What does a Health Coach Eat in a Day?

By: Bree Gorman, MPH, NBC-HWC and Caitlin Boyd, NBC-HWC 

We get asked all the time, “What do you eat in a day?” The perception is largely that as health coaches we eat perfectly, exercise perfectly, and live perfectly zen lives. In reality, we are real human beings. We drink adult beverages, we eat sugary treats, and there are plenty of days exercise just doesn’t happen.

What is the secret to eating healthily?

The secret is: we have figured out what a good balance is for our unique selves— we have figured out what works for our biochemistry, our environment, our personality, our schedules. 

You’ll see in this photo journal a wide variety. Just because one coach might have had some GF donut holes and coffee for breakfast one morning, doesn’t mean that is typical of his/her diet. It was just a small treat that particular coach felt like having that morning!

Likewise, just because someone had a smoothie for breakfast, doesn’t necessarily mean they followed with a salad for lunch and vegetable plate with grilled chicken for dinner. 

We hope you find this enlightening and inspiring to find a bit more balance in your life.  Maybe you’ll take away some ideas to add to your own plate!  Know that it is ok to not eat “perfectly” 100% of the time.

Health doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach—the magic word is BALANCE. 

Are You Struggling to Find Balance? 

For those struggling to find the right balance, our #1 tip  is to spend some time learning to listen to your body.

Say, what?!

Yes, it might sound weird … but your body tells you (obviously not with words) what is working and what isn’t. 

• Is your face breaking out? 
• Is your tummy bloated? 
• Are you not going #2 regularly? (western medicine considers “regular” 3x/day to 3x/week … so when you’re feeling good, what is that frequency for you?) (1)
• Are you having trouble sleeping? 
• What is your mood like? Not so great? ​

Here's a Good Place To Start.

If you want to start tuning in and acting as your own health detective, here’s a good place to start. 

At your next meal: 

1. Carefully select what you will eat, rather than mindlessly eating from containers.
2. Think (just briefly) about every item you are putting on your plate. 
3. Take a moment as you sit down to eat without working, without TV. 
4. Pay attention to your food with every bite. Notice the smell, texture, taste. 
5. CHEW. CHEW. CHEW. 
6. Notice how you feel. Is it time to stop? A good rule of thumb is to stop eating when you are about 75% full. If you aren’t sure, take a break for a few minutes. If you’re still hungry, finish eating. If not, move on with your day! 
7. Over the next couple hours, pay attention to your digestion. Do you need to rush to the bathroom?  This is noteworthy. 
8. Over the next couple of days, pay attention to your skin! (Example: some people breakout following dairy consumption)
9. Notice all the things in your life —your sleep, your mood, your bowels, etc. Think about everything through the lens of your diet and start to make tweaks until you find the right balance that works FOR YOU! 

If you’ve ever worked with a health coach, you’ll know that we don’t tell you the answers. We don’t tell you what you should eat, when, or how much.

BUT WHY????

Because we don’t know and we don't pretend to know. You are the best person to step into the detective role and find the best diet for you. 

I am Ready for a Change, What Now?

Getting started is often the hardest part! As National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches, we are expert facilitators of behavior change. Connect with a coach from our directory and you'll be on your way to sustainable health change. 

Better health starts with a connection. 


References: 
1 https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-constipation-basics