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919-338-7810

Client Testimonials

"Amy helped me to have a healthier, happier relationship to food, a more gentle approach with myself and acceptance of my body..."

Melanie, Somerville, MA

"I am looking better, feeling better, have more energy, have better sleeping habits and I am a happier person!..."

Carole, Palatine, IL

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FAQ: An Interview with Amy

Please take a moment to read this before hiring Amy.

 

 How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Certified Holistic Health Counselor?

To answer this question, it's probably best that I share with you the journey that brought me to where I am today, coaching people like you on how to eat and live in a way that really works for you.

My whole life I have craved a healthy relationship with food and my body. I have struggled with my weight and like most people wanted to find that magic bullet – a solution to weight loss that was easy and pleasant. I experimented with different ways of eating, but for years nothing felt quite right.  I was confused by all the conflicting information about nutrition. Was I eating too much, too little, too much fat, too many carbohydrates?

The “diets” I tried left me hungry, feeling deprived, or didn’t leave me feeling great physically or emotionally. I remember one night when I was on Weight Watchers I had a date with my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time). We had plans to see a movie and I wanted to cook a nice dinner beforehand.  I made a delicious and healthy meal, but was shocked by the small portion of food I was “allowed” to eat for dinner on the “points” plan. The meal did not satisfy me and I was hungry and on the verge of tears in the movie theater. I hated the idea of having to go hungry and being on a diet that made me so unhappy. I did end up losing weight on Weight Watchers, but in the end, I got tired of counting points and always being in a diet mentality, and I gained most of weight back. 

Months later I noticed that a couple of friends of mine had gone on the Atkins diet and they loved it and found it easy.  They said they never felt better.  Well then, I thought, perhaps this was my magic bullet.  I don’t think I made it two weeks.  I remember trying to force chicken down and feeling disgusted by all of the animal protein I had to eat to stay satisfied. This definitely was not for me!

I felt lost and like a failure.  Why was it so tough for me to stay on these diets?  Why didn’t they work for me?

In addition to struggling to lose weight, I was also addicted to caffeine, suffered from headaches, and woke up in a fog. I literally could not function in the morning with out a cup of coffee.  Whenever I went on vacation the first thing I always had to do was find a place to buy coffee, and boy was I was grumpy until that point!  In the middle of the day I would get a nasty headache and have to run out to the closest Starbucks to get another cup of coffee. I was a slave to the stuff and I really did not feel my best in the morning …. or the afternoon.  Thinking back I realize that was a big chunk of the day!

I suffered from a low blood sugar feeling in the late morning and, despite many efforts, could not figure out how to make this stop.  At the time I went to a lot of work meetings in the morning and I would find myself feeling weak and unable to concentrate due to the drop in my blood sugar.  I thought eating more was the answer, but this didn’t seem to help.  When I spoke to my doctor about this she suggested I eat a cookie – something with some sugar.  But she also noted that this could cause me to gain weight.  That was the last thing I wanted.  Needless to say, I was very frustrated. 

In 2004 I met a holistic health counselor and was immediately drawn to her practical and realistic approach to health and wellness.  I became a client and slowly made changes in my food choices and began feeling better and better. Her approach was different than anything I had ever experienced because it looked at my unique needs rather than forcing me into one particular way of eating. Her approach was also based on good, sound nutrition – not a fad diet. Over the course of six months I learned what foods work best for me at different points in the day, how to cook with new ingredients, and how my food and lifestyle were affecting my energy level.

I felt a new freedom around food and was able to eat and cook delicious foods without feeling guilty. I was exposed to a whole new range of foods I never knew about. I no longer woke up dreading getting out of bed, my energy increased, my headaches went away, but most of all I figured out what way of eating works best for me. I was able to eat with enjoyment and didn’t go hungry or gain weight. 

I started to slim down, not in a scary dramatic way, but in a healthy easy way that felt very natural to me. My journey became more about health and wellness rather than focusing solely on weight loss.  I am still on this journey and continue to tweak my diet over time.  I find that my needs and desires change, and I love that I have the freedom to respond to these changing needs and desires. I’ve learned what foods keep me satiated, which foods give me energy, and which foods drain me.  I’ve also figured out how to deconstruct my cravings so I can be in control rather than having my cravings control me.  I determined, once and for all, how to feed myself.  

In addition to making changes to my food, I also started looking at my lifestyle.  I slowly started making more down time and practicing self-care. I realized that I was so busy that I wasn’t regularly taking time to relax and do things that felt nourishing to me.

In my process of self-exploration, friends, relatives, and colleagues became intrigued by my new approach to food and wellness. They loved the foods I brought to parties or served when I entertained, and my colleagues became envious of the foods I brought for lunch. I was eating delicious foods such as cornbread, African chicken peanut soup, and caramelized onions with white beans and spinach. I became the "go-to" person for friends and family wanting nutritional advice. 

Through overcoming my struggles with food, I realized that I had a passion for sharing with others what I had learned and helping them find a way of eating and a lifestyle that works for them. I felt that I had been rescued from a future of yo-yo dieting and I wanted to do that for others.

I took my passion to the next level by enrolling and completing formal training in Eastern/Western nutrition and holistic health from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Following graduation, I applied for and received my certification from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

I have since made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to helping other busy women clear up the confusion around healthy eating.

Since then, I’ve worked with countless private clients to help them increase their energy, reduce cravings, and create a healthy relationship with food. They complete their work with me feeling more at peace with food, more accepting of their bodies, and they are able to sustain healthy habits in the long term. They feel healthier and more confident than they have felt in years.

 

What is a Holistic Health Counselor?

I provide specific lifestyle recommendations to help you achieve your goals and feel more confident in your body. Rather than prescribing a specific diet, I empower you by educating you about the nutritional information on various foods (including ones you might not be familiar with). I share cooking tips and recipes that allow you to easily and quickly prepare delicious home-cooked meals.

The other aspect of what I provide is a level of support you’ve never had before.  I will help you make a plan for the changes you want to make. I will keep you accountable while being gentle and positive. In the process, I will help you become more gentle and positive with yourself. (Don’t worry, if you need a nudge, I’ll give you that too.)

I offer a very natural approach to wellness and make it fun to get healthier. I open your eyes to a world of healthy, delicious food possibilities.  I introduce you to foods you’ve never tried before.  And you will be more likely to try the foods because, in many cases, I’ll give them to you.

My approach is not based on willpower or deprivation.  I know that this approach does not work for me for the long-term. If it doesn’t work for me, it probably won’t work for you. I’ve figured out how to have success with a completely different approach.

 My clients are able to make lasting lifestyle changes because we break things into small, manageable steps. Each of these steps relate to the bigger picture of what we’re trying to achieve. If you get stuck or don’t follow-through on a recommendation, I will gently support you (not put you down!). We will problem-solve and work through your challenges and barriers together.

The “holistic” part means that I look at you as a whole person.  While I do provide nutritional information on various foods, my programs are not just about food.  We will explore how various aspects of your life affect your food choices and your overall wellness. And, I will inspire you to make time for yourself and put your needs on your to-do list.

 

How are you different than a licensed nutritionist or dietitian?

A licensed nutritionist or dietitian is trained to assess the nutritional needs of individuals; establish priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs; and provide nutrition counseling in health and disease. The nutritional information I provide does not replace the advice of your physician or registered dietician.

Amy Lippmann, LLC encourages you to continue visiting and being treated by your healthcare professionals, including, without limitation, your physician. Amy Lippmann, LLC does not act in the capacity of a doctor, licensed dietician-nutritionist, massage therapist, psychologist or other licensed or registered professional. Amy Lippmann, LLC does not provide health care, medical or nutrition therapy services and will not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner whatsoever, any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body.

 

Who are your clients exactly?

 

My clients are mostly women who are tired of continuously feeling bad about their health. They have tried lots of things that haven’t worked for them, and they are tired of using their own trial and error system and then beating themselves up because the things they’re trying aren’t working.

Some of my clients work with me because they need something more than books, magazines, and friends for support. They've had trouble implementing changes they knew they should make. My clients mainly struggle with their weight, energy level, and sugar cravings, and they simply want to be happy with the way they’re eating and living. They want a completely different approach – without deprivation or hunger.

 

What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

 

I work best with clients that are ready to put energy towards taking care of themselves. I work with a lot of busy professionals and busy moms who don’t have a ton of time, and that’s ok.  In fact, they’ve come to me to help them learn how to take care of themselves – given their lack of time.  The important thing is that you are committed to putting in some time for yourself.

I work best with clients who are willing to be a little patient and trust me and the process.  My approach is not about a quick-fix. In my experience quick fixes don’t tend to work long-term. It’s about making lasting lifestyle changes.  You’ll experience some changes quickly, but others may take time.

 

For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?

 

This program will not work for someone who wants or needs to be told exactly what to eat, down to the calorie count and grams of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This includes people who need their nutritional needs assessed or require nutrition counseling in health and disease. This program is not appropriate for people with serious medical conditions.

I choose not to work with people who aren’t willing and ready to invest in themselves with time, making changes, and financially.

What exactly is the The Whole Body Wellness System™ and what does it include?

The Whole Body Wellness System™ is the system I developed and use with each of my clients to help them achieve their health goals and feel more confident in their body. It has been the key to creating lasting changes for me and my clients.  The Whole Body Wellness System™ is effective, but it's not about a quick fix.  What you'll experience if you achieve each of these steps, over several months, is increased energy, feeling better in your body, and an overwhelming feeling of enjoying life more.

Here what the system gets you to do.

1.    Make your health and wellness a priority

First, we will have you write down your goals and enlist support in reaching them.  We work through obstacles you're currently having (or have had in the past) to ensure that you are able to make your health a priority. We will then take things one step a time, rather than tackling everything at once.  This makes it feasible for you to be successful.

2.    Choose higher quality foods

Based on the nutritional information I provide on various foods, you will take a close look at what you're eating and make sure you are eating only the highest quality foods. You should have only the best, right? You will fill your meals and snacks with seasonal foods that are high in nutrients and make sure your food delicious.

3.    Determine which foods work best for you

Have you been eating the same breakfast for years?  If so, is it the ideal breakfast for you? Does it give you lasting energy and keep you satisfied? I will empower you to experiment with various options, so you know what works best.

4.    Practice extreme self-care

We will look at what you're doing to take care of yourself and carve out time for you to slow down and relax on a daily basis - even if it's just for a few minutes.  Through my experience with my clients, I know that stress contributes a number of health issues as well as the inability to lose weight.

5.    Don't just feed your body, feed your soul

Here we will go beyond food and look at what areas of your life are feeding your soul and which ones may be depeleting you of energy or joy. We will examine how fulfilled you are with your career, relationships, and social life (among other things).

6.    Start or change your exercise routine

If you're not exercising, we will find some type of movement you enjoy - such as walking, dancing, yoga, biking, swimming, or gardening - and remove barriers to you getting out there and moving regularly. If you are already exercising, we will examine whether your routine is working for you and your body type. There's not one right way of exercising.      

7.    Change HOW you eat

Here, we will improve your habits about how you eat to ensure that you are able to fully enjoy your food, become aware of satiety cues, and to ensure that you're not releasing stress hormones while you eat.

8.    Address the emotional piece of what's going on  

Together we will address any underlying emotional factors that might be affecting the way you eat, what you eat, and what you crave.  By addressing these underlying issues we can really affect lasting change that does not rely on willpower or deprivation. 

These are the steps of the The Whole Body Wellness System™ that I developed through working with my clients to achieve lasting results. In addition to these eight categories, you will learn about a variety of new foods you'll love, learn how to cook quick delicious meals easily, and you'll receive the support to ensure that you are able to feel vibrant and confident in your body.

Does this really work?

Yes! All of my clients make lasting changes to their food and their lifestyle.  In fact, they are usually amazed by (and incredibly proud of) the number of changes they make while working with me.  With your dedication and my support, amazing things will happen. (See Client Testimonials)

 

What results can I expect?

 

You can expect to:

• Become excited and eager to implement food and lifestyle recommendations, and you will feel good about doing something positive for yourself.
• Actually make changes that have been difficult for you in the past.
• Develop healthier habits that become lasting lifestyle changes.
• Learn that eating healthfully doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
• Become more in tune with the foods your body needs.
• Get peace and freedom around food and learn not to beat yourself up.
• Achieve your specific health and wellness goals that have alluded you in the past
• Be happier with your body.
• Enjoy life more.

 

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?

Yes, I encourage you to! Please go to the Client Testimonials page and read all of them. See which ones you feel drawn to, either because the person has gotten the results you want to get too, or perhaps because that person is in a similar situation. Then let me know who you want to speak to and I will give you their email and phone number and you can call or email them and ask what they got from working with me. Then email me to let me know how it went.

 

How quickly can I expect results?

 

This obviously depends on your specific situation and the effort you put into following the specific recommendations.  That said, many clients start to experience changes after one or two sessions.  Changes may include, among others, increased energy, changes in weight, or reduced cravings.

 

How can I guarantee myself that I will reach my health goals?

 

Give me honest feedback about how you’re doing, what’s working for you, what’s not, and what needs you currently need addressed.

 

How will we work together and what do the programs entail?

 

You will receive support from me during one-on-one coaching sessions either in-person or by phone.  During the sessions we will talk about your current concerns and goals. We start with whatever is most important to you at the time. I will provide support, guidance, and lifestyle recommendations to help you reach your goals. We will also check-in to see how the recommendations went from the last session. 

Following each session, you will receive notes from each session, healthy, delicious recipes that you can make with limited time, as well as various handouts and educational materials that will supplement what we discuss during the sessions.  Some programs include healthy shopping and cooking DVDs, food samples and self-care giveaways, unlimited email support, weekly check-in calls.

             

How long are the programs?

 

I offer three different programs for new clients and they are 3 or 6 months long.  I have tested various lengths and have found that (both personally and with my clients) that it takes this amount of time to make lasting lifestyle changes. I don’t want my clients investing their time and money in a program that won’t yield lasting changes. My clients are usually amazed by the number of changes they have made, and the impact the program has had, at the end of the program. Having a program of these lengths allows us to insure that changes you make in month 1 or 2 are still being implemented in month 3, 6 and beyond. We also have the time to experiment and determine what works best for you. 

 

Do people continue past the 6 months?

Yes, many love the ongoing support. Most people find that they have achieved their original goals by the end of their program, but often clients want to go to the next level. I am always glad to continue working with clients.

 

What are your coaching programs like?

             

As a new client, you have 3 different options to choose from, depending on how quickly you want to see results, how much time you want to speak to me directly, or based on your budget level:

The Total Support Program - 6 Month Program

• Two fifty-minute sessions per month
  Twice a month we'll meet in-person or via phone to review your progress, keep you moving forward, give you next-steps to tackle and adjust your plans, if necessary. I'll coach and guide you to take the exact steps you need to achieve your particular goals. We will also address any questions you have or challenges you are encountering. At the end of each session I will give you experiments to complete that are realistic and practical.
• Unlimited Phone Access

When you’re stuck on an experiment or an issue, it’s easy to give up or lose momentum. But not when you can have access to me as often as you like to get moving forward, get answers to your questions, or get feedback. I do not offer this in any other program I offer. In my opinion, immediate support is not only priceless; it can make or break certain situations. You can call me anytime for a 15-minute check-in, and I’ll do my best to help you on the spot. These check-ins are a time for you to ask questions and for us to address any challenges you’ve had the previous week or anticipate in the week ahead.  These phone calls are designed to keep you motivated and can be used to help you make a plan for the week ahead.

• Unlimited Access to me via e-mail
  You can email me anytime with a quick question, and I’ll send you answers—usually within one business day, and many times much sooner than that.

• Healthy Shopping DVD

Do you get overwhelmed when you walk into a health food store or avoid it completely because you’re not familiar with many of the products? I will send you a DVD which will take you on a health food store tour where you will learn how to keep costs down; how to choose good quality produce, meat and dairy; how to shop quickly; and how to read food labels and pick healthy packaged foods.

• Healthy Cooking DVD

You will receive a Healthy Cooking DVD where you will learn new cooking techniques, how to cook with new ingredients, and you will receive easy recipes you can use at home.

• Whole Body Wellness Audio Programs

You will receive access to the following audio programs (plus       accompanying materials, recipes, and worksheets) so you can listen at your convenience from your computer, in your car, or on your MP3 player:

* Spring Cleansing 101: Your Solution to Slimming Down & Feeling Great

* Secrets to Boosting Your Energy...Tips Every Busy Person Needs to Know.

* How to Look Good, Feel Good, & Be More Confident in Your Body

* Finally, How to Get Healthy Meals on the Table, In No Time

* How to Conquer Your Sweet Cravings & Take Back Control of Your Diet

* How to Eat SMART On-the-Go

* Fall Cleansing 101: Your Solution to Slimming Down & Feeling Great

• Nourishment Package

At the beginning of your program, you will receive a package of over thirty food samples and self-care items that relate to topics or goals we are addressing.  The Nourishment Package makes it easy for you to try new foods or products; I give you the items so you can try them immediately without having to go to the store or spend money on something you may or may not like.

• Recipes and Cooking Tips

Following each session I will email you quick, easy, and delicious recipes.  The recipes will make it easy for you to prepare healthy food at home and save time. If you don’t like following recipes, no worries!  I will teach you how to cook foods a variety of ways without a single recipe. Either case will insure that you are completely comfortable cooking new ingredients or using new techniques.

• Educational Materials

Following each session I will email you materials that relate to the specific goals we are currently working on. The materials supplement and compliment the discussions during your sessions. They will help you become empowered to make educated decisions. Providing these materials also allows us to move more quickly and pack a lot into your sessions.

 

This is the only program that offers:

• Unlimited Access to me via phone (including optional weekly fifteen-minute check-in calls for accountability)

• Unlimited Access to me via e-mail
• Healthy Cooking DVD
• Healthy Shopping DVD
• Whole Body Wellness Audio Programs
• Nourishment Package

 

 

The Fast Track Program- 6 Month Program

This program was created for individuals who are serious about improving their overall wellness and achieving their goals. Individuals who participate in this program may have attempted to achieve their goals, but have not had the guidance and support they needed to stay on track.

 

This program includes:

• Two fifty-minute sessions per month
• Recipes and Cooking Tips
• Educational Materials

 

3-Month Accelerated Program - 3 Month Program

This program was created for individuals who are highly motivated and want to experience changes even more quickly. Because this program moves more rapidly, it requires individuals to put more into the program each week.

This program includes:

• Three fifty-minute sessions per month
• Recipes and Cooking Tips
• Educational Materials

 

The Basic Maintenance Program

This program was created for clients who have completed a 6-month program but would like additional support so they can stay on track and eliminate all obstacles in achieving their health goals.

 

This program includes:

• One fifty-minute session per month
• Recipes and Cooking Tips
• Educational Materials

 

Now ask yourself this: Which of these options do you think suits you best? And, if you were to do this, when would you ideally want to start?

 

Where are you located? Do you only work with local clients?

 

My office is located in Carrboro, NC but I work with about half of my clients by phone.  My clients are located both locally and in other parts of the country. I have found that coaching by phone is extremely effective and I have developed incredible relationships with clients I have never met face-to-face.  Results are the same – in-person and by phone.

 

Do you accept credit cards?

             

Yes, as a matter of fact, I only accept credit cards. You can either pay on a monthly basis or pay for the whole program at once. It’s totally up to you. Clients who choose to pay in full enjoy a 5% bookkeeping discount.

 

OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?

Great! The first step towards reaching your goals is making YOU a priority.  If this feels like the right time to focus on YOU and your needs, then go for it.

Here's what you do: Contact Gina, my client relationship manager, at gina@wellnesshealthcoaching.com or (888) 532-4216 and she will schedule a complimentary “get acquainted” phone session. (If you happen to live in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area we can meet in-person.) During this session I will learn about your situation and your specific goals and we will double check to make sure that you are a good fit for my programs. I choose my clients very carefully. You will let me know which program will work best for you in terms of the results you want to get. We'll set up a day and time to start our coaching and you'll receive a welcome packet over email. In it, you'll fill out your client information and goals. You'll send this to me at least 2 days prior to your first session. From what you wrote, I will customize a plan for you using your goals and where you’re at now, to make sure you get the results you want. Because you will have done this, when we actually speak or meet the first time, we hit the ground running, give you strategies and get you started on your path to feeling great.

 

If I'm not sure I'm ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it's the right solution for me?

             

You can schedule a complimentary get-acquainted session with me where we will meet either by phone or in-person.  We will discuss your specific situation and whether I can to help you. Contact Gina, my client relationship manager, at gina@wellnesshealthcoaching.com or (888) 532-4216 and she will schedule a complimentary “get acquainted” phone session. (If you happen to live in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area we can meet in-person.)

Attend one of my upcoming workshops or workshops-by-phone.  Many of them are free of charge and you will get a sense of my philosophy and how I work with my clients. If you like what you get during just this short amount of time with me, imagine what results a one-on-one coaching program would get you! Click here to view my upcoming events and workshops.

Another way to sample my work is by subscribing to the bimonthly email newsletter. Whole Body Wellness is a free bi-monthly email newsletter providing you with health tips and delicious, healthy recipes. Subscribe here.

 

I have a family and a busy life. Although I want to reach my health goals, I don't have much time to spare. How much time do I need?

If you can even spare one hour a week, you will be able to take just one tiny step a week, or learn one new idea a week. Know that this approach will take longer than if you throw yourself into it wholeheartedly; however, if you don't ever start, you will never get there. They say every journey starts with a single step and I know, personally, that I'd rather fail miserably at something I tried, than never have given myself the chance to succeed.

The question really is: how much do you want it? If you want it a lot, you will find time for it.

 

OK, I'm ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?

 

Good, sounds like you're ready to make yourself a priority! Yes, if you have a couple of questions, just email Gina, my client relationship manager, at gina@wellnesshealthcoaching.com or (888) 532-4216 and she will schedule a complimentary “get acquainted” phone session. (If you happen to live in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area we can meet in-person.)

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © Amy Lippmann, LLC 2008