By Bhavna Batra
Mary Cristine’s path to becoming a global advocate for holistic healing and integrative health is a testament to resilience, compassion, and a deep desire to bridge the gaps in how we approach well-being. Her personal struggles with physical and emotional challenges not only shaped her outlook on life but ignited a passion to address the systemic inequities that hinder true health and wellness.
Growing up, Mary bore witness to how physical ailments and emotional trauma could silently shape lives, particularly in cultures where such topics were often left unspoken. These early experiences sparked a curiosity about health that extended beyond conventional approaches, which she saw as primarily focused on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes of suffering. Mary began to research and explore alternative approaches to wellness, leading her to discover the transformative potential of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and mindset shifts.
What stood out to Mary was the intricate interconnectedness between personal health and global challenges, including rising chronic illnesses, environmental degradation, and systemic inequities, particularly affecting women and marginalized communities. This realization became a pivotal moment in her life, inspiring her to take action and create solutions that could empower others to reclaim their health and well-being.
Creating BE THAT LIFE and Beat That Dish
Mary Cristine founded BE THAT LIFE Integrative Health and Beat That Dish as platforms to address these pressing global and personal challenges. BE THAT LIFE offers clients actionable knowledge rooted in the latest advancements in nutrigenomics, gut health, and integrative wellness. It empowers individuals to rewrite their health narratives and embark on holistic healing journeys.
Complementing this mission, Beat That Dish focuses on making sustainable, nutrient-dense food accessible to promote both individual health and planetary well-being. By offering meals that are both convenient and crafted to support longevity, Mary has transformed the daunting task of healthy eating into an enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle choice.
Through these ventures, Mary has not only addressed issues like lifestyle-driven diseases and food insecurity but also championed equity by empowering people—women, men, and children alike—to prioritize their health and embrace their agency in shaping their futures.
A Global Perspective on Healing
Mary’s journey has taken her across the globe, enriching her understanding of holistic health by immersing herself in diverse healing traditions. In India, she connected with Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes balance and natural remedies. She experienced the transformative effects of Kati Basti, a treatment using warm medicated oil to alleviate back pain and strengthen the spine.
In China, Mary delved into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where she learned about the significance of energy flow and practiced Moxibustion—a therapy involving the burning of mugwort leaves near acupuncture points to stimulate circulation and enhance the body’s vital energy, or Qi. Her exploration also led her to African healing traditions, where she discovered the use of medicinal clays to detoxify the body and treat ailments, a practice that reflects humanity’s deep connection to the earth.
By integrating these ancient practices with modern scientific insights, Mary has developed a unique approach to wellness that is both personalized and culturally sensitive, honoring the diverse backgrounds and needs of her clients.
Championing Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care
Mary’s work is also deeply informed by her understanding of mental health challenges, which she recognizes as a global concern. Statistics reveal that 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and depression remains a leading cause of disability. In the UAE, where Mary is based, mental health disorders affect over half the population, with anxiety and depression being particularly prevalent.
Understanding the profound impact of trauma on mental and physical health, Mary incorporates trauma-informed care into her wellness philosophy. Drawing from research that links childhood trauma to accelerated biological aging and disrupted brain development, Mary employs a combination of mindfulness practices, somatic therapies, and nutritional interventions to support her clients. This holistic approach not only addresses the effects of trauma but also empowers individuals to rebuild their sense of safety, balance, and resilience.
Empowering Others Through Leadership and Community Engagement
Mary’s influence extends beyond her clients to the corporate and community spheres. As a speaker, corporate wellness consultant, and entrepreneur, she collaborates with organizational leaders to address common challenges like employee disengagement and high turnover rates. Mary advocates for a paradigm shift in leadership—one that emphasizes employee empowerment, cultural fit, and a holistic understanding of well-being. Her strategies have led to improved job satisfaction, innovation, and organizational commitment in the workplaces she’s worked with.
Her dedication to community well-being is equally inspiring. Mary has participated in initiatives like a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for a young leukemia patient, demonstrating her commitment to creating meaningful impact. Locally, she engages with schools to promote health literacy among students and collaborates with community organizations to provide accessible health resources for underserved populations.
Balancing Personal and Professional Growth
As a wellness advocate, Mary practices what she preaches. She maintains her own well-being through structured routines that include regular physical activity, mindful nutrition, and meditation. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method allow her to balance her demanding schedule as an entrepreneur while prioritizing her mental clarity and personal time. Activities such as hiking and reading provide her with rejuvenation and inspiration, enabling her to remain focused and passionate about her work.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Mary Cristine’s vision for the future of BE THAT LIFE and Beat That Dish is ambitious yet grounded in her unwavering commitment to innovation and accessibility. She aims to integrate cutting-edge research with time-honored practices to develop personalized wellness programs. With advancements in digital health tracking and genetic testing, Mary envisions offering highly tailored solutions, including microbiome-based nutrition plans, to optimize individual health outcomes.
A Message of Empowerment
To women around the world embarking on their own journeys of healing and self-empowerment, Mary offers this heartfelt message:
“Your challenges are not a measure of your worth but a testament to your strength. Healing is not a linear path but a transformative journey that requires compassion and patience. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, and remember that vulnerability is a sign of courage. By honoring your authentic self and embracing your unique story, you heal not only yourself but also light the way for others to follow. In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’ Rise, transform, and empower.”
Mary Cristine’s life and work embody this message, inspiring countless individuals to pursue holistic health and take charge of their own narratives. Her journey is a beacon of hope and a call to action for a healthier, more equitable world.
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