The health and wellness world seems to be booming right now, and for good reason. People are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and they are tired of taking pill after pill. Conventional medicine tends to put a band-aid on the problem by prescribing prescription medications that might help manage symptoms, but they are not treating the root cause of the issue. Fortunately, there are people like Health Coaches, who believe that you can heal your body through lifestyle modifications.
I think we can all agree that we want to feel our best not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones. It is easy not to take care of ourselves because, let’s face it, life can be busy and stressful. When we are under a lot of stress or just not feeling good, we tend to make decisions that are not so great. Reaching for a chocolate chip cookie everyday at 3pm might make you feel good in the moment, but is it the best decision if you want to feel your best? Probably not.
If you are someone who needs an accountability partner, does well with setting goals, or just needs support and motivation to help you stay on track with your health goals (i.e. weight loss, meal planning, sticking to a sustainable exercise routine, sleeping better, learning how to relax, etc.), then you might want to consider working with a Health Coach. We believe in supporting the whole person by meeting you where you are at and not overwhelming you with a lot of changes at once. We want to help you figure out a lifestyle that is sustainable and healthy for YOU.
What is the different between a Health Coach and a Registered Dietician?
The biggest different between a Health Coach and a Registered Dietician is training. When I was studying to become a Health Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition 5 years ago, there were not as many programs available as there are today. Make sure that whomever you decide to work with went through a reputable program. A Registered Dietician has years of more intense clinical nutritional training, beyond their bachelor’s degree. Health Coaches cannot diagnose or treat diseases, prescribe medication, or prescribe specific meal plans. Registered Dieticians also can’t diagnose or prescribe medications, but they can prescribe specific meal plans. Both Health Coaches and Registered Dieticians can suggest supplements. Also, each field has their own legalities that must be followed.
Another career path is to become a Nutritionist. I know Registered Dieticians and Health Coaches who call themselves Nutritionists. Again, research their training and experience. There are also specific programs for people who want to become a Nutritionist. At CentreSpringMD, we have a phenomenal Nutritional Consultant, Landria Voigt, who also went to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has years of both personal and professional experience of helping people heal through food.
The good news is that there are a lot of people in the functional medicine world who want to help you heal naturally! It is up to you to figure out who would help you the best. As the Lead Health Coach at CentreSpringMD, I have the amazing opportunity to be a part of a team of people working hard to help each patient feel their best. We are here for you!
