How to Build a Body and a Business with Toni Marinucci

Welcome to the 'Aww Shift' podcast, where we dive deep into the art of transformation and growth with your host, Anthony Trucks! Today, we have an extraordinary guest, Toni Marinucci, a Registered Dietitian and seasoned lifestyle blogger with a profound commitment to enhancing lives through health and happiness.

In this captivating episode, Anthony and Toni explore the secrets of building both a remarkable body and a thriving business. Drawing on her expertise as a Master's Degree holder in Nutrition, Toni shares invaluable insights on achieving a harmonious balance between personal health and professional success.

Get ready to shift your perspective and unleash your potential in this power-packed conversation!

[2:50] Why should I listen to you? 

I consider myself more of a listener. My strength lies in connecting with people, regardless of their age, gender, or how they identify themselves. I take pride in seeing individuals for who they are at their core, and I'm dedicated to helping them believe in themselves. If you seek someone to talk to who will hear you, validate your feelings, and understand your perspective, I'm here to elevate you to the next level. I can provide a fresh perspective, clear away any foggy thoughts, and offer clarity and peace of mind. 

[6:20] Do you mind sharing some of your experiences? 

I used to feel ashamed of loving so many things, questioning whether it meant I couldn't commit to one specific path. But it's not about being afraid of going all-in; it's about the genuine passion I have for each of my interests. For a decade, I've honed my craft as a registered dietitian, empowering and guiding women to make peace with food and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Mastering my own relationship with food led to a shift in priorities. It's not about appearance or weight loss; it's about feeling good and taking care of myself. My world opened up, and I still love coaching and real estate. I'm now helping other dietitians grow their online practices too. I believe in teaching, inspiring, and serving. We don't need to be confined to one identity, and it's okay to explore other passions. However, it's essential to avoid just dabbling; I am fully committed to all my endeavors, even if it gets exhausting.

[13:20] What are the things you are currently putting your energy into? 

I've realized that while I have many aspirations and interests, I need to ensure that my nutrition business is well-established and that our clients feel fully supported. That's been my main focus, making sure everyone in our program is thriving and satisfied. On a deeper level, I've been exploring personal development through podcasts and motivational speakers like Trent Shelton, whom I admire greatly. I aspire to speak on big stages and expand my horizons. I've been contemplating what that would look like and how I could turn it into my primary source of income to enable me to pursue other ventures. To achieve this, I've been tapping into the personal development space more deeply, aiming to become the best version of myself. 

[16:30] What led you to the path of being a dietitian in the first place? 

Growing up, I faced weight-related teasing that tied my self-worth to appearance. The 1990s media exacerbated this issue with fat-shaming and praise for extreme weight loss. My grandmother's comments further deepened this belief. Throughout my teenage years, I struggled with disordered eating patterns, restrictions, overexercising, and bingeing. However, I learned that restriction wasn't the answer and shifted my focus to how food made me feel, leading to balanced eating habits. This revelation sparked numerous shifts and breakthrough moments. My passion for nutrition led me to become a dietitian, but I unknowingly developed orthorexia, driven by societal praise for healthier habits in a bigger body. Realizing the need to heal myself to help others, I pursued a master's in nutrition. Tips with Tony, my blog turned business, began during college, demonstrating that success comes with perseverance and hard work.

[24:25] How can you make people who feel less about themselves listen to you, and what aspects should they concentrate on to move past that situation?

The first thing I want to mention is the importance of understanding what you just shared. Often, people find it easier to avoid discomfort, which motivates them to make changes. When we feel out of control around food or dislike our bodies, it drives us to do something about it. There's a fear that accepting our current state will cause us to lose motivation, as we're used to relying on external factors to get going. In reality, motivation needs to come from within. It's not just about feeling motivated, it's about making choices every day. We should focus on how we feel and learn that we don't need negative feelings to drive us. There will be times when we don't feel like doing something, but we have to take small steps forward. On the topic of body image and nutrition, it's a more profound conversation. For now, let's explore the philosophy behind it, which is incredibly beneficial. We could have another podcast focusing on developing habits rather than rigid meal plans. 

[29:11] What is the importance of having the right people around you during this journey? 

Everything revolves around your environment. I'm not saying people can't change without support, but it's really tough. Some of the women I work with have family members who contribute to their issues, yet they're still living with them or depending on them for various reasons. Having a strong support system is crucial, both physically and emotionally. If you can, limit your exposure to people who constantly talk about diets, criticize, or praise your body. Oh, and by the way, praising someone's weight loss without knowing their situation can be harmful too. You never know what someone's going through. So, it's better to avoid commenting on people's bodies altogether. Setting boundaries with others is important. You can kindly ask them not to talk about your body or change the topic when they bring it up. 

[36:00] How long does it usually take for someone to start? 

When we work with women, it's a minimum six-month commitment. Some clients undergo a significant transformation within this timeframe, with a new mindset and positive habits. For others, it may take longer, depending on their history with self-criticism, and dieting.  However, six months to a year is remarkably fast compared to a lifetime of struggles. Going through this journey alone might extend the process. Healing varies from person to person, and even after transformation, intrusive thoughts can still occur. The key is to respond to them differently, understanding their source and navigating through triggers. Working with the right professionals and support can lead to lasting changes and embracing a new identity that prioritizes mental and physical health. It requires commitment and guidance, but it's a journey worth embarking on.

[42:40] Why is it important for you to teach other dieticians how to do what you do? 

There are two reasons for my mission. Firstly, by helping others improve their lives and relationships with themselves and others, they spread my mission of wellness and support. Second, the business coaching industry is filled with scams and untrustworthy practices. Many coaches charge exorbitant fees for little value, leading me to take a proactive stance. I decided to offer valuable resources and guidance without breaking the bank. My vision is to make coaching accessible to those just starting out in their entrepreneurial journey. 

[49:49] What promise did God make to the world when he created you? 

To share my voice and be his vessel. 

Key Quotes

[23:00-23:03] You don’t have to wait, you can be happy now

[32:20-32:24] Try to compliment the effort, not the look

How to connect with Toni Marinucci

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/toniann.marinucci

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipswithtoni

Website: https://tipswithtoni.com