Meet Valeria Espinosa | Health Coach in Menopause and Hormonal Changes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valeria Espinosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valeria, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Fifteen years ago, the man of my dreams proposed to me and although my immediate answer was yes, doing so implied a radical change in my life as I knew it until then.

I grew up and lived most of my adult life in Ecuador, my boyfriend was from Argentina but had lived in the United States for many years and accepting his proposal implied that I had to move to another country, since he, at that time, was starting his own business. In Ecuador, I had an excellent job, I earned well, I lived surrounded by the love of my family and friends, I liked to travel the world and had a comfortable and quiet life.

Leaving that life to start from scratch, was not easy to assume for me. For almost 35 years I lived with my parents, and I have to admit that I did not know how to do housework, I did not cook, and I had never gone to the supermarket by myself! I would start a new life in a country where I did not know many people, where I would have to make new friends, follow new rules, and leave behind my known and cozy environment.

Despite the fear that such a big change represented for me, and that it was difficult for me to get adapted to this new life, I consider it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. Not only because I am still happily married to a wonderful man, but also because I grew up in many ways, I learned to do many things on my own, I got a great job and made wonderful friends who over time became part of my family.
Grow, change, and evolve are always words that imply a break and a point of no return. Despite this, what we gain in terms of learning, resilience and experience is indisputable and allows us to face future challenges with greater maturity, determination, and confidence in ourselves and in our infinite possibilities to achieve what is truly important and meaningful to us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My path to a healthy life began when I ran into hormonal difficulties looking for my second baby. Thanks to a healthy diet, the practice of yoga and acupuncture I increased my chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and this marked the beginning of a radical change in my lifestyle.
In line with this change, I decided to become certified as a Health Coach from the prestigious “IIN”. I learned that nutrition and other factors such as physical exercise, personal relationships, spirituality and work can significantly benefit or affect our health. Soon after, I specialized in Hormonal Health, and learned about how thyroid and reproductive imbalances can be balanced through a healthy diet and the use of alternative techniques. This specialization was of great help, when some time after the birth of my second child, I entered an early menopausal stage.

Thanks to my personal experience and the knowledge I acquired in my certifications, I have supported many women to cope with Menopause, accept this transition stage and make the necessary adjustments in their habits and lifestyle to live it in a full, constructive and healthy. Through personal coaching sessions, online courses and talks, I have provided women with a fresh and positive outlook of this wonderful and yet challenging stage in a woman’s life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the most beautiful parts of Miami is without any doubt, the city where I live, Coral Gables. Its historical setup with beautiful houses and lush vegetation create the perfect scenario for a cozy kind-of-countryside lifestyle. On the other side, its commercial district provides an array of restaurants, bars and entertaining places to satisfy the most demanding palate. Among the places I love to go are Zucca, Bulla and Mamey. Can’t wait for the opening of Fogo de Chao very soon at the new and magnificent The Plaza in Ponce de Leon Blvd! Coral Gables is also synonym of outdoor activities and I love to spend my weekends visiting the Fairchild Tropical Garden, Matheson Hammock Park or doing some shopping at Village of Merrick Park. You can never get bored in such a beautiful city like Coral Gables.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Victor Gadda, has been my great support along these years. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and is a huge believer of my personal skills to connect and support other women. I am also thankful to Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) for being the catapult in my training as a health coach and for providing me with the knowledge to support people’s optimal health. Along my journey as health coach, I have also met amazing women, coaches like me, who have become my mentors, partners, allies and some of them now, my dear friends. All of us committed to share with people our experience, skills and knowledge and build healthier and happier lives.

Website: www.valeriaespinosa.com

Instagram: @valeria_coachmenopausia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriaespinosa-hcm

Facebook: @valeriaespinosa.hcm

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/espinosavale

Image Credits
Photos: Juano Abreu