The Journey Behind Vital Link Nutrition

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Is this how I’ll look for the rest of my life? Is this really me?” Deep down, you know you’re more than the person staring back at you. But life feels overwhelming—family, responsibilities, and endless tasks keep piling up. So, you push yourself to the side, putting your needs on the back burner.

That was my life. Was is the key word. Everything changed during a routine visit to my family doctor. At 29 years old, with two young children (ages 6 and 10), I weighed 288 pounds. My doctor took my blood pressure and told me it was dangerously high. He looked at me with concern and said, “Your blood pressure has been elevated for about a year, and now it’s at a level I don’t like. We need to talk.” He gave me two options: start blood pressure medication or create a weight-loss plan.

I refused the medication. “Okay,” he said, “then limit your salt intake, and I want to see you back in two weeks.”

On the walk home—just a block and a half—I was furious with myself. I was scared, too. I could have taken the easy route and started the medication, but I decided to fight back. I wasn’t going to rely on pills for something I could change. That decision became my turning point.

I started reading nutrition labels on everything—bread, milk, every item that came into my kitchen. I educated myself and made healthier food choices. I began walking every day and could barely manage five minutes on my Cardio-Glide exercise bike. But I stuck with it. Over time, I added minutes and increased the intensity of my workouts. I never joined a gym, ran a 5K, or did CrossFit. Those activities just didn’t fit into my life at that point. Instead, I found my own way—and it worked. In one year, I lost 124 pounds. At 29, I completely transformed my life, and I’ve maintained that weight loss for 25 years.

My name is Barb Braun. For over 19 years, I’ve worked in healthcare, helping people through physical therapy. Along the way, I’ve met countless individuals struggling to take control of their health. That’s why I started Vital Link Nutrition. After earning my Level 1 Nutrition Coach certification through Precision Nutrition, the world’s largest and most respected private nutrition coaching company, I wanted to do more.

The name Vital Link Nutrition reflects the importance of nutrition as the essential connection to health. No amount of exercise can outwork poor eating habits. My goal is simple: to combine my professional knowledge and personal experience to help busy, overwhelmed parents transform their lives. By improving their food choices and relationship with nutrition, they can become healthier for themselves, their families, and their future.