My Journey To Becoming A Health Coach

Inspiring myself and others to live healthy, happy lives!

Although I enrolled at Institute For Integrative Nutrition (see widgets on my sidebar and header) just a couple of months or so ago, my own health journey began about 28 years ago when my 4th child was born. He was breech and I had toxemia. After his breech delivery, I still had the effects of toxemia a year later. Thus began my search for better health. I tend to be allergic to modern medicine, so my only alternative was to look into alternative healing (pun intended!).

Having a spiritual connection is part of being healthy. Spirituality has been shown to reduce depression, improve blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Also, people with a religious practice suffer less from depression and mental illnesses. That being said, when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anlylosing Spondylitis, I went to God for help and direction. As I was fervently praying about what to do about these diseases and how to manage them in a non-traditional way, the distinct answer came, that HE would guide me along and give me what I needed when I needed it...that answer gave me mixed feelings. First I was relieved to know God was even interested in my health and second I was unnerved because I like everything straight forward and upfront. This answer/process was NOT going to be that simple.

It's been a long and hard 28 years since my journey began. Lots of successes and several set backs, but I felt I was always being  moved in an upward direction. My most current step has taken me back to school (at age 53) studying to become a Health Coach. I love what I'm learning and doing. One of the first concepts I learned at IIN was that I am my first and most important client.  I can use what I'm learning to heal myself and that way I'll be a better health coach for others, because I'm honestly 'walking my talk'.

So far the things I've been learning as a Health Coach have had these benefits on my own health:

• I've started loosing weight (cool for someone who is post-menopausal and in a wheelchair). The weight is just falling off at a slow and steady pace. The best part is, I'm not feeling deprived and my cravings are no longer in control. Learning how to 'crowd out' and 'deconstruct cravings' has been awesome.
• brain fog is about 98% gone
• I have more energy
• inflamation has dropped significantly
• white tongue is now pink
• my gums are pink and healthier than they've been in years
• sleeping good and waking up ready to go (big deal for someone with a chronic illness)
• digestion has improved
• happier
• more optimistic about the future
• finding fun ways to exercise
• deeper love and appreciation for my Heavenly Father
• I've been able to put some broken relationships in better perspective

One of the most impressive concepts taught at The Institute For Integrative Nutrition is that health is more than just the food we put into our bodies. It's also our relationships, spirituality, physical exercise, and career. All these affect our health. In other words, eating all the broccoli in the world will not help mend a dysfunctional marriage. I'm being trained how to coach myself, family members, friends and anyone interested how to heal all these aspects in their lives.

As you can tell, I'm excited about this new journey the Lord has given me and I'm grateful for HIS interest in even the small details of my life.

In a couple of months, I'll be opening a new website dedicated to my Health Coaching practice, until then, I'll be sharing my journey here! Hope you'll subscribe (located on my sidebar) so you can join me on this dynamic new adventure!

NOTE: I became interested in attending IIN when I came across a blog that was written by an IIN graduate. She knew so much, and her posts made sense to me. If you're interested in learning more about IIN, just click on one of the widgets on my sidebar. They're even offering their Integrative Nutrition - Feed Your Hunger For Health And Happiness book for free.