Happy weekend LOHF readers! I thought it would be fun to share a little more with you about my background and training as a health coach and counselor. I started the Laurel on Health Food blog back in 2007 when healthy eating and nutrition was just my hobby. I’ve worked as a technical writer and editor for 6 years, but over time I’ve been focusing more on my passion for food.
A friend recommended that I check out The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and suddenly I stumbled on a new career path. Last year I graduated from IIN as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. You can also call me a health coach—the trendy term these days. During school I studied nutrition, dietary theories, and how to work with one-on-one with clients to reach optimal health naturally.
Training at IIN helped me understand that physical activity, relationships, career, and spirituality are just as important in being healthy as the foods you eat. As a holistic health counselor, I give personalized advice and attention to my clients, showing them how to improve their diet AND overall lifestyle in a way that works best for each person. I’m also currently counseling other students at IIN to support them during their year of training. It’s been an amazing experience so far. As for the future, I’m looking forward to seeking out other certifications and/or holistic degrees over the next few years. Anyone know a good herbalist program?
In the past month or so, I’ve been excited to hear health coaches popping up in tons of big news articles and interviews. The current health care crisis exposes that our system is broken. It’s clear that people need more than prescriptions and long-waiting lists to see their doctors for 10 minutes. That’s where the health coaches step in! Check out these links:
- CBS News says, “A new and intriguing concept has emerged in the prevention and treatment of chronic illness: the health coach.”
- Dr. Andrew Weil says, “In some ways, the health coach picks up where your physician left off, helping you implement wellness strategies suggested after a check-up or diagnosis.” (Ref: Dr. Weil’s Self Healing Magazine)
- Dr. Oz talks about health coaches on Larry King Live
- ABC News asks, “Do You Need a Health Coach?”
- NY Times article “Winning the Nutrition Game, With Help From a Coach”
To find out more about my health counseling/coaching practice or to inquire about my 6-month programs, please visit my website: www.laurelmoll.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Are you passionate about nutrition and healthy eating like me? Check out IIN’s website or download their catalog. They just started distance learning programs this year. If you call them up, make sure to tell them I sent you. 
Wishing you the best,
Laurel
p.s. If you haven’t already, sign up for my free monthly email newsletter for healthy eating and lifestyle tips, plus monthly specials and discounts on my coaching programs.
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The holistic approach to improvement in health should be an ideal way. It addresses the needs of not just the body and the mind but also of the spirit.