Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Parker.
Dara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a Health & Wellness Coach in The Woodlands, Texas. Trained by The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City, my mission is to help individuals create a healthy balance and overall wellness in their lives, through individualized nutrition and self-care practices. Previously, I was a school teacher and instructional mentor for 12 years in Texas.
I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease from a tick bite in 2012. The three years following this diagnosis became a journey of seeking relief from a long list of symptoms no one could explain. I spent time in over ten physicians’ offices throughout the United States, with no clear answers about how to get well. Doctors prescribed endless bottles of antibiotics that eventually led to trying to ease side effects, but I never truly felt like myself. In 2015, after visiting with a functional medicine practitioner, I made small and manageable changes in my diet that included intuitive eating and whole, organic foods, without too many restrictions. I’ve learned to simply “crowd out” ingredients and foods that lead to inflammation in my body. I’ve learned this can be different for each individual – one person’s nourishing food is another person’s poison. It’s about finding the right balance, with support and guidance.
Additionally, with great success, I incorporated IV nutrition into my weekly protocol. Derron Eldridge, of BioPlenish in the Woodlands, worked with my practitioner to find a compounded formula to supplement and fill gaps where vitamin and mineral deficiencies previously existed for me. I began a beneficial exercise program, set aside time for focused prayer and meditation, and added lymphatic body work to my weekly routine.
These self-care practices led to a life-changing turn in my overall health. Arthritis, brain fog, anxiety, depression, food sensitivities, chronic fatigue, and stomach discomforts have dissipated. It took time and patience, but God taught me some incredible lessons about life, about myself, and about others through the process of healing.
After years of research and making mental and physical wellness a priority myself, I am passionate about helping others learn to incorporate integrative nutrition strategies into their own lives. I want to help people feel better in their bodies, live more fulfilling lives, experience more simplicity, and take control of their own health.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Without the obstacles I had to overcome, I would have never learned how resilient I am. When I initially became ill, I was doing everything I could to teach my students well, and care for my young daughter and husband. I was trying to keep it all together and not allow others to see my daily struggle to survive. I didn’t “look sick,” so many dismissed my illness as my trying to seek attention. But when I’d get home from school with my toddler at the end of the day, I’d collapse, sometimes in tears, and pray for God to heal me or take me from this life – I didn’t want my daughter to see me sick all the time. In my work, I’m realizing that many with autoimmune or invisible illnesses face this more than we know. Anxiety is the #1 health concern women report on their initial health history consultations with me.
Ultimately, I had to step away from teaching and primarily focus on my health. And I had to find a way to make a living doing it – making health a priority – for me, for my family, for those around me.
As women, we place so much value on being at the top of the career ladder, having a “perfect” body, running a flawless household, cultivating meaningful friendships, becoming great parents, etc. etc. etc. The mental and physical pressures that come with that kind of constant striving can be toxic to our overall health and wellness. We can choose to slow down – to consider what is best for each of us, individually, and stop looking to others for affirmation. We can take control of our health by setting aside time to nourish ourselves appropriately. We can create balance and care for each other well. We can seek our own, personal creativity. And we can live for more than the day-to-day grind.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your work – what should we know?
My coaching is about providing individuals with support – helping them create balance and overall wellness in their lives, and it’s about so much more than food. Each one of us is bio-individual, so we have to address health concerns holistically and person-to-person. I provide free consultations to ensure my services will be helpful to the individual. Otherwise, I can refer them to healthcare practitioners who can guide them appropriately.
Often what people need is accountability and coaching to make meaningful changes. I have done the hard work myself, with chronic illness. I know, first-hand, how powerful it is to incorporate foods and exercise as my main forms of medicine.
My work includes ongoing coaching to support client goals, healthful cooking instruction, and finding ways to incorporate self-care practices that promote balance. While dietary nutrition is discussed, there’s a larger focus on non-food forms of nourishment like career, relationships, physical activity, and spirituality. Together, the client and I come up with basic, non-restrictive, health-supportive modifications, to ensure long-term success.
Below are some of the services we offer:
- Health & wellness consultations and ongoing coaching – individuals, groups, and organizations
- Cooking presentations and hands-on classes, with an emphasis on healthful meal preparation – all ages
- Individualized, meal plan development with an emphasis on “crowding out,” rather than restrictive eating
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Know your ‘WHY.’
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
Your ability to not just answer, but believe wholeheartedly and cling to this can determine whether you will be fulfilled – not satisfied, FULFILLED. God promises us an “abundant life,” not just an average, get-it-done sort of existence. You can make a significant impact every single day if your ‘WHY’ is evident in your words and actions.
Contact Info:
- Email: dparkerwellness@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dparker_wellness
- Facebook: @dparkerwellness
- Other: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/4RMRW7G0DGYJR/dara-parker-health-wellness-coaching-llc
Image Credit:
Kali Mikelle – Houston Photographer
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