About Great NEWS Coach - Michael Morningstar

Meet the Great NEWS Coach

As a career military dependent, you learn early to be flexible and adjust to many new challenges and conditions. Living in several different cities in the US and in Japan gave me a great appreciation for diverse cultures, experiences and philosophies during my formative years.  It provided great training in leadership, self-discipline and communication with others.  Being an avid student of personal growth and development fueled my personal quest and ultimately led to my current opportunity in the rewarding field of personal results coaching

Receiving a 4 year ROTC scholarship and graduating form Trinity University in 1975 with a  major in Biology and a minor in Environmental Science, laid a solid foundation in life sciences.   Graduation and being commissioned as an officer in the US Army provided me additional training in the power of attitude, leadership, and overcoming adversity.  One of my first assignments as a new support platoon leader was the responsibility for the food and well being of 180 soldiers 24x7. Definitely a synchronicity that would serve and guide me in future endeavors.

After leaving active duty and entering the reserves I married my wife Patti and moved to Houston  supervising large export projects out of the Port of Houston.  While taking business courses at night I become one of the top financial representatives at CIGNA a Fortune 100 company.   . After a major revelation about wellness while at CIGNA I shifted to the their Healthcare group and re-engineering myself.  After a 20 year career it was time to pursue my dreams and passion as a coach, trainer, consultant and speaker.

Having always pursued a balanced and healthy lifestyle I realized in today’s environment  how elusive this goal is while in a demanding business career.  Conflicting theories and mis-information resulted in a heavy toll on my health before I was able to discover the optimum combination of nutrition, exercise and synergistic lifestyle balance.   After years of research, persistence and trial and error I have now modeled an elite process for peak performance with the vibrant health and energy that many desire.  I know that by overcoming my challenges and becoming totally healthy and free from all sickness and medicines for over 7 years I accomplished a breakthrough. 

After healthfully completing two marathons I have reached a unique level of outstanding physical mastery and began showing others how do get outstanding improvements in their health as well. By specializing in nutrition and wellness coaching I can help make a quantum improvement in the energy, fitness and quality of health for others in a fraction of the time it took me to unlock the elusive mysteries.  This will allow others to be empowered to pursue their dreams with the energy and focus required.

 My quest to constantly maximize the quality and longevity of my life and contribute toward making a massive difference to our global health.  I look forward to meeting new friends, significantly improving the quality of life and sharing my Great News message with others. 

My wish for you is Health, Love, Wealth & the time to enjoy them.

Sincerely Yours,

Michael

"Health is Wealth"
Michael Morningstar
Great NEWS Coach
(Nutrition-Energy-Wellness-Success)

Michael Morningstar Certified Nutrition Advisor and CTM-B is a popular speaker, consultant and Life Coach. He teaches throughout the US and internationally on key distinctions that impact the longevity and quality of life. Michael is best described as a Holistic Health Practitioner and is known as the Great NEWS Coach. Michael received a highly coveted US ARMY ROTC scholarship, earned a B.A. from Trinity University in Biology and Environmental Studies and then commissioned a US ARMY officer to launch his successful career journey.. His passionate commitment to outstanding health and vibrant energy has established Michael as ideally qualified and experienced to help others discover the total body, mind and spirit connection to a more balanced life. He launched his elite Great NEWS Coach (Nutrition, Energy, Wellness and Success) consulting business after leaving a very successful 20 year career at CIGNA, one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S. The Great NEWS vision is to help empower people to “Live Long, Healthy and Abundant Lives” through global cooperation and stewardship. To help others be their best and also resolve recurring negative patterns or emotional blockages Michael is a dedicated graduate and practitioner of ARC Leadership Academy, Emotion Freedom Technique (EFT) and certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Time Line Therapy. Dedicated to community service Michael is frequently requested to speak with many companies and organizations. Michael is a successful family man, native Texan and lifetime student of personal growth and development.

Michael Morningstar is a Certified Nutrition Advisor with United States Training Institute (USTI) and approved instructor for their course. Thirty years of extensive study in nutrition, energy, wellness and fitness science qualifies him as a top professional in his field.

The USTI Certified Nutrition Advisor ® Course is a 16-hour, intensive educational program designed for coaches, consultants, distributors, retailers, educators, authors, and professionals in the wellness and fitness industry. It provides a broad overview of current nutrition science, weight management, performance nutrition, diets, vitamins, supplement use, legal considerations, and the skills to evaluate claims, articles, reports, and news about the rapidly growing nutrition and wellness industry.  Topics covered include: mixing protein/fat/carbohydrate ratios, banned and harmful substances/products, legal issues, common myths, hydration, and disease prevention. Several commonly held views are addressed in the light of recent scientific research, such as the prevalent belief that dietary fat and cholesterol intake may lead to obesity, heart disease, and stroke and heart attack risk; the "grossly flawed" USDA Food Pyramid and the new "Harvard" Food Pyramid; the notion that fats or carbohydrates are "bad" for you; the dangers of low fat/no fat meals and diets;  vitamin and supplement safety;  self-medicating with herbs; reducing risk factors for many common diseases; and popular fad diets.   The course focuses on the most common questions asked by the general public as consumers and fitness clients. Though scientifically sound, it avoids lofty nutritional theories and addresses the everyday issues that most effect and interest our customers and families. Our purpose is to help people look better, feel better, and perform better through safe and effective recommendations. The participants will be given knowledge and skills to help them provide easily understood, effective, and scientifically sound nutritional guidance.

You may register for an upcoming course scheduled in one of the cities listed on the http://www.USTIUSA.com web page, or schedule a course in your own location (10 person minimum). This course is approved by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), for 1.5 CEC and the cost is $280 for regular registration ($250 early-bird special).

My Health Challenges Gave Me Courage and the Idea to Help Others.  Here's why...

Like many people today I faced so many health challenges it seemed almost unreal. At a very young age I developed allergies and a breathing condition similar to asthma. I experienced more than my fair share of ear aches, upper respiratory infections and colds. Later in my teens I seemed to suffer frequently from severe allergies, runny nose and sinus problems. It was common for me to use multiple antihistamines, decongestants and antibiotics to deal with whatever bug was going around at the time. I was teased for having perpetual sniffles and felt my physical fitness and endurance suffered from the chronic congestion. Additionally my face was frequently affected by acne that even Tetracycline and frequent topical treatments did not seem to help. Later in college I was challenged by various conditions such as mono, colds, flu and sinusitis. The story was always the same… the annoying sniffles and low endurance came from breathing challenges caused by the various cedar, oak or other pollens.

In my late 20’s and early 30’s I felt as if I had peaked and was starting to regress in health.   This was in spite of regular exercise, following a healthy diet and taking relatively good care of myself by most standards. It seemed that every spring and fall the allergies would flare up and I’d get a case of sinusitis, hay fever or cold. This resulted in me using Over-The-Counter antihistamines and decongestants on a regular basis. Also it became routine to catch a cold or flu bug almost every winter in spite of taking vitamins and following the food pyramid guidelines with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains and a low fat healthy diet. Over the next 15 years things became progressively worse.  Heart burn and digestion problems were common and I was sure I had an ulcer. Prescription medicines and various other recommendations had minimal temporary benefits. Around this time I noticed a slow but steady weight gain and corresponding decline in my physical fitness in spite of working out and being more vigilant in my eating habits. I continually cut back on the worst foods and ate even more of the good ones. To others I looked like a health nut externally when in reality I was starting to go nuts internally. I continued to exercise on a fairly regular basis but noticed minimal benefits and more frequent knee and back problems at what many consider the prime of your life.

Then the major sinus and allergy headaches started and I would be miserable for days at a time. OTC medicines and antibiotics were becoming the norm and I resolved to just live with the problems as nothing seemed to really help. When the headaches became an almost daily ritual so did the headache pain medicine. Digestion seemed to be more troublesome than ever even as I pushed it aside as the price for working in a congested city and having a stressful career. When it was time to undergo a lower GI exam, I anticipated they would find a blockage, rupture or tumor of some sort to explain the pain and various health challenges.  Instead of being relieved when nothing was discovered I was more perplexed than ever. How could it be that someone who followed the popular trends, ate very well, exercised regularly and took very good health precautions would feel like someone 10-15 years older than their chronological age?

Next I was sure I must have a pinched nerve or something to explain the various pains and headaches located in different areas of my head and neck.  After all I should have been totally recovered from the minor car accident and slight whiplash. Once again physical therapy, pain medication and other therapies were prescribed to deal with the pain and discomfort that had become routine.

Out of desperation I began to look at alternative approaches and read every article or book I could get my hands on. At this point I was eager to pursue this like a super detective looking for any clue that would solve the mystery and help me return to a pain and illness free normal lifestyle. I attended every seminar or workshop I could on health, fitness and nutrition with the sole purpose of finding the culprit that was robbing me of the quality of life I deserved. You can imagine my shock in learning my lifestyle and food pyramid based eating habits were the source of my problems. Yes I was responsible for the stress and disease creating a major impact on my life while faithfully following the popular guidelines about proper nutrition, exercise and moderate lifestyle.

It was a major epiphany to finally learn that as much as 100% of the information that conditions our daily actions and shapes our health since early childhood was based on misleading or erroneous information. Within several months of implementing some of the best kept secrets on optimal nutrition and vitality I experienced major improvements in every facet of my health and wellness. Old challenges faded away and were replaced by a level of vibrant energy not felt in years. After several years of reversing the damage inflicted I have turned back my biological clock to a level of fitness and energy possessed 25 years ago as measured by my current biomarkers. In many ways my fitness and endurance is better than while in college where running 3-5 miles was a big challenge, compared to now doing that several times a week as training for the fun runs and 3 marathons (26.2 miles) successfully completed. I never considered this a realistic possibly let alone fun in my younger days. Currently my weight is the same as while in college and I have not been sick or taken any over the counter or prescription medicines since 1995. It has been an unbelievable life changing experience for every condition that negatively affected my health to be replaced by unbelievable energy and stamina as if by magic.

When I look back on the lifestyle changes it was primarily a matter of a new foundation of information and the determination to change those old beliefs and take action to support my new choices. It simply boiled down to a new paradigm of what really creates health and following the proven path of new role models.  Do not gamble for another day with putting your health and life on the line.  It seems obvious that if the majority of the population is plagued by health challenges than it is time to change strategies and uncover a better method with a proven track record. You now have this same opportunity before you. Are you ready and willing to turn back your biological clock and regain the energy and vitality of your better years? I think you will agree that the old saying “penny wise and pound foolish” is very applicable to your health decisions because not investing in yourself today will likely cost you a fortune in the future. What better time than now to take action and receive the gift of vibrant health and energy you deserve?

Call now so that we can begin discussing a tailored program to meet your needs.
 

Sincerely,
Michael

Competitions: Bataan Memorial Death March

"Michael is amazing... He outlasted and outperformed youngsters half his age.  Not only was he #1 in his age group, he was number #1 among the entire team.  -- W. Patton, witness to Michael's extraordinary energy"

Left Picture: Michael in action.

Middle Picture: Race bib used for timing and scoring.  (click middle photo for larger image)

Right Picture: White Sands Missile Range - This photo, taken in front of the Missile Park at the White Sands Missile Range, includes everyone from the 2002 trip to New Mexico for the Bataan Memorial Death March.  Listed from left to right are: Mr. Morningstar, Cadet Pratt Andrea, Cadet Pratt Donny, Cadet Trottier, Cadet Elizalde, Cadet Price, Cadet Ball, Cadet Galloway, Cadet Rodgers, Cadet Schleider, MAJ Nepute. SGT Wells was taking the picture.  (click right photo for larger image)

Events:  Survivor III - Casting Call, Hollywood CA:

Read about Michael's casting call / audition for  the CBS television show Survivor in Time Magazine  or <download Survivor article in .pdf (140KB)>
 

Adventures:

Summit of Mt. Antero, CO at 14,269 ft. elev. on July 17, 2002

 

Backpacking finish at Brown's Creek trailhead to Mt Antero, CO with scouts from Troop 828 Sugar Land TX. July 19, 2002

---

Challenges:

Life Mastery '95:

Upward Bound '96:

Seminars, Travel, Retreats:

San Francisco Oct 2002:

MapInMotion® Summit Oct 2002

MIM Summit Oct 5, 2002

Survivor as published in the HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Paper: Houston Chronicle
Date: THU 07/19/01
Section: A
Page: 27 Metfront
Edition: 3 STAR

FIRST, SURVIVE THE AUDITION / TV hit brings search to Houston

By MIKE McDANIEL, Houston Chronicle TV Editor
Staff

Wednesday was audition day for fans of Survivor , and 95-degree heat, a midafternoon shower and a major case of the jitters could not dissuade them. "I wanted to make an impression," said Houston hypnotherapist Jerry Rains, who made one by showing up at 5 a.m. for ``Survivor 4" auditions - 20 minutes before any other contestant and eight hours before auditions began. The auditions, being conducted through July 27 at multiple sites around the country, were held at the Academy Sports and Outdoors on the Southwest Freeway. CBS affiliate KHOU-TV, Channel 11, and radio station KHMX (98.6 FM) hosted the event, an opportunity for Survivor wannabes to pitch themselves in a two-minute videotape. By noon, Rains had hundreds to keep him company. Channel 11 said more than 500 participated in the auditions, although they were prepared to handle twice as many. The crowd was thinning by 3 :30 p.m. Many were young; by the rules, contestants must be at least 21. But what was remarkable about this crowd was its diversity - several contestants were in their 60s, several sported tummies and all races and incomes appeared represented.Two attorneys, dressed in suits and ties, played hooky to stand in the audition line.One participant wore Army camouflage and a safari hat. Another dotted her face with black and purple, exhibiting a warrior's flare.A young man with red and purple hair made good by the poster he sported: "I GIVE HUGS." Houstonian William Agarne decked himself out in a purple leotard with matching purple-painted face. "It's all about the competition, it's all about being on TV," Agarne said. His hope was that his get-up would set him apart when judges review hundreds of thousands of audition tapes. For the few people unaware of it, Survivor and its sequel have become TV's most-watched show. The series isolates 16 contestants for up to 42 days in stark living situations, challenging them to "outlast, outwit and outplay" one another in hopes of winning $1 million. "It would be nice to win the money, but my chances of getting picked and winning are so remote," said Parker Garcia, 26, a teacher at a Pasadena elementary school.

"What I'm looking for is the challenge. The chance to be on television is exciting, too. "It's absolutely about the money," admitted Michael Morningstar, 47, a nutrition and wellness coach from Sugar Land. "I'm on a mission to help people with their nutrition, and I could use the money to build a Web site and do seminars for kids and minorities - people who need some help."

"I'm not here just for the money but to be one of those guys who gets on TV - my 15 minutes of fame," said Calvin Stout of Brenham. "I want it bad. I'm a runner here in Houston, and I'm always running in 100-degree heat, so I think I'm the ultimate survivor .""I just want to prove I can do this," said Lisa Van Winkle, an office manager from Hempstead. "I've never done anything for myself; it's always been for my children and my husband. "She believes she's up to any of the physical challenges, but just in case, "I'll mother the other ones enough that they'll carry me along if I need a little help."Jeremy Merritt, 28, and unemployed, made it clear "the million dollars would come in handy," but he also wants to play the game because "it's fun and I'm all about the mind. I did four years in the military, so I know a little bit about mind games and surviving." Auditions ran from 1 to 7 p.m., meaning early birds were in line for as long as eight hours.T he most unusual incident of the day involved Trey Mostia, 22, who got a cell phone call at around 12:30 p.m. informing him he was about to become a father. But mother-to-be Sandy Lehman encouraged him not to rush home." She wants me here to try to become a survivor ," Mostia said. "I'm here to prove I can do it and for the money - I've got to put my kid through college. As soon as I'm done here, I need to run over to the hospital." He made it in time. Brandon Michael Mostia arrived at 5:57 p.m.