The world needs more game changers.
In a world of filters and seemingly effortless perfection, I am always looking for unique motivation. I don’t mean just the traditional encouragement quote, but life-giving verses spoken with authority and grit. Motivation that reaches through the screen, takes you by the shoulder and says- you got this.
If you follow @KatieDitommaso, then you understand the kind of motivation I am talking about.
Whether it’s post-workout words of wisdom, posting pictures of her inspirational verses or even every day health advice, she aspires to inspire through social media.
“My driving force as to why I do that or any of the things I do is to continue to push myself and others to become more than they think they can be,” stated DiTommaso. “I am on a mission to become the best version of myself and help others do the same in order to embrace their full potential.”
According to NAMI, 43.8 million adults experience mental illness in a given year.
Out of that number, 1 out of 25 adults in America live with serious mental illness. 90 percent of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness.
“Every single person struggles mentally in some way. No life is without pain and suffering. We all face adversity at some point or another. I believe that how you behave and treat yourself on the outside is a reflection of what is going on inside of you. Mentally, if you are not happy with yourself or your circumstances, your behavior towards yourself and others will demonstrate that.”
Watching an everyday post from Dr. DiTomasso, her charisma is contagious.
“Many people ask me how I am so positive, and I always say that it comes from Jesus. I refer to Nehemiah 8:10. I choose joy and encourage others to do the same.”
Katie says at work it’s her mission to be the joy for others around her.
“No matter how old someone is, everyone wants to feel loved. “
The Cincinnati-native works as a physical therapist at a nursing home in San Diego and is the proud owner of Project Peach, providing customized nutrition and training to get the results people want injury free and for the long term.
“Each day I learn something new,” said DiTommaso, “not necessarily in a physical therapy sense but more importantly on the perspective of life.”
As DiTommaso is starting this new journey of her life with Project Peach, she says listening to Jocko Willink has been a reason for entering the bodybuilding/fitness world.
“Willink is the most influential person outside of my family for me,” said Katie. “He practices what he preaches: discipline equals freedom. I absolutely love that because it is 100% true in all areas of life physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.”
Willink had something in common with her background and what she relished growing up, partly a big reason for connecting with his inspiration.
“Each of my grandfather’s had a saying that they would always say to us growing up. “Hard work pays off” and “DiTommaso’s never quit”. Those two phrases just stuck for me with everything I did.”
For so many of us, sometimes it’s hard to get motivated or even know where to begin when we have goals or things we want in life. NAMI reports its findings as depression being the number one leading cause of disability worldwide.
DiTommaso says it’s not about what you have or what you do, the journey to your goals runs a little deeper.
“Too many people go their whole life living in fear, doubt, worry, and denial not even touching the surface of their potential. Everyone has a unique gift that is meant to be shared.”
Yes, YOU have a gift. YOU are essential. YOU have purpose, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to struggle. Rates of youth depression have increased ,and 12.8 million adults live with a severe mental illness (NAMI). That leaves 1 out of 5 Americans with a mental health condition. You are not alone.
“I have fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, etc. just like anyone else. The difference is that I want the most out of my life more than the things that might stop me. Sometimes when I get in a mental funk I have to be transparent with myself and bring awareness to the issues I’m having. You have to bring light into the darkness. Do not stay in the dark.”
The influencer even has some great advice for setting yourself up for success and being aware of your emotional and physical health.
“Know your triggers or the things that will set you back mentally whether it is a thought, a person, or a behavior pattern. Know yourself well enough to recognize your triggers and create strategies of attack to diffuse those triggers. Refocus your energy on the long term goal and not the short term obstacle.”
Believe it or not, mental health affects all of us.
Getting active, becoming mindful, monitoring the types of foods we put into our bodies, can all be factors into embracing a healthier lifestyle to improve mental health. NAMI states depression is a major contributor to global disease.
Mental health and mental illness goes well beyond depression. Early childhood experiences, being isolated, drug or substance abuse, health conditions; the CDC reports many factors of mental health conditions that we may have experienced or felt our entire lives.
DiTommaso says it’s okay and an influential factor in success to reach out to people that you love and let them know you need help.
“It’s ok to say you are sad, fearful, unhappy, lonely, whatever the case may be, you just have to start having conversations about it. You don’t need to feel ashamed, guilty, or helpless. People love you and want to help you. Let them help. You can’t always do everything on your own. You have an army of love around you. Let that army help you fight your battle.”
Just What the Doctor Ordered
“Nutrition in my opinion is the number one factor to improving your health. Obviously that is coupled with exercise, but the food is what people seem to struggle with the most including myself. Even for me my body composition did not change for the better until I paid attention to my nutrition. I always worked out hard 6/7 days of the week and played tennis in college, but never noticed a change in my body until I started counting macros. Once I started counting macronutrients I began to see food as fuel and my body composition changed for the better. I think in our culture we have become accustomed to large portions and having things in excess at the tips of our fingers. Got a craving? You can have almost anything delivered right to your door.
Human nature loves taking the easy way out.
However, just like most things in life neither extreme ends of the spectrum are where you want to be. I like the 80/20 rule. Be consistent throughout the week while you are working and have one meal out on the weekend. This doesn’t mean that I am perfect with this but again it’s ok to enjoy in moderation.
You should not feel guilty or stressed about food. Food does not have emotions. Often we attach our emotions to food. For example, I had a bad day so I deserve an ice cream. Not necessarily my friend. I would recommend not using food as a reward.
If portion control is difficult for you eat half of what is on your plate and pause to let things settle and digest. Before you take another bite or eat a random snack at work simply because it is in your line of sight ask yourself, am I really hungry? Food is fuel to help your body perform at its best, but it’s ok to enjoy life as well. Find the balance with your food.”
About Project Peach
“My business, Project Peach, provides customized nutrition and training to get the results people want injury free and for the long term.
My mission for my business Project Peach is to help people become more than they think they can be physically and mentally. In order to change your physique or anything in life, it all starts with what it is you believe in between your ears. In order to help someone shift their mindset from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset I want to empower them to believe in themselves. As their coach in order to lead them well I have to explain the “why” behind the process of nutrition and training in order for them to trust the process I put in place to reach their goals. I need to help them understand their “why” to drive them daily to take that step of discipline. Over time daily discipline becomes habitual and the client reaches their goal. When someone transforms their mindset and physique they prove to themselves they can do it. Now they are unstoppable. It opens the door for what else is possible in their life? It builds momentum for them to continue to transform other areas of their life for the better, which in turn will make the lives of others better around them. My mission statement is escape your limits and feel strong in a thong. “Escape your limits” meaning the excuses, lies, doubt, fear, anxiety etc. that you set up as a wall blocking your potential. I want people to break down that wall and embrace their full potential. “Feel strong in a thong” meaning I want my clients to feel empowered, confident, strong, and sexy embracing who they really are and the beautiful body they have.
My website homepage is http://www.theprojectpeach.com and there is a join now button on the homepage that will refer a potential client to an application form. Once the form is completed I will be notified and contact the potential client personally to move forward in the process. I can also be contacted personally for questions or other inquiries at teamprojectpeach@gmail.com
Project Peach is a one stop shop. As a physical therapist I can modify and customize workouts and nutrition based on your past medical history and current health to get you in the best shape for the rest of your life injury free.”
I love you and so do others 