Becoming a Professional Health and Wellness Coach: Founding My Passion For Helping Others Thrive
There’s a myth out there that getting older means you’re destined for decline and that sickness, fatigue, and a general feeling of "less than" are simply part of the package. Let me tell you right now: that is not true. I’m living proof that you can thrive at any age, and I’ve built my business, Just Encouraging Health, on that very belief. But it wasn’t always this way. My journey to becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and Professional Health and Wellness Coach (PHWC) began with my own struggles, realizations, and transformations. It’s a story of learning to listen to my body, reclaiming my health, and discovering my passion for helping others do the same.
A Tough Beginning: Struggles with Food, Body Image, and Gut Health
I grew up in a time when "skinny" was the gold standard of health, no
matter how you got there. For much of my youth, I struggled with an eating
disorder, starving my body to meet an impossible ideal. I thought less food
and more cardio would make me "healthy". I was an avid long-distance runner and proudly wearing the badge of "cardio queen" but I was completely disconnected from what my body actually needed.
The consequences were severe. My gut health was a mess. Every time I
ate, I’d immediately end up sick. My body wasn’t just struggling; it was
screaming for help. I was bloated all the time, so uncomfortable that my
clothes felt unbearable by the end of the day. On top of that, I was
eventually diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). To cope, I relied
on an arsenal of over-the-counter medications, hoping to feel just a little
better. It was a miserable way to live, and yet, I thought this was normal.
After all, wasn’t I doing what the culture told me was “healthy”?
The Wake-Up Call
The turning point came when I hit rock bottom. My hormones were out of balance, my gut was in constant disarray, and my energy was depleted. Even my monthly cycle, a natural marker of women’s health, had disappeared, and I wore it like a badge of honor instead of seeing it for what it was: a red flag.
Then, I started asking questions. I began to understand the truth: what we eat, how we move, and the way we care for ourselves are far more powerful than I ever imagined. I learned about the intricate connections between gut health and the rest of the body and how the state of your gut impacts everything from your energy levels to your immune system to your mood. This realization sparked a journey of healing, learning, and growth.
The Transformation: From Struggling to Thriving
My healing wasn’t immediate—it was a process. I had to unlearn so many toxic beliefs and embrace a new way of living. I started nourishing my body with whole, real foods. I ditched the extreme cardio and embraced movement that supported, rather than depleted, my health. I learned to rest, to breathe deeply, and to slow down.
Through this process, I experienced firsthand how small, intentional changes can lead to monumental shifts in health and well-being. I also realized how much misinformation and cultural conditioning we’re up against when it comes to health. That realization lit a fire in me: I wanted to help others experience what I had. I wanted to be a guide, a cheerleader, and an educator for people who felt stuck and didn’t know where to turn.
Becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and Professional Health and Wellness Coach (PHWC)
A few years ago, I underwent an extensive surgery that, looking back, might have been avoided with the right nutrition and lifestyle changes. That experience deepened my resolve to learn more. I discovered the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) and became certified as an NTP, as well as a Professional Health and Wellness Coach (PHWC). These certifications gave me the tools and knowledge to help others transform their health in sustainable, life-changing ways.
Today, I focus on gut health because I’ve lived through the nightmare of a broken gut, and I know the joy of healing it. I also believe in taking a holistic approach to health, working with clients to create personalized plans that align with their goals, lifestyles, and unique needs. Whether it’s weight loss, hormone balance, energy management, or simply feeling good in their own skin, I want my clients to know that real change is possible.
My Mission: Helping You Thrive
Just Encouraging Health isn’t just about gut health or meal plans or exercise routines, it’s about helping you rewrite the narrative of your life. It’s about showing you that age doesn’t define your potential, and that small, consistent changes can lead to extraordinary transformations.
I’m here to walk alongside you on your health journey. I want to inspire you to want more for yourself and your family, to believe in what’s possible, and to take steps toward the vibrant, healthy life you deserve. I’ve been where you are, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But I also know how rewarding it is to come out the other side.
Why Work with Me?
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a coach, you’re getting a cheerleader, an advocate, and someone who truly understands the ups and downs of the health journey. I’ve been in the trenches, and I’ve come out stronger, healthier, and more passionate than ever about helping others do the same.
So, if you’re ready to stop settling for “good enough” and start striving for the healthy, strong, and joy-filled life you deserve, I’d love to join you on this journey. Let’s work together to unlock the healthiest, happiest version of you, because your best years are still ahead.
This is the heart of Just Encouraging Health. It’s not just my story, it’s the beginning of yours. Let’s get started.
