What does a Holistic Health Coach actually do?
I’ve definitely received this question plenty of times over the years since starting my practice, so I figured now is as good a time as any to really break down what it is exactly that a Health Coach actually does.
I received my Holistic Health & Nutrition Coaching certification from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (or IIN) which is the largest and most reputable school for Holistic Health, Wellness and Nutrition. I chose IIN because they teach a myriad of dietary theories, nutrition and coaching techniques in order to help coaches really tune into their clients’ needs, so that we can devise a plan of action for optimal health & wellness.
The best definition of a Health Coach comes right from IIN:
"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."
How can a Holistic Health Coach help you?
Guidance, accountability and encouragement. I am here as your advocate, and built-in support system, on your journey to optimal health & wellness. This is not always an easy journey, and many don’t know where to start. I like to treat the cause of any health issues, rather than the symptoms which have manifested.
This means, assessing a client’s lifestyle from front to back and figuring out where we can make adjustments to bring things back into balance. A client may come to me feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and chronically fatigued. This doesn’t simply mean they need more vitamin B-12 (which might be the case) , but can also mean they are experiencing hormonal imbalance or a myriad of other things.. From there, we will sort out the role their current lifestyle plays when it comes to their health. Perhaps this client is deficient in something, or maybe they simply aren’t getting enough sunlight and body movement - that’s what I’m here to help YOU do; devise a plan to start restoring balance in all areas of your life.
Typically, I find the key is to avoid trying to completely overhaul our lives in one fell swoop. Gradually making adjustments in our life offers a higher likelihood of sticking to the plan. That’s also where the accountability comes in. This is a journey, and anyone who has taken a cross-country road trip knows, it’s better done with a partner.
Why do I LOVE being a Holistic Health Coach?
One of the best things about being a health coach is helping a wide range of people. They teach us over 100 dietary theories because everyone’s physiological body is so unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. I am not here to make you eat what I eat. I am here to help you figure out what is best for you and your body.
In school we also learned about bio-individuality, which is simply the understanding that every single physical body has its own blueprint, and no two are the same; similar to fingerprints. One of the first things I do with a new client is work through exercises to help identify their own bio-individuality. We also map out the “big picture” of their current lifestyle, and it’s with these tools that we’re able to create a tailored plan of action for optimal health.
As a Holistic Health Coach I am NOT a doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian. I am here as a Holistic Health Coach to help YOU heal your body from the inside out, and restore balance in all areas of your life, naturally. We may make diet changes, and we may make adjustments to your sleep schedule among other things - but whatever we do, it will be best suited for your body.
Working with clients, my focus is on women’s health and wellness. Oftentimes, clients are shocked to learn how many common concerns can be treated holistically.
For example, some of the most common things I treat with clients include:
Getting your mind + body ready for pregnancy
Postpartum health + finding the new you
Addressing hormonal imbalance
Weight Loss
Healthier Eating Habits
Increased Exercise
Stress Reduction
Fatigue
Reestablishing your connection with yourself
With that in mind, I’m sure you can imagine how much we can tackle by simply restoring balance. The main thing to remember is, I am not here to judge you, or tell you what you can or can't do. Ultimately it is up to the client and what we put into the journey is what we’ll get out of it. There is so much potential in each and every one of us. Let’s find that together and design the best practices to accommodate you and your lifestyle!
Now, a little about me
Who am I? I am a wife and mom of two little boys, both under the age of three! It can be difficult to balance a business and a household, but just like any other mom, I’m doing the best I can. Since becoming a mom, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the women I work with. I feel that now I have an even better understanding of what my clients are going through, and my own personal experience has really been priceless in helping me help others. One of my most requested group classes has actually been Baby Food 101, which really started out with me just sharing what I’ve learned with fellow moms in my community.
I am by no means perfect, but I do have the understanding, and the tools, necessary to traverse the journey to optimal health. I knew I wanted to live a clean and balanced life, so I learned as much as I could, and now my mission is to share that with as many women as I can.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards truly living your best life, I’d love to connect so that we can schedule a complimentary phone consultation to assess your vision and goals!
xoxo
Lindsay