Successful Change Means Holistic Change

At Mason & Lanz, we believe that real change has to be holistic. But what does that actually mean?

When it comes to managing your health - whether you're facing metabolic issues, supporting kidney function, or simply striving for a better quality of life - focusing only on diet isn't enough. Nutrition is necessary, yes. But lasting, meaningful change is about much more than just what’s on your plate.

Holistic might sound like a buzzword these days, but when we talk about it, we mean something real: A healthy, flourishing life comes from supporting all areas that impact your well-being - your food, your movement, your sleep, your mindset, your emotional resilience, and even your environment.

Why Holistic Change Matters for Your Health

You could eat the best diet in the world - but if stress, poor sleep, inactivity, or negative self-talk are still running the show, your body (and mind) will struggle to heal the way it could.

This is especially true when it comes to protecting vital organs like your kidneys. Healthy kidneys aren’t just about lowering sugar intake or choosing the right foods (although that's part of it). They need a strong foundation of whole-body health, which is affected also by things not directly related to diet, such as

➡ Resilient emotional health

➡ Consistent self-care practices

➡ Quality sleep and effective rest

➡ Regular, appropriate physical activity

➡ Managing stress in healthy ways

➡ Building supportive daily routines and habits

➡ Creating a healthy environment

➡ Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins (like smoking, heavy alcohol use, or unnecessary medications)

You might not think it, but each of these factors has an effect on things that directly affect your kidneys like blood sugar, blood pressure, and chronic inflammation.

Beyond kidney health, it's about something even bigger: The best quality of life - waking up with energy, being able to move easily, feeling good in your own skin, and having the strength to live the life you truly want.

Change Takes More Than Good Intentions - It Takes Strategy

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to make lasting nutrition or lifestyle changes isn't because they don’t care enough - it’s because they don’t have the right strategies and tools.

Holistic change takes time, patience, and a clear roadmap. It requires:

➡ Knowing which direction to go in

➡ Breaking goals into doable steps

➡ Building small habits that add up over time

➡ Having strategies to manage setbacks without giving up

➡ Learning to handle emotions, stress, and daily life without turning away from your goals

Without these tools, even the best information can feel overwhelming. With the right tools, small daily choices start to add up - and before you know it, you’re not just improving your health; you’re becoming the person you truly want to be.

Going It Alone?

While you might have access to tools and strategies that help point you in the right direction, you'll still need support. Whether it comes from friends and family, from community support groups, or from your own personal nutrition and lifestyle coach (ideally all of the above), there will be times when you have questions for which you can't find an answer, times when your motivation falters, times when you need someone to listen and you feel you just can't go it alone.

When you find the kind of support you need, you're not just changing your diet - you're building the life you truly want. Start building your support system:

Talk openly with one or two trusted friends or family members. Let them know you’re working on making important changes and could use their encouragement. You don't need a big crowd — even one or two solid supporters can make a big difference.

Join a community group (in-person or online). Look for groups that focus on health, nutrition, low-carb/keto lifestyles, or general wellness. Being part of a community where people share similar goals and challenges can make you feel less alone and keep you motivated.

Consider working with a personal nutrition and lifestyle coach. A good coach not only provides expert guidance but also helps you stay on track emotionally and mentally. (At Mason & Lanz, you're not just "following a plan" - you're building a life.)

Schedule regular check-ins with your support people. Don't wait for a crisis to reach out. Setting up regular calls, messages, or even short in-person meetups can help keep you accountable and feeling connected.

Be honest about what you need. Sometimes you’ll need advice. Sometimes you’ll just need someone to listen. Let your support system know how they can best show up for you.

Create a "go-to" list for tough days. Write down a few people, groups, or resources you can turn to when you're struggling. Having a list ready makes it easier to reach out when motivation is low.

Offer support back. Support is a two-way street. Encouraging others strengthens your own sense of belonging and reminds you that you’re not walking this road alone.

What to Look for in a Personal Nutrition Coach

Choosing the right nutrition coach means finding someone who understands that food is just the beginning. Nutrition is the foundation, but real, lasting change touches every part of your life.

A great coach helps you build not just better eating habits, but also the skills and routines that fit who you are - guiding you through any ups and downs along the way.

Look for someone who sees you as more than numbers or symptoms. The right coach takes the time to understand your story, your goals, and your struggles - and walks beside you, offering encouragement, real strategies, and celebrating your progress.

Choosing the right coach can make all the difference.  Here’s a quick checklist to help you find the someone who can truly support your journey:

✔ Focuses on the whole person, not just the diet

✔ Helps you build lasting habits and real-life skills

✔ Supports you through emotional and stressful times

✔ Creates personalized plans that fit your life — not a one-size-fits-all approach

✔ Takes time to understand your story, goals, and struggles

✔ Celebrates your progress and believes in your potential

✔ Offers encouragement, practical strategies, and real partnership

✔ Helps you not just reach health goals — but become the person you want to be

Are You Ready for Change?

If you're ready to build real, lasting change - the kind that supports your health, your energy, and your future - we’re here to help you take the first step. Because at Mason & Lanz, we believe you deserve more than just a new diet. You deserve a new path forward. And we'll be with you every step of the way.