Healthy Nanny Project: Kristin's Story

As the inspiration and driving force behind MPNA's Healthy Nanny Project, nanny member Kristin Grau has shared with us her personal journey towards healthy living. We deeply appreciate Kristin's openness, honesty, and generosity in sharing her story with us as well as her committed efforts towards supporting her fellow nannies in their own journeys.

Coming from a family with weight and health issues, I have been overweight all my life. As a nanny I know I was so busy taking care of someone else all the time that I didn't notice how big and unhealthy I was.

In December, 2010, with the help of my best friend I got the nerve to finally get on the scale. I weighed in at nearly 450 pounds. I remember just crying. I was ashamed, depressed, and in disbelief that I had let myself go like that. I made the choice: I want to change my life.

I joined the gym local to my house, began working out, and made small steps towards eating better. By March, 2011, I had lost 30 lbs by myself, but I knew if I was going to really succeed on this journey that I needed to recruit help. I purchased sessions with a personal trainer, Mike.

From the beginning Mike explained to me that if I wasn't serious then I didn't need him but, if I was, then it would be the best thing I've ever done. He changed my diet, set up a workout plan, and pushed me hard. Really hard. There were days I hated him. But, within one month of working with him I had lost an additional 18 lbs in just that one month! I felt great and by June I had lost 50 lbs. I even jogged in a 5k.

The best thing was people were really beginning to notice the differences in me. I was happy and had more energy. My nanny children loved this! We got out more and did more activities that I wasn't able to do before starting my journey.

With continued hard work and commitment, and with the continued help of Mike, by December 2011 I accomplished another major goal: I had lost 100 lbs!!!

While I still have a long way to go, my journey has affected many. My family has begun to eat healthier. As of 2012, with the help of another member of the Michigan Professional Nanny Association, I set up the Healthy Nanny Project. We came up with ways to work out together and to go to exercise classes.

Taking care of other people's children is a privilege and honor that carries a lot of responsibility. I know I couldn't take care of the children if I didn't take care of myself. I still have a long way to go on my journey, but I'm proud I've made it this far.

Kristin Grau is a full time, live out nanny in Oakland County, MI for a family with three children. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has been caring for children professionally for 12 years in both a daycare setting and as a nanny. She is an active and valued member of MPNA.