At the time of writing this, I am wrapping up a six month integrative health coaching course through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I have learned and studied coaching strategies and wellness advice from dozens of different professionals and specialities, but something that has stuck with me above all else is this concept of bio-individuality.

According to IIN, bio-individuality is the idea that each person has unique needs, that change throughout their lifetime.

The term refers to the unique differences we all have and how there is no “one size fits all” plan for everyone. For example, the starting point for someone just starting a health journey is going to look very different from someone who already has adopted many healthy habits and is looking to hone in on specifics. We all have different goals, motivations, health histories, and lifestyles, so it would be silly to think we all can follow the exact same plan.

Some people thrive better when including more carbohydrates in their diet, while some others don’t do well tracking macros and prefer to eat more intuitively. Some people really enjoy HIIT or longer cardio sessions, whereas for some people that may be too great of stress on their bodies and they don’t yet have that resiliency built up.

Sure, there are some things that everyone can do to improve their health.. eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, moving our bodies, managing stress, having healthy relationships, etc… but the specifics are going to have to include some trial and error on what makes you feel the best.

So, what can I do?

One thing I recommend everyone to do is start a journal.

Keep track of what you’re eating and more importantly how you’re feeling.

Start looking for trends that you can piece together- is a certain food causing problems with digestion? Do you feel worse instead of better after a workout?

Is caffeine making you feel anxious, jittery or causing a huge afternoon crash?

All of these things are common symptoms in our society, but they are not normal.

next up…

Quiet the Noise

When you hop onto social media, I give it about 5 minutes (often far less!) before you encounter contradictory advice.

I remember when I was first diagnosed with PCOS I heard advice that I should never consume gluten or dairy.

But I could also find people with anecdotal experience of having been able to balance their hormones, have regular cycles, healthy pregnancies, and clear skin while regularly consuming dairy.

I also found contradictions with exercise recommendations, supplements, stress management, medication suggestions, calorie intake… literally everything was coming up contradictory.

So, I signed off of social media. I unfollowed accounts that were no longer serving me.

And I turned inwards.

YOU know your body better than any one else. You also probably have a good idea of what some of your short comings are with your health.

Start there.

Not where some stranger on the Internet that doesn’t know you arbitrarily says you should start.

Get Support

Whenever you are making any significant change in your life, it is so important to have support and accountability.

Whether that is your spouse, your family, a friend, or a health coach, gather people in your life that will come alongside you and help hold you accountable to actually make the lifestyle shifts you want and need to.

Few people can make those changes themselves.

It is normal to need those external sources of added motivation, encouragement, and sometimes (to be honest) a little tough love.

If you have health goals that you are wanting to achieve and are struggling with staying committed, reach out via my coaching page. I’d love to chat with you and help you to come up with a personalized plan, based off of your health history, individual motivation, and specific health goals!

As always, you can also reach out at hello@wellnesswithkaelyn.com

I’d love to hear from you.

-Kaelyn

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