Do you need a health coach?

Trying to look natural while awkwardly holding a coffee cup in a way that no one ever has, ever (pic: Emily Graham)

If you follow me on Instagram, then you might know that I’ve been training with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition over the past couple of years. Well, I have now graduated and am officially a qualified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I’ve got a certificate and indemnity insurance and everything. It’s all very exciting.

Now I know what you might be thinking: wtf is a health coach?

After all, I’m not a doctor or other medical professional, and I’m certainly not out to replace them. The difference is that your doctor will give you a diagnosis, or prescribe medication. Occasionally, they might even give you some lifestyle advice, usually along the lines of exercise more, drink less alcohol, get more sleep, try and lose a bit of weight, find a way to manage stress, and so on.

What they can’t do in their ten-minute consultation is find out about you: your likes and disl…