Hello, Thanks for visiting my health coach website.
Trusting someone with your inner most health issues is a big step and not to be taken lightly. I want you to know that I’m not perfect, no one is! I offer a non-judgemental space for you. I’ve been through lots of struggles myself and continue to do so. That’s life! How you meet those struggles is where life can be filled with light or darkness. This is the part you can control if you know how. If you can relate to my story below and feel my knowledge, experience and approach sounds interesting, I’d love to talk to you too.
I didn’t always realise how important my health was until I become unwell. There is a saying in the health coaching world that truly resonates with me nowadays. “If we don’t make time for our wellness, we will be forced to make time for our illness.” Here is the story of how I came to discover the importance of health and why I want to help others achieve a vibrant, healthy life.
It was Easter 2006 when a mysterious, ongoing stomach pain landed me in hospital unexpectedly. I was diagnosed with IBS, with no fathomable reason as to the cause from the medical profession. The only advice I received from the GP was to avoid eating beans. So, I sought out a nutritionist who specialised in conditions of the gut. She showed me how to get my body to heal itself. After two years of elimination diets, supplements, mindful-eating and exercise to support my microbiome and heal my leaky gut, I felt better than I ever had. I now believe this condition was most likely triggered by a 4 week course of anti-biotics 6 months previously. Followed by severe stress at work and the effects of an unhealthy relationship. Though it could also have been the accumulation of bad lifestyle choices. This was my body saying ‘STOP, LISTEN, TO ME’!
Several years later I was struggling with severe depression. This led me to talking therapies and to take a life changing course called MBSR – mindful based stress reduction. These experiences gave me some brilliant tools to manage my stress and control the severity of my depression. I found practising mindful breathing and meditation techniques alongside yoga and walks in nature really supported my mental health. I also try to talk with friends, family or a therapist whenever life gets tougher than usual rather than shut down and hide away. Realising how important self-care and self-compassion is and sharing my troubles with others was a real turning point in my wellness journey.
When the global pandemic hit, my health took a downturn again. I was 47, sadly lost my dad to covid and was shielding with my clinically vulnerable husband. I distracted myself with research into how to fix my injury prone body. I wanted to run, cycle and swim again without pain. I found biomechanics (www.nutritiousmovement.com ) and the barefoot movement (www.thefootcollective.com/ ). Using the Egoscue method (www.posture-ellie.com) to finally address my wonky posture which was causing the pain in my musculoskeletal system.
Something was still not right though. I had aching joints, night sweats, brain fog, trouble waking up, hormonal monthly mood issues. I started researching food as medicine and the powerful link between the gut and the brain. Then, one day I stumbled upon health coaches, spreading these wonderful, scientifically backed, lifestyle solutions. I signed up to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (www.integrativenutrition.com/ ) and became my first client. Working towards becoming the healthiest and happiest I can be, now and for the rest of my life. I hope to be able to show you what is possible and support you to reach the goals that truly make you healthy and happy. If you’d like to work with me, you can book in for a free initial consultation by emailing me or calling me on 07587 122151.