MEET YOUR PLANT-BASED NUTRITION COACH AND ADVOCATE
Hi, I'm Laurie Courage
I work with people who are on the brink of a health crisis and nothing they have tried has helped them get better. I help them regain their health and enjoy a full and energetic life for many years to come. So you may wonder, how did I get here?
My life changed early in 2011 after routine blood work showed a sudden, unhealthy trend.
Rather than wait for prescribed medication to make the symptoms go away, I decided to take control of my health and focus on the root cause. The Standard American Diet, which contributes to 70% of the deaths in the US, was not going to get the best of me. I left my doctor’s office, and started a vegan diet the next day. In a few short weeks, my blood work was normal again.
More Than a Vegan … a plant-based health coach.
But becoming vegan for me was a placeholder. For example, Oreos®, french fries, and Coconut Milk Ice Cream are vegan; understanding whole foods plant-based nutrition was key.
So I sought out experts—survivors, coaches, chefs, and authors—to learn about the healing power of whole foods. I took back control of my own health first, and now after combining years of experience mentoring others with several certifications in health, wellness and plant-based nutrition, I look forward to helping you do the same… now as your plant-based health coach.
More Than Science… a Healthy Lifestyle Change.
The science of good nutrition is important, but food has to taste good, with ingredients that are easy to locate, prepare, and afford. So I realized it was important to learn about foods that were new to me, cooking shortcuts, and how to easily substitute ingredients.
Like most people who get reintroduced to whole food, I started growing my own Square-Foot Garden, shopping at the farmers market more consistently, and joined a CSA to buy fresh, local, and organic produce whenever possible. My desire was to not only learn more about evidence-based nutrition research of how and why specific foods help our bodies heal, but how to create delicious food, and the strategies needed to make a real healthy lifestyle change.
And thanks to several public classes at the Natural Gourmet Institute, local cooking programs and too many cookbooks to count, I have learned how to make whole food taste even better.
Deep Green Professional & Wellness Coach
I have been green on the inside and plant-based for almost 12 years, but I have also been green on the outside and sustainable for much longer. Across several industries and roles, I have focused on creating many types of green solutions that save energy and resources, ranging from large IT server consolidations to certified green building design and performance. And for many years, I have worked with nonprofits and schools to promote better understanding of environmental health issues and environmental education.
For any of us to get the most benefit from eating whole food, it helps to consider the whole person. So, I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means looking at how all areas of your life are connected to help you find a deeper understanding of how your food and lifestyle choices matter.
I will empower you to make positive changes in all aspects of your life, guiding you towards a healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle. Together, we will explore your unique needs and goals for healthy aging, and develop strategies to cultivate lasting wellness from the inside out. As your Plant-based health and wellness coach, and a plant-based chef, I am committed to supporting you on your journey to optimal well-being. Through holistic wellness coaching.
Experienced Coach and Mentor
One of the things I always loved most about being a manager throughout my career was mentoring and coaching employees to help them to realize their potential. Mentoring often comes down to understanding the whole person and how a win-learn solution could help them realize their goals. Thousands of coaching sessions later, I am ready to give you the support you need to regain your health and reach your health goals.
As someone committed to eating clean, locally grown, organic whole foods, I welcome the opportunity to support you as you embrace eating more greens, gradually or cold turkey (how ironic).
Ask me about how I can help you, your family, your book club, community group or employee wellness program get educated on what makes a healthy plant based diet.
Certifications and Credentials:
- Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, Plant-Based Nutrition Educator and Chef
- Certified Instructor and Starch Solution Certification Course Graduate from Dr. McDougall’s Health and Medical Center
- Certified Food For Life Educator for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
- Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Foundation
- Certified Diet and Lifestyle Intervention Practitioner through the Wellness Forum Institute for Health Studies
- Rouxbe Culinary School Plant-Based Professional Chef Certificate program graduate
- Certified Professional Never Binge Again Coach
- Certified Group Coaching HQ Certified Coach
- Certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
- Certified Health Coach recognized by the American Association of Drugless Practioners
- Certificate in Culinary Coaching, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Institute of Lifestyle Medicine
- Member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine
- Whole Food Plant-Based certified provider via WFPB.ORG
- Instructor for the Whole Kids Foundation’s Healthy Teachers Program
In addition to continuing to study Plant-Based Nutrition, I am continuing to study advanced coaching techniques.
Check Out My Resources Page
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