A Woman to KNOW : Kelsey Vickers

Meet Susan Gladstein with The Metabolism Maven 

In a world where the quest for balance often seems like an elusive dream, Susan stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. As a Functional Nutrition & Metabolism Specialist, Certified Life & Health Coach, and a mother of six, Susan embodies the remarkable ability to blend personal experience with professional expertise. Her journey, colored by her roles as an Air Force Veteran, first responder wife, and mother spanning a broad age range from 26 to 2, paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination. Susan’s life story is not just about managing the whirlwind of daily life; it’s about thriving amidst it.

At the heart of her mission lies a profound commitment to empower moms. Susan understands the struggles of motherhood intimately – the exhaustion, the guilt, and the overwhelming sense of being lost in one’s own life. However, through her transformative journey, she discovered the keys to unlocking energy and joy in life. Susan’s approach is not about restrictive diets or fleeting health fads; it’s about sustainable, enjoyable changes that bring about real, lasting wellness. Her MetaboBliss™ program isn’t just a plan; it’s a journey towards food freedom, rejuvenated energy, and a healthier family legacy.

This article delves into Susan’s inspiring backstory, her “Aha Moment” that led to her current endeavor, and the unique attributes that set her company apart in the wellness industry. It’s a story of personal triumph, a testament to the power of small, consistent changes, and an invitation to all moms to embark on their journey towards a happier, healthier life. Join us as we explore the inspiring world of Susan, where every mother has the potential to find her MetaboBliss™

Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
When my older kids were small, my life was far from what I’d dreamed of as a kid. I lived in a cloud of misery, unable to find joy in motherhood, envious of those moms who seemed to have it all together. It’s strange – I’d dreamed of being a mom my whole life and when it finally happened, I was consumed by exhaustion, self-doubt, and poor health. My diet was horrible, and I felt guilty for taking any time for myself (although usually that’s because I was too exhausted to do anything more than just existing each day). I struggled with the guilt, shame, and restrictive yo-yo diets to overcorrect, and I was just that cranky mom who had no patience for the ones I loved most. I finally learned to do things differently and overcame my health struggles by balancing my blood sugar, healing my relationship with food, and taking a holistic mind-body-soul approach to wellness. After discovering patience, energy, and the ability to savor every precious moment with my “do-over” (yup, I started all over at 40 – thanks vasectomy reversal!), I knew I had to pay it forward to other moms. For the last 9 years, I’ve helped hundreds of women take back control of their health and enable them to finally feel confident in their body. I’m on a mission to change the world through equipping busy moms with the step-by-step actions they need to take to find their MetaboBliss™. 

What was the “Aha Moment” that led to the creation of your current company?
It all began with my own health and wellness journey, during which I discovered valuable insights that had a profound impact on my family’s dynamics. But what truly ignited my passion was witnessing the incredible transformation of a coworker who was going through a tough time in her marriage and had gained a significant amount of stress weight. As fate would have it, we started walking together daily, and I began sharing the health tips and strategies that had worked wonders for my own family. Over the course of a year, she shed nearly 100 pounds, reignited her love for an active lifestyle, and even got her kids involved in the process. Their entire family dynamic underwent a remarkable transformation, and it was an immensely fulfilling journey to be a part of. This experience was my “ah-ha” moment, the instant when I realized that helping others in this way was my true purpose and passion. Over the past nine years, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and expertise through certifications and ongoing study. Today, I’m proud to have developed a 4-week metabolism makeover program designed specifically for busy moms. It offers easy and enjoyable steps that can be seamlessly integrated into real-life routines, ultimately leading to healthier and happier family dynamics. It’s my way of paying forward the incredible transformation I witnessed and helping other families experience positive change as well. 

What do you think makes your company stand out?
What sets my company apart is the deeply personal and holistic approach we take to health and wellness. Unlike many other diet programs, we understand the challenges and complexities of real-life situations, especially for busy moms. Our unique 4-week metabolism makeover program isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about transforming the entire family dynamic into one that’s healthier and happier. We stand out because we’ve been there. We’ve walked the path of exhaustion, self-doubt, and poor health. We’ve experienced the guilt and frustration of trying to balance self-care with the demands of motherhood. And we’ve successfully overcome these challenges through practical, achievable, and enjoyable strategies. Our program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s tailored to each mom’s individual needs and circumstances, making it flexible and sustainable. We emphasize the importance of balance, and we prioritize the mind, body, and soul connection in achieving lasting wellness. But what truly distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to helping moms build a healthier legacy for their families. We’ve witnessed the transformative power of these changes firsthand, and that passion and dedication shine through in everything we do. We don’t just offer a program; we offer a supportive community, guidance, and the genuine belief that every mom can reclaim her energy, shed the dieting drama, and create a joyful, lasting change for her family. 

What has been your favorite moment in your career so far?
My favorite moment in my career is witnessing the transformation in women of all ages who have long battled with themselves, succumbing to the pressures of diet culture and sacrificing their happiness in pursuit of a lower number on the scale. It’s that incredible moment when it all just clicks, and they truly grasp how small changes can lead to a monumental impact on their health (and I’m lucky enough to see this every day!) It’s about realizing that we can work with our bodies instead of constantly fighting against them. But what truly warms my heart is when I hear these women share their experiences, especially the moments when their family members have their own “ah-ha” moments. After years of resistance, these families begin to embrace positive change for themselves, and that ripple effect is nothing short of magical. It’s these moments of transformation, empowerment, and unity that make my career so incredibly fulfilling. 

What measure do you use to determine success?
To me, success is the harmonious blend of financial and time freedom that allows you to uncover your true passion and purpose in life while savoring every precious moment along the way. Life is too short to be consumed by work around the clock, and no one reaches the end of their journey wishing they had worked more. As someone who’s often been a high performer and has experienced the burnout that can come with it, I’ve come to realize that true success lies in striking a balance. It’s about working diligently while still having the freedom to explore, learn, and most importantly, spend quality time with the people I cherish the most. Success, for me, is where hard work and a fulfilling life outside of work coexist in perfect harmony. 

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
The advice that has had the most profound impact on me is the realization that it’s not about overhauling everything in my life all at once. This revelation came to me through reading “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy. Instead of striving for massive changes that often lead to failure, I learned that it’s the seemingly insignificant small changes that make all the difference. As someone who used to struggle with perfectionism, this advice was a game-changer. It allowed me to approach life with a more balanced perspective, and it made me a better wife, mom, and coach. It’s a reminder that consistent, incremental progress can lead to remarkable transformations over time, and it has guided my approach to personal and professional growth ever since. 

What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
My message to anyone with a dream of creating something of their own and making a living from it is this: you have a unique purpose and passion within you, and it’s not just a distant dream. Often, we underestimate the value of what comes naturally to us and what we love doing. We might think, “It’s so easy, I’d do it for free,” but we fail to realize that it’s worth something to someone. I want you to know that you were created for a specific purpose and there is no one else in this world like you. Embrace your true, authentic self, and follow your heart. It may be scary, and there may be challenges along the way, but the journey is undeniably worth it. Trust in your unique abilities, believe in your vision, and have the courage to pursue it. You have the power to turn your passion into a fulfilling and successful venture. 

Lynne Kimmich

More About Susan

Susan is a Functional Nutrition & Metabolism Specialist, certified Life & Health Coach, and proud mom of six, ranging in age from 26 to 2. As an Air Force Veteran and first responder wife, she’s a pro at maintaining balance in the chaos of life. Her mission? To empower moms, reignite their energy, and bid farewell to dieting drama, all while enjoying their favorite foods without guilt. With her straightforward metabolism-boosting strategies, Susan is your new best friend and guide on the journey to discovering your MetaboBliss™, embracing food freedom, transforming your family dynamics, and leaving behind a healthier legacy.