On the blog, I've mentioned that one of my goals is to become a Holistic Health Coach after I finish up my program through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. But, I don't think that I've ever really discussed what exactly I mean by "health coaching" and what goals I want to accomplish as a health coach. So today - that's exactly what I'm going to delve into - Health Coaching 101 - from my perspective, of course.
First off, what is my mission statement as a prospective health coach? Simply put:
My goal is to empower others to take responsibility for their wellness and become their best selves through food, fitness, and lifestyle changes, allowing them to fully experience life, become nourished, and thrive.
As a health coach and a fitness professional, I will be able to help people on a multitude of levels.
First, I want to help people address their primary foods and any imbalances that may be present. Primary foods, as defined by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, include physical activity, spirituality, career, and relationships. (You can read more about primary foods here.) Primary foods are the backbone of our lives. We can have the perfect diet, but if our primary foods are not balanced, we will feel the consequences.
Second, I hope to help clients focus on their diets and how they can include more nourishing foods onto their plates. This may include a grocery store tour, meal prep demonstration, or pantry clean-out session. As a health coach, I will not promote any one diet, as everyone is individual and what works for one person may not work for another. However, what does work (and the science backs me up on this) is that adding more vegetables and fruits into the diet is beneficial for everyone. By helping clients clear out the junk and add in the nourishment, I hope to help them start to feel better on a deeper level.
Third, I will use my love and knowledge of fitness to help guide my client along the correct fitness path. Every path will be different, depending on the particular goals of each client. However, what will remain constant is my passion for getting people moving, no matter how, what, when, or where! I will be available as a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor to help coach and guide them through their exercise of choice.
Finally, I will help clients put all the pieces together. Like I mentioned earlier, one does not get healthier by one aspect of their life alone. It is the combination of factors that produce a nourishing, fulfilling life! Through weekly or monthly meeting updates, as well as email communication, my clients can be assured that they are on the right path and taking the right actions steps to get there.
This all seems like a lot, and may be overwhelming to prospective clients. However, I hope to make it simpler by offering a complimentary health history consultation before my client continues on with my services.
A health history consultation is basically a form that a prospective client fills out with basic background information, as well as health goals, sleep patterns, food log, etc. At the first consultation which lasts about 15-30 minutes, we will go over the form together, and I will allow the client to further explain their goals and situation. Please note that I will not be giving my advice at this session. This session is to see if we are a good fit as health coach and client.
After the initial health history consultation, then I will provide the opportunity for the client to continue on with me as a health coach through a 6 month program, which is complete with two meetings per month, email access, informational handouts, and individualized support in whatever aspects are needed. I am there to be a resource for my client, someone they can turn to and trust for advice, support, and open ears!
In addition, I was also honored to take a position as a health coach and personal trainer at Prairie Life Fitness here in Lincoln. I cannot wait to get started with clients starting one week from today. I will guide my clients through an orientation and health coaching meeting, and then create an outline for all of our future meetings in order to achieve the goals of my clients. I've so excited to get started on this journey, and help clients reach their healthiest selves!
There it is - my goals and dreams as a prospective health coach. I can start seeing clients starting TODAY (!), so please let me know if you would like to schedule a complimentary health history (via phone or Skype) and receive any of my health coaching services!
As always, let me know if you have any questions!