Partner Spotlight: Chelsea Johnson

Chelsea Johnson survivor fitness partner

For many cancer survivors, food can become complicated. Something that once felt simple or joyful can turn into a source of stress, confusion, or fear. Treatment changes how foods taste, and side effects make eating unpredictable. Online advice can feel overwhelming or even frightening. That’s why having a trusted oncology nutrition expert in your corner can make such a powerful difference.

Survivor Fitness is grateful to partner with Chelsea Johnson, a registered dietitian nutritionist. As one of only 16 board-certified specialists in oncology nutrition in the state of Tennessee, Chelsea works with survivors across East Tennessee through her private practice, Chelsea Johnson Nutrition, LLC. Her passion, expertise, and compassion have helped dozens of participants rebuild their relationship with food and regain confidence in their bodies.

“I’ve been a registered dietitian nutritionist for almost eight years, with most of my experience in outpatient oncology,” Chelsea shared. “Nutrition is such a big part of how people feel during and after treatment, and yet it’s often one of the least supported areas.”

From Family Experience to Personal Vocation

Chelsea’s passion for this work is deeply personal. She first became interested in oncology nutrition after watching family members go through cancer treatment without proper nutrition support.

“We had no help regarding food choices,” she explained. “We could have really used an oncology dietitian to help manage symptoms, build strength, and encourage a positive relationship with food. That experience stayed with me.”

Today, she sees that same fear and uncertainty in many survivors who walk through her door. But she also sees what happens when people get the right guidance. “I love watching participants come in with fears around nutrition and leave with confidence,” she said. “Seeing them feel empowered is the greatest reward.”

Chelsea’s connection to Survivor Fitness began after meeting co-founder Meg Grunke at an event in Knoxville. “I could feel Meg’s passion for cancer survivors right away,” she said. “It was motivating, contagious, and it made me want to be part of what she was building.”

That connection carried through Chelsea’s work in outpatient oncology, where she began referring patients to Survivor Fitness as they completed treatment. Now, as an affiliate dietitian, she has worked with more than 75 Survivor Fitness participants, helping them set nutrition goals that fit into their daily lives.

“It has been so rewarding working with Survivor Fitness participants,” Chelsea said. “I see them build confidence with food choices, manage symptoms better, and explore new foods. When nutrition, movement, and mental health are all addressed together, lifestyle change becomes so much more impactful.”

When Nutrition Changes Everything

One story Chelsea often shares involves a participant who was on a daily oral chemotherapy drug that caused severe, ongoing diarrhea issues. The side effect was so disruptive that she became afraid to eat, dehydrated, and isolated. She was even considering stopping the medication that was helping treat her cancer.

Through a personalized nutrition plan that included specific prebiotics, probiotics, hydration support, and gentle meal adjustments, everything changed. “After just a few weeks, she was able to stop her diarrhea medication, add more fiber back in, and even cook a balanced meal to enjoy with her family,” Chelsea said. “Her smile that day was the biggest I’ve ever seen. Nutrition truly improved her quality of life.”

Making Sense of Nutrition Trends for Cancer Survivors

One of Chelsea’s biggest goals is to reduce fear around eating. “Not one single food caused your cancer,” she said. “Misinformation can lead survivors to feel guilty or afraid. That’s not helpful or accurate.”

She often reminds participants that simple, steady habits matter more than perfection. “Boring nutrition advice is usually the correct advice,” she said. “Eating whole foods, moving more, sleeping well, and managing stress have the biggest impact.”

Chelsea encourages survivors to think about what they can add to their plate instead of what they need to take away. Plants, in particular, play a powerful role. “Plants are packed with phytochemicals and fiber, which support gut health, heart health, immune function, and healthy cell growth,” she explained. “Choose real foods first. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.”

Chelsea often hears questions about low-carbohydrate diets and high-protein trends. Instead of pushing strict rules, she takes a personalized approach. “A lot of survivors ask about cutting carbs because of fear or misinformation,” she said. “We talk about the science-backed strategies for life after cancer. Carbohydrates are our main fuel source. They support energy, strength, and focus.”

When it comes to protein, she works closely with participants to calculate what their bodies truly need and then find realistic ways to get there, especially for those dealing with taste changes or aversions after treatment.

Chelsea also integrates intuitive eating into her work with cancer survivors. “Healing the relationship with food makes everything else more sustainable,” she explained. “We focus on listening to the body and adding nourishing foods instead of restricting. That supports both the body and the mind.”

Supported Every Step of the Way

For anyone considering Survivor Fitness, Chelsea has simple advice. “Jump in. Don’t let fear hold you back. We meet you where you are, with no judgment and lots of encouragement.”

That spirit of care is what she loves most about the program. “Survivor Fitness does not give survivors mediocre resources,” she said. “The dietitians, trainers, and counselors are highly qualified and provide truly personalized care. That’s what every survivor deserves.”

With partners like Chelsea, Survivor Fitness continues to offer not just guidance but hope, confidence, and a path forward that feels supportive every step of the way.

You can connect with Chelsea on Instagram or follow her blog for more tips, insights, and best practices. 

Resolutions That Heal: Rethinking New Year Goals with Mental Health in Mind

man using rowing machine at gym

January often arrives with a familiar message: do more, try harder, push yourself. New workout plans. New routines. Big promises about becoming a “better” version of yourself. For many people, that pressure feels motivating. For others, it can feel overwhelming.

If you are a cancer survivor, your body and mind have already been through a marathon. Healing already asks a lot of you. So what if this year didn’t start with another list of things to fix? What if your resolution focused on support, steadiness, and mental well-being instead?

Rethinking New Year Goals with Mental Health in Mind

At Survivor Fitness, we believe healing is not about overhauling your life in January. It is about choosing goals that actually support you where you are right now. Here are some practices to consider to help you rethink New Year’s resolutions with mental health in mind:  

1. Flip the Script on Resolutions with Self-Compassion

    Traditional resolutions often focus on performance. How much you can lift. How fast you can run. How many habits you can stack into a week. Mental health goals look different. They are quieter. They are personal. And they do not need to be impressive to be meaningful.

    Resolutions work best when they feel doable. Not another obligation. Not another source of guilt. Just small choices that create breathing room in your life.

    Instead of asking, “What should I be doing more of?” try asking, “What do I need right now?”

    That question alone can change everything.

    2. Stop Adding to Your Plate

      Most resolutions fail because they feel like another chore on an already long to-do list. When we set goals that stress us out, we trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response. This is the opposite of what a healing body needs.

      This year, give yourself permission to choose goals that reduce pressure. That might mean saying no more often. It might mean leaving space in your schedule. It might mean letting go of habits that no longer serve you.

      A healthy resolution does not have to be ambitious. It can be a commitment to say “no” to things that drain your energy. Protecting your peace is a powerful way to support your recovery.

      3. Start Small and Keep It Simple

        Big changes are intimidating. Small shifts are sustainable. Instead of vowing to meditate for an hour every day, try committing to three deep breaths when you feel rushed. Instead of promising to journal every night, aim to write down one thing you are grateful for each week.

        Starting small builds confidence. When you achieve a simple goal, you prove to yourself that you are capable of change. These “small wins” create a positive momentum that carries you through the more challenging days.

        4. Build a Support System That Feels Safe

          Healing does not happen in isolation. Support makes a difference.

          That support might come from a therapist, a coach, a friend, or a community that understands what you have been through. It could also come from simply allowing yourself to ask for help when things feel heavy.

          Mental health resolutions often become stronger when they are shared. You do not need to carry everything alone.

          If you have been part of Survivor Fitness, you already know the power of connection and community. Whether through personal training, nutrition coaching, or mental health counseling, support helps you continue to show up for yourself.

          5. Focus on What Nourishes You

            Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. What you eat, how you move, and how you rest all play a role in how you feel.

            Rather than setting rigid goals, think about what helps you feel grounded and supported. Gentle movement. Balanced meals. Enough sleep. Time to process your thoughts and emotions. These are not extras. They are part of healing.

            Survivor Fitness: A Holistic Path Forward for Cancer Survivors

            This year, let your resolutions meet you where you are. Let them be flexible. Let them change as you do. Some days will feel hopeful, while others may feel heavy. Both are normal.

            At Survivor Fitness, we support cancer survivors through personal training, nutrition coaching, and mental health counseling because healing is never one-dimensional. It happens when the body, mind, and heart are cared for together.

            If you’re looking for support this year, we’re here to help. Learn more about our programs and apply today. 

            Participant Spotlight: Kaity McMahon

            katherine mcmahon

            One of the most inspiring parts of our work at Survivor Fitness is watching our participants face their unique challenges and discover a level of resilience they didn’t know they had. That’s the story of Survivor Fitness participant Kaity McMahon, whose journey proves that even when someone encounters significant setbacks, it’s possible to come out stronger on the other side.  

            Kaity was diagnosed in July 2024, when she found a small lump in her right breast. Tests that followed led to a diagnosis of stage 2A estrogen- and progesterone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. By the time the full picture emerged, Kaity was faced with a frightening reality. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy in September and reconstruction in January, but the physical recovery was harder than she anticipated.

            “I didn’t feel like myself,” Kaity shared. “I felt limited by my mobility, like a burden. I couldn’t do things at the same level as before.”

            The emotional weight of recovery was just as heavy. Her loss of mobility was compounded by a growing lack of confidence, leaving her feeling dependent and frustrated.

            Finding a Coach and a Community

            At her doctor’s recommendation, Kaity applied for Survivor Fitness and started the program in May 2025. She was paired with trainer Marissa at 360 Fitness, a connection that quickly turned her recovery around. Kaity realized that getting back into the gym would provide a more holistic approach to her recovery. 

            “Those first few sessions were tough. I realized just how weak I actually was—how much cancer had taken from me.”

            The realization was hard, but she didn’t have to face it alone. Together, they developed a motto that kept her grounded: “Even baddies get saddies.” Their playful phrase served as a simple reminder that tough moments are part of the journey, but they don’t define it.

            With Marissa’s personalized guidance, Kaity began to find both emotional and physical strength.

            “Survivor Fitness couldn’t have come at a better time for me,” she said. “My trainer Marissa not only helped me regain physical strength that I thought was lost to me—she also helped me through the emotional struggles I was still facing. She was a champion, a friend, and the best coach I could have possibly asked for.”

            Kaity also took part in the nutrition program, connecting with a registered dietitian who helped her create a healthier routine and identify simple ways to add beneficial nutrients back into her life.

            When she began the program, Kaity had one main objective: to regain confidence.

            “I gained that and so much more,” she said. “I’m physically stronger than I have been in years, even before my diagnosis.”

            The Ultimate Test: Coming Back Stronger

            For Kaity, the benefits of the Survivor Fitness program went beyond the day-to-day. The work she put in directly prepared her for the future. When she needed a second follow-up reconstruction surgery in October 2025, she was stunned by how well her body handled the process.

            “I’ve been amazed at how much better I tolerated the surgery and how much quicker I’m recovering this time. I attribute that fully to the work I’ve been doing in the gym—work that never would have begun if it weren’t for Survivor Fitness.”

            Her experience has given her a new, compassionate, and resilient outlook on life. She often reflects on a simple, surprising truth: “It took getting cancer to get me to a place where I’m now the healthiest I’ve been since I was a teenager.”

            She’s also learned that strength isn’t about avoiding struggle. “Even when the worst thing you can imagine happens, you can still get back up and come back stronger if you commit to the process and give yourself grace in the moments of weakness.”

            Survivor Fitness: Find Support for the Next Step in Your Journey

            Today, Kaity is recovering from her most recent surgery, but she is already eager to return to the gym and continue training with her trusted team. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets the right support and how the hardest moments can be a turning point toward a stronger future.

            If you’re a cancer survivor or know someone who is, we invite you to learn more about our programs. Like Kaity, take the first step and apply today.