Jess

"Certainly, choosing healthy foods (and the right amounts of those healthy foods!) and being physically active are fundamental skills to weight management. But more importantly, it’s about learning to use our thoughts to our success, rather than to our detriment. "

1. Describe your background. What were the steps that led you to coaching?

When everyone else in my neighborhood was eating bologna sandwiches on Wonder Bread, my mom was making me tempeh, tomato and alfalfa sprout sandwiches on whole grain bread. From as early as I can remember, I saw the magic in good nutrition; it made me run faster, play harder, and think better. Whether climbing trees as a child, competing as an athlete as a young adult or just being joyfully awed at the wonder of a healthy body, I have always been aware that good nutrition is a cornerstone to vibrant good health.

My mom really had it going on; she practiced yoga and meditation long before it was the “in” thing to do. So, along with my early understanding that good nutrition made all the difference in good performance, I also grew up knowing the importance of nurturing the mind-body connection.

And I believe that we all that the power to take small steps toward a healthier, happier lifestyle. To that end, my entire career has been devoted to helping individuals discover the magic of vibrant good health.

A bit about my qualifications: I am a Registered Dietitian, a licensed Certified Nutritionist, and an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialist.

My educational background includes a M.S. in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a BS.Ed in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota.

It is, and always has been, a joy and an honor to serve as a guide as people discover their best selves as they successfully move toward their health and wellness goals.

You know what they say: If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life!

2. Why did you want to be a Mind & Body Coach?

Pure and simple: I was excited by the opportunity to be part of a growing, evolving program dedicated to helping people realize the power they have to choose good health.

3. How long have you been with Free & Clear? What drew you to the company?

I was in the first training class of Mind and Body coaches in March of 2009. I have been a Nutrition Coach for the Mind and Body Program since that time. I was drawn to Free and Clear, and the Mind and Body Program because their values are congruent with my own. The Mind and Body program is specifically in line with my philosophy that changing our thoughts as well as our behaviors is key to making positive, lasting change.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

First, I work with an incredible team of dedicated, caring professionals in an environment that supports good health, growth and positive change – how neat is that?

Second, each day I have the honor of sharing a little piece of someone’s journey as they make courageous steps to improving their health and well-being.

5. Do you have personal experience in making healthy behavior changes that has allowed you to be an effective coach?

I am fortunate. I have always had an awareness of the amazing state of health and wellness one could achieve by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Yet several years ago, I sustained a sports injury that severely limited my ability to be active. During that difficult time, I had many moments where I put the responsibility for change on anybody and anything but myself. It was only when I finally made a decision to take charge of my health and happiness, once again, that I began to focus on all the wonderful things that I DID have control over and that were in my power to change. Changing my perspective allowed me to start taking small steps to change my life.

6. In your opinion, what’s the most common misconception about weight management?

That it is all about diet and exercise. Certainly, choosing healthy foods (and the right amounts of those healthy foods!) and being physically active are fundamental skills to weight management. But more importantly, it’s about learning to use our thoughts to our success, rather than to our detriment.

7. How do you remain objective and fresh for each phone call?

Being totally focused and present with each participant is very important to me. I take a moment between calls to focus my positive thoughts and good feelings toward the participant I am about to call. I want to bring my best self to the table with each call.

8. Why do you think phone-based counseling is so effective?

Many reasons, the most important being a sense of anonymity combined with a sense of accountability – a combination unique to phone-based counseling. And, my goodness, it is so darn convenient!

9. Is there a participant story that sticks out in your mind as truly inspirational?

Each person has a different story. One cannot compare one person’s challenges (or challenges overcome) to another’s. Each step made, however small, toward one’s vision is an act of courage and hope.

And each one of us is courageous beyond our own knowing, especially when we open ourselves to the process of change. In that, truly, each person’s story is an inspiration.

10. What is the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, but who has been unsuccessful in the past?

Being unsuccessful in the past brings to mind the Edison principle; you are one step closer to being successful this time around. In each attempt you learn more about yourself, more about your personal barriers, and how to overcome them. All that you have learned up until this moment in time prepares you to be successful now.

Have a clear and meaningful vision of your best self. What does that look like? How will life be different when you achieve your health goals and why is that important to you?

Hold onto that vision and make small, measurable, achievable goals, one step at a time, which moves you closer to your vision. A participant shared this quote with me:

“Find happiness in each small step that you make. It is not just the final result of your hard work that should make you happy, but each small achievement you make on a daily basis. The pursuit of happiness is, in and of itself, happy.”