I'm asked the same question a lot, and at times, it makes me rather uncomfortable. . ."How do I get abs like yours?" . . . "Do you live at the gym?" . . . The truth of the matter is, I do not really think about it, and to be perfectly honest, those questions make me blush. While I appreciate the compliments, to me, health and wellness are a way of life. Hi, my name is Raylene Bartolacci. I was born into an extremely loving and demonstrative Italian-American family. Eating and cooking is an essential part of Italian heritage. Growing up in an Italian-American household the smells of food are extremely nostalgic to me, and so is taking my vitamins. One of my favorite things to do is cook, and the other is to stay physically fit. I was a competitive figure skater for about 13 years, so being active has never left my soul; however, I believe that the way to some one's heart is through their stomach. Now-a-days, a girl who cooks seems to be a novelty in LA. Here is my family's story, and why I am the way I am . . .
My grandfather grew up in Corropoli, Italy. He arrived by boat at the age of five, in 1928, and is a subject of the Great Depression. To survive the terrible times he raised rabbits, and collected coal along the railroad tracks, to keep his family warm. He then became a butcher, and opened his first store. After years of blood, sweat, and tears one store grew into 27 stores through out Northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. My grandfather is the forefather of combination stores, today we know them as Supercenters. However, the family revolution of food vs. nutrition did not stop there.
At 13, my father began managing the family pharmacies. If you know my father, you know he is extremely thorough, and had everything from Tylenol to Arnica to bulk herbs and oats. When my grandfather retired, my father started manufacturing and distributing his very own private label. NRS Nutrition Resource Services has been in business for 27 years. You can find anything from a daily multi-vitamin, to whey protein, to Krank'd Body Fuel. Thus, my family's love for food and health truly coincide. I guess you could say we are a walking, breathing, and eating conflict of interest.
So, I know what you're thinking, and Yes, I was raised on pasta. Yes, I still eat it. No, you do not have to stop eating it either. This is a dedication to my family and the lifestyle in which we live. My stories are life lessons I have been taught since birth. I hope you enjoy. Mangia!
Health, hugs, and wellness,
Raylene
