TNS success story

From Chef to Nutrition Coach: How Maria Longo Transforms Wellness with Art and Mindfulness

Meet the one and only Maria Longo. Maria, what is happening in your career/life right now? Anything you want us and the world to know? Right now, I’m dedicated to expanding the reach of my work through Art Flow Mind Body and Art Flow Design Studio, which beautifully blend creativity, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. These platforms serve as powerful vehicles for fostering personal transformation and resilience through diverse workshops and community programs. My workshops—including Overcoming Overwhelm, Getting Unstuck, Empowering Through Adversity, and Fear and Anxiety—are thoughtfully designed to help individuals navigate stress, build resilience, and cultivate grounding. We prioritize providing practical, lasting resources enriched with visual inspiration, enabling them to stay present and seamlessly integrate the tools and lessons into their everyday lives. Through Art Flow Design Studio, I also host vendor craft events and create custom art that raises awareness for critical causes such as mental health, suicide prevention, and human rights. My work is rooted in a commitment to creating safe spaces for those who feel lost or overwhelmed, reminding them that they’re not alone and empowering them to take meaningful steps toward growth and well-being. Our Etsy shop offers unique pieces that reflect these values, allowing others to support our mission through art. I’m truly excited about the potential impact we can make and the connections we can foster through this work. Together, we’re cultivating a community where creativity meets compassion, and personal growth flourishes. What inspired you to enroll in the Nutritious Life Studio and become a nutrition coach? I was inspired to enroll in the Nutritious Life Studio because of my deep desire to understand nutrition and its impact on the body. As a chef, I learned to plan menus and create flavorful dishes, with a focus on incredible presentation, but I only scratched the surface of nutritional science. I wanted to dive deeper into how food affects us at a physiological level. Years after transitioning from a chef to a kitchen manager, I had a dietetic intern who sparked my interest. During her retail project, we had conversations about sustainability, our love for food, and how it influences our well-being as humans. She encouraged me to check out the Nutritious Life program, and I’m so glad I did! It resonated with me on so many levels, igniting my passion for nutrition and how it can transform lives. I truly loved every moment of it. What was your favorite lesson, and why? I loved how the Nutritious Life program was so thoughtfully designed, with each module broken down into digestible lessons that allowed for deep dives into the material without overwhelming me. As someone with dyslexia, I really appreciated this approach. The content was engaging and accessible. If I had to pick one lesson, though, it would be anything focused on brain health. I have a passion for mental health, and understanding how food nourishes the brain resonated deeply with me. It reinforced my belief that what we eat plays a crucial role in our mental well-being, making this lesson particularly impactful in my journey toward integrating nutrition and mental health. Were there specific lessons that helped you grow your business? Masterclass is a once-a-year event, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it since 2017. Each year, it reinvigorates my passion for nutrition and community, providing a unique opportunity to connect with others who share my vision. The experience is filled with inspiration, from engaging discussions to insightful guest speakers, all of whom bring their own expertise and perspectives. It’s not just about the lessons; it’s about the connections we forge and the support we offer one another. Every year, I leave feeling empowered, equipped with new ideas, and motivated to implement what I’ve learned in my own practice. Being involved in this event has profoundly shaped my journey, allowing me to continually grow both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our pursuits and that together, we can make a greater impact in the world of health and wellness. The community we’ve built is something truly special, and I look forward to each gathering as a chance to learn, share, and uplift one another. You know we love food, so, we have to ask, what’s the one food you always have in your fridge? The one food I always have in my fridge is mushrooms—especially button mushrooms. They’re incredibly versatile and add so much flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. Whether I’m sautéing them for a quick stir-fry, tossing them into a salad, or incorporating them into a hearty pasta, they’re a staple that never fails to elevate my meals. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a go-to for my healthy cooking routine. How about the one snack you always have when traveling? The one snack I always have when traveling is my homemade snack pack. I whip up a delicious potato and egg frittata, cutting it into small squares for easy munching, or I prepare baked chicken cutlets. It’s a reflection of my chef life, ensuring I have nourishing, satisfying options on hand that keep me fueled for my adventures. These snacks not only provide great taste but also give me the comfort of home wherever I go. How do you stay active outside the gym? I stay active outside the gym by taking long, invigorating walks with my dog. There’s nothing quite like being immersed in nature, and I love exploring parks and beaches. The fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the vibrant beauty all around me refresh my spirit and keep me grounded. These moments are more than just physical activity; they’re a chance to connect with the world and appreciate its wonders. Whether it’s watching the clouds drift by or feeling the sand between my toes, these experiences nourish my soul and remind me of the joy that comes from being outside. It’s all part of my journey toward wellness—embracing the simple pleasures that keep me moving

How a Former Triathlete Fuels Her Fitness-Focused Life (and Career)

“NLS Success” is a column highlighting the incredible accomplishments of the Nutritious Life Studio alumni. We’re showcasing the healthy products our grads have created, the better eating habits they now consider second nature, and other ways NLS helped them find healthy, happy success—in life and business. Hollis Tuttle is an uber popular instructor who has been a star at CityRow, Mile High Run Club, as well as with the Mirror and then Lululemon Studio (when the Mirror was acquired by Lululemon) but before her career as a New York City fitness instructor, she was a California athlete. Tuttle grew up in Northern Cali playing soccer and volleyball and and became a college triathlete while studying Nutritional Science at California Polytechnic State University. And you can feel her long-lived passion for movement in her classes, where her warm, motivating approach pushes you to work harder (before you even realize how fast you’re treading or rowing). Tuttle is now building her own brand, House of Hustle, which includes an app, online fitness and nutrition coaching as well as retreats. You can catch her, in person, every week teaching yoga at Lyons Den and coaching at The Fort. And, of course, if you are a student or alum of the Nutritious Life Certification, you may see her on Tuesdays on our live calls. Although Tuttle already had a degree in nutrition, she signed up for the Nutritious Life Studio certification “to further educate myself about nutrition, especially since the guidelines have changed so much since I graduated in 1998,” she says, and the program ended up inspiring her to look at her health from a broader point of view. “I can’t just focus on my activity and nutrition. I have to look at all aspects of my life. Making efforts to reduce stress and sleep more was the biggest change for me.” RELATED: Take a FREE CLASS and get a behind the scenes look at the Nutritious Life Studio. Keep reading to find out more about Tuttle’s healthy lifestyle (and career) and how the Nutritious Life Studio helped her succeed at both. NLS Success: Hollis Tuttle Did the Nutritious Life Studio change your career path? It didn’t change it, but it definitely elevated it. I feel more confident in discussing nutrition with those who take my classes. I also like to stress the importance of making lifestyle changes to improve overall health: drink more water, sleep, take rest days, reduce stress, exercise, and of course eat more thoughtfully. What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? I always have a Tupperware full of baked sweet potatoes in my fridge. The one snack you always have when traveling? Hard-boiled eggs and fresh fruit! RELATED: The 5 Healthiest Protein Bars What’s your workout of choice? This is way too hard to answer…Right now, barbell training, it’s a new skill that I have recently added to my weekly routine. Also, I walk a LOT! How do you stay active outside the gym? I walk a lot—seven miles a day on average. If I’m able to venture outside of NYC, I love trail running or hiking. Being in nature is now such a luxury. What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? A hard sweat session followed by a super relaxing activity like a pedicure or massage. RELATED: These Smart Strategies Will Help You Manage Stress What does it mean to you to “live consciously”? To fully live in the moment. I make the decision to be present and thankful for the opportunity to be doing whatever it is that I may be doing—teaching, sweating, reading, enjoying lunch with friends. What’s your weirdest healthy habit? Hot herb tea. No matter the weather, I will always be drinking hot herb tea. Even if it is hot and humid, I will not switch to iced tea. I find hot tea soothing. Plus, it helps keep me well hydrated. Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern. My schedule can make doing this very challenging. Follow Hollis on Instagram at @hollismtuttle. Sign up for the Nutritious Life Studio certification her