Why do you need a Health Coach?

As I continue to conduct Health Histories of “Discovery Sessions” with willing volunteers, I’m amazed by the different stories, backgrounds, and challenges of each person. Some folks have long lists of health hurdles, some just need a little encouragement with maintenance or tweaking in various aspects of the Circle of Life (the holistic 12-piece pie representing the most common aspects that round out our lives.)

The question came up…does everyone need a health coach? Maybe not, but nearly everyone could benefit from something that an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach can provide.

As I shape my fledgling practice, I’m learning what services I will offer, what population I desire to focus on, and how I will best share my strengths and talents to help people make sustainable behavior changes on their way to a healthier lifestyle no matter how big or small their goals.

A common thread I’m seeing and hearing that justifies having a health coach is for advocacy. It’s not easy to navigate the healthcare and wellness world; it’s not uncommon for people to feel that options are out of their control or beyond their knowledge base. I had a recent experience with a healthcare provider who made me feel like she was the only one who knew and understood my body and its challenges and I started to distrust my own intuition and choices. That was a terrible feeling. Gratefully I found the resources through my training to course correct, but I realize that prospect might seem daunting to many.

Ways you might benefit from having a health coach:

·      To work on breaking an unhealthy habit (with food, substances, physical activity, or relationships)

·      To improve your sleep

·      To work on anxiety and stress

·      To improve your diet or eating habits

·      To improve your time management skills

·      To explore your financial strengths and challenges, set goals, get on track

·      To maintain strength, flexibility, balance, agility as you age

·      To transition into a new life stage—parenthood, empty nesting, divorce, retirement

·      To change the organization of and energy in your home environment

·      To get unstuck by identifying the obstacles between you and your goals

·      To improve your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, or triglycerides

·      To improve your body weight, cardiovascular capacity, or exercise habits

·      To have an accountability coach for encouragement and unconditional support

·      To have an advocate if you struggle to understand your doctor or long to feel heard in that caregiving space

·      To find more structure in your life

·      To introduce you to new recipes, cuisines, and kitchen skills

·      To become a better role model for healthy living

·      To build a spiritual practice

·      To add more joy to your life in your inner world or through community

This is just the beginning. As a health coach, I have so many ideas, experiences, and energies from which to draw. Let’s get started!