I received my training to practice Wellness Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods. In 2006, I was certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University’s Teacher’s College (ranked the #1 graduate school program in 2007 by US News and World Reports.)
I started Wellness Coaching to resolve my own health problems. At 21, I was diagnosed with lupus. I struggled with children’s Rheumatoid Arthritis and Raynaud’s Syndrome since I was 12. By the time I was 19, the joint pain and swelling was sometimes so bad it took 10 minutes to get out of bed and to the shower in the morning. Ordinary tasks like buttoning my shirt, and tying my shoes were pain-filled. When I was diagnosed with lupus, the doctors said the best they could do was prescribe prescription strength narcotics, and schedule a 6 month follow-up to “see if anything changed.”
Simultaneously, I struggled with severe dysmenorrhea. During puberty, my menstrual cramps seemed normal, but occasionally, severe cramps caused me to stay in bed for the day. By the time I was in college, the frequency and severity of the cramps and PMS symptoms were enough to require 6 regular-strength ibuprofen at a time. Sometimes the cramps lasted 2-3 days. I was tested, and doctors discovered a cyst on each ovary, that weren’t going away as most cysts do each cycle. They didn’t know if the cysts were causing the pain or if something else caused both. Again, I was prescribed narcotics, which I begrudgingly took for 2 years, rotating through at least 3 designer brands that left me dopey, depressed, and unable to function in my personal and professional life. On the first day of my first ever corporate job, I was carried out on a stretcher because they thought I passed out, the pain was so bad. At that point I chose a temporary “solution” because I was afraid of losing my job: I got on the Patch to regulate my period. I knew this was wrong for me, and did it anyway because I felt I had no other choice.
This was the last straw.
Pharmaceuticals companies were not going to regulate my movement (literally) through life, or my relationship to my womb.
I started looking for answers wherever I could find them. At first, I took to external solutions. These were the easiest: herbs, teas, tinctures, supplements and acupuncture. Although I used natural remedies, this western approach to illness, meant I was “killing the messenger.” Over time, I learned that I needed to get to the root cause of my symptoms, mind body and soul.
The autoimmune issues were the easiest to clear up. It took about 3 years to become symptom-free, but the biggest change occurred in the first year. Here’s what I did: 1 major dietary change, 1 ten-day-detox, a solid sweaty yoga routine, and a commitment to stop doing things I hated. I believe my immune system stopped attacking me because I learned to stop attacking myself. I stopped numbing myself with foods that didn’t serve me, and literally immobilized my forward movement. I also switched gears professionally to do something I loved. These changes in turn helped my menstrual cycles and gave me hope that I was on the right track.
To resolve the menstrual problems, I went deeper. I looked carefully at my relationship to food (the way I nurture myself and survive at a core level) which in turn meant I had to look carefully at my relationship to life, and people around me. Changing my diet in this area has only been possible through changing my thoughts about survival and nurturing. These changes have allowed me to experience some of my first NSAID-free periods EVER. I also changed 1 major thing about my diet, started celebrating my body (through running and dance), did a major detox, and created more professional alignment with who I am. Clearing up “clutter” in the seat of my creative power (my womb) is helping me use my creative energy to manifest my dreams, and help others do the same.
I am not perfect at this process, there are good months and bad months, but when I get the signals from my body that I am out of alignment, I simply Begin Again.
Through this work I learned 3 critical lessons:
- As an adult, health or sickness is a choice.
- Choosing health comes with pay-offs and responsibilities (so does being sick).
- Being a woman doesn't mean I have to suffer.
With consistent support, you can realign your body and mind to create the health you deserve! I invite you to choose health now by scheduling a Breakthrough Consultation with me, and signing up for my email newsletter.
Here’s what clients have to say after working with Kristen:
I actually like to cook now!
“I know plenty of people who always bemoan the fact that they’ve tried one diet after another with little to no results. The problem is the word ‘diet’ which brings to mind things like, restrictions, small portions, foods that don’t taste good, counting calories, a beginning and an end. This program is not a diet or a fad but a way of life. I would say, make a commitment to try the program for at least one month. I can guarantee you that once you’ve tried this program, you will be glad that you did.”
--grandmother, 47
I quit smoking!
“I really enjoyed the 6 month program. Firstly, I feel like I am more aware of my nutrition and more invested in my own well being. I am eating breakfast now where I wasn’t before. Secondly, I find myself thinking of innovative ways to build wellness into my everyday life and actually acting on them! Lastly, my greatest accomplishment over these six months was quitting smoking. While much of the effort came from within me, I feel like the program allowed me to focus on my well being in a way that supported kicking the habit! I couldn’t be happier or more proud of ridding myself of this toxic and deadly addiction and feel like the coaching I got supported me in my endeavors. I was hesitant about committing, but the 6 months really helped me establish good patterns. It’s self driven in the way that Kristen frames it. The sessions were driven around my needs, and encouraged me to create new choices in between sessions.”
--corporate professional, 36
I arrived at my ideal weight!
“I slimmed down a lot! I lost 10 pounds and am at my ideal weight. I’m less constipated, too. I know now which foods are slowing me down, and I know exactly what to eat to relieve that problem! I’m better at choosing foods to manage my energy. I feel good and like I am making smart choices about how to take care of myself. As a dancer and Pilates instructor I know my body very well, but I feel like I know my body even better.”
--pilates instructor, 28