When I tell people I’m studying Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching, they immediately think about the food that goes into their mouth. Often there’s a comment about how their diet could be better - and now I can tell them what to eat to lose weight or feel better or help with specific symptoms. While the curriculum at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) does cover different eating theories and plans, Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching is so much more than that!
Basically, as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC), it is my job to support and guide you in achieving your health and healing goals. It’s not about diagnosing conditions or prescribing a certain diet or exercise regime, although these things may be explored.
IIN uses The Circle of Life as a tool to reflect on and explore 12 areas in one’s life. Noting areas that are balanced creates an opportunity to celebrate what’s working for you. Actively focusing on areas that are out of balance can bring more satisfaction into your life. The food that we eat (called “secondary food”) is a small part of our overall health and happiness - you can eat the best food in the best way for your body, but if you are feeling unfulfilled in your relationships or at work, you will not be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
As someone who has always focused on the physical (movement and “secondary food”), this idea of “primary food” has been a real eye-opener for me. Of course I’ve understood (and strove for) balance in all areas of my life, but whenever I’ve felt unbalanced, unhappy, unfulfilled, I’ve tried to change something in the physical body, hoping everything else would fall into place. When, by really focusing on a necessary area of “primary food” with intention and consistency, more dramatic and longer lasting effects would have been felt.
Who needs an INHC?
Anyone who is ready to stop outsourcing their health will find a health coach invaluable on their journey to health and healing. Unfortunately, we can’t always count on the provision of good healthcare (which really should be called sickcare): conventional health practitioners are overworked and institutions are underfunded. More and more we are realising the benefit of disease prevention and the fact that we do have power over our health.
The choices we make today can be the difference between future suffering and thriving (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially). They can change the fate of being a burden on your family. And they can be fun and exciting choices, allowing you to enjoy your life, rather than merely going through the motions until your last breath.
If you’re ready to take control and create the life you’re dreaming of, and you think I can help you on that journey, book a complimentary discovery session with me. We’ll explore what areas of your life need a helping hand and discuss how to move towards your goals.
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