Would you like to eat natural wholesome foods, but think it takes too much time or money? Worried that a change in the foods you love, will be replaced with bland, tasteless food choices? Many people suffer from these thoughts when contemplating a way to improve their health. Usually, they embark on a short-term solution called a ‘diet’ to lose some weight; but unfortunately, this seldom brings them the long-term results they crave.
Studies show that people increase their success rates when they enlist support to attain their health goals. A Health Coach (aka Holistic Nutrition Counselor) is trained to educate, inspire and support you to achieve your health objectives. A Health Coach listens to understand your background, life challenges and expectations concerning your vision for optimum well being. Then, they formulate a personalized plan that guides you step by step towards healthier food choices and better lifestyle habits. This is important because just as there are no two people alike, there is also no such thing as one “diet” fits all. How many fad “diets” have come and gone?
Another advantage of teaming up with a Health Coach is their ability to create a structure for your success. In addition, you don’t need to spend years studying the proper combinations of foods to maximize nutrition because Nutrition Counselors know and understand how to gently and comfortably step you into these power foods. So over time, these new habits will bring your health goals and lifestyle changes into reality.
One unique approach that the Institute for Integrative Nutrition focuses on is ‘primary food.’ Primary food encompasses: career, exercise, relationships and spirituality. Have you noticed that if one or more of these areas in your life isn’t running smoothly, you are more likely to use food as a coping mechanism? Lifestyle and emotions not only play a significant role in your health, but also your ability to maintain your new eating habits.
Another critical component of mindful eating is fine tuning your life so you really enjoy it instead of using food as an emotional crutch. We’ve all been there. There’s an argument or breakup with a significant other and suddenly an entire sleeve of Girl Scout cookies is gone. Or, your job is no longer satisfying so you’re a regular at the vending machine hoping the diet soda or M&M’s will get you through another day. A Health Coach guides you through these challenges in a way that lessens your reliance on food as a coping mechanism. They can introduce alternatives to food in times of stress.
A Health Coach or Holistic Nutrition Counselor gives you an intimate understanding of food and how to incorporate foods to create high energy and stable moods. You’ll understand ways to combine natural foods to significantly reduce or eliminate cravings. You’ll also discover new ways to manage your emotions which will increase your ability to comfortably maintain your weight.
Another key to a successful health plan is discovering your body’s personal food choices so that they’re enjoyable, flexible and sustainable. A Health Coach can assist you in this process by their approach to balancing not only your foods, but the reasons why you eat what you eat.
Finding the right Health Coach is much like finding the right therapist. Many health coaches will offer a 60-minute complimentary nutrition consultation so you can get a flavor of the work they do. Most have an area or two that they specialize in such as diabetes, celiac disease, emotional eating, etc. Formulate a list of questions that you can easily compare and invite them to share their perspective on your personal requirements.
A Health Coach can take your life to new heights by teaching you how to care for yourself in a loving way through food combined with a healthy lifestyle.