Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Why I Do What I Do

I was recently asked why I became an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. It led me to thinking about why I do what I do.

I remember struggling to lose weight and getting so frustrated when I would eat as little as possible and lose nothing. I would work out and starve myself and be told that I just needed to push harder or eat the latest and greatest veggie or superfruit.

I remember spending my time worried about my son and his behavior. His allergies were constantly inflamed and all of my kids were sick. There was one year that we spent so much time at the doctor's office that the receptionist knew my voice! It was so frustrating and I felt like a total failure as a parent.

Spending time reading about nutrition and its effects on our bodies was so eye opening. I spent hours studying and figuring out exactly what my plan was going to be and how I was going to help my kids. I never dreamed that I would be able to effortlessly lose weight but more importantly I felt better and so much more alert! I didn't live off of coffee anymore and my husband was able to reverse several of his health problems. My kids weren't constantly arguing and when they did get sick it wasn't for weeks. My oldest son was able to wean off of his meds and play outside without getting horribly sick afterwards. The clincher was when people began asking what I was doing and how they could do it too!


The joy of helping others achieve wellness and their desired health goals is why I am an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Even now that I am dealing with health problems, I realize that I am so blessed in being able to help people understand what they can do to achieve the health that they want. This is why I do what I do. I would love to have you join my group, Coach Kelli's Crowd or schedule your complimentary consultation to map out your health goals. 

66 comments:

  1. Love that you are following your passion and I can feel your DRIVE to help people in your writing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm so happy you stopped by.

      Delete
  2. I've been seeing a holistic health coach and I wouldn't be where I am today without her. Thank you for sharing your heart on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love hearing that your coach is helping you, yay!!! Thank you for reading.

      Delete
  3. Hi Kelli! I'm curious to know what you had to do to become an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I've been looking for my niche in life and all the things you mention are things I believe in and love learning about. So happy to find you through the hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Teri! I went to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, it's a year long course but after six months you can start taking clients. I've taken some other courses since then to fine tune my niche but they weren't required. If you would like to talk more please shoot me an email at freesekelli@gmail and I would be happy to help you along every step of the way.

      Delete
  4. It's tricky and so frustrating figuring out the source of health problems. Myself, I have a lot of allergies and extremely sensitive skin. We did an extensive remodel several years ago...and I was a puffed up (and itchy) mess for much of it. Of the 32 (?) allergens I was tested for, I reacted to 28 of them, I think...things like different kinds of leaves, grass, pollen, cats, etc. And a skin test revealed my reaction to "cobalt dioxide" was off the charts....which is a metal that is fused with other metals for everyday items like door knobs, belt buckles, costume jewelry...and it's in cement, grout, and dry wall dust as well. SO...there you go ;-) It was great to have so me answers. Anyways..that's my story.Great to meet you through the blog hop ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Kimberly, that is so rough! I'm glad you got some answers although I'm sure it was overwhelming knowing that so many things were reactors for you. How are you doing now?

      Delete
    2. Doing great! I endured 5 years of weekly allergy shots (lost ALL fear of needles), and things are much better. I still have to be careful with what touches my skin....recently, after a half marathon, I scratched my sweaty skin and within minutes I had hives ALL over the place (probably from the cheap, but pretty, nail polish). #alwayslearning

      Delete
  5. Way to follow your passion in life! I love that your education has also helped to cure your son's allergies. Nutrition is incredible stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Becky! Nutrition is powerful stuff and I'm so glad that you stopped by.

      Delete
  6. Love that you turned your passion into a career...so inspiring!! I started too with crazy allergies when I was preggo with my second daughter...it is so crazy how your body can change! Looking forward to following your journey through this blog hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I joke that pregnancy is like an alien taking over your body and then afterwards you spend about a year getting reacquainted with your new body. Nice to "meet" you through this hop!

      Delete
  7. Isn't it great when you can turn your passions into helping others achieve their goals? I've always been really interested in nutrition and have thought about getting some sort of cert. Fun to connect with you through the blog hop

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's certainly fun! You should definitely get a cert, let me know if I can help you in any way. Fun to connect with you too!

      Delete
  8. Our family can be the biggest motivator for why we do things. That's so wonderful that your son is able to play outside now and that you are able to turn your knowledge into a career of helping others! :)

    Great to meet you through the blog hop! - looking forward to hearing more of our story!

    Erin @ www.astorybooklife.us

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am very interested behind the science of food and it's affect on our bodies. I love that quote. The most powerful tool is your fork. I've got to remember that! It is wonderful you do something that you are so passionate about. I have to admit I live on too much coffee! It's my one vice. It's great to get to know you through the hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thrilled the quote resonated with you! I think most of us live on too much coffee at one point or another :)

      Delete
  10. There is so much to learn about how what we do, where we live, etc. and how it affects us. That's why I went into public health and health education and how it drove me to deliver my public health on the ground level as a coach, trainer and nutritionist. Knowledge is power and with that power, you can change your life. Great job for you to take that knowledge and power and make it into your career!

    Looking forward to getting to know you through the blog hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love your story as well, I remember reading it and wanting to cheer at points. Thanks for stopping by! Looking forward to getting to know you better too!

      Delete
  11. Great to meet you and discover your blog! I'm also a Certified Integrative Health Coach!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to meet you too! Love meeting some more Health Coaches :)

      Delete
  12. Nice to meet you! I've been looking into health coaching but am still trying to find the right program for me! I can't wait to read more of your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you too. I hope you find the program that resonates with you. If I can help you find a program please let me know.

      Delete
  13. What a great career you have! So rewarding!!!
    Love hearing how you got into it, and why you found it is so important! I agree with you it is so important to lead a healthy life, and like you do direct others to find the happiness they can get from it themselves if they turn their lives into that direction too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I am so thrilled you stopped by :)

      Delete
  14. Sounds like you have a wonderful job! I bet it's so rewarding to help others achieve their nutrition goals and also just become healthier overall. Great to meet you through the Blog Hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! So awesome to "meet" you!

      Delete
  15. Way to go on following that passion and figuring out what works for you and your family. I'm on that journey now of figuring out how to make food work for me! Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly let me know if I can help you in anyway. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  16. Hello from the blog hop!!

    How awesome!

    I am working on my Personal Training studies now and looking into the nutrition track as well. It is amazing the way food changes our bodies (the good and the bad).

    Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! I just started playing around with Personal Training as well, which program did you pick?

      Delete
  17. Hello! So nice to connect with you through the blog hop! That's amazing that you're a health coach. I'm a group fitness instructor and soon-to-be personal trainer and I'm hoping to delve into the nutrition arena soon as well (hopefully with respect to the fitness realm).

    What made you choose IIN? I've heard so many people go that route and I'm curious what your thoughts are on the process and what you had to do to get certified?

    I love that you offer a complimentary consultation, too! I might have to take you up on that! Thanks for a great post and allowing us to learn a little more about you. :) Hope we can stay in touch!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I chose IIN because of their focus on bio-individuality and that we got to study 100 different eating types. I also liked that they taught us basic business and marketing because after you graduate you have to know HOW to run a business as well or you are kind of stuck with no clue as to what to do next.

      To graduate the course you have to pass four tests. To get certified you take another test, I know that they have changed the certification process and I honestly don't know much about that part although I do need to check. If you want more info on IIN, I would love to chat with you further so feel free to email me at freesekelli@gmail and we can discuss this in depth. I have some discount codes and stuff I can pass your way if you pick IIN, I am an ambassador for the school.

      Definitely keep in touch I think we could work well together!

      Delete
  18. It's a great job you're doing following your passion! I'm trying to get into mine but am struggling to get my foot in the door without the formal background.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so sorry that you are struggling Cassandra, what is your passion?

      Delete
    2. I want to be a wellness coach. I need the part time job to get the experience and pay for my certification. It's difficult to make a complete career change.

      Delete
    3. I totally understand, it's not easy but so worth it!

      Delete
  19. Wow. the photo about dna made me think. I defnitely needed to see that!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi There! I'm visiting from the blog hop and I'm so glad I did. I love what you have to say and how you took control of your life and the lives of your family. Good for you! I requested to be part of your FB group. It is very frustrating to try and lose weight by working out and thinking you are eating the right food. But it's not working...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you joined the group! It is so frustrating, I've been there. Did you request a complimentary consult? I would love to chat and see if I can support you.

      Delete
  21. It's amazing to see how much of a difference changing your diet can affect your life. Nutrition is SO important, and it's great that you are making an impact by helping others. I work with a dietitian and it has definitely changed my whole outlook on being healthy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so astounding, isn't it? Glad you are getting help with your dietitian.

      Delete
  22. I absolutely love this post and the way you authentically share your own health journey!! I can tell you're super-passionate about what you do, and I can't wait to continue to follow your journey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I always wonder if I'm coming across passionate or condescending...glad it's passionate!

      Delete
  23. This is amazing! I have been wanting to get more education in nutrition. I have been culinary trained, but now I am so health-conscious, I want more knowledge in the area! You just made me even more curious.

    Sarah
    www.amodernshorelife.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Culinary training would be fun...I have always wanted to team up with a chef to make easy real food meals that aren't overwhelming to follow.

      Delete
  24. The power of nutrition never ceases to amaze me, nor does how few people seem to believe in it! Thank you for doing what you are doing and helping others live better - we are fighting the same fight for sure! I am so glad that things are improving for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I am honored to fight alongside you :)

      Delete
  25. Wow, I think it is amazing that you were able to use your education and knowledge to help improve your sons allergies! I find the impact of nutrition (both good and bad) on the body super interesting. You have an awesome story!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amazing story. I think it's unbelievable how food can literally change our health. Glad your family's health has improved and that you have found something you're passionate about too!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello! It is amazing how food can hurt or help us!
    I have seen amazing changes in my husband and his health with the change in what he eats and drinks!
    I SO want to do IIN! It hasn't been in the budget and I can't wait till it is!!
    Thanks for sharing your story :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Esther! IIN is running some deals right now, let me know if I can help you get a discount. I'm an ambassador for the school and love passing along the deals.

      Delete
  28. Love that your found a solution to the health issues you were originally dealing with and found a passion for it! It's so amazing that we live in a society we can pursue our passions as a career path. Even greater when we are able to help others through this passion! I have grown a passion for fitness and hope to learn more about nutrition and hopefully one day become a fitness instructor or personal trainer! I didn't study this subject in school, so not sure how it will go pursuing this path. Glad to meet you through the blog hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure that you will be an amazing trainer! Have you looked into ACTION's training program? It's free and then you just pay for the exam. It's NASM accredited... Glad to meet you too!

      Delete
  29. I find it truly inspiring when someone pursues a career in order to help others. There was a part in my life where I had to look after what I eat and I had to see a Health Coach to resolve it. THank you so much for sharing this! <3

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thrilled that you find this inspiring. Thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  31. That's amazing that you have been able to put your passion to work to help your son. I think sometimes when you have struggled with something it puts you in a better position to be able to help others through it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I love helping others when they are struggling. The excitement when a kid is able to play a sport or go outside is what keeps me going when the work gets overwhelming. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  32. This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Thanks for writing the post, it's clear that you love it.
    Meg x
    www.anchoringchange.com

    ReplyDelete