Coaching FAQ part II

Over the weekend I posted about the services I offer (wellness coaching and diabetes prevention) and answered a few FAQs. Here are a few more FAQs:

Q: Will you tell me what to eat or give me a diet to follow?

A: No. I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist. I know enough about nutrition to be "dangerous" but will not give you a specific diet to follow. If you want to focus on your eating habits, I will help you find ways to make healthier eating a part of your lifestyle. If you want to follow a specific diet, I will help you discover the best one to meet your needs and will support you along the way.

Q: Will you give me an exercise program to follow?

A: No. I am not a personal trainer so it is not ethical for me to prescribe you an exercise. I can help you find ways to increase your current activity level in ways that fit your circumstances. Not everyone likes going to the gym or going for walks; I can help you figure out how to increase your activity in ways that match your interests, values and personality.

Q: I'm set in my ways. I can't change. What makes you think you can help?

A: There is no doubt that change is hard! But it is never too late to find ways to enjoy life and feel better. I cannot "make" you change but I can help you uncover your true motivations for wanting to make changes, help you use your internal strengths, discover new ones and find ways to either eliminate or overcome your challenges to change. I currently have a client who will turn 80 next month and she is finding ways to break old habits in order and create new ones and she is already noticing more energy, less pain and increased happiness.