You should get a functional health coach if:
- You’re one of the 60% of Americans with at least one chronic disease (40% have two or more)
- You’re among the 91% of patients who said they need more help with chronic pain management .
- You are one of the 94% of Americans whose daily routine doesn’t include all the following:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy weight maintenance and a balanced diet
- Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day
- No smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all
Health coaches serve as your cheerleader, partner, and trustworthy guide while you’re trying to implement lifestyle changes that will have a positive impact on your overall health. A functional health coach takes this process a step further by using functional lab testing. This helps them better understand your body and where any imbalances are occurring, instead of just guessing what could be wrong based on your symptoms. A functional health coach identifies the root cause(s) of your health issues. Then, they help you achieve your health-related goals, whether you want to eat healthier, be more active, or reduce stress. Here are seven life-changing benefits of having a functional health coach:
1. Your Health Plan is Personalized
Everyone has a different lifestyle, personality, needs, and goals. During an initial assessment, you and your health coach will cover a wide range of topics surrounding your health and goals. With a functional health coach, you might also do lab tests. These help them better identify after imbalances you may be experiencing. After your first session concludes and your lab results return, your functional health coach will create a personalized plan to meet your needs. By following a tailored plan, you’ll have an easier time staying on top of your health. Your health coach will also be there to regularly check-in and lend an open ear and open heart when you’re struggling.
2. Your Lifestyle Changes are Safer
There are tons of fad diets and trends out there. While many promise the world, the best way to be healthier is to follow a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and get enough sleep. Beyond the basics, your functional health coach will know what you should be doing, and what you should avoid. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, your coach may suggest alternatives to caffeine, because caffeine stimulates your “fight or flight” response, which can trigger an anxiety attack. They could also determine any intolerances you may have to specific types of food, like gluten or dairy.
3. You’ll Learn a Lot!
You can find a ton of health information online, and much of it is conflicting. Typically, your functional health coach is also a nutrition expert (if not, they should be!). They know what’s actually healthy, and can back it up with scientific research and other useful data. More importantly, they know what’s healthy for you. By working with a coach, you’ll learn what’s actually good for you, and how your choices impact your long-term health goals.
4. You’ll Become Empowered
It’s hard to be confident when you’re not feeling your best. Luckily, your health coach is there to help. One of the underappreciated, yet most important skills a health coach has is their ability to motivate and empower you. Your journey of self-improvement isn’t going to be easy. Progress takes time, and there may be stretches where you feel like you aren’t achieving anything at all. Your coach will be there to encourage you to keep going, and to help you get past any plateaus. Sometimes this involves getting over a mental “block,” or requires you to make changes to your plan. No matter what’s required, your coach will be there for you every step of the way.
5. You’ll Have a Network of Resources
Health coaches usually don’t work in silos. They have access to a network of doctors, naturopaths, therapists, and other resourceful people who can help you on your journey. At Boston Direct Health, we’re a team of healthcare professionals who help our patients perform at their very best. If that requires the assistance of one of our other staff members, we’re here to help.
6. You’ll Have Better Accountability
Change efforts fail most of the time, especially when the change is transformational. It’s easy to slip back into your old routine, and sometimes you won’t even realize it until it happens. It can start with going on a vacation, or missing one or two gym workouts. Suddenly, you find yourself reverting back to your old lifestyle. It’s comfortable, and it’s what you know. Your health coach isn’t there to judge you. Instead, they help you keep the promise you’ve made to yourself when you chose to see them in the first place. With regular check-ins and words of encouragement, your coach can help you remain accountable and get you back on track.
7. You’ll Enjoy Monitored Success
There are few things more demoralizing than gaining a pound after a week of diet and exercise. Luckily, those aren’t the only benchmarks your functional health coach monitors. Think about all the other things you’ve accomplished that week. First off, you stuck to your routine, or at least made healthier choices than before. You could’ve gained more muscle, or your waistline might be slimmer. Maybe you can run longer without getting out of breath, or shave 20 seconds off your mile. Even during weeks where there seems to be no progress, you’ve still achieved something. You should be proud of those results, and as long as you stay the course, more positive results will follow. Are you ready to improve your overall health? Contact us today about health and nutrition coaching!
