What is health coaching

Written By Dola Green

Have you ever wanted to change your health but felt comically stuck?

Maybe you’ve tried the “30-day shred,” drank the weird green thing for gut health, and even downloaded that one app everyone on TikTok swears by. And still—nothing sticks.

Same. That’s exactly why I got into health coaching.

First, Let Me Rant

I’m tired.


Tired of social media shouting at me:

“Wake up at 5 AM!”
“Eat this, not that!”
“If you’re not meditating, journaling, cold-plunging, and hitting a PR every day, what are you even doing?!”

I’m also tired of a healthcare system that gives you a diagnosis and a pamphlet… but no real support for change. No "how," just "do better." Which is ironic, because research shows most chronic health conditions are behavior-driven—yet behavior change is the least supported part of our care system (Glasgow et al., 2001; WHO, 2003).

So What Is Health Coaching?

Health coaching helps people make sustainable lifestyle changes. But more than that—it supports your whole well-being. Not just how many steps you walked today.

We can talk about physical health—nutrition, movement, sleep—sure.
But also…

  • Mental health – Self-doubt, burnout, perfectionism, the “not good enough” loop.

  • Emotional well-being – Boundaries, stress, guilt, and figuring out what actually recharges you.

  • Spiritual life – Wrestling with trust, purpose, or disconnection from something greater than yourself.

  • Relationships – Feeling misunderstood, under-supported, or unsure how to speak your truth.

  • Career stuff – Questioning your path? Feeling stuck or unseen?

  • Financial stress – Not just numbers, but safety, identity, and generational mindsets.

If any of that hits, you’re in good company.

What Coaching Looks Like

As a National Board-Certified Health & Well-Being Coach (yep, that’s a real thing), I don’t show up with a clipboard and a meal plan. I show up with presence, curiosity, and training rooted in behavioral science.

Health coaching is grounded in Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), which basically says: People change when they feel three things—autonomy (I have a choice), competence (I can do this), and relatedness (I’m supported, not judged). In other words, lasting change doesn’t come from being bossed around.

Research backs this up:

  • A 2014 systematic review found that health coaching improves outcomes for conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension by focusing on behavior and motivation (Wolever et al., 2013).

  • Another study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that health coaching improves patient engagement and self-efficacy—two key drivers of sustained change.

  • Coaching has even been shown to reduce hospital admissions and healthcare costs (Vale et al., 2003; Olsen & Nesbitt, 2010).

So no, this isn’t just “woo.” It’s research-based and results-driven.

My Story? I Thought Health Was Just “Eat Clean & Work Out.”

But behind my kale smoothies and planner was someone afraid to slow down.
I pushed through stress. I told myself “I’m fine.”
But my body was screaming. Headaches, tension, exhaustion—none of it was random.

What I needed wasn’t more willpower.
It was permission to listen to myself.

That’s what health coaching taught me: You don’t need another influencer’s perfect morning routine. You need your own pace, your own wisdom, and someone to help you uncover it.

So… Is This For You?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise…
If you’re exhausted by a healthcare system that doesn’t actually see you…
If you’re craving change but don’t know where to start…

Let’s talk.

You already have what it takes. Coaching just helps you reclaim it—with less pressure and more peace.

Dola Green