1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Michelle Weinstein, CEO and Founder of FITzee Foods, (34). Prior to starting FITzee Foods, a San Diego-based health food and wellness company, I was a financial analyst. Staring endlessly at grey walls all day ultimately left me quite restless, and started giving me what I endearingly refers to as “cubicle butt.” To combat this I began teaching workout classes in a nearby park. However, I did’t feel this was enough. While working in my cubicle, another lunchtime rolled around and I found myself reaching for the same, frozen, cardboard-tasting meal. I thought, “wouldn’t it be great if you could get delicious food that was healthy delivered to your office or home?” This was the spark that lead to FITzee Foods.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

Seeing and having an unhealthy family was motivating to me. My uncle was overweight and I saw the effects this had on his health. Having the least amount of health issues and the most prevention from the foods we eat is what motivates me.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

I actually became inspired without having anyone else really spark this interest for me. I see the results produced by healthy and fit people (v. overweight and sedentary people). One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t help people in the health and fitness industry if you don’t take care of yourself, first. Taking care of myself has to come before I can take care of others.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

The biggest impact I experienced was seeing my uncle, who died from obesity. This is not what I want for myself of for my future family. A healthy lifestyle is either in a person’s lifestyle plan or it’s not. I choose to be surrounded by people who choose to make a healthy lifestyle an important aspect in their lives.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

Yes-in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle via FITzee Foods, I established The Live Well Project, an annual event that aims to empower young women to rise above difficult circumstances to live a happy and healthy life through healthy eating seminars, fitness demonstrations, inspirational speakers and goal-setting sessions.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

Pills and diet fads are not the answer to a healthy lifestyle. You must be active and eat healthy. Food is the body’s fuel. If you eat foods that are nutritious and balanced, you will feel your best.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

Yes, www.FITzeeFoods.com