KI BEASLEY Courtesy photo
by Sheletta Brundidge, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
In 2000, Ki Beasley made a New Year’s resolution to make changes to improve her health. “I was at the low point in my life,” recalled Beasley. “I had gained weight and was buying larger sizes. I had no energy and was trying fad diets.”
In desperation, she decided to make changes to her food choices by shifting to a vegetarian diet.
“I stumbled onto this after many diet attempts. The idea to give up meat was God-inspired. I very quickly made the connection between what I was eating and how I was feeling,” said the Burnsville resident, who is in her 50s.
“My confidence increased as I lost weight. With more energy, I began exercising. It’s my lifestyle now and how I maintain my weight.”
Beasley’s drive to educate herself changed her body, her vitality, and her outlook. It also changed her career.
Now a certified health coach, she is helping other women who are resolved to make changes to better their health in 2024 by offering a free initial consultation.
“It’s a mindset shift. The way I grew up, it wasn’t a meal if there wasn’t meat,” she said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions that you don’t get enough protein with a vegan or vegetarian diet, but I can show them delicious alternatives. My niche is helping women who are open to making lifestyle changes that support their overall well-being.”
Beasley has put together an eight-week program that offers clients one-on-one coaching sessions and personalized goal setting, with weekly motivating calls and online sessions. The nutrition counseling includes hands-on help with smarter grocery shopping, pantry makeovers, menu planning, and meal prep.
A former ambassador for BLACK Girls Run!, a grassroots group that encourages movement and physical activity among women of color, Beasley has demonstrated a commitment to promoting wellness in the community.
“I’ve seen how my community is struggling. Black women have the highest obesity rates in the country. I want to be a resource for women who want to make changes. I can be an accountability partner,” she said.
“It’s not about the number on the scale; you can be skinny and not be healthy.”
As a vegetarian, Beasley consumes some animal products, like eggs and dairy products, but she no longer eats any meat at all. She helps her clients find new ways to add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to their diets as they transition away from animal-based protein.
While many people traditionally use the first of the year to make changes that benefit their health, Beasley said there’s nothing magic about the first of January. She reminds people who did not get started as 2024 arrived that they don’t have to wait until the start of 2025 to commit to their health.
“I always say, every day is Monday. We can always start anew. Change can come at any time throughout the year.”
For more information about Beasley’s work, visit her website at kibeasley.com or request a free discovery call/consultation by contacting her at kibeasley.com.
Sheletta Brundidge is contributing writer at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and founder of the podcast platform ShelettaMakes MeLaugh.com.
Health coach focuses on women seeking to improve well-being with plant-based diet
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