Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, a nutrition and health coach with a PhD in Human Nutrition and Exercise, discusses the fusion of mindful eating and behavior change. She highlights her comprehensive coaching model that integrates motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies to empower clients. The conversation delves into the importance of active listening, the distinction between intuitive and mindful eating, and the vital role of psychological frameworks in creating sustainable health changes. Fundaro also shares insights on the impact of gratitude and connection in coaching.
Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro highlights the significance of integrating motivational interviewing and personalized approaches in a comprehensive coaching model for lasting behavior change.
The podcast emphasizes the distinct yet complementary roles of intuitive and mindful eating in fostering a healthy relationship with food and empowering self-awareness.
Deep dives
Integrating Evidence-Based Coaching Practices
A new coaching framework has been developed to integrate evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and values-based goal setting. This comprehensive model is designed to facilitate behavior change and empower individuals to achieve their health goals in a sustainable manner. By combining various methodologies, the framework aims to help clients navigate their relationships with food and health, supporting their journey toward flourishing health beyond traditional dieting. The model emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to health that take individual client needs and preferences into account.
Intuitive and Mindful Eating Defined
The concepts of intuitive eating and mindful eating are often conflated but serve distinct purposes. Intuitive eating is a framework aimed at fostering a healthy relationship with food by encouraging individuals to listen to their internal hunger and satiety signals rather than adhering to external dieting rules. Mindful eating focuses on the awareness and intention behind food choices, involving a sensory experience of the meal without distractions. Both practices are weight-neutral and seek to empower individuals to make lasting changes based on self-awareness rather than temporary restrictions or external validation.
The Role of Values in Behavior Change
Understanding one's core values can significantly enhance motivation and adherence to health-related behaviors. Values often guide decision-making and provide individuals with deeper reasons for pursuing certain dietary patterns or lifestyle choices. The framework encourages clients to identify their personal values and align their health goals with these principles, which can create a more intrinsic and lasting commitment to change. This introspective approach fosters a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, making it easier to navigate challenges along the way.
Navigating Ambivalence and Client Relationships
Ambivalence regarding dietary changes is a common experience, and coaches must approach this with empathy and understanding. Motivational interviewing techniques can help clients explore their feelings about food and health without judgement, allowing them to articulate their motivations and aspirations. Providing a non-judgmental space facilitates open conversations and enables clients to reflect on their experiences, ultimately empowering them to make informed choices. Recognizing ambivalence as a normal part of the process ensures that coaches can guide clients through their journeys more effectively, respecting their autonomy and decisions.
Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro is a nutrition/health coach who focuses on facilitating behavior change, embodying a positive relationship with food, cultivating positive body image, and improving sport performance. Dr. Fundaro is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College and holds a PhD in Human Nutrition and Exercise. She is currently a board member of both the Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind (NCGM) and the Sports Nutrition Association (SNA). In collaboration with Shannon Beer, she has developed a coaching framework that applies motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and acceptance and commitment therapy-aligned processes in a client-centered alliance toward their own values-based goals. This 'Comprehensive Coaching' model facilitates long-term behavior change and flourishing health in clients. LINK: sigmanutrition.com/episode367
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