How Community Helps This Healthy Entrepreneur Succeed

Michelle Rubinstein knows how to hustle and make things happen on her own. While getting her master’s degree in nutrition and education and teaching cooking classes, she co-founded Little Patches, a New York City-based baby clothing and accessories company. But before that, when deciding her next career move, she enrolled in Nutritious Life Studio’s Certification Program, and doing so connected her to a network of other movers and shakers that helped her succeed. “The community has made a long-lasting impact on me,” she says, “and the segments on how to build your brand and interact with clients have, too.” She shared more about how the program and how the community influenced her path, and the healthy habits that have kept her energized along the way. NLS Success: Michelle Rubinstein What inspired you to enroll in the Nutritious Life Studio? I was considering going back to school to become an RD and wanted to learn more about nutrition, Keri’s approach, and how to build a business. What was your favorite lesson, and why? When Keri took us through the intake form—a very thorough one that accounts for client behavior and food preferences—I felt that was the most valuable tool and takeaway. A master’s or even undergrad degree may teach future RDs most of what they need to know in terms of material and research, but when it comes to putting the information to use and actually practicing, I believe many wish they felt more confident and familiar with counseling/coaching/client interaction. NLS offered this support through the lessons and continues to do so with the guidance, dialogue, and network opportunities in the The Studio, the exclusive community you gain access to once in the program. RELATED: How to Keep Clients Motivated What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? That’s tough! Probably frozen spinach, broccoli, or onions. The one snack you always have when traveling? Wasabi edamame. Your favorite conscious food indulgence? Cheesecake or pasta. What’s your workout of choice? Tracy Anderson videos at home. How do you stay active outside the gym? Walking my pup and taking her to off leash at Central Park in the mornings. What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? Candles. RELATED: 3 Essential Oils for Relaxation What’s your weirdest healthy habit? I like to put spinach and broccoli in everything! Eggs, pasta, sauces, meatballs… Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Meal prepping in advance. “NLS Success” is a column highlighting the incredible accomplishments of Nutritious Life Studio alumni. We’re showcasing the healthy products our grads have created, the better eating habits they now consider second nature, and other ways NLS helped them find healthy, happy success—in life and business. Learn more about the Nutritious Life Studio, here.

This Could Be What You Need to Finally Reach Your Goals

We all have things we’d like to improve on in life. Some of us aspire to run a marathon. Some of us just want to feel good in our jeans—and some of us are better at setting goals and following through than others. Wherever you land on the spectrum, there are many reasons a nutrition coach may be just what you need to guide you along the way. Why? We can’t do everything ourselves. Having someone who’s been there before or has knowledge you don’t have is key to  creating and sticking to a plan. (If you’ve been trying to reach a goal without a concrete plan, you know it’s a practically impossible feat!) The best news is that there are different coaches who can meet your specific needs—such as a nutrition coach, life coach or health coach. RELATED: 3 Expert Tips to Set Achievable Goals Ready to start crushing your goals? Consider these three reasons a coach may be just what you need. 3 Reasons to Get a Coach 1. A Coach Will Hold You Accountable This is often the No. 1 reason why my clients seek coaching. They have an idea of what they “should be doing” but really need someone to push them along the way, or push them harder if they hit a roadblock. If you struggle to connect the dots to make a behavior a habit, you need a coach. Bonus: Our greatest assets can be ones we don’t realize, and a good coach will help you discover those and bring them to life. 2. You Feel Overwhelmed Many of my clients know they need a complete overhaul, but are so overwhelmed they don’t know where to begin. This is where coaching can help you break out of the rut you are in and start new habits. We begin by looking at your big picture goals and breaking them down into actionable steps. RELATED: How to Manage Your Stress So You Can Focus on Healthier Habits 3. A Coach Provides a Personalized, Outside Perspective Sometimes when we’re stuck in the muck we can’t see through to the other side. An outside perspective is crucial, especially when it comes with one-on-one personalized advice (as opposed to internet research providing you with a one-size-fits-all approach). For example, I’ve been working with a client who has been trying her hardest to overcome her sugar habit. When we finally talked it out, she discovered ways she could change her routines in order to break the habit. She has been able to skip having a nightly sweet treat and opt for some fruit or herbal tea instead. Although the solutions seemed simple, she admitted she hadn’t thought about trying these things. One final tip before you go get a coach: I encourage you to make sure the coach you seek out is a certified one. Look for someone who’s educated on the subject they’re helping you with, with a a degree or full certification that goes beyond a two-week course. By Gretchen Riddle, CHES, CHWC, NLC About Gretchen: Gretchen Riddle, CHES, CHWC, NLC is a certified health and wellness coach and a graduate of Nutritious Life Studio’s Become a Nutrition Coach course.   She has worked in corporate wellness for over 12 years coaching and incorporating programs for weight and stress management among other topics. She uses a real food approach to nutrition and works to empower clients to make lifestyle changes that stick. She also provides coaching independently through her own coaching company, Gretchen Leigh Wellness. Learn more at gretchenleighwellness.com.