Milk.Toast.: My Journey Managing Celiac Disease and Food Allergies at Home and on the Road (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781523271436)

Heidi L. Smith, CINHC, CMP is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Corporate Wellness Specialist, Certified Meeting Professional and is the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Integrative Wellness Studio in Greater Houston area. Heidi spent more than 25 years in the meetings industry and was a classic "road warrior" for many of those years traveling around the country for her job. After being diagnosed with celiac disease and other food allergies, she found it hard to manage being on the road and sticking to a dietary lifestyle that had so many restrictions in it. After talking with other colleagues who were experiencing issues with various food allergies and digestive issues, she helped numerous people to find out that they too had celiac disease or gluten sensitivities that had gone undetected for years. Finding joy in being able to help others to get well sparked her interest in learning more about autoimmune disease, food allergies and how to manage the consequential dietary needs. In order to fulfill helping others fully, she decided to make a major life change and quit the meetings industry to pursue a training program with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. She received her certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and opened her practice, the Integrative Wellness Studio in Chicago and eventually in Houston. The Integrative Wellness Studio offers one-on-one health coaching programs to assist people in finding sustainable health through lifestyle and nutrition. Heidi leads classes and workshops on a variety of topics, develops wellness programs and speaks to groups on nutrition and developing a healthier lifestyle. Heidi lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Dennis and two dogs, Wally and Agador. Her stepson, Austin, is finishing his engineering degree in Louisiana and since Heidi and Dennis are empty-nesters, they enjoy cooking, golfing, playing tennis and traveling. Heidi is also involved in the community doing volunteer work with a number of charities including her favorite work, helping to rescue stray animals in the local neighborhood.