What is a health coach and how can they help you?

I think most people have heard of health coaching but don't really understand what a health coach can do for you.  In this blog post I'd like to help you gain insight into what a health coach does, how they can help you and how working with one can transform your approach to health and wellness. Whether you're looking to lose weight, manage stress, improve your nutrition, overcome family history or a recent health scare, or simply want to adopt healthier habits, an NBC-HWC like me can be your ally and guide on the journey to a happier, healthier you. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the role of a health coach, explore the valuable support and resources I provide, and uncover the transformative impact that I can have on your life. Get ready to discover the power of health coaching and unlock your full potential for vibrant health and well-being!

In the last blog post I wrote about how I will help you unearth limiting beliefs. National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC’s) like me are trained to ask the right questions to help uncover underlying beliefs and obstacles that may be holding you back from making positive changes in your health and lifestyle.

Here's how a health coach might approach this:

Exploring family of origin issues: Health coaches understand that our upbringing and family dynamics can significantly influence our attitudes and behaviors towards food and health. They may ask questions about your childhood experiences with food, such as whether there were any specific food rules or behaviors enforced in your household, how meals were typically structured, and what messages you received about food and nutrition from your family members.

Identifying limiting beliefs: Health coaches are skilled at helping you identify and challenge limiting beliefs that may be contributing to unhealthy habits or self-sabotage. They may ask probing questions to uncover beliefs such as "I'll never be able to stick to a healthy diet," "Eating healthy is too expensive," or "I don't deserve to prioritize my health." By bringing these beliefs to light, you can begin to address and reframe them in a more positive and empowering way.

Addressing emotional barriers: Health coaches recognize that emotions play a significant role in our relationship with food and health. They may ask questions to explore emotional triggers for unhealthy eating habits, such as stress, boredom, loneliness, or past trauma. By understanding the emotional factors driving your behavior, you can work together to develop healthier coping strategies and alternative ways of meeting your needs.

Promoting self-awareness and mindfulness: Health coaches encourage self-awareness and mindfulness as essential tools for behavior change. They may guide you through exercises to increase awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around food, such as keeping a food journal, practicing mindful eating, or identifying patterns of emotional eating. By becoming more attuned to your internal experiences, you can better understand your motivations and make conscious choices that align with your health goals.

Overall, working with a health coach can provide valuable support and guidance in unearthing deeply rooted beliefs and obstacles that may be hindering your ability to change. Through open and non-judgmental conversation, you can gain insights into your habits and patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop practical strategies for creating lasting health and wellness.

Health coaching serves as a bridge that connects your current state of health and wellness with your desired goals and aspirations.

Here's how I will help you build that bridge:

Assessment and goal setting: Health coaching begins with a thorough assessment of your current health status, lifestyle habits, and personal goals. Through open dialogue and guided questioning, I help you clarify your objectives and identify specific, achievable goals that align with your values and priorities.

Creating a personalized plan: Once your goals are established, I collaborate with you to develop a personalized action plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. This plan has realistic baby steps which help you add the planks to build your bridge and become your vision.  This plan may include dietary changes, exercise routines, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene practices, and other strategies to support your overall health and well-being. 

Support and accountability: As you work towards your goals, I will provide ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability to help you stay on track. I journey with my clients and serve as a trusted ally and sounding board, offering guidance, feedback, and motivation as you navigate challenges and obstacles along the way.  As a health coach, I'm here to celebrate your successes and victories with you, and to guide you through what some might perceive as setbacks. I view these moments not as failures, but as valuable learning experiences that help refine your goals and encourage exploration of new strategies and approaches. Let's embrace every step of your journey towards better health and well-being.

Skill-building and empowerment: I will also equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to make sustainable changes in your lifestyle and habits. Through education, skill-building exercises, and empowerment techniques, I assist you in developing the self-efficacy and resilience to overcome barriers and thrive in pursuit of your goals and dreams.

Continuous evaluation and adjustment: The journey towards better health is dynamic and evolving, and health coaching recognizes the importance of continuous evaluation and adjustment. I will monitor your progress, solicit feedback, and revise your action plan as needed to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with your changing needs and circumstances. You will set your own bar for success so that progress can be evaluated based on your core beliefs and values.  Your readiness, wiliness, and confidence for each change will be discussed. 

I will also serve as a supportive guide and facilitator for your thpoughts; I will help you navigate the gap between where you are now and where you want to be in terms of your health and well-being. With the right tools, strategies, and support system in place, you can successfully bridge that gap and achieve lasting improvements in your health and quality of life. 

I will provide customized resources and supplemental materials to help you learn and utilize various tools to support you in your journey like these:

·       Educational handouts and worksheets: I create custom handouts and worksheets tailored to my clients' needs and goals. These resources may include information on nutrition, exercise, stress management techniques, goal-setting strategies, and behavior change principles. Worksheets can help clients track their progress, set SMART goals, identify barriers, and develop action plans to overcome obstacles.

·       Meal plans and recipes: Health coaches may offer meal planning guidance and provide clients with nutritious recipes and meal ideas. Meal plans can help clients structure their eating habits, ensure they're getting a balanced diet, and discover new and healthy foods to incorporate into their meals. Recipes can inspire creativity in the kitchen and make healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.

·       Online tools and apps: Health coaches may recommend and utilize various online tools and mobile apps to support their clients' health and wellness journey. These tools can range from fitness trackers and meal planning apps to mindfulness meditation guides and habit-building platforms. By leveraging technology, health coaches can enhance communication, accountability, and engagement with their clients.

·       Art projects and creative expression: Some health coaches incorporate art therapy techniques or creative projects into their coaching sessions to promote self-expression, reflection, and personal growth. Art projects can provide a unique outlet for exploring emotions, beliefs, and experiences related to health and well-being. This creative approach can foster self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment in clients as they work towards their goals.

·       Community resources and support networks: Health coaches help connect clients with additional resources and support networks within their community. This may include local fitness classes, support groups, wellness workshops, cooking demonstrations, and other health-related events and activities. By tapping into community resources, clients can expand their social networks, find like-minded individuals, and access additional support and encouragement on their health journey.

By offering a diverse range of resources, handouts, worksheets, and even creative projects, I will empower you, as a client with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to make meaningful and lasting changes in your health and lifestyle. These resources enhance the coaching process by providing practical guidance, fostering self-awareness, and promoting holistic well-being.

If you’d like to learn more about taking that step towards your vision and dreams, let’s chat.  I’d love to meet you for a walk or a coffee sometime.  We can meet virtually or in person to see if health and wellness coaching is the next step for you. 

Did you know but you can use your health savings account (HSA) or flex spending account (FSA) money to pay for an NBC-HWC (nationally board certified health and wellness coach)?  You can!  I'd love to chat with you about how you can utilize these resources to support your journey for change.