You’ve tried eating better. You’ve followed a few workout plans. You’ve even downloaded a couple of wellness apps. Still, something feels off—you’re stuck, low on energy, and not sure what’s missing. That’s when the idea of getting a health coach starts sounding like a smart next step.
But here’s where things get tricky. The moment you start scrolling your social media feed or searching online, you come across ads from wellness coaches claiming to help you lose weight, boost energy, or heal your mental health. Some sound promising. Others feel vague or too good to be true. And with so many voices online, it’s easy to feel confused about who to trust.
If you’re serious about your health goals, you need a coach who’s skilled, certified, and the right fit for you. But most people don’t know what to look for—and make avoidable mistakes.
Let’s walk through the seven common mistakes people make when choosing a certified health coach—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Verifying Their Certification or Background
Just because someone calls themselves a “health coach” doesn’t mean they’re qualified to guide you. Many use personal experience or quick online courses to market themselves—but don’t have proper training in coaching techniques, nutrition science, or wellness psychology. Therefore, take the time to ask where they trained, what their curriculum covered, and if their certification is recognized nationally or internationally.
Coaches who are certified by recognized institutions like the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), or other reputable health coaching programs understand the science behind health and can safely guide you through real lifestyle changes. These institutions teach behavior change, goal-setting, accountability, and health psychology.
2. Falling for Flashy Claims
Statements like “lose 10 kilos in 10 days” or “heal your hormones overnight” may sound tempting, especially when you’re struggling with major problems or desperate for change. These types of claims often focus on crash diets or extreme methods that don’t suit your long-term needs. While they may produce short-term results, they rarely last and often leave you feeling worse. A credible health coach sets honest expectations. They talk about long-term progress, not overnight miracles.
3. Not Matching Their Expertise with Your Needs
Health coaching covers a wide range—gut health, emotional eating, thyroid balance, stress reduction, and athletic performance. Choosing someone who doesn’t specialize in your area can lead to misaligned advice or generic plans.
For instance, if you’re managing anxiety-related eating habits, a coach focused on weightlifting and macros may not provide the emotional support or guidance you need.
Always ask about their past client experience, specific focus areas, and whether they’ve worked with people facing similar challenges.
4. Skipping the Discovery Call or Trial Session
Some people decide to join a program just by scrolling through a feed or watching a few stories. But without actually speaking to the certified health coach, you don’t know how they interact, how well they listen, or whether they truly understand your goals. That 20-30 minute consultation call gives you a real sense of their energy, their tone, and their ability to connect. It also helps you figure out whether their structure fits into your daily routine.
5. Not Feeling Comfortable Sharing Personal Struggles
Health coaching often involves opening up about deeply personal topics—your eating habits, energy levels, lifestyle challenges, and even emotional triggers. Progress becomes difficult if you don’t feel safe being honest with your coach.
You don’t need someone who just gives instructions. You need someone who listens without interrupting, asks thoughtful questions, and genuinely cares about how you feel.
Go with a certified health coach who helps you feel safe enough to be real. When you’re comfortable sharing your fears, setbacks, and messy moments, your coach can actually support you where it matters most. Therefore, Pay attention to how the coach responds during your first call. Do they make space for your voice? Do they seem curious, or are they quick to offer solutions? A good coach creates a space where you feel supported and motivated, not pressured or judged.
6. Ignoring Signs from Previous Client Experiences
Client feedback is one of the clearest indicators of how a coach really works. Yet, many people skip this step and rely only on social media posts or a polished website. It can lead to unmet expectations or mismatched coaching styles.
Instead, take time to read or watch detailed testimonials. How did clients feel during the process? Did they feel supported through hard days? Were their challenges taken seriously? These stories offer insight into the certified health coach’s consistency, compassion, and long-term impact. If you can, ask for examples or success stories related to your own health goals. It helps you assess whether the coach practices with what they say.
7. Choosing a Program That Doesn’t Adapt to Your Life
Every person has different routines, family responsibilities, work pressures, and health conditions. If a coach offers the same rigid structure to everyone, it might not work for your lifestyle—and could cause more stress than progress.
Whether you work night shifts, travel often, or manage a home with kids—your health plan should be flexible enough to fit your reality. You shouldn’t have to change your whole life just to follow their plan. The best coaches ask questions about your schedule, habits, preferences, and limitations—and then build a realistic strategy around them. Flexibility is key to consistency.
Final Takeaway!
The certified health coaches do more than give advice. They listen without judgment, tailor their guidance to your lifestyle, and walk you through the ups and downs. When you avoid these common mistakes, you save yourself time, money, and disappointment—and more importantly, you give yourself the chance to grow with the right support.
If you’re seeking someone who brings that level of care and commitment, Shannon Jackson is a coach worth considering. Known as The People’s Nurse, She combines medical insight with a deep passion for helping others live healthier and more balanced lives. Her programs focus on real transformation—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Learn more about Shannon’s approach and how she can support your health goals at livingyourlifewithoutlimits.com
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