Nourish and Flourish: A Health Coach Perspective for Optimal Well-being
“I believe I have a positive impact on my clients by helping them realise what they are truly capable of doing. By acknowledging their strengths and how they work best I aim to help them make the most of these qualities.” - Annalise, Healthy Lifestyles Coach
Here at Healthy Lifestyles (HLS), our team of dedicated Health Coaches are here to help you thrive when on your journey to your best, healthiest self. The way our service works is that there are multiple pathways to choose from, whether you want to become more active, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, or manage your weight, our coaches are here for you over a free 12-week 121 programme.
Last week, we had the opportunity to interview our Nutrition Lead here at Healthy Lifestyles, Annalise, to ask about her thoughts on how HLS clients can reach optimal well-being through the free service.
What impact do you have on your clients?
I believe I have a positive impact on my clients by helping them realise what they are truly capable of doing. By acknowledging their strengths and how they work best, I aim to help them make the most of these qualities and see how they can apply them to lots of different scenarios. This helps to enable sustainable changes.
How do you think your role helps individuals within the Coventry community ‘thrive together’?
By helping individuals who struggle with their weight management this extends to their families and their friends to raise awareness of healthy eating, whether that be with the aim of losing weight or just getting a bit healthier. By sharing this passion for leading a healthier lifestyle all members of the community can benefit from an individual being on the programme.
What encouraged you to start a career in the health industry?
I have always had a passion for tasty, homemade, healthy food and the role physical activity has on my mental and physical health. I enjoy these aspects of my own life and so I wanted to be able to share this passion with others to help improve their lifestyle.
What’s your favourite thing about being a HLS coach?
My favourite thing about being a HLS coach is seeing the change in an individual’s attitude towards food, activity and their health in general. To see that this doesn’t have to be boring, instead, once you gain that passion and interest then it comes naturally to make these healthier changes and you enjoy trying new foods and activities.
How do you personally stay motivated to make healthy choices?
I stay motivated to make healthy choices by making these choices just as exciting and tasty as the perhaps not-so-healthy ones. By constantly trying new recipes, it helps keep that interest there. I also enjoy sharing these with family and friends, whether that’s trying out a new meal with my family or going to the gym with my partner. So, it is more the mental benefits of choosing the healthier choices that keep me choosing them.
What’s been the highlight of your coaching career so far?
My coaching highlight so far has been seeing those who did not care for what they ate, not that they didn’t know what the healthy choices were, but simply didn’t see the importance or enjoyment of it. But then going on to make these changes and learn that their whole families are benefiting from these changes; more fun-filled dinner times and family walks at the weekend.
What is your area of expertise in health coaching?
I’d say my expertise in health coaching is the creative aspect of meal creation. I like to be able to help clients see how healthy food can be convenient, easy to do, low in cost and tasty. Tailoring meal ideas to each individual client also makes making the change more sustainable.
What is your favourite way to stay active during a busy working day?
I like to go out for a walk during my lunch break, whether that can be for 30 minutes or just 10 minutes, getting up from my desk and getting some fresh air helps me stay active and have a productive afternoon. I also like to get up between completing different tasks to stop me from sitting down for long periods of time.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start making positive health changes?
I would advise making one small change that you could make straight away, that could be getting off the bus one stop earlier or adding one extra portion of veg to your evening meal. Slowly build from there, you certainly don’t have to change everything at once.
How do you tailor your coaching style to meet the individual needs of your client?
I always ask the client to describe to me what a typical day of eating and activity is like for them, this way I don’t give any judgment towards the client for what they may or may not be doing and I can see what is important to them. I can then tailor the support I provide with an appreciation for the client’s current background.
Are you ready to thrive with the free support from our Healthy Lifestyle Coaches? Take the first step towards a healthier you by joining our free 121 service today: Info@hlscoventry.org.