How I became a health coach

I never would have guessed 6 months ago that I would be a health coach now. And yet here I am writing about it. When I started this blog back in 2009 (yikes!) my first post was about pork chops! Since then, I have recorded a library of my favorite recipes. Some are healthy and some with way too much butter. You all know that baking is my specialty (just ask my neighbors) and everyone knows I love my wine and cocktails (just check out my IG.)

But, it was time for a change. 

I started a new health program in mid-April, 2021 because I had gained the dreaded Covid-15. After 2020, with all the stress and time spent indoors baking sweets, and cooking, and eating, and being stuck in the house I had gained back half of the 30 pounds I had lost on another program. The funny thing is, I have actually done that other program twice. I lost 30 pounds both times. And gained it back. So, it didn't really work. 

Fast forward to spring of 2021, and I see some posts from this girl I know from my blogging days. Tori is a busy wife, mom of two, and a nurse. Her Instagram posts always caught my eye because they were super colorful, positive, and motivating but all of a sudden they were different. She was posting about her health and her weight loss and she seemed really happy. Like when it's your birthday and you're 8 kinda happy. Just full of joy. Literally radiating through her pictures. 

Coach Tori and me, Aug. 2021

I had to know what she was doing. The thing is, we didn't really know each other. We met virtually about 10 years ago as part of a blogging group called "The NorCal Lady Bloggers." Dumbest name ever, I know. Our purpose was to support each other and boost each other's posts by reading them and leaving comments. (Kind of like our new coaching community!) 

So anyway, we've been "friends" on social since like 2010. A long time. But we had never talked or met in person. 

So I sent her a DM. "Hey, you look great. Tell me what you're doing!" Or something to that effect. 

It was Easter weekend. She responded right away which kind of surprised me. We got on the phone and had a great conversation. I was sitting in the parking lot of Target pouring my soul out to a stranger. Which oddly is always easier to do. She told me all about the program she was on. I listened. I shared my situation. And then I told her I wanted to sleep on it before I made a decision. 

I had tried so many diets before: Weight Watchers, Jump Start M.D., Cabbage Soup Diet, Raspberry Diet (I know!) It was a bit exhausting to think I was going to do it again. Don's first question was "What does it cost?" 

The next day I just decided to go for it. Something about Tori made me trust her that it would be different this time. I loved the fact that I would have a coach. There would be a community of people to connect with which was my favorite part of Weight Watchers when they used to meet in person back in the day. I could work on my mental health and hopefully, lose some weight (for good this time) in the process. 

Average weight loss on the Optimal 5:1 Plan is 12 pounds.

My BMI was 26 in the overweight zone. UGH. So I set my goal to get to 135lbs. I was starting at 148lbs and needed to lose 13 pounds. Seemed totally doable. I started on April 14th, 2021 and after one month I was at 137.5lbs. I couldn't believe it. By June 6th I hit my goal. After having a conversation with my coach I decided to set a new goal of 125lbs which would put me at a healthy BMI of 21. I hit that goal on August 16, 2021.

I actually lost a few more pounds after hitting transition and have been hovering around 121-122lbs since then. So in total I've lost 26lbs. At 5'4 1/2 " it's the perfect weight for me and I feel great. 

Nov 2021 vs. Nov 2020

My biggest fear with this plan was if I could keep the weight off. And the best part of this plan is the answer is yes. Because it's not completely focused on diet. It's a complete health program that teaches you how to fuel your body and your mind.

Along the way, I recruited my husband (he's released 20+ pounds), and my sister (she's released 30+ pounds), and about 10 friends! Coaching them just happened. I didn't set out to be a coach. But I honestly could not help myself from telling people how I felt. I have now met my Coach and her amazing husband Kevin and we have become fast friends. 

So you're probably thinking, are you qualified to be a coach? The great thing is the program has a ton of resources and trainings and they take a "team coaching" approach so you are always supported. I took the Coach certification test (and scored a 95%) but I'm still learning every day. This has become my new passion/hobby. It's not a job for me. It's a passion. I want everyone to feel this great!

My sister Kathy and myself, Nov. 2021

I'm excited to help more people on their health journey. So if you, dear reader, are interested in changing your physical (and mental health) take a minute and fill out the health assessment below. It's confidential and comes straight to me. 

Free Health Assessment CLICK HERE.

Kris

Healthy Shrimp Tacos with Jicama Taco Shells

We love eating tacos. What we don't love is that heavy feeling you get after eating corn and flour tortillas.

Now we eat tacos with Jicama Taco wraps. The best part is, you can now buy them at your local Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or specialty grocery store. They are much sturdier than lettuce. They actually hold the taco fillings without breaking and falling apart. 

We love grilling up some shrimp seasoned with taco seasoning. Make up a slaw of cabbage or broccoli and top the tacos with some pickled jalapenos and Chohula sauce.

So easy. So tasty. And so much better for you. 

Shrimp Tacos

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

#TacoTuesday

 

Healthier Thanksgiving Menu

I've been thinking a lot about holiday meals and entertaining and how I want to do it differently this year. Don and I have been on a new health plan for the past 6 months and it's going great. We've lost a few pounds. Have a ton of energy. We're eating less. Feeling great. And want to have a fun holiday without gaining any weight back. But still eat yummy healthy food. 

I think a lot of people want the same!

Traditions are fine. But maybe it's time to start some new traditions. 

I think our ancestors would be ok with us mixing it up with a healthier meal.

So this Thanksgiving we're going to be preparing a healthy and delicious dinner - leaving out all the starchy, carb-heavy, gluten-loaded items that make you feel so full and blah. It's going to be just as flavorful and delicious. You don't have to sacrifice flavor when cooking healthy. Fresh herbs, lots of spices and fresh vegetables are key to amazing food.

What are we leaving off the table? Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pie, home-made rolls, heavy appetizers (aka, no hot spinach dip and charcuterie board!) before the meal. 

Will Don miss his mother's cornbread stuffing recipe? Probably. And the Coconut Cream Pie? Most definitely. But he also knows that he's started new habits and is ok skipping these traditional recipes. I'm totally ok skipping this stuff. I feel so much better that it's not worth it - and even more important I'm not craving these foods. So I have no desire to eat them!

I would love to know what you're serving! Are you going with the traditional menu or mixing it up?

I've seen some amazing recipes from NYT Cooking that I'm going to check out. Stay tuned for more details!