Why did I become a lifestyle coach?

Before I get to the why, I'll tell you a little background about myself.  I became a Certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2014. In December of 2013, I recieved my Bachelor's degree in Alternative Medicine, and studied Nutritional Sciences at the University of New Hampshire prior to that. I have always been interested in Nutrition, although my personal lifestyle choices didn't reflect that.

 

In April 2009, I saw a picture of myself and was completely shocked.  I thought  to myself, how could I possibly have let myself get to that point? How, after spending years dancing and being in shape, could I be this overweight?  What was I going to do? From the moment I saw this photo, something in me changed. I knew I had to make a change and that it wasn't going to be easy.  So, I started on my own personal weight loss journey and through that discovered that it wasn't just "weight issues" that I had to deal with. There were so many other factors involved such as stress management, proper sleep, maintaining healthy relationships, and inner happiness.  Back then, I weighed in at 235 pounds.  Today, I weigh a healthy 130 pounds and more importantly I am HAPPY.  

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I became a lifestyle coach to help others achieve their goals in a happy and healthy way. It doesn't have to be about weight loss, although with my help you will achieve this and much more. I will guide you to make better choices and live a fuller life.  Through my education at IIN, I was able to learn not only about how to coach others, but learned so much about myself and want to help others accomplish the same thing.

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Besides from being a health and lifestyle coach, I am a wife and mother of a charming and independant one year old. We love walking and exploring new places together and LAUGHING alot. Before I found out I was pregnant, I had just reached my goal weight of 150 pounds and was mortified of putting some of the weight back on. Nine months later I was up 50 pounds. About 6 weeks after birth, I started adding exercise into my already healthy and delicious meal plan to jumpstart me onto the right track. Just 6 months afterwards, I was down to a pre-baby and very healthy weight of 130. I pushed myself to new limits and learned about me on this journey. I am finally happy with my food choices and exercise habits. I still push myself each and every day and have learned to hold myself accountable. It's simly and amazing feeling that I hope you want to experience!

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Be sure to check out the gallery to see some before and after pictures! 

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~Coach Stephanie