What is health coaching?
Before we get into what a health coach is, let’s discuss what it’s not. A health coach is not usually a doctor or dietitian (unless that particular person has those credentials). Health coaches don’t diagnose or prescribe medications.
The Institute for Intergrative Nutrition defines a health coach as “a wellness authority and supportive mentor who motivates individuals to cultivate positive health choices. Health coaches educate and support clients to achieve their health goals through lifestyle and behavior adjustments.”
Did that answer it? No? Let’s try this instead. Have you tried for the umpteenth time to diet with minimal results? Have you been given a food allergy diagnosis and told you can’t have your favorite foods anymore? Do you become aggravated and discouraged when you shop because what you are allergic to is in everything that you normally buy? Have you tried to implement a healthier lifestyle but don’t know where to start and became frustrated? Now you’re overwhelmed and confused on what to do. Either myself or people close to me have been in each of these situations. I’ll expand on it in a bit.
This is where a health coach comes in. A health coach won’t just hand you some diet plan and send you on your way. A health coach will be with you every step of the way offering advice and encouragement. They help take you where you are to where you want to be. Health coaches help you discover where and why you are struggling. They help formulate goals and plans to overcome the struggle. Health coaches can help bridge the gap between doctor or dietitian and client execution.
Doctor + Health coach + Patient participation = Success!!!
Now it’s time for me to make good on my promise to expand. I’m going to start with how I started my journey to become a health coach. I was “living healthy” but not getting the results I wanted. This led to my discovery of Paleo, and I realized this would get me the results I was looking for! But where to start? I sat down and made goals and a game plan to achieve those goals. Step by step I achieved each goal. I was so excited and proud of myself. I was doing what I set out to do. Then my youngest nephew was diagnosed with food allergies. My sister was so overwhelmed on what to do. She knew about my quest and turned to me for help. We were able to come up with substitutions my nephew loved. This helped him feel included and not “different” from the other kids. My mom was tired of being exhausted and was ready for a healthier life. Again my loved one turned to me for advice. We met and defined her goals, and we came up with a plan to achieve those goals. The plan was tailored made for her and allowed her to successfully achieve her goals. She gained not just her energy but self-confidence as well. I love helping people achieve their health goals. Helping my family has made me realize what God is calling me to do- become a health coach.
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
southernprimal.com 