I often get asked what my life looks like as a Health Coach, so each month, I’ll be dedicating a post to what my schedule actually looks like.
October 2016 was a mix of socializing and rejuvenating (and I met Martha!). Here are the highlights:
Celebrating my Birthday
October 2 was my birthday, so gathered up my friends for a beautiful dinner at a Spanish tapas place in the west village followed by vegan, gluten-free cake from Erin McKenna’s Bakery.
Because I always plan my bday so last minute, I celebrated a second time a few weeks later with a larger group. There was a time (after I turned 21) when I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday, because I didn’t want to admit I was getting older…but what a lame-o mindset! I have come to terms with my age (just turned 30 years young) and absolutely love having an excuse to get as many friends together as possible.
Real Food Challenge
The following week, I did my own 3-Day Real Food Challenge. It’s so nice having a done for you shopping list and your meals already laid out for you! I typically just buy whatever looks good at the grocery store, and then make simple meals based on my ideal plate ratio (50% vegetables, 25% protein, 25% plant-protein, more veggies, or whole grains + healthy fat). But not having to think, made those three days just a bit easier!
Meeting Martha
Mid-month, I got to meet with the team behind the Martha Stewart brand, and take a tour of her office and studio, where all the magic happens. It was extremely inspiring, to say the least.
The following week , I attended the Martha Stewart American Made event, which encourages and supports American entrepreneurs, and got to meet Martha herself. (and if you’re wondering, she is absolutely amazing and her face just glows). I also got to hear Jessica Alba talk about her Honest company brand. Total Girl Crush.
Cooking Moroccan Food on CBS Morning News
On October 15, I shared my quick and healthy takes on Moroccan food on CBS Channel 2 Morning News. These two ingredient pancakes topped with pomegranate and pistachio are the bomb.
Sayonara Sugar Event at Pop Physique
On October 22, I did a Sayonara Sugar talk at Pop Physique in Chelsea. Thank you to those who came! If you missed it, you can watch the video recap through that link, where I discuss my top tips for quitting sugar and getting over sugar cravings.
Ultimate Relaxation & Detox : Panchakarma
I finished the month off at a detox retreat in Iowa, to do Panchakarma, a traditional cleansing regimen used in Ayruveda (the traditional Indian form of medicine).
In Ayurveda, it is suggested that everyone cleanse to reset their bodies at the change of the seasons, and it has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I had been feeling a little low energy and run down lately, so finally decided to go, and chose a location essentially in the middle of no-where, so that I could really unwind and de-stress.
I ate bland food, drank delicious herb teas, had daily oil massages, and daily enemas. I avoided work, read books, and generally did a whole lot of nothing. That is the point of Panchakarma (and it was extremely hard for me to do, since I always like to be doing something and making efficient use of time).
While, during it, I honestly felt like shortening the trip so many times and going home early, I am so glad I stayed. I could see such a difference in the way I felt. My stress levels decreased considerably, I felt more calm, serene, and aware. Prior to going, I had eczema around my eyes for about 6-8 weeks, which just didn’t seem to ever want to go away, which nearly completely healed while I was there (one eye is perfect, the other is 95% improved). That, I thought, was pretty impressive. I am planning to do it once a year. If you’re feeling a little blah, and like you need a reset, I highly recommend trying Panchakarma – there are centers for it all over the world.
For more of what it is like to be a Health Coach, check out my diary for September and August. If you’re interested in becoming a Health Coach, check out this post: How to Become a Health Coach.
Maria Marlowe
Maria Marlowe is a holistic nutrition and wellness coach who uses real food to help her clients improve their health, weight, and skin. She offers a 28-day healthy eating meal plan that teaches you how to batch cook, as well as one to clear up acne. Her most popular program is EatSLIM, a 10-week online group glass that guides participants to develop healthy eating habits that stick – and lose weight, boost their metabolism, improve their digestion, and quit sugar.
She writes healthy and delicious plant-based recipes for her popular blog. She is also the author of the #1 New Release on Amazon, The Real Food Grocery Guide, the most practical guide to selecting the healthiest foods, without going broke, which has been praised by Dr. Oz and InStyle magazines. You can find her on instagram @mariamarlowe.
