Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to do for your health, yet you still don’t feel like it's working?
Maybe you’re exhausted even after trying to get more sleep. Maybe your weight has changed in ways you don’t understand. Maybe you’re dealing with cravings, stress, brain fog, poor sleep, unstable energy, or other health concerns.
Everywhere you look - TV, social media, or online searches - you are hearing voices telling you what you should be doing. It can become difficult to know which advice applies to you.
That is why I use a personalized approach to health coaching.
No one needs another list of rules to follow. I want to hear your story and work together to identify the practical steps that can move you toward greater balance in all aspects of your health.
How My Health Struggles Changed the Way I Approach Coaching
I have experienced the freedom that comes with good health and the limitations and frustration that can come when health is less than ideal.
I grew up healthy, active and strong. But, over time some of my choices contributed to nutritional and nervous-system imbalances.
My bachelor's degree in Health Promotion and Education gave me a strong foundation and taught me many valuable things about health. But I didn't have all the answers I needed to create balance in my own life.
I found solutions by piecing together a more well-rounded approach to my health. Through guidance from holistic practitioners and other well-researched sources (one valuable class I took in school was how to sift through and validate research studies) I slowly made progress. I learned to look at information more critically, take what was relevant to my situation and set aside what wasn't.
That process made me more compassionate toward other people's health journeys because I realized that we are all only working with the information and resources we have available to us at particular points in our lives. It’s important for people to be met where they are at.
Not a Lack of Information
Today, we have more health information available than ever before. But having more information doesn't necessarily make it easier to become healthier. In fact, it can sometimes make things more confusing.
Our modern life creates pressure to work hard, keep up with responsibilities, stay productive, exercise, eat well, maintain relationships, and somehow find time for rest.
The constant pressures can contribute to chronic stress and make it difficult to take care of the very things that keep us healthy. Unfortunately, rest isn’t one of the things that is rewarded in our culture, even though it can be the very thing that gives us the endurance we need to keep going.
Then there is the constant stream of nutritional advice. Much of what is out there makes it seem as though there is one right answer for everyone. And when you're struggling with immediate health concerns, the promise of a quick solution can be very appealing. But unfortunately, what works well for one person may be unrealistic for someone else.
Motivation and Education
I became even more motivated to pursue health coaching when I watched other people experience struggles similar to mine. People were searching for answers and not always finding them through conventional approaches. My own experiences taught me to consider the whole person and how different areas of life interact to find solutions.
Formal education gave me a baseline understanding of the many areas of health that need attention.
A health coach certification and behavior-change training have given me additional tools to help people turn information into practical steps.
And my own experience has taught me that health is personal.
I don't believe in blindly following every new health trend - or blindly rejecting everything you've heard before. Instead, we need to look at all of the information critically before deciding on next steps.
What Does Personalized Health Coaching Look Like?
Before we meet, you'll complete the Health Questionnaire that gives me an understanding of your health status, lifestyle, and the areas you'd most like to address. You'll also complete the Learning-style Questionnaire so I can better understand the best way to explain new information. These are optional, but will help to give me an understanding of where we should start.
Next, we will meet in person or virtually to talk through your answers and health goals. And then we can create an individualized wellness plan. Some people have a very straightforward, singular need or focus, and for others we approach change as a step-by-step process. But not to worry, we won't try to change everything at once.
Together, we will find practical and simple steps to work on between each appointment. Each step needs to feel sustainable before adding something new. Follow-up emails after appointments will give you something to reference as you move forward.
Ways we can work together
Your physical health, stress levels, sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional well-being, and spiritual life can all influence how balanced you feel. Consider the following areas you may be wanting to some support in:
- Sleep through the night and wake feeling refreshed.
- Maintain consistent energy throughout the day.
- Shop healthy while on a budget.
- Find a sustainable approach to weight without feeling deprived.
- Support healthy blood sugar.
- Find an approach to eating that works with your metabolism and lifestyle.
- Make time for rest, self-care, hobbies or spiritual practices.
- Stay active in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Since your goals are personalized, they can be as budget-friendly and streamlined as needed, using my different services:
- Grocery shopping trips can combine education about nutrition with the practical experience of learning how to make healthy, budget-friendly food choices.
- Walk and Talk sessions combine movement and conversation.
- Whole-foods nutrition education can also include information about supplements (incl. discounts on high-quality options).
- NEW GROUP COMING SOON: Practical Wellness & Weight Support. This group will be focused on learning about the many factors that can affect weight and finding practical ways to work with that information as personal conditions and circumstances change over time. Weekly virtual meetings will include education, discussion and opportunities for accountability, including options for outside support amongst group members.
CLICK BELOW and type "Practical Wellness" under Messages to receive more details on this group.
The Future of Health and Wellness
My hope is to see the health and wellness field become more personalized. We need fewer messages that sway vulnerable people into believing there is one perfect diet, one perfect exercise routine, one perfect number on the scale, or one answer to every health concern. It is important for everyone to become informed participants in their own health instead of simply chasing the latest trend.
For example, someone taking a popular weight-loss medication may experience reduced hunger and eat fewer calories, but adequate nourishment and muscle-preserving exercise also matter and need to be included as equal priority.
It is very rewarding to see what happens when people realize that healthy living doesn't have to mean living inside a rigid set of rules. People are surprised to discover that they can eat a healthy diet while still considering their personal food preferences and lifestyle. They have more choices than they were led to believe, and I am glad to be a part of their process!
Let's make it Personal
While there are basic tenets of health that can apply to most people, let’s start by understanding where you are at, identifying what matters most to you, and taking one practical step at a time toward greater balance.
You know yourself better than anyone, so you get to lead the process. I would love to be a support as you find the tools that work best for you!
Click above to MESSAGE ME and learn more about how we can work together.
