School started this week! If you missed it, I mentioned a few weeks ago that I decided to register with Integrative Nutrition to become a Health Coach. I’m feeling a mixture of things: excited, overwhelmed, nervous, busy… I guess those are all to be expected.
Having watched and read the intro materials, I can tell that this is the right place for me. The school refers to itself as a movement, more than a nutrition school. Besides working with individuals as health coaches, there is a need to influence policy decisions and programs at a structural level (better school lunches or hospital food, anyone?)
One of the things I love most about this school is that it doesn’t have a particular nutrition philosophy that everyone must subscribe to. They acknowledge that nutrition is an ever-changing body of knowledge. We cannot say with certainty that everyone should give up meat, or sugar, or dairy, or eat raw, or whatever else might be considered the path to better health.
In addition, it’s important to remember that health is so much more than what we eat! Did anyone else see the article in NY Times this week, “The Island Where People Forget to Die”? The people of Ikaria have been known to live much longer than their American or European counterparts.
While they do have a mostly vegetarian diet and few processed foods, they still eat pork, grains and bread, and lots of olive oil. Few of them exercise in the structured, calculated way that we do, but they were active as part of their day to day lifestyle.
What I found inspiring in the article was the reminder that good health is so much more that the sum of what we eat and how we move.
It’s connected to family relationships, career satisfaction, sense of community, spirituality, and a more simple, less stressful life.
Those are the things I am focusing on right now- clearing out the extra stress when I can. Enjoying my family time more. Choosing good food, but not striving for perfection.
Making healthier treats, like tofu pumpkin pie (recipe coming soon!)
And giving in to a craving to bake “real” chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes you just need a cookie with butter and sugar in it.
I’m choosing to relax and let go of the assumption that I have to be perfect to be healthy. And instead seeking more balance in all of life.
For excellent related reading, my friend Lindsay wrote a great post about letting go of perfection, and another friend and Lindsay inspired me with these simple, healthy “thou shalts” to be happier and healthier.
Do you get caught up in the assumption that health is determined by a particular diet and exercise equation?
Are any of these out of balance for you (relationships, work satisfaction, spirituality, or simplicity)?
love this! (and thanks for the shout out!)
How long will it take you be go through the course?
Lindsay’s List recently posted..wordless wednesday
Thanks! It’s a full year, so it will go until next October. But we can start practicing at the 6 month mark if we want to.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
I loved both Lindsay’s posts on this topic too. I think diet is a such a personal thing – “healthy” looks different for everyone within reason) depending on their goals. I’m a big fan of the 80/20 rule – everything in moderation, especially moderation!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..The Most Boring Food Post Ever (WIAW)
I definitely agree that what is healthy can look very different from person to person.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Great post and I cannot wait to hear more about this program. It really intrigues me and perhaps is along the path I wish to take at some point. I hate the labeling of diets and that people often just assume that it’s the healthiest, the only way, all others are evil. I’ve been seeing that so much more recently too and it’s really starting to get to me actually. I think, like you say, there are so many factors that play into our health and wellness.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Soaring Wings Half Marathon Recap
I’m happy to chat more about it anytime- you can always email me with questions, too!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Did you see the report on the nightly news where they were showing the schools in the country that change their menu to a healthy on. Anyway, the kids were not eating the food but throwing it away and complaining they wanted the old menu back.
Sheila Simmons recently posted..How to start a running program-level one
I didn’t see that- but it doesn’t surprise me. I used to work in a school (social worker) and we made some changes, but they were only successful when the kids had lots of input and making it happen. It’s tricky!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Congratulations- You are going to be a fantastic health coach! The first week doing anything new can be overwhelming, hang in there!
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Pumpkin Pacer 5K
Thank you, Tasha!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
This is wonderful. Perfection is not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is happiness and I love the image of the words that make up ‘Health’.
Good luck with your program. Do most people start their own coaching practices upon completion? Where do you go from there?
Carrie@familyfitnessfood.com recently posted..Los Angeles Rock N Roll Half Marathon Race Recap
Thanks, Carrie! Yes- most people start their own coaching practice, or tie in with other holistic health providers (chiro office, acupuncture, etc) but there are other options as well.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Great post! The importance is balance and finding what is best for you in keeping yourself happy and healthy
Oh this is an awesome post and so true! Thanks for this reminder! Being healthy is definitely more that just diet and exercise for sure!
Mindy @Road Runner Girl recently posted..October Foodie Pen Pals Reveal Day + WINNER!
I need that reminder some days, too… we put so much emphasis on our physical body, we forget that mental, spiritual, emotional health counts, too!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
so soothing…..I am off to work so I will be stopping back later to read the links more closely…
http://dailycaller.com/2012/09/22/nations-children-push-back-against-michelle-obama-backed-school-lunch-regs/
Sheila Simmons recently posted..How to start a running program-level one
I read that article, too! And want to move there, now. But anyhow–this sounds like you’ve really found the perfect place for yourself. I’m very happy for you and excited to see where it takes you.
misszippy recently posted..Orange Up
Thanks, Amanda. I know- the article made me a little jealous, too – what an ideal world!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Great post! This new journey seems PERFECT for you! I’m excited to hear all about it.
As for anything being out of balance for me… 3 kids seems to remove “simplicity” from the life equation, especially when it comes to things like meal planning and balancing work responsibilities. I have to bring my A game constantly!
Allison @ Johnson Jocks recently posted..Fall Update!
Yes- three kids would definitely make it a challenge to simplify life! Thanks for your encouragement, Allison.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
thats a great course! so glad you are going for it! and yes, happiness is what makes us healthy. Family, friends, joy, community, faith, and then FOOD! Love it!
lindsay recently posted..Vegan Healthy Bite: It’s So Good It’s Scary
Thanks, Lindsay- I’m excited about it! I love that you used the word “joy” – health is contentment with whatever life brings.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Congrats on taking another step toward doing what you love. I am so excited for you and excited to hear more about i.
Robin recently posted..Tapering for the GRE
Thank you, Robin. I’m excited for you, too! It’s nice to have other moms attempting something new and figuring out what we want to “be”
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
I love this! Sometimes I feel guilt when I don’t eat so great. The added stress of the guilt is so much more unhealthy than a couple of cookies (or reeses PB cups). I love that you are becoming a health coach, you will be so great!
hikermom recently posted..Workout Wednesday
Thank you, Rachelle! And you’re so right- that extra stress is never helpful. Enjoy treats, and move on!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
My husband started his IIN course this week too – guess you’re both in the same class! I’m so fascintated by the topic but doing the course wasn’t right for me. He’s already a life coach so it seemed to complement that really well. I expect I’ll be quietly following along with some of your course as I’m too interested to ignore – plus it makes good dinner conversations for us!!
Helen M recently posted..Meli’s 1/2 year Birthday!
Oh, wow- small world!! Yes, it would definitely complement life coaching really well. I hope I virtually bump into him at some point.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
I try very hard to avoid the “particular diet” fads of the day and usually try to stick to a moderation approach to all things food. There are definitely weeks where I use that excuse to eat way too unhealthy though. I’m excited for your journey with this!
Mandy recently posted..Do NOT take my cookies.
Thanks, Mandy! And yes, the struggle with moderation is how easy it can be to excuse our extra treats. But I definitely think that’s the way to go… it’s not worth the stress of trying to be “perfect.”
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
One of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with when talking to my cardiac patients is nutrition. I really don’t believe in the AHA’s guidelines entirely. I wish the American “diet” would get rid of good and bad foods and just eat more natural. Are we really any better off with any of the sugar free, fat free, etc products out there? I’ve always been interested in nutrition and have heavily thought about going back to school for it. It’s nice to hear that Integrative Nutrition has a different approach. Happy that you found your niche!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..After Hurricane #Sandy
I completely agree, Angela! Those sugar free, fat free, and other packaged products are not helpful. Focusing on “real” food is so much smarter. You could always go back to school… nutrition studies would complement your work really well!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
I too find the IN topic fascinating. Can’t wait to hear more about it. I feel like I’m pretty balanced overall, however things swing off every so often.
Wow – congrats on some exciting changes in your life! This seems very ‘you’ (you know, the blog bit of you that I know!), and I’m glad to hear you’re doing something that really matters to you. I also love the message here – sometimes you just have to let go a bit.
Kate recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
Thanks for the encouragement, Kate! It definitely feels like the right place for me.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
What an AWESOME post Laura!! It is so true that health is so much more than just what you eat and exercise, it’s all about balance
I totally needed to be reminded of this since I have a tendency to hyper focus on food and/or workouts. Thanks for the excellent reminder that every area in our lives needs to have nurturing.
Kris recently posted..My First "Real" Spin Class
Thank you, Kris. Yes, I think we all zone into food and exercise more than we should in our culture… we could really benefit as a society if we focused more on community, nurturing relationships, faith, etc.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Thanks for sharing. It is so easy to get focused on losing weight and obsessing about the size of your jeans. Balance. Thank you!!
Trish recently posted..Cupcake Classic Virtual 5K
Yes, I agree! I wish our culture didn’t put so much emphasis on body size when health is so much more than that. I get caught up in it more than I want to as well.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Yay for taking the step
Can’t wait to see the pumpkin pie recipe.
Jen recently posted..Pro Bar Giveaway
I think IIN has such a great program! I really like that they focus on individuality! Studying for my PT certification has instilled this crazy notion in my head that I need to have a rockin’ body to be a good personal trainer. It is 100% false but there are still times when I need a good reality check to make me realize that healthy comes in lots of different varieties!
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I understand- I feel that pressure as a spin instructor some days, too (shouldn’t I have massive cycling quad muscles?) But it is absolutely false. You are active, fit and strong, and very well qualified to train someone. I’m excited for you!
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
What an awesome post! A great reminder of all the aspects of health!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted..Staying Safe in Sandy
I read that article too and was fascinated. You’re absolutely right – it’s about the relationships in our life, simplicity, community and less stress. I love that you’re focusing more on those things and I’m trying to do the same. I’m also really excited that you are starting your course and I can’t wait to hear more about it. I definitely fall into the trap of thinking that being healthy means adhering to a specific diet or set of rules. But all of that doesn’t matter much if the rest of your life is out of flux!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..9 states plus DC. 1300+ miles. 23 hours. Home.
Exactly. Our western cultures are so fixated on the physical element of health and what we can see. I need this reminder to put just as much time into my emotional/spiritual health, relationships, meditation, etc… it takes intention to push back against the tide.
Laura recently posted..An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
I think you’ll make an amazing health coach because you actually live the lifestyle! Good luck with the program!
Amy recently posted..Chicago Photo Shoot
I love the reminder of great health being much more than what we eat and how we move! I am guilty of being so focused on what I eat and how much I exercise, but as you mentioned, there is so much more to it! I definitely need to work on being less focused on getting everything done on my to-do list and focus more on enjoying each and every moment with my family.
Melissa @ Fit ‘N’ Well Mommy recently posted..Thankful Thursday and Halloween Fun!
Oh me too, Melissa. Glad it resonated with you as well!
Laura recently posted..October Recap and Pumpkin Tofu Pie
Curious…what is your school schedule like? Is it online or in person? Maybe I am just nosy, but I was wondering what your days/weeks look like now that you have a big commitment added to them? Does L go to day care?
Corey recently posted..A Change in Plans
It’s online, so it’s all done on your own schedule and time, which is really nice… other than a few call-in seminars, etc. L goes to “school” two mornings a week, 9:30-12:30ish and one of those mornings I used to volunteer- so I decided I can’t continue right now, and I’m trying to use good chunks of both mornings for the program, plus an occasional evening hour or two as needed. This is the first week, so I’m still figuring it all out. But it’s not f/t at all- they estimated that we’ll spend 5-7 hours a week on it, and it will keep my busy, but is also doable.
Laura recently posted..October Recap and Pumpkin Tofu Pie
Great post. So excited for you about school – it really does sound like the perfect fit for you!
Michelle recently posted..In Which I’m Reminded of How Uncomfortable Hospital Beds Are
Good luck with school! I know you are going to do amazing!
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