July 2026 — Now Featured Mindset Coach of the Month
Dariana Cruz training
Project AD · July 2026

Meet Dariana

Mindset Coach of the Month

Coach, creator, and Sport & Performance Psychology student — the mindset behind D's Lean Machine Stack, built around performance, balance, and staying consistent.

Shop D's Lean Machine Stack
Dariana Cruz
Name
Dariana "D" Cruz
Title
Mindset Coach of the Month · July
Stack
D's Lean Machine Stack
Focus
Mindset, performance, consistency, balance
Products
Good Mornin' · NitroX · Fiber+ · AD1
Credentials
Coach · Sport & Performance Psych · Creator
Fun Fact "Concerts with my brother and a playlist for every session."
Feature Interview

The Mindset
Behind the
Machine

Dariana Cruz — "D" to most people — has spent five years in the fitness industry: CrossFit, running, teaching spin and full-body classes, and, most recently, the bodybuilding lifestyle. She's also finishing her bachelor's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology.

For a long time, she held herself back. That's exactly why she's so passionate about mindset now — helping people build confidence, overcome limiting beliefs, and stay consistent. As she puts it, she's learning to balance grit with grace.

We sat down with D to talk about the stack she built around performance and balance, the story that shaped her, and why she believes the physique follows the foundation — not the other way around.

01

D's Lean Machine Stack

Q —What products are in your stack?

My stack is Good Mornin', NitroX, Fiber+, and AD1.

Q —Why did you choose this specific stack?

I chose this stack because I believe it's okay to have big goals. For a long time, I held myself back, which is why I'm so passionate about mindset. But my approach has always been about health, performance, and consistency — not just "getting smaller." This stack covers my basics, supports my version of balance, and gives me the tools to perform at my best once my foundations and daily habits are in place.

"Build your foundation first, and the physique will follow."

— D, on chasing goals the right way

Q —How do you use each product in your routine?

I start every morning with Good Mornin' after about 16 oz of water while I get ready for my morning session. Before I train, I take NitroX — I love the pumps and the endurance, and honestly, when you feel good and look good, you perform better. Throughout the day, AD1 and Fiber+ are my little secret weapons. I build my meals around whole foods and track my macros, but I definitely have a sweet tooth, so I use them to make macro-friendly desserts that support my fiber intake and curb my cravings. You really can have your cake and eat it too.

Q —Who would you recommend this stack to?

Anyone who wants to build a leaner physique without compromising their health. I'm all for chasing big goals, but I've learned that feeling your best is what allows you to perform your best. Build your foundation first and the physique will follow.

Dariana with her morning Good Mornin'

D's Lean Machine Stack

4 Products. Lean, Balanced, Consistent.

Shop the Stack
02

D's Story

Q —Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Dariana Cruz, but most people know me as D. I've been in the fitness industry for about five years — CrossFit, running, teaching spin and full-body classes. Last year I started diving into the bodybuilding lifestyle, and I'm also finishing my bachelor's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. I'm passionate about helping people build confidence, overcome limiting beliefs, and stay consistent.

Q —How did you get started in fitness, coaching, and content?

I got my start teaching group fitness classes, which eventually turned into a love for coaching and helping others. Now I mostly share my pep talks, workouts, and day-to-day life on social media, create workout plans, and — as I finish my degree — I'm excited to start offering mental performance and lifestyle coaching.

Dariana and a friend with macro-friendly desserts
Q —What are you currently focused on in your own journey?

Finding the balance between grit and grace. I've always been an all-gas-no-brakes kind of person, and while that's helped me accomplish a lot, I'm learning that enjoying the journey and giving myself grace is just as important. I recently started working with a coach and I'm excited to keep pursuing bodybuilding — maybe even step on stage one day.

"I'm learning to find the balance between grit and grace."

— D, on her current chapter

Q —What type of audience do you create content for?

I create for people in the fitness space, but I also talk about the topics that aren't always glamorous — body image, burnout, self-doubt, and comparison. I share those little pep talks because I know what it's like to need them. If I can help someone shift their mindset, take action, or make one good decision for themselves that day, then I've done what I set out to do.

Q —What do you want people to know about you beyond fitness?

I love music. I'm always making playlists for my cardio sessions, and one of my favorite things to do is go to concerts with my brother. Music is one of the biggest ways I tap in with myself, both in and outside of fitness.

Dariana training
Q —Anything else you want people to know?

Fitness is a huge part of my life now, but that wasn't always my story. I was the kid who got picked last in PE, and during my senior year of high school I was hospitalized after struggling with a severe eating disorder that had been developing for years.

I don't share that for sympathy — I share it because I want people to know that your past doesn't define your future. If there's something that's been placed on your heart, go for it. Don't let fear, other people's opinions, or who you used to be stop you. Crowd out the noise, stay consistent, and trust that small choices made every day can completely change your life.

"Your past doesn't define your future. Crowd out the noise, stay consistent, and trust that small choices made every day can completely change your life."

— D

03

Her Project AD Story

Q —How long have you been using Project AD?

A whole year now.

Q —How did you first find Project AD?

A close friend recommended Project AD after I complained about how much I hated the taste of taking ACV every morning.

Q —What was the first Project AD product you tried?

Good Mornin'. I was entering my "lock in" era and wanted to build better habits, like taking ACV every morning. What sold me was that it wasn't just ACV — it also included ingredients like L-glutamine and aloe vera juice, so I felt like I was getting much more out of one product.

Q —What made you want to join the Project AD team?

I've always been a yapper, and I love sharing what helps me. Project AD's products are the only ones where I genuinely experienced the results firsthand, and the people who represent the brand are individuals I look up to and aspire to be like. I wanted to immerse myself in a community that inspired me to become a better version of myself.

"Project AD's products are the only ones where I genuinely experienced the results firsthand."

— D, on why she joined

Q —What's your favorite part about being on the Project AD team?

Standing beside a brand that's genuine, both externally and internally. Project AD truly takes care of its athletes, and I really value being part of a team that's always pushing to grow, innovate, and never settle.

D's Lean Machine Stack

Get 20% Off
D's Stack

D built her stack around performance, balance, and consistency — the foundation that lets her chase big goals without compromising her health.

Good Mornin'
Good Mornin'
NitroX
NitroX
Fiber+
Fiber+
AD1
AD1
Previously Featured
June 2026 Motivator of the Month
Cass — Project AD Motivator of the Month
Cass
Name
Cassandra "Cass"
Title
Motivator of the Month · June
Stack
Cass's Wellness Stack
Focus
Health, wellness, digestion, fitness, balance
Products
Good Mornin' · Fiber+ · Matador · Thyroid
Credentials
Bikini Pro · Online Coach · Creator
Fun Fact "I am a BIG foodie. LOL."
Feature Interview

From Bikini Pro
to Wellness-
Focused Creator

Cass is a bikini pro, online coach, and social media creator with a passion for health, wellness, and helping women build confidence in and out of the gym.

After finding fitness about five years ago, Cass went from feeling self-conscious and disconnected from her health to earning her bikini pro card in her second competitive season. Today, she shares her journey online with the goal of helping others feel less alone, more confident, and more capable of building a lifestyle they actually enjoy.

We sat down with Cass to talk about her story, her approach to wellness, her favorite Project AD products, and why she built Cass's Wellness Stack around the foundation so many people overlook: digestion.

01

Cass's Wellness Stack

Q —What products are in your stack?

My stack includes Good Mornin', Fiber+, Matador, and Thyroid.

Q —Why did you choose this specific stack?

I chose this stack because it focuses on the foundation of health: digestion, nutrient utilization, gut regularity, and overall wellness. So many people focus solely on training and nutrition, but if your body isn't properly digesting, absorbing, and utilizing those nutrients, you're leaving progress on the table.

"If your body isn't properly digesting, absorbing, and utilizing those nutrients, you're leaving progress on the table."

— Cass, on building from the foundation

Q —How do you use each product in your daily routine?

I start the day with Good Mornin' as part of my morning digestive routine, along with Thyroid. I use Matador with my pre- and post-workout meals. At the end of the day, I use Fiber+ either mixed with water or added into recipes like baked goods or egg white pancakes.

Q —Who would you recommend this stack to?

Honestly, everyone — especially people who struggle with digestion, active gym-goers, and bodybuilders in prep or off-season.

Cass's Wellness Stack

4 Products. One Foundation.

Shop the Stack
Cass at the gym
02

Cass's Story

Q —Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Cassandra, but everyone calls me Cass. I'm all about health, wellness, and fitness. I'm a bikini pro, online coach, and social media creator here to inspire, share my journey, and hopefully help others with theirs.

Q —How did you get started in fitness, coaching, and creating content?

I got started in fitness about five years ago. Before that, I was extremely self-conscious and wasn't taking care of my body or my mind. Once I found the gym, everything changed. What started as a way to build confidence quickly became a passion and eventually a lifestyle.

A few years into my journey, I decided to take things to the next level and compete in bikini bodybuilding. I earned my Pro card in my second season, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

That passion eventually led me to online coaching. Helping women build confidence, improve their health, and create sustainable habits has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.

Cass at the gym
Q —What are you currently focused on in your fitness journey?

Right now, I'm focused on continuing to build my personal brand and sharing all sides of who I am in an authentic way.

I'm learning that health isn't just about training hard and following a meal plan. It's also about creating a lifestyle you can truly enjoy.

"Health isn't just about training hard and following a meal plan. It's also about creating a lifestyle you can truly enjoy."

— Cass, on balance

Q —What do you want people to know about you beyond fitness?

Beyond fitness, I want people to know that I'm really just a normal girl figuring life out as I go. At my core, I'm an empath. I genuinely care about people and always try to understand different perspectives. Over the years, I've learned that I'm so much more than my body, more than lifting weights, more than bodybuilding. I'm Cass.

"I'm so much more than my body, more than lifting weights, more than bodybuilding. I'm Cass."

— Cass

Q —Anything else you want people to know?

I am a BIG foodie. LOL.

Cass in the gym
03

Her Project AD Story

Q —How long have you been using Project AD?

I first got connected with Project AD when I decided to take the leap into competing in December 2023 and started learning how important quality supplementation can be for supporting performance, recovery, digestion, and overall health.

Q —How did you first find Project AD?

My coach introduced me to the company.

Q —What was the first Project AD product you tried?

From the very first time I tried Good Mornin', I was hooked. It quickly became a staple in my daily routine, and over time I started incorporating more Project AD products into my regimen.

Q —What made you want to join the Project AD team?

Honestly, it started with the products themselves. The results I've personally experienced from using Project AD are what made me excited about the opportunity to work with the brand.

Beyond the products, the community is what truly sets Project AD apart. From day one, I've felt supported not just as an athlete, coach, or creator, but as Cass. They see me as a person first, and that's something rare.

"From day one, I've felt supported not just as an athlete, coach, or creator, but as Cass. They see me as a person first, and that's something rare."

— Cass, on the Project AD community

Q —What's your favorite part about being on the Project AD team?

It's been really cool to grow alongside the brand and be part of a community that genuinely cares about helping people become healthier versions of themselves. Whether you're a bodybuilder, athlete, or just someone on your fitness journey, Project AD is for everyone.

Cass's Wellness Stack

Get 20% Off
Cass's Stack

Cass built her stack around digestion, gut regularity, nutrient utilization, and overall wellness — the foundation that supports the rest of her fitness routine.

Good Mornin'
Good Mornin'
Fiber+
Fiber+
Matador
Matador
Thyroid
Thyroid