Why Even a Coach Needs a Coach

The Crucial Role of Peace in Health and Mental Well-Being

As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), I’ve seen firsthand how living in stress-laden environments affects not just your mental health but your entire physiology. When you’re a teacher, principal, or administrator, the stakes are even higher. You’re not just navigating your own life—you’re shaping the lives of others, from students to colleagues. Let’s be real: it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. And in a rural, tight-knit community like ours, where everyone knows everyone’s business, the pressure can feel unrelenting.

Here’s the truth: a peaceful lifestyle isn’t a luxury; it’s a health necessity. Let’s break down why cultivating peace is as crucial to your well-being as your morning coffee and what to do if you’re stuck in a toxic environment.

The Science Behind Stress: It’s More Than Just “Feeling Overwhelmed”

When you’re exposed to chronic stress, your body activates its HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) like it’s training for a marathon it didn’t sign up for. Stress hormones like cortisol flood your system, preparing you for “fight or flight.” That’s helpful if you’re being chased by a bear, but less so when you’re trying to teach fractions to a room full of energetic 10-year-olds or navigating a meeting with an irate parent.

Over time, this heightened state of stress wreaks havoc:

  • Mental Fog: Ever forget where you put your keys or lose track of your train of thought mid-lesson? That’s cortisol stealing your brain’s bandwidth.
  • Gut Issues: Chronic stress weakens the gut barrier, leading to bloating, food sensitivities, and even an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin (90% of which is made in the gut).
  • Immune Dysfunction: High stress reduces secretory IgA levels, leaving your mucosal barriers—like those in your lungs, throat, and gut—more vulnerable to infection.
  • Burnout: Eventually, your adrenal glands can’t keep up, leading to exhaustion, irritability, and a feeling of “I just can’t anymore.”

When your body is in this state, you’re running on empty. And if you’re running on empty, you can’t show up for your students, your colleagues, or even yourself.

Toxic Environments: What to Do When You Can’t Just Walk Away

Not everyone has the luxury of leaving a toxic workplace or relationship, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here’s how to navigate toxic environments with intention:

  1. Create Micro-Moments of Peace:
    Start your day with five minutes of intentional breathing. Box breathing—inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four—can calm your nervous system. This small act can anchor your day.
  2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss:
    It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to close your classroom door for a moment of solitude during lunch. Protecting your peace isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation.
  3. Find Your Anchor People:
    Even in toxic environments, there are usually a few kindred spirits. Find the colleagues who uplift you and lean on them. If you can’t find one, consider joining an online support group for teachers or administrators.
  4. Mind Your Inputs:
    Limit your exposure to negativity, whether it’s gossip in the teacher’s lounge or divisive conversations. Replace those moments with uplifting podcasts, soothing music, or a walk outside.
  5. Prioritize Restorative Habits:
    Make sure you’re sleeping, hydrating, and eating well. Stress depletes key nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. Restoring these through diet or supplements can help your body recover.

Why Even Coaches Need Coaches

Here’s the kicker: even the most seasoned professionals need guidance. Think about it—every great athlete has a coach, even if they’ve mastered their craft. Why? Because coaches provide perspective, accountability, and a plan to level up.

As educators, administrators, and leaders, you’re like coaches for your students and colleagues. But who’s coaching you? If you’re constantly pouring into others, who’s pouring into you? It’s time to invest in yourself, whether that means seeking out a mentor, working with a functional health practitioner, or simply scheduling regular check-ins with yourself to assess your mental and physical health.

The Ripple Effect of a Peaceful Life

When you prioritize peace in your own life, you model it for others. Students notice. Colleagues notice. Your family notices. A positive environment doesn’t just benefit you; it creates a ripple effect that uplifts everyone around you.

In rural communities, where we rely on each other so deeply, this ripple effect matters even more. Peace isn’t just a personal goal; it’s a community one. Let’s start with you.

Your Call to Action

Ready to reclaim your peace? Start small. Breathe deeply. Set one boundary today. And if you need a coach—whether for your health, your mindset, or your career—don’t hesitate to reach out. You deserve the same care and attention you give to others.

Because the truth is, even a coach needs a coach—and so do you.

Would You Live for Them?

Taking Accountability for Your Health and Living Fully for Those You Love

It’s a common phrase we hear all the time: “I’d die for my kids.” And sure, that kind of devotion is powerful. But here’s a question you might not hear as often: Would you live for them? Living for your loved ones is not just about being there day-to-day. It’s about showing up as your best, healthiest self and taking charge of what’s going on in your body, mind, and spirit. This isn’t just about letting time pass—it’s about actively owning your health so you can be there for all the moments that truly matter.

Health Isn’t Just Luck; It’s an Investment in Longevity

A lot of us in rural communities can feel like health problems are just part of the aging process, something that “runs in the family.” We’re led to think that getting older automatically means more prescriptions, more doctor’s visits, and more aches and pains. But what if aging could be different? What if your health was less about fate and more about the small (but mighty) choices you make every day?

FDN principles tell us this: your body is a storyteller. Those pains, energy dips, bloating, and brain fog aren’t just random “getting old” symptoms—they’re your body’s way of letting you know something’s off, that your internal systems are out of sync. And guess what? You can do something about it!

Owning the Process: What It Means to Live for Your Loved Ones

Living for your loved ones isn’t about just crossing your fingers and hoping the aches go away or that the doctor has an answer. It’s about taking ownership and saying, “I want to be the best version of myself for my family, my kids, and my grandkids.”

Think of it this way: every donut, every stressful argument, every late night, and every little “I’ll deal with that later” moment adds up. Our health doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s an accumulation of our lifestyle, food choices, stressors, and even the level of toxins we come in contact with over time. Those habits, good or bad, don’t just fade away; they leave a mark. And at some point, those “little” things can turn into the big things—high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With functional health, we’re looking at the whole picture, not just a symptom here or a complaint there.

Detect, Don’t Dismiss: Listening to Your Body’s Signals

If you’re feeling “off,” there’s a reason. FDN practitioners don’t brush off that feeling of “something’s not right.” Instead, we dig deeper to get to the root cause of what’s happening in your body. Instead of being told “you’re fine” or “it’s just normal aging,” we use functional lab testing to get a comprehensive look at what’s really going on.

Through tools like hormone panels, food sensitivity tests, gut health analysis, and more, we identify what could be contributing to your low energy, mood swings, aches, or sleep issues. Taking accountability for your health doesn’t mean carrying the weight alone. It means working with someone who affirms your experiences, who listens, and who can give you the tools to make a change.

The Aging Process: More than Just a Rite of Passage

Yes, aging is inevitable, but the way you age is often in your hands. The “rite of passage” of aches, meds, and exhaustion is often the result of accumulated choices—not a fate sealed by your birth certificate. Think of it like maintaining a truck. If you leave it out in the rain, never change the oil, and ignore the check engine light, eventually it’ll wear out faster. Your body’s no different!

Living for your loved ones means fueling your body with what it needs to serve you well over the long haul. And while we’re at it, let’s talk about why we invest in this process: so we can be at those big events, be around to tell those family stories, and have the energy to take on the adventures that make life sweet.

It’s Not About Perfection, It’s About Progress

Taking accountability for your health doesn’t mean suddenly cutting out all sugar, going vegan, or never touching a coffee cup again. It’s about making intentional changes, gradually. Maybe it’s reducing processed foods, learning which foods work best for your body, finding time to breathe deeply, or managing your stress in healthy ways.

We live in a world where many of us are skeptical of mainstream health and medical systems, where we’ve seen our fair share of misdiagnoses or “take this pill and come back in a month” approaches. That’s why functional health resonates so much with people looking for a different way. FDN principles focus on empowerment, giving you back the reigns to understand what’s happening in your own body.

Partnering with FDN to Live Fully

When you choose to invest in your health, you’re not just doing it for yourself; you’re doing it for those you love. It’s one of the most powerful ways to say, “I’m here, and I’m committed.” And remember, I’m more than happy to work alongside your doctors if that’s what feels best. Some doctors may feel a little squeamish about adding functional health to the mix, but I believe in collaboration to help you get the results you deserve. We’re all working toward the same goal: your long-term health and happiness.

So, instead of just being willing to die for those you love, let’s make a promise to live for them too. With functional health, accountability, and support, we can turn “just getting by” into thriving for yourself, your kids, and everyone who matters most. Let’s make living well our legacy.

Chronic Disease and the Missing Link

Why Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) Can Make All the Difference

If you’ve ever been told, “Your tests are normal, so you’re fine,” but you still feel far from it, you’re not alone. In our rural communities, where folks value simplicity and honest hard work, too many people are facing chronic health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. And often, they’re left with more questions than answers.

This is where a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP) can be a game-changer. While traditional doctors look for symptoms to manage, as an FDNP, I look deeper to find the root causes—those hidden health factors that often go undetected. But don’t get me wrong: I’m not here to replace your doctor. In fact, I’m more than happy to collaborate with them to help you reach optimal health. Even if they’re initially skeptical, most doctors find that an FDNP can be an excellent addition to their toolkit, offering another layer of insight into your health journey.

Let’s unpack why chronic disease is on the rise, how FDN testing identifies hidden issues, and what makes our collaborative approach so effective.

Why Chronic Disease is Growing (and How FDN Can Help)

These days, our lifestyles are worlds apart from those of our grandparents. Even in rural areas, processed foods and environmental toxins are unavoidable. And while many of us rely on the local Dollar General or fast food for convenience, our bodies are paying the price. Add to that stress, environmental toxins, and nutrient-depleted food sources, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic illness. The good news? FDN looks at these root causes, diving deep to understand what’s happening inside your body.

Unlike a traditional approach that often stops at “normal,” FDN practitioners look beyond the standard labs, connecting the dots to identify underlying health imbalances. This lets us work alongside your doctor to address chronic issues at their root.

The FDNP Approach: Finding What’s Really Going On

When it comes to chronic illness, doctors are trained to diagnose and manage symptoms. But FDN asks, “What triggered these symptoms in the first place?” and “What hidden factors are causing you to feel this way?” Instead of focusing only on the symptoms, we zero in on the underlying causes and develop a plan to address them.

Here’s a look at common chronic conditions and how FDN testing helps tackle their root causes:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure doesn’t usually just appear out of nowhere. Often, it’s linked to stress, inflammation, and adrenal function. As an FDNP, I use testing to look at your cortisol levels and adrenal health, which can reveal if chronic stress is overloading your body and pushing your blood pressure up. Collaborating with your doctor, I can help create a stress-reducing plan that gets to the source of your blood pressure concerns, supporting your heart and your health.

2. High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can be a sign of inflammation, which often starts in the gut or liver. In FDN, we use tests to look at liver function, gut health, and inflammation markers—revealing if your body is producing cholesterol as a response to hidden inflammation. By working with your doctor, we can develop a plan that supports your liver, dials down inflammation, and puts you on a healthier track.

3. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be your story. It’s often caused by long-term issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic inflammation. FDN testing can catch these early warning signs. By finding these imbalances and sharing our findings with your doctor, we can work as a team to support your heart health proactively.

4. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

These two are often connected and share many of the same root causes: poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and sometimes genetics. FDN testing helps us look at blood sugar markers, identify dietary imbalances, and determine which lifestyle factors are contributing. By supporting your doctor’s guidance with additional insight into your metabolic health, we help build a stronger, more customized approach to prevent or manage diabetes.

How FDN Testing Can Work Hand-in-Hand with Your Doctor

With FDN, we use specialized testing that goes deeper than your typical lab work, helping identify hidden health imbalances that traditional labs might miss. Here’s a glimpse of what we look for:

  • Hormone Levels: Stress, sleep issues, and weight gain are often connected to hormones like cortisol. FDN tests can tell us if your adrenals are overworked, causing imbalances that contribute to chronic conditions.
  • Liver Health: The liver plays a huge role in detoxification. If it’s overloaded, it may cause inflammation, a major root cause of chronic disease. By identifying liver strain early, we can support it and reduce the risk of related diseases.
  • Gut Health: Digestive health impacts everything from immunity to inflammation. Gut dysfunction often contributes to high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome, so improving gut health can have big effects on overall well-being.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Even with a “balanced” diet, our foods have fewer nutrients today than they used to. Testing reveals if deficiencies are playing a role in fatigue, high blood pressure, or other chronic symptoms.

Building a Healthier Future with Teamwork

It’s easy to feel frustrated and alone when you’re struggling with chronic health issues, especially if you’ve been told “everything looks fine.” With FDN, you don’t have to go it alone, and your doctor doesn’t have to be left out of the loop. I’m here to be part of your health team, ready to share insights and strategies that can enhance the care you’re already receiving.

Even if your doctor is a little squeamish about the idea, I’m here to help bridge the gap. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when we work together to get to the root cause of health concerns, with each of us bringing our unique strengths to the table.

Early Warning Signs: Your Body’s SOS

Before chronic diseases fully set in, our bodies tend to give us early warning signs. Here are some to watch for:

  • Chronic Fatigue: Always tired, even after a full night’s rest? That’s often a sign of a stress hormone imbalance.
  • Brain Fog: Difficulty focusing or remembering things might indicate blood sugar or inflammation issues.
  • Weight Gain Around the Midsection: Commonly tied to cortisol imbalances, blood sugar issues, or hormones.
  • Digestive Problems: Regular bloating, heartburn, or constipation could signal gut health concerns.

Let’s Get to the Meat and Potatoes of Your Health

Managing your health shouldn’t feel like a hamster wheel of trial and error. With the right testing, guidance, and support, you can get to the heart of your issues without all the runaround. If you’re tired of feeling “normal” but not well, and you’re ready to truly understand what’s happening in your body, let’s work together to make that happen.

If your doctor isn’t sure about FDN yet, I’ll be happy to help bridge the gap, bringing our collective expertise together to get you on the best path forward. With a well-rounded team and a clear plan, you can finally put chronic issues behind you and focus on living well. So, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of your health journey—no more band-aids, no more guesswork. Real answers are within reach.

Faith, Health, and FDN

How Prayer and Functional Health Can Change Your Life

When we look at health, we’re often focused on what’s right in front of us—aches, pains, sleepless nights, and that general feeling of “just not right.” As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP), my goal is to address these issues at their root. But there’s another part of the work I do that’s essential, especially for folks out here in our rural communities: I pray for my clients. Yep, that’s right. In addition to all the science-backed strategies, I believe in integrating faith-based principles to support not just physical, but mental and spiritual well-being.

So why do I pray, and how does it help? Let’s dig into that a bit because this is not something you’re going to hear from most doctors or traditional providers. In fact, they often avoid it altogether—and there are good, professional reasons why. But as an FDNP, I have the privilege and freedom to integrate faith into the healing journey, and here’s why I think it’s a powerful, even necessary, addition to your health toolkit.

Why Doctors Don’t and Why I Do

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why don’t most doctors and health professionals pray with or for their patients? Traditional medical settings are secular by design, and for legal and ethical reasons, providers tend to avoid anything that might be seen as imposing on a patient’s personal beliefs. Additionally, the medical field is highly regulated, with a focus on objective, evidence-based treatments that can be measured and replicated. While this scientific rigor is crucial, it sometimes leaves out other healing methods—like prayer and mindfulness—that can be just as impactful.

As an FDNP, though, I have the freedom to look at healing from a broader perspective. I’m not bound by the same restrictions, and that opens up the possibility for a more holistic approach. Prayer is something I can do because I see it as part of the care package for my clients, a way of supporting them beyond the physical symptoms. It’s a connection to a higher power, to peace, and to purpose. For those who believe, prayer isn’t just words; it’s powerful.

The Human Body and Today’s Stressors: Why We Need Prayer More Than Ever

Let’s be honest—life today can feel like a constant game of stress, with all the wrong kinds of fuel keeping it going. Between the environmental toxins in our food and water, the noise and pressures of social media, and the toll that daily life takes on our minds, most people are constantly battling stress without even realizing it. And when stress goes unmanaged, it causes our bodies to kick into overdrive, cranking out stress hormones like cortisol that, over time, can wreak havoc on our immune system, digestion, energy levels, and even mood.

Even our food sources don’t always provide the nutrition our grandparents enjoyed. Sure, we’ve got the convenience of a Dollar General on every corner, and local produce from our Amish neighbors, but if we’re running on processed food or skipping meals, we’re missing out on essential nutrients that keep us going. Add that to pain from physical jobs, psychological stress, and the general environmental load, and it’s no wonder chronic diseases are rising everywhere.

Now, this is where prayer comes in. Prayer offers a break from the endless loop of stress, a reset for our overworked minds and bodies. Through prayer, we’re not just setting intentions; we’re allowing ourselves to quiet down, listen, and find peace. Studies have shown that mindfulness and prayer help lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and allow our bodies a chance to rest and repair. And when we calm the mind, our body follows, relaxing muscles, improving digestion, and helping with focus and resilience.

How Prayer Supports Goals and Health Outcomes

Think of prayer as a grounding force. It’s a way to affirm your commitment to healing and to set goals for yourself. When we pray, we’re bringing our intentions forward, asking for strength, resilience, and guidance in staying on the path we’ve set for ourselves. That’s huge in today’s world, where it’s easy to get distracted or give up when we don’t see instant results.

Prayer also offers a level of accountability. When we ask for strength to meet our health goals, we’re mentally committing to those changes. Whether it’s giving up unhealthy habits, incorporating more whole foods into our diet, or following through with an exercise routine, prayer helps strengthen our resolve. In this sense, it’s like having a built-in support system—one that’s always available, even in the quiet hours.

Sassy and Simple Solutions for True Wellness

We don’t need fancy answers to what we’re all struggling with here—just straight talk and practical action. In our community, we know what hard work and resilience look like, and health should be no different. It’s not about owning the fanciest things or the latest health gadgets; it’s about sticking to the basics. The meat and potatoes of true health come down to good nutrition, strong community support, commitment to goals, and yes, a little faith.

Western medicine doesn’t always leave room for prayer, but as your FDNP, I’m here to walk with you on both sides of the journey. Together, we can use all the resources available—nutritional science, lifestyle changes, and prayer—to create a path to wellness that fits your life. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. We’re using what’s always been in our reach: real food, simple living, and faith to see us through.

Final Thoughts

Our community has a special resilience, and faith is a big part of that strength. By integrating FDNP principles with a faith-based approach, we’re combining the best of both worlds—scientific insight and spiritual support. Prayer isn’t a quick fix, but it’s a powerful ally. It calms the mind, sets our intentions, reduces stress, and helps us focus on what matters.

So if you’re ready to break the cycle of trial and error, calm your mind, and take a step forward in your health journey, let’s talk. With a bit of faith, science, and simple, no-nonsense solutions, you’ll find a path that fits—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that peace you’ve been searching for.

Why You Need a Functional Health Report Every Year

Alright, let’s be real—everyone gets an annual physical, and it’s great! But if you’re not getting a Functional Health Report alongside it, you’re missing out on some serious health intel. Think of it as a detective report on your body, catching the whispers of imbalance before they turn into full-on symptoms. It’s a personalized health blueprint that dives deeper into your biochemistry, pinpointing areas of potential dysfunction that could otherwise go undetected.

You know how doctors and nurse practitioners are always looking for ways to help their patients prevent disease? This is it! Functional health reports go beyond the basics of a physical by tracking metabolic health, hormone levels, digestive function, cellular energy, and more. It’s like having a 360° view of your wellness and actually catching issues early. And guess what? Health coaching is a recognized health profession now. As an FDNP, I partner with primary care providers, filling the gap with preventive insights and personalized support that benefit everyone involved.

And here’s the kicker: I accept HSA and FSA payments! If you have money sitting in one of those accounts, this is exactly what it should be used for. Why let that cash just sit there when it could be helping you live a healthier, more energetic life?

So, stop ignoring those little signs from your body and saying, “It’s probably nothing.” Knowledge is power, and it’s time to stop hoarding it. Make this year the year you really start listening to your body. Get yourself a Functional Health Report and take control of your well-being with insights that actually mean something.

This Approach Isn’t for Everyone—And That’s Okay!

Let’s get one thing straight:

My approach isn’t for the know-it-alls who think they’ve got it all figured out. I’m here for those who genuinely want to dive deep and get to know their own bodies and why it’s not performing properly—people who are ready to geek out on what their unique system is trying to say. If you’re the type who talks over me about what you think you know, even without any training, we might not be the right fit.

This is a self-care model, designed for individuals who are truly committed to understanding themselves and their health. My 8 year experience as an allied health professional put me on the front lines of chronic disease. I’ve seen how primary care providers are stretched thin, often without the time or support to truly help their patients. I witnessed firsthand how many people were getting worse instead of better, and it was frustrating.

I was just a medical assistant, but I soaked up a solid education on the human body, chronic disease, and the real healthcare disparities that exist. And no, it’s not just about marginalized groups. It’s also about people not taking the time to know their bodies or being given the right tools to do so. Let’s face it—many folks are just plain lazy when it comes to their health. They wait for others to tell them what they need, and when they don’t see improvement, they point fingers at their doctors.

But here’s the kicker: don’t blame the doctors! Blame yourselves! You already know the game. Everyone has an opinion about health, but how many can actually tell you the importance in knowing the status of your commensal and opportunistic bacteria? Or what your immune system is doing? What your circadian rhythm is saying? How stress is showing up in the body on a physical level? They’re out there running their mouths about feeling tired and being addicted to coffee, and running around with digestive issues, obesity, skin issues, sleep disturbances, autoimmune symptoms, and more, but do they understand why?

If you’re ready to take responsibility for your health, dig deep, and truly understand your body’s needs, I’m here for you. But if you’re just looking to talk without listening, this isn’t the journey for you.

Stop Playing Guessing Games: Your Body Deserves Better!

Are you tired of being treated like a cookie-cutter version of health?

It’s frustrating when everyone has an opinion about what you should be doing for your wellness—friends, family, even that know-it-all on social media. They swear by their latest diet or supplement, but here’s the truth: what works for one person might not do a thing for you. Why? Because we’re all uniquely different on a biochemical level!

It’s time to face facts: your body isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, so stop letting others dictate what you need. Instead of playing the cycle of trial and error—guessing what might work for you—let’s get real about testing. Imagine learning exactly what your body craves, identifying imbalances, and reducing the stressors that keep you from feeling your best. It’s time to take the knee off your own neck and reclaim control of your self-care journey!

As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), I offer a self-care model instead of a disease care model. While it’s crucial to have a plan for disease management, we can also uncover the parts of your body that can heal on their own. Let’s move away from the band-aid solutions and find out how your body can thrive.

So to all the armchair health experts out there—thanks for your input, but I’m choosing to test, not guess! Get ready to ditch the frustration and finally discover what your unique body truly needs. It’s time to stop the guessing games and embrace a personalized path to wellness that lets you shine!