it will be absorbed, and none of it will work. So, I turned to yoga for that purpose. I had lost connection with my own body, and I didn’t know where it was. It was like a floating head constantly analyzing things. So, I started with the mind-body connection through yoga.
This journey led me to coaching and nutrition because I believe they are interconnected. Without one, the other cannot function, and individuality plays a crucial role. You cannot categorize people on any shelf because what works for one person may not work for another. It’s a complicated approach where you have to look at the person as a whole, distinct from anyone else you’ve ever spoken to.
We are bombarded with conflicting information, even though we generally know what’s good for us. I recently discovered, for example, that broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are actually not suitable for me, despite their reputation for being anti-cancerous and full of goodness. I’ve been eating them, and then I did genetic tests, revealing that they aren’t compatible with my body.
That’s my approach—a clean slate. When you seek my advice, I start from a clean slate. I won’t impose anything or make suggestions without first hearing your story. We need to find the connection between your mind and body.
In your coaching practice, you emphasize the mind-body connection. How do you see this connection influencing one’s approach to nutrition, and what role does mindfulness play in cultivating healthy eating habits?
Mindfulness is, I want to say, number one—I don’t know how to express it otherwise, and that’s based on experience. Mindfulness is everything, in my opinion. I truly believe that you can eat steaks and McDonald’s if you are fully aware and know how to use breathing practices. If you’re filled with calm, love, and acceptance, that McDonald’s meal is going to work wonders for your body. It all starts with the mind.
Basically, you know, I mean, of course, I wouldn’t tell a person to go ahead and harm themselves, but I genuinely believe that it starts here first before making dietary decisions. Saying, “Oh, I’m going to eat this” or “I’m going to do that” or “I’m going to fast for three weeks,” none of it works unless you get your mind straight. I am particularly adamant about this, especially now when I see so much mental illness and stress-related problems. These issues can completely change the biology and chemistry of your body. If you’ve altered your chemistry and biology, then whatever you put into your body will be transformed immediately into either rubbish or nutrients. The mind comes first.
What type of services do you offer?
I am currently not working as a coach at the moment. I needed to take a pause to get myself in order first. However, I hold credentials as a functional nutrition coach, leaning more towards a Wellness coach now. This shift is because the term “nutrition” implies providing a prescribed diet, which I no longer do. I have gained extensive knowledge, and now Wellness coaching involves identifying the root of the problem, which is rarely related to food. My approach is to see the whole person and understand what might be hindering them from achieving their goals. It may even involve questioning if those goals align with their true desires.
It’s more of a combination of psychology and meaningful connection. I strongly believe that we lack sufficient human contact and often turn to therapy. Personally, coming from Europe, I rely on friends for such support rather than paying for services. I can sense from your voice that you may share a similar background. People often pay for services here and feel lost; what they truly need is connection—a genuine conversation with someone who listens without counting dollars.
The process of becoming more aware of one’s situation is gradual and lengthy; there are no shortcuts. I’ve observed that claims like “I’ll fix you within 30 days” are misleading. So, that’s what I do.
Holistic wellness is a term often associated with your work. How do you address the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and nutritional well-being, and what strategies do you use to foster a holistic approach to health?
Mostly, there are terms that I didn’t have coffee this morning, so this is going to be tough. There are technical terms that I am using, which I just don’t want to quote now because I can’t remember, but it is mostly about listening. So, very attentive listening is what it’s all about, and it doesn’t have to have a definition. I just need to find a moment in space. Uh, create a safe space for a person to listen to their needs and what they are not saying. Most importantly, what they are not saying, what they’re trying to cover up. So, that is, for me, my detective work.
Many people turn to yoga for various reasons, such as stress relief or flexibility. How do you tailor yoga practices to meet specific goals, and how does this customization extend to the nutritional advice you provide?
When I do yoga, I don’t provide any nutrition advice. I want to ensure that my space in my yoga studio is a safe place for people to feel secure, allowing them to let go. I can observe issues emerging, particularly at the end of every practice during Shavasana, where many people struggle to relax. They may feel anxious and find it challenging to unwind. So, I pay close attention and think, “Okay, let’s focus more on relaxation.”
Recently, when I walk into the studio, even if I have a planned practice, I read the energy of the class in that moment. If the energy suggests that people are anxious and stressed, I completely change my approach. I spend more time on breathing exercises and Shavasana rather than going through the planned practice. However, I always emphasize one thing – this is their practice, not mine. It’s their sacred space, their sacred mat, and I encourage them not to look around, but rather to do whatever they need to do that day without trying to compete. I stress that yoga is a work-in, not just a workout. That’s my approach.
Nutrition isn’t just about what we eat but also how we eat. How do you incorporate mindfulness into the culinary experience, and what advice do you have for individuals looking to develop a more conscious and mindful approach to their meals?
Something that is increasingly impossible to achieve, but I will never stop trying, and that includes myself because I’m absolutely not exempt. I wouldn’t be teaching anything if I wasn’t troubled by it myself. The ideal situation is to eat in silence or in good company. No difficult discussions at the dinner table because stress would compromise your nutrients, and it doesn’t really matter what you eat. You could eat toilet paper, but if you’re stressed and having conflicts at the dinner table, there’s no way you can get anywhere.
When I prepare my meals, I try to be silent—no devices, not even music. Recently, I created that space in silence, looking into the dream garden I have and just eating in peace. That’s what I would love for everybody to do, but I know it’s almost impossible now. However, I encourage everyone to try it at least once, to focus on every bite. Very often, including myself, I eat something and then don’t remember eating it. Have I already eaten? I just see a piece of paper or something I devoured because I was busy planning my day. That is mindfulness, a constant lifelong practice. There’s no such thing you can possibly achieve. It’s always going back to that, not feeling guilty about a bad day or forgetting, like this morning when I forgot to buy coffee. Without coffee, I was thinking about getting it and ate something without even remembering it. All the knowledge in the world doesn’t make you a master; you have to do it every day, take small steps, and then pat yourself on the back.
Simple, try it once, and see if it’s better. When you feel calmer, your stomach is not cringing. If it’s not cringing, it’s allowed to tell your body it’s safe to digest. Our bodies are constantly stressed 24/7, and if you are stressed, it’s not the time to create or digest; it’s time to run. I am so aware of it because I’m constantly on that wheel of stress.
I am happy to chat, always happy to connect with a human being, whatever that means, wherever that leads you. I just want to wish you good luck with whatever you’re doing and wish everybody to be happy and successful.
Read more at https://www.annaschmid.com/
