Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruchika Behal.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I wish there was a great story to share of how and where it all began… One thing for sure I wasn’t born a health coach- as my kids say, it was not very long ago I enjoyed Christmas-colored Oreos and a glass of milk for 4 pm teatime!
I grew up in India -back in the days when processed foods were uncommon. I had the advantage of being exposed to an intuitive and seasonal way of eating. We used fresh seasonal produce, herbs and spices- not only for everyday cooking but also for their healing properties.
If I look back the turning moment was when I had my first born — while motherhood brought unending joys, I also had my share of typical-mother challenges. Lack of access to an integrative pediatrician (a practitioner who hasn’t abandoned western medicine but who has completely integrated other modalities which have traditionally been considered complementary like food, essential oils, homeopathy, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and beyond) -I started relying more on my “gut feel”.
I was drawn towards learning and applying what was considered alternative modalities—Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and tapping into the healing powers of everyday food, herbs and spices. In 2013, I became a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and there has been no looking back since then.
Today I inspire, educate and empower clients to take responsibility for their well-being in over a dozen countries.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say yes… the obstacles that been on the way, have been there for a good reason. They have helped me grow as a person as well as a health coach.
One of my biggest challenges has been trying to keep to “real” and sustainable for my clients. While it is my intention they eat clean, I do not want them to fall into the trap of perfectionism. I want them to focus on progress, and continually take small steps even when results don’t match up to the efforts.
Overall my practice has grown organically, just the way I would have liked it too. Every client that has chosen to work with me has gained as much as I have from that journey. I am convinced I work with the most incredible people-their desire to change their food and lifestyle so they can change the way they feel is truly inspiring. Their commitment to preventive health makes everything I do worthwhile.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Nourish Your Life is not only the name of my Health Coaching practice- it is really my intention–to strive to nourish your life with every thought and every bite. I work with individuals and families who are ready to end their struggles with un-managed weight, elevated blood sugar, digestive issues, anxiety and lack of energy to name a few.
Recently, a lot of folks have engaged to work with me because they want to embark on the path of a preventive lifestyle but don’t know where to begin. I teach how to eat right, create a balance that works for the individual’s unique body and lifestyle. And of course, it has to be delicious and practical.
My knowledge of ethnic cuisines, plant-based cooking and know-how of spices not only to make food flavorful but also how to use them for their medicinal properties- really helps me use Food as Medicine for a variety of demographics. My ability to help clients break down information into actionable steps is something a lot of my clients appreciate about me.
I also attend a lot of continuing education each year. Right now I am pursuing studies in Applied Functional Medicine for coaching. I am grateful for my health coaching practice as it allows me to volunteer my time for the school district’s health committee, the American Diabetic Association, and senior centers.
My most humbling moment -was to help create momentum in the community and provide nourishing meals for families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We (a group of almost twenty individuals) were able to cook for over 4500 people in a period of four weeks post-Hurricane Harvey.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Mmm, so many… many of them are around food… whether it was going for Sunday vegetable shopping with my mother to the farmers market, (I loved going to veggies shopping even as a high schooler … seems weird now!), baking and traveling!
Pricing:
- Group workshops (healthy grocery shopping, seasonal detox, meal prep workshop, essential oil education etc.) range between $35- $90
- Personalized Health Coaching Single 90 minute session or six, 50-minute session range $150- $600
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ruchikabehal.com/
- Email: nourishyourlife@live.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishyourlife/
- Facebook: http://www.ruchikabehal.com/
- Twitter: Essential Oil Education: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nourishedlivingwithessentialoils/
- Other: Private Coaching Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nourishyourlifecoachingcircle/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
