Maria Escobar’s story begins in the heart of Colombia, where beauty standards ruled every hallway and cafeteria conversation. Raised in an all-girls school, she remembers a time when calorie counts, body image, and diet fads drowned out any real talk about what health actually meant.
But instead of letting that pressure define her, Maria transformed it into a powerful mission: to help women see food not as the enemy, but as fuel for a strong, thriving life.
Growing Up in a Culture Obsessed With Looks
In school, being skinny was everything, Maria recalls. Nobody talked about nourishment or strength, only about how to look thinner.
This environment shaped her early views on food and body image. Like many girls her age, Maria began to fear eating, convinced that self-worth came from a number on the scale.
But deep down, she knew something was missing. She started questioning the beauty equals thinness message and began to explore a healthier, more holistic approach to wellness. That curiosity would eventually shape her entire career.
Finding Her Calling in Canada
Maria’s big turning point came when she moved to Canada. There, she saw a totally different culture around health, one where food science and nutrition were respected and talked about openly.
Preventive health was part of daily life, she says. I realized that I wanted to be part of that change, not just for myself, but for others.
She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, diving into the science behind what really fuels the body and mind. Her education gave her the tools to break away from myths and promote evidence-based wellness strategies that actually work.
From Science to Real-Life Solutions
After earning her degree, Maria didn’t stop at academics. She began applying her knowledge directly in communities, from working in community nutrition programs in Canada to supporting infant nutrition efforts across Latin America.
Every client she helped, whether managing a chronic condition or building a healthier relationship with food, became a personal victory.
Every time I see someone take control of their health and feel better, I feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do, she shares.
Building a Movement with FitstyleME
Now based in the UAE, Maria has taken her mission to the next level through her wellness platform, FitstyleME. The brand focuses on making nutrition practical, science backed, and tailored for modern lifestyles, especially for busy, high-performing women.
I’ve seen how overwhelmed people can feel when it comes to food and health, Maria says. I wanted to create something that makes it easier to take control without stress or confusion.
Through FitstyleME, Maria is launching ready-to-buy meal plans, corporate wellness programs, and educational content that speaks directly to the needs of today’s professionals.
Her platform isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, sustainability, and real-life tools that empower people to thrive, not just look a certain way.
Breaking Cultural Barriers Around Health
One of Maria’s biggest early challenges was shifting people’s mindset from diets to wellness.
In Latin America, like many places, health conversations often revolve around weight loss, not long-term well-being, she says. I wanted to change that.
In the UAE, she continues to push that mission forward, working with diverse communities to adapt health practices to fast-paced urban life. Her approach blends cultural sensitivity with science, creating programs that feel both relatable and effective.
Making Wellness Accessible for All
Maria’s current projects reflect her vision of inclusive, practical health education. With FitstyleME’s meal plans, she offers ready-to-go solutions based on evidence and real nutritional needs. She’s also growing her reach in corporate wellness, helping teams build healthy habits that stick.
But her long-term vision goes beyond programs and products.
I want to help implement better food labeling laws and push for nutrition education in schools, Maria says. Real change happens when people understand how to care for their bodies, starting from a young age.
The Power of Small, Consistent Steps
One key lesson Maria lives by is that change doesn’t require perfection, just consistency.
This belief is at the core of everything she teaches. Instead of restrictive diets or extreme routines, she promotes small, sustainable actions that add up to big improvements over time.
It’s not about doing everything right all the time, she explains. It’s about building habits you can stick with, even on busy days.
A Legacy Rooted in Impact
More than titles or accomplishments, Maria wants to be remembered for impact.
I hope people see me as someone who made health less complicated and more accessible, she says. That I helped others feel confident, informed, and in control of their well-being.
And if she could go back and speak to her younger self?
I’d say: trust the journey. Don’t rush to figure everything out. Nourish your body, love yourself, and follow your intuition. The path won’t always be straight, but if you stay aligned with your values, you’ll make a difference.
What’s Next for Maria Escobar
As she continues growing FitstyleME, Maria’s focus is on expanding her reach. She’s collaborating with workplaces, schools, and media platforms to spread wellness education.
She also remains committed to empowering women, especially those juggling demanding careers, to feel strong, confident, and energized without the burnout.
Maria Escobar’s story is a powerful reminder that wellness is not about looks, it’s about living fully and freely. from a dieting culture in Colombia to becoming a global voice for science backed nutrition is proof that food can be a source of empowerment, not fear.
And for anyone feeling lost in the world of health advice, she offers this encouragement:
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Real wellness starts with self-respect and one small step at a time.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read More: The Sweet Legacy of McDonald’s Ice Cream: A Global Favorite
