Not just another health coach …
When it comes to food, if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why don’t I have the willpower?” or “I know what to do, why can’t I just follow through and stick with it?”, you’re definitely not alone.
I know, I was there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shamed myself into feeling guilty for not “eating the way I should”. I was thinking about food and what I “should” or “shouldn’t” be doing with it constantly.
This mentality isn’t healthy for anyone. I knew it wasn’t healthy, and was finally ready to do something about it.
Not only this, but I also wanted to break free from acid reflux and dependence on anti-anxiety medication. I had been taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) daily for the better part of 10 years, and was worried about the long-term effects.
I searched Facebook for something like “healthy eating program” or “health coach” and came across Kim’s Facebook group. I joined, but was just a “lurker” for a while.
I kept loving what she had to say and jumped on the chance to join an 8 week group program coupled with individual 1 on 1 coaching.
Kim helped me to understand that the work to be done wasn’t about food at all. It was more about addressing my fear of failure, perfectionism, self-criticism, and suppression of feelings. She helped me get to the root of underlying feelings and meet them where they were.
Through deeply personal conversations with Kim, we decided it was a good idea for me to start seeing a therapist. I am not ashamed to admit this. Right or wrong, I basically “lost” my mother through adandonment when I was 5 years old.
Through therapy, I’m learning that part of the reason why I have difficulty experiencing sadness and expressing how I feel is because I’ve been repressing and avoiding these kinds of feelings since I was a little girl.
I am thrilled to say that with a bit of experimentation mid-way into the program, I am no longer taking an anti-anxiety medication and have been free of acid reflux without taking a PPI for nearly 6 months!
We discovered that I have issues with low stomach acid, gluten sensitivity, and lactose intolerance. I had no idea that those things could contribute to acid reflux!
Weaning off of a PPI is not something to be taken lightly, and it’s best to also have discussions with your health care provider. I had tried weaning off a few times before by myself in the past few years, but heartburn would always return.
This work is deeply personal, uncomfortable, and not always easy. It won’t happen overnight. It will definitely help you grow by learning to love yourself, embrace your vulnerability, and know when to give yourself grace.
I am far from perfect, though, and didn’t always follow the program that way that “I think I should have”. It’s a journey and an investment in yourself. Keep moving forward, you’re worth it!








