Flair Magazine 
By Hend Seif El Din
When I first heard about Health Coaching, I must say, my curiosity piqued! For starters, even though I knew the meaning of each word separately, I had never heard of anyone who’s done, or anyone who offers it in Egypt. Luckily enough, a friend of mine put me in touch with Yasmine Defouni, founder of Healthytude and interdisciplinary Health Coach extraordinaire.
Tell me about your background.
My background is in Psychology, Education, Homeopathy and Health Coaching. A few years after graduating from the American University in Cairo with a BA in Psychology, I co-founded the Egyptian Autistic Society. That was the beginning of my role as a mentor. It was also my introduction into the role holistic health played in the lives of those I was working with.
During my time at the Society, I completed a Masters in Education from the University of Birmingham. Being the eternal student that I am, and since it was becoming clear to me that it all interconnected, I dived into the world of complimentary medicine and earned a degree in Homeopathy from the Lakeland College of Homeopathy in the UK.
After a few years of being a full-time mom and spending time with other moms, there were common concerns that sprung up in most conversations; women were seeking healthier clean foods for their families and themselves. They wanted to find more energy, to reconnect with themselves, to reach a life balance and be the healthiest version of themselves.
I decided to piece it all together and become a Health Coach in order to mentor others to do just that. I earned my Health Coaching degree from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City.
What led up to Healthytude?
Healthytude was in the making starting then. My intention from the beginning was to start my health coaching business with a special focus on clients from the Middle East.
You believe that “attitude is contagious”; tell me more about that
My goal is to increase your awareness of the choices you make for your life and your food. To inspire you to grow, love, empower, heal, transform and have fun doing it all. When you’re in that inspired state, you become contagious! It spreads to your kids, spouse, family, friends and everyone who comes in contact with you!
How would you define “health coaching”?
So many people fall into patterns that aren’t working for them. Or they are so caught up in their work and life that they are neglecting their own health and wellbeing. Or they lead a relatively healthy lifestyle but know they can take it up a notch.
That’s where health coaching comes in. I meet my clients where they are. Meaning, we determine what is important for them and look at what’s blocking them from getting there. We set health goals.
I then guide them step by step through the coaching process.
I offer helpful tools and resources, hold them accountable for the commitments they make, but most of all support them in making sustainable changes through lifestyle and behavior adjustments. to achieve their health goals.
How does nutrition fall into health coaching?
I work with clients on getting them to eat cleaner foods example, foods that are free of preservatives, artificial coloring and sugar substitutes. If they have an eating plan that was provided by a nutritionist or a dietician that they need to follow, I work with them on integrating it into their daily life.
I also help them to understand their cravings, the connection between their food and their mood, what is getting in their way of losing weight, to understand the different forms of ‘Nutrition’ we give ourselves.
So ‘Nutrition’ here refers not only to the foods you eat, but also to the “quality” of life you lead and becoming the best version of yourself.
Looking through your website, there are some terms (or expressions), like Bio-Individuality, Primary Food, and Integrative Nutrition Plate, I had never come across before…could you elaborate on them please?
These are concepts developed by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and are explored during the coaching process. You can learn more about them on my website www.healthytude.org
After the initial consultation…what happens next?
During the initial health consultation we explore concerns specific to you and your body. I then help you create a personalized “roadmap to health.” This means we set your health and lifestyle goals. We agree on simple steps to make the changes you want.
Currently, I offer a three–and a six-month-long–program. It is the time frame needed to adopt new habits and “crowd-out” the old ones. In the future, I will be offering workshops and more.
What does your program include? What can clients expect to get?
Each month you receive two 50-minute sessions that focus on where you are in terms of diet and lifestyle. We maintain and adapt the plan as needed until you meet your goals. The idea is to teach you to take your health into your hands so you can continue to make healthy choices after the program is completed.
The program includes personalized healthy gifts. These are selected based on our initial consultation. They are an individualized variety of gifts that will help to support and motivate you throughout the program. They range from inspiring books or DVDs to natural body care products, organic edibles, things for the home and more.
You get easy and informative handouts. For example, If you are not sure which bread to choose, which grains or oils to use, I will guide you through that. You will receive quick and easy references to help you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
You also receive a variety of healthy and simple to prepare Recipes that fit your dietary needs and taste.
Finally, you receive e-mail support between sessions for any questions or concerns you may have, or if you’re just in need of some encouragement!
How would you describe “your perfect client”? In other words, who is your program ideal for?
My ideal client is looking to make better, smarter and healthier choices to upgrade their health and lifestyle. It’s the mother who wants to know what the best foods are for her children, where to buy them, how to prepare them. It’s the modern day busy workaholic who is neglecting his/her own health and wellbeing. It’s for those who want to make their own health a priority – a high one.
