 |
| www.karlistanton.com |
Tell us about your journey to now - what has lead you here, what was your process and what was the most important action you took along the way?
I have always had a passion for health and wellness, but as a teenager I fell off the bandwagon a bit and got into the habit of fast, cheap food, lots of booze, late nights and no exercise. I kept these unhealthy habits up for the next few years. It wasn't until years later, when I came back from four months travelling around the world and feeling quite unhealthy, tired and unsure with the direction of my life that I realised I had to change. I had to start listening to my body and treating it right, not trashing it like I had been for so many years. So I started trawling through health and wellness blogs, reading health magazines and books, and before long I realised the previous damage I'd done to my body. I learnt that to be healthy and happy, I had to take a holistic approach to wellness. By changing my lifestyle, seeing and feeling the amazing results, I became super passionate about health and wellness. I wanted to show other women that they too could become healthier and happier, which led me to begin my health coaching business, Karli Stanton Health.
The most important action for me was to just start - the same goes for anything such as starting a business, a healthy eating regime, a yoga practice or whatever it may be. I was super scared about pressing the activate button on my website and kept telling myself that I would start tomorrow. But then tomorrow came and I would find an excuse. So I gave myself a date and even though I wasn't necessarily ready, I stuck to it - because I don't think you will ever be fully ready, and there will never be a perfect time, so why not start before you're ready?!
What inspired you to become a health coach and where do you continue to find your inspiration?
I was inspired by my own journey and seeing how much healthier and happier I became just by changing my diet and lifestyle. I soon realised that anyone can feel this way, they just need a little guidance and support. I truly love nothing more than to be able to create healthy recipes, blog about all things wellness and help women start living a healthy life they love. I continue to find inspiration from so many places, such as other health and wellness bloggers, my friends and family, travelling and learning about other cultures, Pinterest and Instagram, flicking through recipe books and magazines - even challenging myself turning an old favourite into a healthy recipe. There's inspiration all around, sometimes you just need to open your eyes wider to see it.
 |
| www.karlistanton.com |
Health coaching is a relatively new concept, but it is definitely gaining more recognition and growing in demand. I believe this is because health coaches help to bridge the gap and offer more in-depth support and guidance than traditional health care providers. We also take a holistic approach to health and dive into all the nitty gritty stuff. It's not just a band-aid solution, but we really dig into the real life stuff that bring true health and happiness. I honestly believe that true health is not just about eating healthy and exercising, but encompasses everything we do, and that's what I'm here to show clients and guide them through. The most common reason clients come to me is to reduce stress, end a torturous relationship with food, have more time and energy to do the things they love, find their passion, create a life they love or maybe just lose some weight. Generally people are confused about food, diet and wellness, and want some guidance and support to make better decisions.
What are the positive and negative aspects to working in an online space? Do people engage differently with you?
I love being about to work in an online space, as it allows me to connect with people from all over the world. I use facebook, Instagram and my website daily, through which I have made connections with people in the UK, America and Asia, and created some great friendships. An online space opens up so many more opportunities not only to connect, but also to be able to help clients anywhere in the world. I could be on holiday in Bali and be able to work with clients in the UK... Where else can you do that but online?
However it does have its drawbacks. It can sometimes feel lonely sitting behind a computer screen and while online connections are great, nothing is better than connecting with someone in person. You can also come across some 'negative Nancies' in the online space. People can 'hide' behind their computer, which makes it easier for them to post negative comments or feedback. However, I try not to let this get me down and know that everyone is different. It's not my job to make everyone happy - as Taylor Swift says, sometimes you just gotta shake it off!
What are your essential habits that help you maintain good health?
Over the years I have developed many healthy habits but I have a few daily non-negotiables which I swear by to live a healthy, happy life:
- I always start off my day with a mug of warm lemon water which helps to balance pH levels, improve digestion, promote clear skin, remove toxins and the list goes on.
- I eat whole foods and local and/ or organic where possible and drink a tonne of water. I truly believe that as the saying goes 'we are what we eat' so I try to put the best possible food into my body.
- I try to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily doing something I love like yoga, walking or going for a bike ride.
- I take time to rest and relax each day by mediating, reading a book, drinking tea or writing a gratitude journal.
- and I make sure I get loads of sleep
I must mention that I'm not super rigid or strict about this list. Some days I may not exercise or drink as much water as I should, but sometimes you just have to go with the flow and not beat yourself up about it. No one is perfect! However, I do know that when I do these things I feel much better for it, so I try to include them in my daily life as much as I can.
 |
| Yum, baked eggs! find the recipe at: www.karlistanton.com |
 |
| Beautiful summer treats - berry coconutty popsicles at www.karlistanton.com |
 |
| A healthy way to start the day... raspberry coconut smoothie bowl! Recipe at: www.karlistanton.com |
What is the simplest health advice you give to your clients?
Be prepared. If you have a fridge stocked full of healthy produce and put an hour or two aside each week to make a big batch of healthy meals and snacks, you are more likely to eat healthy than reach for a chocolate muffin at three o'clock. Same goes with exercise - if you prepare the night before such as laying out your workout gear or organising a walk with a friend, you are more likely to go ahead and exercise. It's all about making it as easy for yourself as possible. Oh, and drink lots of water.
What words of wisdom would you pass on to those who want to make changes in their health habits?
Take small steps. You don't have to overhaul your diet and lifestyle in one day. Start by drinking more water, then maybe try a new healthy recipe or start some type of exercise you love. Small steps daily are a great way to build new, healthy habits. It's also important to listen to your body and give it what it needs, everyone is different so get to know what works for you and what doesn't. Most importantly, have fun with it and don't take life to seriously!
We hope you've enjoyed reading about Karli's journey in health and wellness. For more information, you can visit Karli at her sites:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karlistantonhealth
Twitter: @karlistanton
Instagram: @karlistantonhealth
We'd love to hear about your health and wellness journey! Leave a comment below, or get it touch via our facebook page www.facebook.com/chaoticfavourites
No comments:
Post a Comment