If you’ve been following with me here you might know that a year ago I became a certified integrative nutrition health coach. I had found a calling that I didn’t even know existed! So you might be thinking, that’s great! But what do you do!?
In a nutshell, as a health coach I support clients to achieve their personal health goals through diet, lifestyle/behavior changes. Goals can include anything from de-stressing, losing weight, increasing energy or successfully completing an elimination diet to uncover food triggers, clearing up skin conditions, etc!
It’s not about one way of living or eating. Instead I focus on bio-individuality – the idea that we’re all different and have unique dietary, lifestyle, emotional and physical needs. And that means there’s no one-size-fits all approach. Yes, there are fundamentals that apply to everyone but it doesn’t mean that there’s one type of diet or lifestyle best for all.
Beyond diet
Health coaches also focus on health beyond the plate. We see health from a holistic point of view and diet is just one piece of the pie. Areas of relationship, career, spirituality and physical activity are just as impactful to your health as much as the green smoothie you drink.
The approach
And you know what else health coaches do? We listen. We often hear things that are not being overtly said or even realized by the client. Our training allows us to actively listen. Coaches listen from a place that assumes that the client knows their body best and that it’s moving towards homeostasis. And from that place we empower people to take charge of their own health.
As a mentor and wellness expert, we inspire and motivate our clients to make positive change. Each coach will bring a different set of experiences and expertise. Finding the one that’s right for you is like selecting any other professional that helps you change positively. Not just by credentials but whether you think they “get” you and if you’re connecting with their coaching style and as a person.
Most people already know what they need to do to be healthy – eat less sugar, drink water, eat more vegetables, exercise, etc. Right? Too many things get in the way of actually doing the work – confusing nutrition headlines, jam-packed schedules, unhealthy cravings and lack of motivation.
Enter the health coach. We help you get clear on what you actually want and do the work to achieve it. But in a way that is authentic to you, while motivating and counseling along the way.
Why health coaches?
Think back to your last doctor’s appointment. How much time did you spend with him or her? 10-15 minutes? Doctors are trained to assess a patient, find a treatment and send you on your way. Remedies might include prescription drugs, surgery, therapies but other alternatives are rarely discussed. I’m not pointing this out because I have anything against doctors. We need them and what they do is crucial! But their job is not necessarily about helping patients build healthy habits or making a plan for them to prevent illnesses in the first place.
Despite the trillions of dollars that the United States spends on healthcare (more than twice of most developed countries) we are still struggling with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, cancer or stroke and life expectancy is not any better than those countries who spend less. In fact, according to the CDC, 6 out of 10 Americans are struggling with at least one and these illnesses which are the leading cause of death and drive healthcare costs. The good news is that chronic illnesses are all lifestyle related and preventable with diet, exercise and stress management.
The current system is failing to keep us well and health coaches along with other like-minded professionals have been filling a void that’s been in healthcare.
The Future of Health
In recent years medical professionals have been embracing the role of health coaches to help their patients be proactive about their health. Some forward thinking medical facilities that offer coaching services are starting to emerge such as Parsley health in NYC.
If we can embrace a preventative and proactive wellness approach along with medical advancements, research in nutrition, epigenetics, the microbiome, etc. I’m hopeful for a healthier future for all of us. Because wouldn’t the world be a better place if we weren’t so sick and stressed out? Call me an idealist, but I think so!
If you’re intrigued by the role of health coaches and want to work with one, set up a consultation with me here to discuss how I can help!
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