BLOG
5 Stages of Change for Health Coaches to Know
CONTEMPLATION
PRECONTEMPLATION
PREPARATION
ACTION
MAINTENANCE
no desire or awareness of need for change
Ideally, the habit becomes permanent and this process is no longer needed (termination).
"I drink a can of soda with every meal and have no intention to cut back."
weigh the pros & cons of change
"I know it would be good for my body if I cut back, but I like the taste of it."
decide to change and form a plan
"I could swap my dinner soda for sparkling water."
follow through with plan for change
"Now I choose to drink sparkling water instead of soda with dinner."
support habit by recognizing the benefits of change
"I sleep much better when I don't drink soda with dinner."
In most cases, the old habit re-emerges and the whole process begins again (relapse).
Relapse is not failure, but normal. Progress is characterized by how many times you are willing to re-engage this process.
Change is more sustainable when gradual. Set small goals and repeat the process until you reach your ultimate goal.
APOYO PARA EL SUEÑO: estrategias y suplementos
SUPLEMENTOS
HAZ QUE LA CAMA SEA UN LUGAR SAGRADO solo para el sueño y el sexo (no para comer, desplazarse por el teléfono, trabajar) OSCURECE LA RECAMARA LO MÁS QUE SE PUEDE las cortinas 'blackout' son una buena inversión desconecta electrónicos que se iluminan DISMINUYE EL USO DE PANTALLAS ESTIMULANTES la luz azul destruye melatonina (la hormona del sueño) hasta 2 horas antes de dormir utiliza lentes anti luz azul activa el filtro de luz azul en sus aparatos activa modo vuelo en los celulares cuando duerme PROCURA EXPONERSE A LA LUZ NATURAL DE LA MAÑANA sincroniza el ritmo circadiano proporciona más energía durante el día promueve el descanso profundo de noche MUEVE TU CUERPO el movimiento de día mejora el sueño de la noche TERMINA DE CENAR 2 HORAS ANTES DE ACOSTARSE una cena fuerte puede interrumpir el sueño de calidad apoya la regulación de tus niveles de azúcar en las noches con proteína, grasas sanas, y carbohidratos complejos en la cena si sientes necesario consumir una botana en la noche, elige proteína y carbohidratos complejos
Consejos para un mejor sueño
Lavanda Manzanilla Valeriana Lúpulo La amapola Glicinato de magnesio Melatonina L-triptofano or 5-HTP L-teaninea GABA
El sueño de calidad: aunque a veces se percibe como un lujo, en realidad es una necesidad! Es crítico para la detoxificación hepática y celular, la limpieza linfática, la consolidación de la memoria, el descanso digestivo, el manejo del estrés, y la regulación de las hormonas (el cual contribuye al aumento de peso cuando se desequilibra). La priorización del buen sueño es una de las maneras más eficaces (y placenteras) de mejorar el bienestar.
Un colchón cómodo y ropa de cama de buena calidad ayudan mucho a la hora de dormir profundo.
7 Anti-Diet Culture Tips for Healthy Weight Loss
Eating regular, balanced meals (especially protein for breakfast) is a key step for calibrating blood sugar & hunger hormones. Food is information, so if your body senses scarcity, it will shift into starvation mode to conserve & store more fat.
“Health does not equal weight, so the only weight loss I want is HEALTHY weight loss.” “How does my body FEEL?” (not look) “Weight is just a number. I care about it because it will help accomplish my REAL GOAL of ______.”
Your hunger & metabolism (and therefore, weight) are regulated by hormones, primarily insulin & cortisol. Support balance by avoiding processed sugar (especially in beverages) and focusing on fiber, fat, & protein.
EAT REGULAR MEALS
Dieting messages often promote calorie reduction (calories-in < calories-out). Thermodynamically, a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss. However, calorie counting alone does not account for the complexities of metabolism. Different types of calories (carbs, fat, & protein) are broken down and utilized differently.
Go for a walk before or after a meal—exercise is extremely effective for improving insulin sensitivity and stimulating metabolism. Do not think of it as “burning calories”, but as improving how your body processes food.
MORE THAN CALORIES
WALK AROUND MEALS
ALIGN YOUR MINDSET
ADDRESS EMOTIONAL EATING
SLEEP IT OFF
What else FILLS you besides food? Focus on that when you tend to eat emotionally. Stress is often the primary cause of unhealthy weight gain (or loss), so be gentle on yourself and focus on relaxing & recharging (rather than reaching for comfort food).
Sleep is a powerful way to recalibrate hormones, reduce stress, and support a healthy weight. Minimize eating before bed, unless needing a snack to keep your blood sugar balanced through the night (then choose something with protein).
BALANCE BLOOD SUGAR
What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis? (and what it can tell you)
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a functional test used to provide a unique cellular reading of the mineral and heavy metal levels in your body.
By analyzing small samples of recent hair growth, you can get a snapshot of what your body has been exposed to and what it is eliminating through the hair.
This data is valuable for prioritizing which diet and lifestyle strategies will be most effective for addressing your bioindividual needs.
55 Names for Sugar on Food Labels
dextrose
fructose
galactose
glucose
lactose
maltose
sucrose
SIMPLE SACCHARIDES
honey
molasses
yacon syrup
monk fruit (luo han guo)
stevia
WHOLE-FOOD SUGARS
spot chemical names for sugar that end in "ose"
beet
brown
cane
confectioners
coconut
date
granulated
invert
palm
powdered
raw
turbinado
white
"SUGAR"
agave
brown rice
corn
high fructose corn (HFCS)
glucose
malt
maple
sorghum
"SYRUP"
mannitol
erythritol
sorbitol
xylitol
lactitol
isomalt
maltitol
hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH)
SUGAR ALCOHOLS
agave nectar
barley malt
cane juice crystals
dextrin
evaporated/ dehydrated cane juice
fruit juice concentrate
maltodextrin
sucanat
ANOTHER NAME, JUST AS SWEET
acesulfame potassium
advantame
aspartame
neotame
saccharin
sucralose
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
sugar-free substitutes can have negative effects on your metabolism & nervous system
still contain sugar, but come with nutrients & immune factors
taste sweet, but not digestible
What in the world is EFT TAPPING? (and how to do it)
What in the world is EFT tapping?
Emotional freedom technique (EFT) acupressure tapping is a researched strategy for managing stress and improving conditions with a nervous system component.
BENEFITS OF EFT TAPPING
decreases anxiety
improves depression
decreases PTSD symptoms
minimizes pain
reduces cravings
increases happiness
boosts immunity (IgA)
improves resting heart rate
balances blood pressure
decreases cortisol levels
HOW TO DO EFT TAPPING
1. Compose setup phrase:
"Even though I experience
I completely and deeply accept myself
my body is good and has a capacity for healing
I am worthy of love and acceptance
other relevant phrase
2. Say entire setup phrase 3x while tapping karate chop point.
3. Repeat affirmation as you tap each other point 7x.
EFT TAPPING POINTS
INNER EYEBROW
SIDE OF EYE
UNDER EYE
UNDER NOSE
CHIN
COLLARBONE
UNDER ARM
KARATE CHOP POINT
TOP OF HEAD
Top Nutrients for Gut Healing (beyond a probiotic)
most “antioxidant foods & herbs”
partially hydrolyzed guar gum
extra-virgin olive oil
whole grains & oat bran
beans & legumes
green bananas & plantains
psyllium seeds
almonds
mushrooms
chicory root
artichokes
leafy greens
green tea
rosemary
apples
turmeric
ginger
ginseng
dark cocoa
dark berries & grapes
onions, leeks, & garlic
cruciferous veggies
interacts with immune cells to decrease inflammation and promote a balanced immune response
IMMUNE
selectively feeds beneficial microbes and/or inhibits the growth of pathogenic/ opportunistic microbes
MICROBIOME
supports mucosa layer, feeds epithelial cells, and/or improves tight junctions between cells for healthy intestinal permeability
BARRIER
VITAMINS & MINERALS
(vit D, calcium, zinc, selenium, etc)
sauerkraut & kimchi
lacto-fermented veggies/pickles
yogurt & kefir
kombucha & water kefir
probiotic supplements
FERMENTED FOODS & PROBIOTICS
marshmallow root
slippery elm bark
licorice root
aloe vera
DEMULCENT HERBS
ANTIOXIDANT FOODS & HERBS
(resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, curcuminoids, gingerols, anthocyanines, etc)
PREBIOTIC FIBERS
(inulin, pectin, fructo- & galacto- oligosaccharides, etc)
supplements
quality protein
bone broth/collagen
AMINO ACIDS
(glutamine, tryptophan, arginine, cysteine)
sunlight exposure
quality dairy
leafy greens
meat & seafood
BOVINE COLOSTRUM
27 Favorite Pregnancy Products + Resources (from a functional nutritionist)
1: Prenatal Multi
2: Pregnancy Dresses
3: EBB
4: Daily Walks
5: Real Food for Preg.
6: Redmond Real Salt
7: Citrus
8: Pregnancy Pillow
9: Raspberry Leaf Tea
10: Chiropractor
11: Probiotic
12: Eggs
13: Pregnancy Shorts
14: Daily Dates
15: Collagen
16: Ina May’s Guide
17: EPA + DHA
18: Community
19. Water Bottle
20. Exercise Ball
21. Belly Butter
22. Baby’s Microbiome
23: Dairy
24: Stool Test
25: EPIC Bars
26: Vitamin D3 + K2
27: Fresh Test
How to Read a Probiotic Label like a Functional Nutritionist
what to look for on a probiotic supplement label
9 Easy Ideas for BREAKFAST PROTEIN
OVERNIGHT QUINOA
LEFTOVER MEAT OR FISH
EGGS
SAUSAGE OR GROUND MEAT
PROTEIN POWDER
(in smoothie or oatmeal)
QUALITY DAIRY
NUTS & SEEDS
BEANS & LENTILS
NUT BUTTER
The How, What, & Why of the KETOGENIC DIET
What IS THE KETO DIET?
The Ketogenic Diet is a high-fat, very-low carb diet.
Studies have shown its therapeutic effects on:
blood sugar regulation
energy
weight loss
cardiovascular health
liver health
dementia
epilepsy
cancer
A Functional Nutrition Approach to Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a form of irritable bowel disease characterized by dysbiosis and an inappropriate immune reaction to intestinal microbes. This inflammatory response damages the gut lining, impairs nutrient absorption, and contributes to deficiencies. The most common symptom is chronic diarrhea, but it can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, joint stiffness, and elevated inflammatory markers in the blood and gut. Crohn's disease is closely connected to childhood or recurrent antibiotic use, intestinal infections, low vitamin D levels, and inflammatory diet & lifestyle factors.
How to Use the NAQ Graph Template
What is the NAQ Graph Template?
This template from Made Whole Nutrition allows you to create a personalized, branded version of the NAQ report for your clients.
The NAQ—or Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire—is a symptom survey developed by the Nutritional Therapy Association and is used by many practitioners to assess and track client progress.
This template does not take the place of any software that records or assesses questionnaire results. It is meant to serve as a supplemental resource for creating client forms with your practice branding.
19 Sources of PHOSPHORUS
POULTRY
QUNIOA & AMARANTH
WHOLE GRAINS & BRAN
(soaking makes more bioavailable)
DAIRY
BEANS & LENTILS
DARK SODA & BEER*
PORK & BEEF
PUMPKIN & SUNFLOWER SEEDS
SOY
PROCESSED MEAT & FAST FOOD*
FISH & SEAFOOD
*These foods are not nutritious whole-food sources of phosphorus, but should be minimized for individuals needing to reduce phosphorus.
A Functional Nutritionist’s Tips for Better ENERGY
Mitochondria convert caloric energy into cellular energy. Support these fragile structures with:
colorful antioxidants
intermittent fasting
minimal toxin exposure
In the simplest sense, energy comes from food. The body must convert food energy (calories) into cellular energy (ATP). That requires optimization of foundational health:
DIGESTION
Nutrient absorption directly impacts energy availability.
MINERAL BALANCE
If calories provide the fuel, minerals act like
spark plugs for energy conversion.
BLOOD SUGAR BALANCE
Stabilize energy swings by minimizing
sugar and eating regular, balanced meals.
FATTY ACID BALANCE
Healthy fat (along with protein & fiber)
provides steady energy throughout the day.
HYDRATION
Fatigue is a key symptom of dehydration.
B complex
CoQ10
iron
zinc
magnesium
vitamin C
ashwagandha
rhodiola
ginseng
can provide helpful energy boost
whole food sources are best
tolerance is bioindividual
overconsumption can lead to dependance & stress adrenals
can mask root cause of energy imbalance
CAFFEINE CONSIDERATIONS
MIGHTY MITOCHONDRIA
SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS
FOUNDATIONAL HEALTH
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
HPA AXIS SUPPORT
The HPA axis involves communication between several glands and is the body's primary system for recognizing and responding to stress. A dysfunctional
HPA axis often results in chronic
fatigue. Support balance with:
If your body’s sleep-wake cycle is out of sync, that can impact energy during the day and sleep quality at night. Support rhythm with:
sleep hygiene (no phone in bed, regular schedule, dark room, etc)
morning sunlight exposure
daily movement
stress management
relaxation & sleep
nourishing diet
11 Whole Food Sources of FOLATE B9
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
CAULIFLOWER
ASPARAGUS
LENTILS
PEAS
LEAFY GREENS
AVOCADO
CITRUS
BEETS
BROCOLLI
BEANS
A Plant-Based Pyramid
A whole-food, plant-based diet is a colorful diet.
Focus on first filling your plate with a variety of fruits & vegetables, followed by a protein pairing of grains & legumes, and topped off with nutritionally wealthy superfoods & healthy fats.
13 Signs of DEHYDRATION (and how to rehydrate)
If you are mildly dehydrated, drink a cup of water. Wait a few minutes before drinking another. Repeat until symptoms resolve.
Replenish electrolytes with diluted fruit juice, salty soup or broth, sports drinks, or water-filled fruits & veggies.
Avoid caffeine & alcohol, which further dehydrate the body.
If also overheated, cool off your feet and back of neck.
A Simple Guide to Food Introductions for Infants
CLEAN & SIMPLE
introduce new foods without additives, pesticides, sugar, or oils (for example, introduce organic, freshly mashed peanuts instead of processed peanut butter)
SPACE NEW FOODS
introduce a new food every 3-5 days to watch for reactions
MAYBE THE MILK
an infant may become colicky if sensitive to proteins in the mother diet (most commonly milk, soy, eggs, wheat, corn, beef, and nuts) - she can modify her diet or take a probiotic
INTRODUCTION TIPS
Breastmilk delivers the optimal nutrients, immune factors, and prebiotics for a growing infant. If possible, breastfeed throughout the food introduction timeline to train the developing immune system.
exclusive breastfeeding
begin introducing complementary foods
PEANUTS: early introduction (4-12 mo) decreases allergy rates in childhood
FRUIT: banana, strawberries, pear, orange, melon, avocado
VEGETABLES: cooked spinach, carrots, beans, lentils, peas, yams, beets
GRAINS: whole grain bread, crackers, pasta
PROTEIN: soft, small pieces of beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, fish (low-mercury), eggs (well-cooked)
DAIRY: pasteurized cheese & yogurt
introduce after 1 year
cow & soy milk
honey
juice
TRADITIONAL SPOON-FED
+ less messy & wasteful
+ parents have more control
- may rely on parent to eat
- may become picky about textures
- special baby food can be expensive
BABY-LED WEANING
+ child self-feeds finger food
+ teaches independence, motor skills, appetite control
- more mess & gagging
- more time to learn eating skills