Frequently asked questions
Coaching is valuable, promoting impactful and lasting behavior change. Rather than a “do as I say” approach, coaching acknowledges you as the expert in your life and helps increase your awareness of the why behind your eating and health behaviors. This is a key part of being able to create desirable habits and abandon ones that do not serve you well. Having a partner with expertise in nutrition and behavior change creates accountability, increased understanding of how nutrition fits into your life and support for achieving your goals.
Each session will be conducted live via Zoom. You can expect welcoming, understanding, personalized and supportive interactions. I will ask questions that help to uncover the motivations for your eating behaviors and guide you in effective, attainable goal setting. I will provide a listening ear, affirmation, and feedback along the way. Each session will end with a summary and action steps for the short term, before the next session, and into the future beyond that. The first session also will include personal introductions, plus a review of the coaching agreement and overall expectations.
I believe coaching is a partnership designed to provide you with ongoing, practical assistance for accomplishing the changes you desire to make. I recognize that you are the expert on your own life. As a coach, I will provide guidance, encouragement, education, and accountability while listening attentively to best understand your perspective. I will ask questions to help increase awareness of your current and desired nutrition behaviors and the underlying influences on those behaviors, identify realistic and tangible goals, and offer resources and suggestions as appropriate. I will tailor support to you in an individualized way, considering your unique background, lifestyle, and goals that shape who you are.
Dietary tracking can be beneficial for increasing overall awareness of eating habits and identifying possible areas of malnutrition. It also is important to acknowledge that it is not ideal for everyone and may serve as a trigger in those who have experienced eating problems. Dietary tracking is not required but will be discussed as an option in a consultation or introductory coaching call.
My educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health: Exercise Science, with a minor in Health Promotion, and a Master of Science Nutrition degree. I hold certifications for health coaching, group fitness instruction, personal training, and fitness-focused nutrition. I worked as a Wellness Specialist for over five years, designing a variety of programs that helped participants progress toward optimal holistic health.
I also have extensive culinary skills and expertise in plant-based nutrition. If this is of interest, you also could let me know and consider signing up for an upcoming Cooking with Kiley session or purchasing archived sessions.
The ideal coaching package depends on your budget, time availability, and previous nutrition/coaching experience. Please be aware that behavioral changes like eating habits are not a quick fix. Meeting consistently over a longer period of time results in greater progress toward your goals. If you’re hesitant to commit to coaching, trying a 4-session package could be a good place to start. However, seven or ten session packages will allow for ongoing accountability, plus a deeper dive into your current nutrition-related behaviors, and better support for reaching your goals.