Do You Need A Holistic Health Coach In New York City?
I’m a holistic health coach/wellness consultant in New York City. Do you need a holistic health coach? Read on to see what I do and how I can help you navigate a healthy lifestyle.
What’s a holistic health coach? More importantly, do you need a holistic health coach? Well, I’m a bit biased… because I am one, but I can also say that it was a person like me who changed my life many years ago.
Changed. My. Life. If you don’t know me, you don’t know that I am not an overly dramatic person. But I’m not. And I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that had it not been for an alternative medicine practitioner and a holistic health coach, I would still be suffering with horrible digestive issues, mood swings, weight management issues, and so many other related conditions. I was seriously ill, on a ton of medications, and I truly thought that feeling poorly was just something I had to get used to.
Let me tell you this: NOBODY has to live life feeling terrible every day.
So, the answer to the question, do you need a holistic health coach is probably yes.
I like to think of hiring a holistic health coach/wellness consultant as a necessary luxury. If you can manage it, then you will definitely be better off.
I’m located in New York City. We run around and spin like tops. We multi-task. Sometimes we need help but don’t know where to find it because there are just so many options. I aim to make your life easier. I understand our hectic lifestyle and how to balance that get up and go lifestyle with our inner peace and health.
What Does A Holistic Health Coach Do?
To put it simply, we help you live your best life. We direct you in the areas of food, lifestyle, fitness, and even spirituality.
Every person is wonderfully, uniquely different – on the inside and out. No two people need the same foods and herbs to be at their best. Everyone has a different optimum lifestyle. So, whether you are looking to have more energy, boost your immune system, manage your weight, elevate your mood, reduce your inflammation, fix your digestion, look younger, increase your athletic performance, manage your stress, or heal a serious health condition, we will look at you as YOU, not as anyone else.
And, just as YOU are amazing in your uniqueness, so are holistic health coaches and all wellness consultants. We each come at it from our own personal areas of expertise and our own personal experiences.
When I was done being a lawyer (yes, I got burned out), I fulfilled a long-time fantasy and went to cooking school. This was awesome! I was lucky enough, upon graduation, to work at Food Network as a cook and food stylist. I worked with Rachel Ray, Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, Mario Batalli, Cat Cora and others. This was my dream come true. But, deep in my soul, I still had the calling to be a healer.
I began cooking foods for people who had specific dietary needs. I was a personal-chef-of-sorts to people with cancer, gluten intolerance, Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis and many more conditions. I also advised, menu-planned and cooked for people who wanted to lose weight and look and feel youthful and healthy. I became expert at healing through foods.
Since then, I’ve learned that adding in lifestyle changes, meditation, qi gong, breathing exercises, mental health practices, and fun are just as important as food and herbs. My personal experiences and my personal triumphs lead me in my abilities to help you find your best lifestyle practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kinds of issues can you help me with?
My first instinct when I’m asked this question, is to say: everything! But, I realize that’s not really helpful, so here’s a list of conditions I help my clients with:
- managing illnesses
- managing weight
- stress and anxiety
- sadness and mood swings
- hormonal imbalances
- aches and pains
- increasing athletic performance
- soothing digestion
- reducing inflammation
- boosting energy
- boosting immune system
- looking youthful
2. Do I need to know how to cook?
You do not need to cook, although, it is much easier to control your diet if you know exactly what’s in it. I love teaching people how to cook a few simple recipes that take only minutes to prepare so that in a pinch there’s something to grab in the fridge when it’s needed.
That being said, I have had clients who do not want to ever use their kitchens. If this is you, then I will research the places you eat out at, order in from, or takeout from. By doing this, I can direct you as to what would be best for you. I find that because I am a chef, other chefs will talk to me and I can really learn what’s in the food you’re eating. Professional courtesy is a wonderful thing.
3. Will I need to give up the foods that I love?
There’s no easy answer to this question. The honest answer is that if what you love is hurting you, then you will have to give some things up. But, I have spent many years testing and tasting substitutes for most of the things people are afraid to give up. So, I will always give you suggestions. I will never cut you off of everything you love without finding substitutes that work for you. Above all, food should never be stressful. Starting a new food lifestyle should not make you worried, fearful, or sad. And I will make sure that this is so.
4. Who is your typical client?
My clients come in all shapes and sizes, but many are women who are over 40 and are ready to do whatever it takes to live happy, energetic lives. I also work with many younger women (ages 16-25) who need some guidance with stress/anxiety and digestion. I have also worked with many professional athletes, corporate executives of all genders and ages, and stay at home moms.
5. What services do you offer in New York City?
I know this city. I know our lifestyle. I can help you with your local food shops, restaurants, and health food stores. I can go to the supermarkets and farmers markets with you and help you shop correctly. I can help you rip through your kitchens and clean them out so that you only keep what’s good for you. I can talk to restaurant chefs, analyze menus, help with exercise programs and suggest great places to experience peace and meditation. You name, it and I’m game to help.
I have amazingly talented colleagues. So if you need a referral for an acupuncturist, massage therapist, reiki master, meditation guru, exercise studio, etc., I will make these introductions for you.
I really want you to experience how great it feels to heal yourself. To that end, I already want to introduce you to a few of the healers I am lucky enough to know. If you’re looking for a great acupuncturist in Manhattan, you need to make an appointment with Annalisa Brown at AB Acupuncture. If you want a great acupuncturist and massage therapist in Queens, reach out to Dmitri and Anna at Oakpoint Health. If you are interested in an on-line reiki or meditation session, look no further than Bernadette at Find Your Wae.
I will also give you simple tips to make your life easier. Did you know that there are 5 everyday foods to help reduce anxiety?
6. Do you put everyone on the same diet?
NO! If there’s one thing that I think is the most important concept, it’s that everyone is different and no two people should ever be put on exactly the same diet. There are some foods that will benefit everyone. But, with my Chinese medicine expertise, I’m able to figure out exactly what’s going on with your unique body and then when I pair that with my knowledge of food and nutrition, I’m able to create a specific plan for YOU.
7. How long does a client work with you?
I have many different programs, but the most effective and popular one is one that includes 8 private sessions. I find that 8 sessions really can get to the heart of what you need. I will never say no to more or to less and I have customized specific programs for specific people, but 8 sessions seems to do the trick.
8. Where do you have these meetings?
I do most of my sessions on FaceTime or Skype. If you are local and live in New York City, then we can meet in person if you prefer.
9. What if I need help in between sessions?
I am available to all of my clients via email for the duration of the program signed up for. So, if you sign up for an 8 week program, you can email me whenever you need me during this time. I always get back to you the same day. I find this extremely helpful in terms of accountability and support.
10. What if I fail?
You won’t fail. I will hold your hand the whole way. I’m your accountability buddy, your teacher, and your mentor.
I am the least judgmental person on the planet, and I truly love meeting new people and celebrating all the differences between us. I concentrate my efforts on preparing chef-quality dishes that are easy for non-chefs to prepare. I know which kitchen herbs and spices are good for whatever ails you. As an acupuncturist and herbal practitioner, I know which eastern herbs to add to the mix of the Western ones thereby creating the perfect healing balance. I especially love to take simple, classic, popular recipes and give them a unique twist (albeit sometimes a little strange sounding, but always delicious). I combine my passion for cooking with my knowledge for whole-body-wellness by using foods, exercise, meditation, qi gong, herbs and acupuncture to heal the body, mind and spirit. I’m happy to share anything I know and all that I am still learning with anyone who is interested.
Above all, remember “it’s not rocket science; it’s only food.” I look forward to helping you.