For the most part, most of us generally know what we could be doing to be healthy, right?

Eating whole foods, ditching processed foods and moving our bodies. Did you also know the mind and gut are connected? That steady blood sugar is important for healthy cortisol levels? Or that hormones impact every function in the body from blood sugar to blood pressure, growth and fertility, sex drive, metabolism, and even sleep?

I mean you might - you can google a lot of this. So, why do you need a health coach and what even is a health coach? In this blog post, I’ll answer some of my most frequently asked questions around health coaching and plan to evolve this regularly!

Q: What is a health coach?

A: Health coaches are wellness professionals and mentors who help others feel their best through personalized diet and lifestyle changes. Health coaches work with clients to help create sustainable behavior change, proving tools and resources to help them discover the best wellness routines that work for them (you know yourself best) and empower them to meet their unique health goals.

We view health holistically, looking beyond food to consider other areas of life that need nourishment, like career, relationships and sense of purpose.

Q: Is HEALTH COACHING an alternative to western medicine ?

A: No - it’s not an alternative. It’s an important complement. We often collaborate with other wellness professionals to provide effective, and integrative support for clients. A doctor will tell you the standard health goals you need to meet and a health coach will help keep you accountable and motivate you to reach your goals.

Q: Where did you go to school to become a health coach?

A: I completed the Nutritious Life Studio’s and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN)’s foundational online programs. I also recently graduated from IIN’s advanced hormone health course.

Q: Do you provide meal plans?

A: Rarely. I will absolutely share inspiration and recipes I think may work best for you based on your unique goals, but I actually find meal plans a bit restricting. What if you’re not in the mood for a particular meal one day? What if you’re going out to eat with friends? While I understand some people may need them, that’s where work with a dietician or nutritionist would come in.

I will however teach you things like how to read nutrition labels, how to listen to your body and hunger cues and balance your plate with protein, healthy fats and carbs.

Q: Do you provide workout plans?

A: I wish, but no! I don’t have the training. What I can do though is help you discover which exercises feel best for your body and hold you accountable to ensure you are regularly moving your body. I can also share some movement that you may want to consider syncing with your cycle to help balance hormones. Believe me, it’s been a game changer for me!

Q: What can you help me with?

A: As a health coach, I provide a safe space to discuss what is most important to YOU. I will be there for you: to listen, provide personalized support and accountability to help you achieve your goals.

I’ll also share practical tools/tips and encouragement. And, as someone who is going through my own healing journey, and who has dealt with burnout, chronic stress, period pain and juggling work, life and everything in between - I’ve learned so much on my own healing journey that I can help you with!

I can support you with: stress management techniques, tips to balance your hormones, mind-set shifts, ways to increase your energy, ditching period pain, helping you create better work-life balance, cycle syncing, balancing your plate, detoxing for hormones, morning and evening rituals for optimal health AND so much more.

Q: where do I start?

A: 1. The first step is a free 30 minute consultation call. We’ll review your health history, so I can get a better understanding of what you’re dealing with and what you are hoping to accomplish. I’ll go into details about my offerings and what our partnership could look like. Essentially, this is to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

2. Once we commit to working together, I’ll send you welcome materials, including program agreements and a form to fill out your goals.

3. I will then tailor the program to your needs. Each session will be 45 minutes and include mind, body and soul work (you can choose to do weekly or bi-weekly sessions - so a 6 week or 12 week program).