"I was ready to feel happy again, and every time I got that endorphin boost, I was like, oh my God, this is why I'm doing this." - Mari Llewellyn   Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, both mentally and physically? My guest today, Mari Llewellyn, knows that feeling all too well, but found a sustainable and satisfying way out. As the co-founder of Bloom and the founder of Strength by Mari, Mari's story is a testament to the transformative power of fitness and mental health. She joins us to share her incredible journey from battling severe mental health issues and significant weight gain to becoming a successful fitness entrepreneur and mental health advocate. In this episode, Mari takes us back to 2017, a pivotal year when she decided to turn her life around. Struggling with borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety, Mari found herself at 250 pounds and deeply unhappy. She recalls how simple dietary and lifestyle swaps began to change her life. The gym became her sanctuary, where she discovered the empowering effects of weightlifting, setting her on a path to not only lose 90 pounds but also transform her mindset. Mari’s approach to fitness and nutrition is refreshingly realistic and sustainable. She emphasizes the importance of routine, finding what works for your body, and using dietary strategies as tools for achieving specific health goals. Mari shares how she navigated the often confusing world of nutrition, overcame the pitfalls of fad diets, and what she focuses on to support her active lifestyle. But the most profound change Mari experienced was in her mindset. She talks about how fitness helped her build confidence, set and achieve goals, and ultimately see herself in a new light. Mari's story is not just about weight loss; it's about reclaiming her life and finding a passion that she could share with millions. Her top 10 podcast, "Pursuit of Wellness," and her thriving business are testaments to the fact that when you change your mind, you change your life. Tune in to hear Mari's inspiring story and her actionable tips for achieving lasting health and wellness. Whether you're struggling with your own health journey or looking for a motivational boost, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Don't miss it! FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/mari Organo King of Coffee: https://www.organogold.com/nz-en/premium-gourmet-king-of-coffee/ Evolved Chocolate: https://eatingevolved.com/ Lily’s Chocolate Chips: https://www.lilys.com/products/lilys-dark-chocolate-style-baking-chips-9-oz-bag.html Sprouts Organic Riced Cauliflower: https://shop.sprouts.com/product/28032?shopping_context=delivery&retailer_id=279 Vital Choice wild-caught seafood: https://vitalchoice.sjv.io/daKYGy Reignite Wellness™ Glutamine Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/glutamine-powder Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Try Rx Sugar: jjvirgin.com/rxsugar use code JJVIRGIN20 for 20% off.  Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=931205&pw=347877 Pursuit of Wellness: https://thepursuitofwellness.com/ Mari Llewellyn IG: https://www.instagram.com/marillewellyn/?hl=en Bloom Nutrition IG: https://www.instagram.com/bloomsupps/?hl=en Pursuit of Wellness Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofwellnesspodcast/   Episode Sponsors:  Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices