Diary of a Health Coach: February 2017

I often get asked what my life looks like since becoming a Health Coach, so each month, I dedicate a post to what my schedule actually looks like behind the scenes. February was a whirlwind, from a trip to speak on Capitol Hill, to boxing with Dr. Oz, to dinner in the desert of Dubai.

Goodbye Aunt Laine

February started off on a somber note for me – On February 2, we laid my aunt to rest, one day shy of her 69^th birthday, due to cancer. She had been battling it for 7 years, and while it’s comforting to know she’s no longer suffering, its sad that she was taken from us so soon.

She was always my cheerleader and supporter. The one, who believed in me, and encouraged me that I could do anything.

US statistics suggest that 1-in-2 American men, and 1-in-3 American women will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. When I was growing up, I thought it was random, and more likely the result of bad luck than anything else.

But, now I know that diet and lifestyle factors play a huge role in one’s cancer risk. Even if someone is genetically pre-disposed to a certain cancer, diet and lifestyle have the power to flip the switch on, so that they develop cancer, or keep it off.

Studies suggest that anywhere from 60-95% of cancer cases could be prevented by diet and lifestyle changes (1, 2, 3) . (lifestyle changes include things like quitting smoking, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, stress-management, developing healthy relationships and a support network, exercise, mindfulness, etc.)

I find it troubling, though, that western medicine often overlooks the serious impact of diet and lifestyle on our health and immunity. While It was sad to say goodbye, the whole experience reignited my passion for health coaching and commitment to spreading the word about the very real benefits of real food and a healthy lifestyle.

Sharing Healthy Eating Tips with Female Business Execs

I was invited to speak at Hudson Coterie, a private group of top female business execs, about incorporating healthy eating into a busy lifestyle. The event was a success, with many attendees telling me they left inspired to commit to eating healthier real foods more often. A large group of them even went on to complete The 3-Day Real Food Challenge together! Processed junk foods…watch out…the world is waking up!

Hello Capitol Hill

On February 13^th, I was honored to speak on Capitol Hill about the importance of health coaching in health care.

I was there to kick off the 3^rd annual Health Coach Week, in an effort to get congress to recognize Health Coaches as a new type of healthcare worker, that is integral to improving the health statistics of this country.

As a result of the event I spoke at congress members UNANIMOUSLY passed a resolution expressing support for and recognizing health coaches, which is a huge victory. The next step is getting health coaching covered by HAS/FSA accounts or insurance.

I also did a few TV interviews while I was there, and was interviewed in The Washington Post,

This morning chatting healthy habits and the role of health coaches in reversing the obesity and chronic disease epidemic on @wusa9 . Just finished speaking on Capitol Hill, urging congress to consider covering health coaches through HSA and FSA accounts— and eventually insurance ! Let’s hope they listen. Www.mariamarlowe.com/eat-healthy

A post shared by Maria Marlowe, C.H.C (@mariamarlowe) on Feb 13, 2017 at 12:16pm PST

Dr. Oz x Rumble Event

Mid month, I tried out the new Rumble fitness studios and did a workout with Dr. Oz. Rumble offers boxing classes, which leave you drenched in sweat, and, ready to rumble. The hip-hop soundtrack definitely pumps you up, and the mix of high-intensity interval training and donning gloves to punch the bag gets your heart racing and sweat pouring.  It is by far one of the most fun boutique fitness classes I’ve taken.

Sharing Healthy Eating Tips at Rebecca Minkoff

On February 23^rd, I spoke all about healthy habits at the Rebecca Minkoff store in SoHo. We had a great turnout and so many great questions!  Rebecca Minkoff is a clothing and accessories brand with stores all over the world, and it makes me so happy, that wellness is becoming a larger topic of conversation, and that brands like this are promoting healthy living to their customers.

Previewing ABC V

I was invited to preview the breakfast menu at ABC V, the new vegetarian Jean Georges restaurant, which opened later this month (finally). My friend Neal Harden is the head chef, and it is an absolute must-visit…the food is incredible. The vanilla chia bowl with exotic fruit was amazing, as were the breakfast dosas. We tried just about everything on the menu…and it was all new, exciting, and flavorful…no run-of-the-mill omelets here. While there was a token chia bowl, it was mostly inventive savory dishes, influenced from around the world. Lunch is also wonderful there.

Had the most incredible meal at @abcvnyc this AM- this new vegetarian restaurant officially opens on Monday but got a sneak peek thanks to my culinary genius of a friend @chefnealh who created the menu. See more in my Insta-story of what you can expect. It’s a must try (even if not vegetarian!)

A post shared by Maria Marlowe, C.H.C (@mariamarlowe) on Feb 24, 2017 at 9:05am PST

Celebrating V-Day in the Desert

Since my love lives halfway across the world, we celebrated Valentine’s Day later in the month, with a picnic in the desert in Dubai. It was so fun, and while he is by no means vegetarian, he ordered a completely plant-based menu for us, which was extra sweet. We met in Dubai before jetting to India for a wedding…which you’ll hear more about in my March diary!

In the Media

This month I was featured in the HeyDay monthly newsletter, sharing my tips for eating your way to flawless skin.

As part of the third annual Health Coach Week. I was interviewed by the Washington Post and mentioned in POLITICO for speaking on Capitol Hill.

I also appeared on Great Day Washington and Fox Good Day DC to talk about the importance of health coaching in healthcare, prior to speaking with congress.

For more of what it is like to be a Health Coach, check out my diary for  January, December, November, October, September, and August.