What is a Health Coach? Eating well is eating well. But being healthy is a whole lot more.
Hi There! thanks for stopping in. This post has been updated, you can find the more recent version HERE.
If I had a frequently asked question section (maybe I should have a frequently asked question section?) the first question would be:
What is a Health Coach?
How does health coaching work?
Or just as often…
What exactly is it that you do?
Alright, that’s more then one question. But they are all excellent questions. Because health coaching is a framework different from other medical, health, and wellness professionals. So what is a health coach?
We are not here to treat or diagnose you. There are other professionals to do that and they do it very well. We’re a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage. A guide in making positive, health-promoting food and lifestyle changes. To help you find the right path on your journey. Support you to sift through the noise and find a simple approach to your own best health, best self. Your well-being.
Health coaching differs from many other health services as an interactive process. It’s all about setting goals, taking action, personal accountability, and follow through. Health coaching tends to be more program based. Individuals meet with their coaches regularly over a period of time. This can occur online or in person. Not a one-off visit to receive a diagnosis, treatment, and prescription.
It’s a compliment, not an alternative
An important distinction; health coaching is not a replacement for doctors or other specialists. It’s a complement to health care services, adding further value. We have a scope of practice that directs what we do and what we don’t do. Health coaching can be either a stand alone health and wellness service, as well as a valued complement to other health and medical services.
Or as I like to think of it – when you know you are not feeling your best. When you are not performing your best, at home or at work. Just getting by is not enough anymore. You have decided that being and feeling your best is a priority, and you want to take action. Maybe you’re not sure where to start, or don’t know why you have not been able to work it out on your own.
Simple, but not easy
Now, this is the part where people usually say to me ‘but Kris is it really that simple? And if it is why would I need to hire a health coach?’ My answer is yes… and no. Yes, it is pretty simple; a health coach talks to you about you. That’s it. But finding your solution and implementing it sustainably might be simple, but it’s not always easy. Often we touch on topics that can be quite confronting. Possibly addressing issues that cause discomfort. Or challenging some long-held belief about nutrition, diet, and lifestyle.
I also get asked ‘isn’t this a conversations I could have with a supportive friend or family member?’ Again a very good point! And yes, of course, you can! Where a coach is different is in that we come into every relationship with something called a beginners mind. We approach your life in every conversation without judgement or preconceived ideas.
Friends and family are amazing, and the support they provide is essential. Because they love you, they have an invested interest in your best outcome. It can cloud their judgement. Which is not necessarily bad, but it is less objective. Health coaches are able to hold a safe space, and continuously reflect back to YOUR goals. Not anyone else’s.
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I bring to the coaching relationship:
A Beginners Mind
I come into the relationship without any preconceived ideas or judgement.
I hold a Safe Space
Always holding a calming and non-judgmental attitude through every session and interaction
A Goal-Based Guide
I continuously hold up my client’s goals for them to see and focus on.
Furthermore, we’re not here to compete with Google. We are in the business of transformations, not information. Well, of course, we do know quite a bit about dietary theory – because what you eat does change everything. As a health coach, I am here to support you through to the process of change. To work beside you. to guide you through the transformation to become your best self.
Transformation not Information
As a Health Coach I specifically;
I help people who want to perform at their best to simplify their world and improve their energy and motivation;
For clearer thoughts, less stressful relationships, less daily overload and overwhelm;
To have room to breathe mentally, feel their best physically, and gain more time and peace with a simpler, healthier, more resilient life.
The entire coaching program is based on your individual needs. There is no cookie-cutter approach, or curriculum to walk you through.
There are however some topics that are frequently touched on;
- Tired of being tired.
- Looking for increased energy and motivation
- Wanting increased clarity and focus to perform better at home and at work
- Frustrated by one restrictive and one size fits all approaches to dieting
- Having digestive issues
- Questions about Gut Health and Inflammation
- Hormonal changes related to lifestyle and aging
- Not sure how to figure out what a healthy diet looks like for you
- Want to know what the connection is between physical activity and mental wellness
- How to decrease stress, overload, and overwhelm in a busy life
- Understand how clutter might be impacting your life, in surprising ways
- How to include healthy eating in a busy active lifestyle
- Feeling stuck and wanting to move forward
- How to approach mindset and mindfulness
As a few examples!
Are you interested in learning more about inflammation? And the dietary changes that can aid in the decrease of chronic inflammation, and improve gut health? Get the free guide [click on the image above].
So what's 'The Answer'?
At times I do come across people who want me to tell them what the answer is. The secret to health! Or to weight loss. Or reducing stress and overwhelm. The quick fix for more energy and motivation. They want me to give them a list or a guide or a meal plan that's going to fix everything, and fix it right away. And in all honestly I understand because life would be a lot easier if that existed! This is precisely what makes health coaching different.
As individuals we all have different goals, that are specific to our lives. We all also have different starting points. As a health coach I meet you where you're at. I will not tell you what your goals should be. However, I will help you find clarity and hold you accountable for decisions and actions toward your healthy lifestyle. For more on what a healthy lifestyle means, have a read of this post.
The relationships in your life that matter. Your family. How you feel in your career. Your ability to be as physically active as you need to be, in the way you need to be. Your needs for intimacy being met. Financial security. Travel. Spending time outdoors. Eating the foods that fuel you… and the enjoyment of eating that food, with others. Having a sense of purpose. Feeling joy. Today. Everyday. These are the ‘things’ that are your physical, mental, and emotional health.
What's your health and wellbeing story?
I would love to hear your story! Because I’m passionate about helping high performing women like yourself. To simplify your world and improve your energy and motivation.
I know from experience that it can be hard to get started. Which is why I would like to offer you The Well-being Roadmap. This is a free one-hour long conversation with me, about you. The purpose of the conversation is to help you find your starting point. To simplify your world, to improve your health and well-being, to allow you to perform at your best. We can also see if health coaching is the right fit for you. There is no obligation to continue past this commitment-free conversation. When we are done you will have your Roadmap and be on your way to wellbeing, simply.
Eating well is eating well. Being healthy is a whole lot more. No one diet or lifestyle works for everyone. I can guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you. Book your free no-obligation call right now, and let's get started on The Well-being Roadmap.
