You may have heard the term “health coach” popping up in nutritional circles and appearing randomly in magazine articles and on TV. However, I often find when I tell someone that I’m a health coach, they have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. Health and wellness coaches are popping up in doctor’s offices, spas, gyms and private practices all over the country. They often offer services and fill gaps that doctors, nutritionists and dietitians don’t have the time or resources to fill.
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the largest nutrition school in the country, defines a health coach as “a wellness authority and supportive mentor who motivates individuals to cultivate positive health choices. Health coaches educate and support clients to achieve their health goals through lifestyle and behavior adjustments.” To put it simply, health coaches like me are highly educated guides in the fields of nutrition, wellness, bio-individuality and mentoring.
There are many different types of health coach certifications out there; however, the most recognized and thorough certification comes from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Graduates of this program, including me, are trained in over 100 dietary theories and lifestyle coaching techniques to help you discover exactly what will bring you success, and what is holding you back. It takes a year of training to become credentialed as a health coach through the institute. Health coaching focuses not only on the food you eat, but also your lifestyle. We help you to maximize the results of each.