What Does a Health Coach Do?

“Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches are uniquely positioned to bring about lasting change in the lives of individuals all across the globe and help spread the ripple effect of empowered health and happiness”- IIN.

A lot of people have asked me what health coaches do, which is why I thought I would write a little post to clarify and explain my role.

Integrative health coaches primarily focus on supporting clients with their specific goals in regards to health. We empower clients to choose health-promoting behaviors that work for them and support them as they move towards their goals in their own bio-individual ways. Bio-individuality is crucial when it comes to health coaching, because it focuses on every client as a unique person. There is no “one fits all” solution, no diet that works for everyone and no quick fix. Unfortunately, due to the media, we were taught to believe that there is this one perfect diet that is the answer. However, there wouldn’t be so many diets out there if they were sustainable and if they were to actually work for everyone. It is the same as if you were to try on a shoe, a dress or a hat, there simply isn’t one that fits all.

This is why health coaches work together with their clients to try out foods, as well as workouts, and lifestyles that work specifically for them. Like all coaches, health coaches are like partners who don’t leave their client’s side throughout this journey. Hopefully, the coaching will then lead to long term behavior change and commitment, so that individuals can continue to succeed on their own eventually.

“All coaches help clients reach their full potential by raising awareness, making connections, identifying patterns, shifting limiting beliefs, using a growth mind- set, and offering strengths-based support. The difference is that Health Coaches focus specifically on health”-IIN.

It is also important to consider is, that health coaches do not only assist clients when it comes to food or exercise. We differentiate between primary and secondary food. Secondary food is the food on the plate, but primary food is everything we consume and do off the plate. This could be our friendships and relationships, our career, finances, spirituality, living situation and so on. All of these have a tremendous impact on our health, from how we eat, to how we sleep and to how we feel. This is why it is so important to talk about all these areas to get an idea of where the problems, patterns and struggles are coming from. By changing some habits in the primary food area, for example, the secondary food might easily solve itself or fall into place. Basically, health coaches have a holistic view and approach and support clients with a variety of lifestyle habits. We will meet you where you are at and help you transform one step at a time.

As mentioned, there is no such thing as a quick fix or an easy way out. Every area in your life, in which you wish to succeed, takes time, hard work and effort. If you are ready to commit to an improved quality of life in the long run, you will achieve your goals. All it needs is your willingness to do the work and to change your life to the better. I would love to assist you on your journey and to support you in becoming a happier and healthier version of yourself.