In my clients words...

A personal health coach was something that looked like a good idea in theory, however the cost held me back from pursuing what seemed to be a luxury service. I had already been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and my doctor would nag me at every visit to lose some weight. But with every visit my health was declining further and the number of medications I had to take was increasing. My doctor told me I’d have to go on insulin to control my type 2 diabetes. I watched my own mother need more and more insulin and she still lost her foot to amputation. That memory, the cost of insulin and my fear of amputation was my wake-up call.

My biggest problem was that I felt so alone trying to get healthier. I knew what I had to do – I just couldn’t get a consistent routine going. I booked a consultation with Viviane and in that hour, I felt heard and not judged. I also felt hopeful for the first time in a long time. I signed up for a six-month coaching package that met every week.

I set ridiculously easy goals (add 1/2 serving of vegetable/day) and each tiny win boosted my self-confidence. I also decided what a serving looked like to me - Viviane didn’t tell me or even push me to do what is recommended. At first it started small, but then grew larger just naturally. As I was ready, I added more health promoting behaviors, not worrying about the scale number at all.

When I slipped up, Viviane helped me to understand that another value I held took priority over my health value. We dug into it deeper to see if I wanted to keep that value or not. It was mind blowing to realize that the temporary ( and I mean temporary) pleasure of a donut binge was more important than keeping my feet!

At the 6 month mark I had dropped 41 pounds. I signed up for another package because I wanted to shock my doctor at my next scheduled visit. And with Viviane in my corner weekly, I was doing more healthy things consistently. She helped me pay attention to the usual components of health: diet, movement, sleep, and stress. She went out of her way to share evidence-based articles, wearable gadgets, and free tips/practices with me that I would never have access to. She is also my greatest health proponent.

Currently I am down 76 lbs. and My A1c is just about in the normal range, and I’ve reduced many of my medicines. I am no longer on the edge of needing insulin. My doctor was amazed at my transformation. Coaching was such a positive experience for me that I now tell everyone having a health coach is not a luxury but a critical piece to living a healthy, independent, and satisfying life.