Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sandra Elia, Food Addiction Counselor, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Sandra Elia is the founder of the Food Addiction Recovery Program. The Food Addiction Recovery Program is for anyone who has struggled with their weight and/or eating for years, maybe even decades. They have tried every diet program out there and failed many times. Their weight and eating are affecting their relationships, career, and health. Food is one of our most basic needs . . . But for some people, certain foods trigger overwhelming 'feel-good brain chemicals' that overtake their brain's reward pathway. And they can't stop eating. Literally, in the same way, that a smoker craves a cigarette or an alcoholic can't stop after one drink, there are some folks who simply can't stop eating after they take that first bite. Their brain is hijacked. Chemicals are racing, and the addictive cycle has begun.

We call this food addiction. Food addiction is a cluster of chemical dependencies on specific foods or food in general after the ingestion of high palatable foods such as sugar, excess fat, and salt, the brains of some people develop a physical craving for these foods.

Sandra Elia is building a community of seekers, open to finding a solution beyond the traditional dieting model, aimed at healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit. Where the community members define beauty and set the standard for self-love. Together, we reclaim our power over the diet industry and the media's expectations of beauty. To find peace with food, peace with ourselves, and ultimately peace with those around us.

Tell us about yourself

Sandra Elia is a Certified Food Addiction Counselor and a pioneer in the field of addictive eating. Her expertise has brought about partnerships with Canada's top obesity and addiction doctors. Her Food Addiction Recovery Program has yielded tremendous success. Clients report improved health, improved sense of well-being, and, most importantly, changing their relationship with food.

Sandra runs Ontario's outpatient Food Addiction Recovery Program in medical clinics across Canada. She co-created Canada's first 28-day residential treatment program for food addiction at Renascent Addiction Rehab Centre in Toronto.

Sandra Elia knows firsthand the struggle of living with obesity. She has lived two lives: one as a morbidly obese woman for 15 years. She experienced a world that was not made for her size, seeking assistance from biased healthcare providers, and dealing with fat-shaming. Since those difficult days, Sandra has transformed her life and her body and lost over 100 pounds 19 years ago.

Sandra is dedicated to changing the conversation so that anyone living with obesity has access to treatment that is steeped with dignity, respect, and understanding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Sandra Elia is a trailblazer in Canada, being the "first to market" to develop programs to treat Food Addiction and partner with Canada's top obesity doctors. Most importantly, Sandra has created a safe space for her community grounded in acceptance and reverence for all. All actions and words are guided by Love.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things to overcome as a business owner is a failure. Every success story is paved with failures and wrong turns. Success is built on persistence and a belief in oneself.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Having a steady form of income outside of your business venue. This means more work for you, and it might take more time, but it will allow you to take risks and be creative.
  2. Collaborate and align yourself with winners in your field. Do all the heavy lifting in the beginning to develop the new partnerships.
  3. Love your clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sandraelia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodaddictionprogram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraelia.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandraelia_ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-elia/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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