Functional Medicine Health and Mindset Coaching
Meet Erika Hughes
Functional Medicine Health and Mindset Coach and Plant Based Chef
Thank you for visiting my site. I am a Certified Functional Medicine Health and Mindset Coach and plant based chef who strongly believes in the power of diet, lifestyle and mindset when it comes to health and wellbeing.
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I did not always see things the way that I do now. In fact, it took me quite some time to reach an understanding of health and wellness.
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For over five years, I struggled with anorexia and bulimia. Had it not been for a diagnosis of stage IV malignant melanoma in my very early 20's (2002), I do not believe that I would be on the same path to health that I am now.
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After undergoing numerous doctors visits and a surgery to remove the tumor, the layers of fat and muscle at the tumor site, as well as the removal and biopsy of the sentinel lymph node (the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from the tumor), I was diagnosed "cancer free." Although it was a terrible experience that I would never wish to do over, I am grateful that I got sick at such a young age.
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My experience led me to the path that I am on now, which is exactly where I feel I am meant to be. That path began with the simple step of buying a book. The book that I bought was specific to foods that can help prevent and cure cancer. Although I did not know much about disease, what I did know was that diet had a huge part to play in health and wellness. My love affair with fruits and veggies and my desire to learn as much as possible about health and nutrition began then and there. I slowly recovered from disordered thinking and eating and began to see food as life.
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Fast forward to today and I am now a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach having proudly graduated from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy program.
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I coach 1:1 clients from a Functional Medicine Coaching perspective of whole-person health. Rather than address symptoms, we discuss and correct root causes of life imbalances and work on mindset shifts to create a better picture of overall health and happiness tailored to individual needs. I have helped individuals with a variety of goals, including (and not limited to): learning more about diet and how to shop for, select and prepare different kinds of foods, creating meal plans based on individual preferences, starting and maintaining exercise plans, becoming more comfortable around food, learning how to incorporate more mindfulness, reducing stress and anxiety at work and in every day life, developing a morning and evening routine, quitting smoking, quitting drinking, improving sleep, understanding and identifying toxic relationships, following an elimination diet to determine trigger foods, searching for a new career/starting a business, navigating auto-immune diseases, planning for life after retirement, losing weight, managing diabetes, creating more balance in life, managing ADHD and decreasing overall stress to create more balance in life
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Wherever you are on your path to better health and a more meaningful life, I hope to meet you there and co-create your image of what ultimate wellness means for you. You are your own expert and you can create your best life. Coaching will get you there faster. I can't wait to learn how I can best be a part of that journey.
Why Functional Medicine Health Coaching??
The power of coaching lies within you. You choose the topics, you set your boundaries and you control the process. I will help you reframe your thinking and shed light on what needs to change in order for you to attain your goals and start living your best, most successful life. Together, we can put you back in control.
Health and Wellbeing
From fighting chronic cureable disease, to fitness, diet, sleep and mindfulness rituals, coaching can help you
Personal Development
Coaching can help you uncover the path that you were meant to take
Career
Feeling stuck? Coaching can help you discover where you want to go
Relationships
Coaching can help you sort out your feelings and boundaries on various relationships such as romance, family and friends
Recreation
Life is meant to be fun! If you're feeling left out, coaching can help prioritize this part of your life
"Erika is an incredibly talented, empathetic and knowledgeable coach! She helped me set, stay on track and meet my goals all while helping me see things about myself that I was unable to see. Erika truly cares about her clients and it shows in her work; she would reach out during the week to check-in and genuinely seemed to care about my well-being. I would highly recommend Erika to anyone commited to making healthy lifestyle changes. One more thing: Erika is a plant based enthusiast and loves to assist with meal planning; I've received so many great recipe suggestions from her...I didn't feel overwhelmed with changing my diet as she walked me through the process kindly and at my pace."
Linsy Wade
Erika is top notch! I started working with her over a month ago. She is knowledgeable, kind, and really cares about her clients. She has helped me develop a healthier lifestyle, through food choices and exercise. Her goal planning helps me stay on track and take accountability. She has given me the tools I need to succeed. I have learned a lot from her! Highly recommend!
Anne Williams
"As a registered nurse with a very demanding schedule, finding time to focus on my personal health and wellness is a challenge. I realized that in order to continue being productive in the workplace that I needed to focus on my own life/balance. Erika has been instrumental in effecting change on so many different fronts. She is tactful and skilled in her interactions as well as insightful, creating a very supportive, safe environment. I look forward to our meetings, excited to share my progress in reaching my goals. Erika has helped me clarify steps in reaching those goals as well as providing additional resources for my journey. One example is the Elimination Diet Food Plan which helped me isolate foods that were negatively affecting my health. As a vegan, her guidance has been invaluable in striving for excellent health. Erika is a gem and I would highly recommend her!"
Gayle Provine
I committed to a four-session arrangement with Erika not knowing exactly what I was expecting from them or of myself, other than perhaps a refreshed sense of direction or affirmation for the life path I have chosen to be on. What came as a delightful surprise was the meaningful layers of exploration and discovery via thoughtful, professional, and empathic conversation guided by Erika. Through each session and accountable, timely follow up, she shaped a very comfortable, easy, and safe place for me to make a connection with her, which in turn helped me open some necessary and important doors of vulnerability. Upon completion of these four sessions, I have clarified the three avenues I will continue to pursue for myself, but with much more intentionality: coherence, purpose, and significance. I am indebted to Erika, and I highly recommend engaging her, regardless of where you find yourself or what health change you are trying to make in your life.
Dean Carrell
I have been working with Erika for the past 6 weeks and I am embarrassed at how much I don't know! I wasn’t sure what to expect from my coaching, but even just after our first appointment I was hooked and wanted more! Not only does Erika have so much knowledge but she works to understand and support my individual needs working with me to find solutions. I am learning so much about nutrition and how to listen to my body. Erika helped me set weekly goals that were not only doable but also meaningful! I look forward to continuing this new exciting journey with her!
Cindy Horton
I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the events that had occurred in my life. I was uncertain of where to start to begin moving forward. This had me lacking motivation and feeling completely stuck! Erika helped me recognize that I had everything I already needed. I already knew the answers to get what I needed. The only thing I was lacking was the faith in myself to follow through. She taught me through using my own words and thoughts how to encourage myself and take the leaps I needed without even realizing I was doing them! Today I have met the goals I was struggling to achieve this year while working with her for only 5 weeks!!
Diane Ruff
My journey to better health began after a work injury in 2018 that wreaked havoc in my body. I met Erika at my condo complex and we frequently chatted about life and discovered we had much in common. I offered to be one of Erika’s initial clients because I believe in education and feel knowledge is power. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Functional Medicine Coach and was pleasantly surprised. Erika doesn’t preach. She listens, offers suggestions, develops a plan, and encourages you to set obtainable goals. Having a health coach gives you accountability for your health and ensures guidance on your path. If you are interested in clean eating, maintaining your health, getting your body moving and living your best life, you can’t go wrong with incorporating a health coach in your life. You especially can’t go wrong if your choice is Erika Hughes.
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Sheila Dailey