As a health coach, Suzie Carpenter teaches women what to eat and how to live. She empowers them to realize that cravings are not their fault. While she is not a nutritionist or dietician, personal experiences showed her the power food can have on one’s overall health. Through the encouragement of her friends and family, SUZIE CARPENTER realized she could help others through diet. She attended a year-long program in New York City studying health coaching. For the past three years, she has been helping women of all ages change their minds and bodies through food.
From where did your interest in health coaching stem?
Twelve years ago, my daughter Kelly was diagnosed with autism, and she had severe stomach issues. We visited local pediatricians, and then at CHOP she was diagnosed with celiac disease and acid reflux. We embarked on a journey. We changed her diet and eliminated certain foods that she was sensitive to. I saw her go from this really sick kid, holding her stomach and not sleeping to being healthy, and several typical autistic features were also gone. I had been living with gastric problems, horrible acid reflux and chronic pain. Medicines weren’t working. I couldn’t sleep for more than four hours a night. I had this “a-ha” moment where, if changing the diet could work for my daughter, maybe it could work for me. I didn’t know all these things were connected and thought I was stuck with pain. So I changed my diet and the pain went away.
How does health coaching work?
It depends on the client. Many go through my Clean, Lean and Sexy program, which is a 5- to 7-step system. We work to identify their friendly foods, their body type and the state of their digestive system. Friendly foods are good things that work well for you, that you enjoy and that give you the power to feel good versus something that will upset your stomach, bloat your belly or give you headaches. I meet clients in their environment to determine the amount of goals for each week. A working mom with five children will be able to tackle different goals than someone with fewer obligations. I have partnered with Stacy at Sunshine Wellness Resources to offer some programs and lectures (see pg. 32 for healthy living tips from Stacy).
Who would benefit from your services?
Whether it is to control weight gain or cholesterol or to get rid of headaches, women come to me after they tried other approaches to sustain the body they want. The rewards far outweigh the work. People see results like losing a few pounds, headaches going away, better sleep, and increased focus. I have business executives say they can control everything in their life except what they eat. I open their eyes to what is going on and the real reasons they are eating.
What are some signs someone may have a food allergy?
Basic signs include feeling consistently bloated or having that “pregnant feeling” after you eat; mood swings or feeling irritable after eating; foggy thinking or the inability to focus; headaches; acid reflux; diarrhea or constipation; and skin issues like rosacea. I work with a naturopathic doctor, which allows me to do testing for food sensitivity in my office.
What are some of your favorite dishes?
I love lentil burgers. You cook lentils and mix them with mushrooms, walnuts and spinach. I don’t eat a ton of meat, but I really like seafood like salmon or scallops with grilled vegetables. Vegetables are great to incorporate into a meal. They make you feel good and calm. It’s not just about looking good, but feeling good, too.
When you dine out, where do you enjoy going?
With my dietary restrictions, I am somewhat limited about where I can go. Papillon in West Reading is wonderful. Phillip knows about my food allergies, and he is very accommodating. So is Bensi in Wyomissing. We also recently tried John J. Jeffries in Lancaster. They got it and didn’t make me feel awkward. A lot of restaurants in California are like that, so I don’t have to explain myself.
What are some of your favorite local spots?
I love West Reading and what they have done to the area. I enjoy walking around and shopping. I also love the GoggleWorks. My daughter has taken classes there. She enjoys hands-on activities and creating art. I like hiking on the trails at Blue Marsh.
How do you like to unwind?
I love exercising outside by walking, running or hiking. If I can’t be outside, I work out at Body Zone. I also enjoy reading, writing and knitting. I love to cook. I come up with new ideas all the time. And I enjoy spending time with my two daughters, Natalie, 17, and Kelly, 15, and my husband Scott.
Suzie Carpenter Health Coaching | 1Park Plaza, Wyomissing | 610.698.2730 | suziecarpenter.com
BY KRISTIN KRAMER | PHOTO BY JOHN SECOGES
