Julie DeAngelis

My Personal Journey to Become a Certified Health Coach

As I first began to wake up to the possibility of better health, I stopped eating processed foods, and almost immediately saw a difference in how I looked and felt. I saw my weight drop 20 pounds just by eating clean. It was wonderful!

Then several years went by and something changed. I don’t know if I will ever know what exactly changed but I was determined to figure it out. How could it be that I was eating clean and exercising, yet there were days I would be knocked off my feet? Days when I could not get out of bed. I would have terrible headaches and feel nauseous. All I wanted to do was sleep. I didn’t want to eat, talk or even stand up. This would last about a day, sometimes two days. It was affecting my family life. I missed out on special occasions, time with my family, friends, even my birthday brunch. I was too sick to celebrate my birthday. What was going on? It started to affect my work life too. Sometimes I was unable even to go to work. I used to travel for work and that was the worst. I was away from the comfort of my own bed, and expected, of course, to do my job. There were times I had to fight through. Let me tell you, that was really hard. I felt like crud. And I don’t have a good poker face, so my discomfort showed throughout the day. As soon as my work day was over, I would go back to my hotel room and crawl back in bed.

Then after a wonderful trip with my husband to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, something changed again. We enjoy being outdoors and staying active in nature. During our trip, we logged at least 25,000 steps a day hiking. When we got home, he asked me how much weight had I lost. He had lost weight. I got on the scale and had gained five pounds. What? How could that be? I was active and ate clean. It didn’t make sense.

My weight kept creeping up for a few months. Then I decided to go see my doctor. I explained my symptoms, and they ran a full Thyroid panel on me. I was diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease called Hashimoto Hypothyroidism and a Leaky Gut. I have a what? I was dumbfounded. How could this be happening to me? What is going on?

I was determined to do whatever I needed to in order to get better, without being on medicine. I understand that medicine is appropriate for some things but I wanted to learn about more natural and equally effective options without the side-effects of man-made chemicals. I wanted to nourish my body with things that it needed, like clean whole foods, good quality sleep, movement and exercise, healthy living, quality relationships and stress reduction.

Having already eliminated processed foods, I now started by removing gluten and dairy (cow’s milk) from my diet. It was not easy. I’m Italian and I love my pasta and pizza. I am also a foodie and I love to cook. I did an elimination diet to reset my body and then gradually added foods back in to monitor how my body reacted. I learned so much along my journey. I said I was determined to get better and do what it takes. 

Years later, I am proud to say I have been able to manage and control my Autoimmune Disease. I attribute my success to using food as my medicine. It can be done. I have incorporated other things into my life and feel so much better. Positive input has nourished me at every level.

I have over 20 years experience as a professional facilitator. I facilitated my customers’ professional development both virtually and in the classroom. I worked with all levels of employees from senior management to newly-hired employees, providing leadership coaching, employee development, mentoring and feedback to help them become their best at work.

I was given an opportunity to pay it forward and become a health coach. Now I am combining my past experience with my passion for health and wellness. I want to create a safe environment to help my clients discover, expand and achieve a healthy life. I will support, motivate and guide you, and be your accountability partner.

I am a graduate of Albertus Magnus College, a four year liberal arts college in New Haven, Connecticut, with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Psychology. I earned my Certified Health Coach designation from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, and Health Coach Certificate from Emory University in Atlanta.

I also hold several additional certifications. I am certified with the CCU Corporate Coach University Coaching Clinic, a Toastmasters Competent Communicator, a Novations Effective Communicating facilitator and Enhanced Facilitation for Trainers facilitator, both with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm. I have completed my Reiki I certification through the Open Mind Center and I am also an Ordained Minister.

I am married with a blended family of five adult children. My husband and I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, attending sporting events and live music. I am a foodie and enjoy cooking, trying new restaurants, yoga and living a healthy life.

I am excited to pay it forward and work with women that are ready to make a shift and embrace their health journey through lifestyle changes. I will meet you wherever you are on your journey, and help you to manifest what you want in life. I believe you have the power to transform your health. It begins with a decision and action. Are you ready to open up your heart and mind and take control of your health?