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Once a long-term objective has been identified, the coach helps the client reach it by creating an action plan, a se- ries of short-term goals that help change habits gradually and incorporate new behaviors for the long term. Weekly face-to-face meetings keep the client accountable, provide an opportunity to review progress, discuss any challenges that may have been encountered, and make adjustments to help the client stay on track. A wellness coach considers all aspects of health — physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. is holistic ap- proach, and the close working relation- ship between coach and client (some- thing that online programs and apps lack) help ensure success and create lifelong change. According to a recent Mayo Clinic study, wellness coaching provided lasting improvement in all as- pects of quality of life as well as reduced depressive symptoms and stress levels in study participants. Sharon Danzger, 53, a productivity consultant and performance coach from Tenafly, says working with a wellness coach changed her life. "anks to her guidance, I lost over 50 pounds and I've kept it off," she says. Danzger had dieted all her life, losing weight, then regaining it over and over again. When she met with Spiegel, the wellness coach from the Graf Center, Danzger made it clear she had sworn off diets. is worked well since Spiegel, a holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and weight loss specialist, never prescribes them. Rather than devising a diet for Danzger, detailing forbidden foods and calorie restrictions, Spiegel helped her focus on making small be- havioral changes and better food choic- es throughout the day. Spiegel also worked to identify trig- gers that led Danzger astray. A devoted swimmer, Danzger swims two miles— about one hour—most days. Aer her workout, she'd arrive home famished and eat whatever was on hand—oen food that was loaded with empty calories. To combat cravings and break this defeat- ing cycle, Spiegel suggested Danzger leave a protein bar in her gym locker. is way she could take a bite right aer her workout, fighting any urge to over- indulge. Spiegel also gave her ideas for a high protein, low calorie breakfast that helped fight hunger throughout the day. Danzger says these simple changes have helped her maintain her 51-pound weight loss for over a year. Spiegel "was able to identify small changes for me to make that actually had a really big im- pact," says Danzger. "I found that I had somebody on this journey with me who cared about my success and was also in- vested in it." To this day, Danzger con- tinues to check in with Spiegel, which helps her stay on track. ose interested in partnering with a wellness coach can now find one at the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine in Englewood, NJ. Wellness coaching at the Graf Center is tailored to your unique goals and needs. When and how long you meet with your coach is determined by your scheduling needs and what you hope to accomplish. "I found that I had somebody on this journey with me who cared about my success and was also invested in it." V U E N J . C O M 147

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