By Susan Gervase HHC, LMT

We are experiencing a global epidemic of lifestyle-related illnesses, with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes at an all-time high. The more clients I see, the more I realize that changing our behavior is the most important step we must take in order to prevent and reverse chronic disease. In fact, the majority of the work involved in improving health takes place outside of the doctor’s office.

Having the support of a health coach can make all the difference in achieving one’s goals. Whether it is weight loss, learning to make healthier eating choices, or setting realistic exercise goals, we all need a support system to help guide us toward positive sustainable behavior and lifestyle changes. A reputable health coach should be trained in nutrition, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, goal setting, accountability, and committed to helping you with your own self-care.

As a certified holistic health coach, I look at the unique health situation and well-being of each individual in taking a whole person approach to help develop the most effective plan. Seeing each person as an individual helps me to empower, support, and encourage my clients in decisions concerning eating, exercising, and managing stress.

Through my private coaching sessions, we will work together as partners to incorporate healthy whole foods into your diet in a way that accommodates your own needs and the needs of your family. While I know that one specific diet is not the same for every person, I do know that the fastest way to improve your health is to upgrade what’s at the end of your fork. It can be confusing and daunting to make decisions about what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, and more. Learning how to view food as medicine helps improve digestion and gut health, increase energy levels, balance hormones, reduce pain and inflammation, and reverse declining health.

In addition to nutrition, I provide my clients with exercise and lifestyle management tools to help reduce the stress that often contributes to their illness. One of the most important aspects of coaching is follow-up. Working together consistently and being accountable to one another is key to successful outcomes and helping people stay on track. In fact, studies have shown that individuals are 95% more likely to reach their goals when they are held accountable to their plans.

I am passionate about helping people feel better, lose weight, age better, and be the healthiest possible version of themselves. My goal is to empower people in understanding that they hold the key to their own health, as I provide supportive guidance and mentorship to get them where they want to be.

Susan Gervase is a certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, with more than 20 years of experience. She helps women in their midlife years who are struggling with fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog, to achieve more energy, gain mental clarity and focus, and return to their ideal weight. Learn more at www.lakeshorehealthcoaching.com or call 716-907-6421.