[CHARLOTTETOWN, PE] - A proactive approach to improving her own health has taken Rachelle Wood further then she ever dreamed.
After struggling with her weight as a teenager and young adult, Wood said enough was enough and set out to change her life.
In doing so, Wood has helped Islanders lose over 75,000 pounds in just six years.
“I was obese when I was in high school and I suffered from some health problems,” she said. “I decided to be proactive so I attended the Canadian School of National Nutrition and I’ve been actively involved in the industry ever since.”
Wood was recognized as the Island’s BDC Young Entrepreneur Award winner at a gala in Saskatoon Tuesday night for her business, Rachelle Wood Nutrition.
One young entrepreneur from each province is selected for the award each year.
Wood opened a private nutrition practice in 1996 called Positive Change Nutrition and Lifestyle Consulting.
After seeing the successful results of her clients, Wood came up with an even bigger business idea.
“What I decided to do three years ago was brand my written content into an online weight loss program called SeeResults which I sell to other nutritionists in my industry.”
The web-based application allows nutritionists and their clients to go online to check and track their progress.
It also features recipes, customizable meal plans and one-on-one coaching.
The idea took off and caught the attention of nutritionists across Canada.
“We created SeeResults and it has been helping me grow my practice across the country,” said Wood, who employees two people locally. “I’m so happy to be helping Canadians and not just Islanders now.”
Wood worked with a local technology firm, Thinking Big, to develop the application and plans to take SeeResults to the next step by offering an app for mobile phones.
“I do believe in working with others to help me create the ultimate experience for my clients,” she said.
Since making the decision to return to school and then to start a business, Wood lost 100 pounds and won several awards.
“It’s just amazing to see the progress I’ve made over the past six years,” she said.
Wood was honoured to have her parents by her side when she picked up her latest award in Saskatoon and said the trip will be memorable.
“This is my first time in Saskatoon, so it’s nice to actually go a Canadian city that I’ve never been to.”
