THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR HEALTH YOU’D LIKE TO
own cholesterol. Mary has a history of heart disease in her family, but
FIX THIS YEAR. Weight, sleep quality, endurance, balance or your
she was determined to normalize her blood work with nutrition. She
blood work report card. Protein powder isn’t a magic bullet. Neither
achieved and has maintained healthy levels for years without medica-
are cutting carbs or “shredding” muscles at the gym. A smart
tion. She became an expert in multiple aspects of her field and earned
woman in our own back yard offers a realistic, educated and holistic
certifications as a personal trainer, a health and wellness coach and a
approach to wellness, delivered with the promise of delicious food.
holistic health coach. She’s studied with numerous internationally rec-
The perfect health coach should be smart and fit. Eden Prairie’s Mary
ognized thought leaders and her insatiable appetite for learning keeps
Battista, the owner of Prairie Health Companion, embodies those traits
her on the cutting edge of health trends - she continually researches the
and more. She’s a chef with a science background who can orchestrate
latest diets that might throw us off balance if we lend them credence.
a delectable four course luncheon and lead lively conversation debunk-
It’s refreshing to meet a health guru who doesn’t start coaching
ing the latest nutrition fads, comparing Eastern medical philosophies
with a list of restrictions, calories counts and macronutrient guide-
and explaining melatonin cascades. She seasons her teaching with a
lines. If you can accept that you should consume primarily whole,
dash of humor and a pinch of genuine understanding for those of us
natural foods, get plenty of sleep and exercise more, Mary can teach
who are a little less adept, disciplined and informed. Impressions from
you how to cook and live more healthfully.
Mary’s kitchen include pans well-seasoned with family recipes, gem-
Mary believes that understanding cravings and identifying moti-
toned vegetables, the scent of apples baking and a vibrant woman con-
vation help us change to reach our goals. She says “foods are the
cocting a sumptuous meal while inspiring us to live our best lives with
antidote to the seasons” in Minnesota. Eating light salads in the
convincing knowledge and a flair for relaxed entertaining.
summer cools us down. Cozy meals with spicy flavors in the winter
After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the
warm us up. Mary also says that “colors are cues for health,” mean-
University of Wisconsin, Mary worked with cardiac and stroke patients,
ing that different produce pigments indicate the presence of various
reinforcing her interest in a healthy lifestyle. She was further moti-
antioxidants. She recognizes family heritage in consulting with her
vated when her doctor recommended a prescription to manage her
clients, believing that traditions and DNA are important elements CONTINUED >
January 2018 | Eden Prairie Lifestyle
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