Melissa Urban is a bestselling author and the founder of the Whole 30 nutrition program, known for her transformative journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming a leader in health and wellness. Born in New Hampshire and raised in a close-knit Portuguese Catholic family, Melissa struggled with a five-year drug addiction in her early 20s. After her second stint in rehab, she made the decision to completely overhaul her life, starting with exercise and healthier habits. Her recovery journey began at a gym, where she joined a running group that helped her see herself as a healthy person. This mindset shift was crucial in maintaining her sobriety. Melissa's fitness journey evolved from running to triathlons, kettlebells, and eventually CrossFit, where she became deeply involved, even owning a gym and contributing to the CrossFit Journal. In 2009, inspired by her CrossFit experience, Melissa created the Whole 30 as a personal experiment. The program quickly gained popularity, leading her to quit her insurance job in 2010 to focus on it full-time. She relocated to Utah and began holding seminars across the country, marking the start of Whole 30 as a thriving business. Today, the program has expanded into a widely recognized brand, with partnerships with companies like LaCroix and Chipotle. Melissa continues to spread the Whole 30 message through social media and her writing, while enjoying life in Salt Lake City, Utah. She remains focused on helping others discover what works best for their health through the Whole 30 program and is dedicated to staying flexible and open to new opportunities.
