Break Free from the Diabetes Stigma
Diabetes is a complex condition and requires individualized plans of care, yet the same suggestions are given time after time: go on a diet, exercise, and lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. You’re made to feel as if your actions are the sole cause of your diabetes, so it’s up to you to “fix” the problem you created.
If you don’t reach your weight-loss goal, you feel frustrated and dejected. If you don’t follow the strict dieting and exercise rules, you feel as if you fell off the wagon again and let yourself down. You’ve become unhappy with your body and find yourself developing more disordered eating behaviors. Meanwhile, your condition has only gotten worse, and you’re closer to giving up than feeling better.
Blame and shame. Rules and restrictions. Failure and guilt. This is not the formula for success and happiness in any area of your life, especially managing diabetes.
A “Whole You” Approach to Diabetes Coaching
My diabetes coaching and educational philosophy is based on the premise that diabetes management is not limited to your physical well-being. The weight of the world you’re carrying on your shoulders is a far more serious issue than the weight you carry on your body.
Accepting yourself, changing perceptions and mindset, and finding peace within are far more productive than being at war with your thoughts and the shape or size of your body. You are an individual with many layers, full of complexity. I welcome all of you. Each part of you needs a voice and needs to be heard. I embrace the “whole you” in a nurturing, safe environment.
- We start by learning your intentions. What do you hope to achieve? What roadblocks are in the way?
- What are your blood sugars doing? Are you on the right medications? Should we speak with your doctor about changing or adjusting your prescriptions? Understanding the science and data behind your diabetes is crucial to developing a sustainable plan.
- How do you manage insulin resistance? You will learn how stress, emotions, sleep, movement, and meals all affect insulin levels. By the way, we don’t use the terms “diet” and “exercise.” We discuss your relationship with food and how to find nutritional balance without restriction and deprivation. We focus on joyful movement that involves activities you enjoy, not a workout regimen you dread.
- How do you feel about yourself and diabetes? Where do these thoughts and beliefs come from? How are they affecting your happiness? You may need to let go of internal and external criticism that keep you from loving yourself. This will enable you to reconnect your mind and body, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, and find the inner strength to manage diabetes on your terms.
Your Personal Journey
Throughout this process, we’ll create a sustainable plan for managing diabetes. Sustainability is key. We’ll work together to implement strategies that can be sustained because they align with your values and passions. I’ll offer guidance and support as you develop the mindset and confidence to heal from within – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Instead of living according to someone else’s limiting beliefs, you can embrace who you are and live your life guided by your authentic self!
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the diabetes coaching and education process!