Welcome to my Blog!

Greetings, and welcome to my Blog! I am genuinely grateful to have you here with me. I am a health coach, focusing on assisting individuals in their weight loss journey (as well as improving other health aspects) by incorporating more plants into their diet. While we all acknowledge the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables, many of us struggle to do so consistently. For nearly five years, I have had the privilege of coaching people through this transformation. Along the way, I have acquired valuable knowledge about behavior change, overcoming setbacks, and various tips and tricks to help individuals embrace a plant-based diet for improved health and weight loss. In this blog, I humbly share these insights with you.

MY JOURNEY

Allow me to emphasize that I am by no means a fitness superstar however, I have always valued an active lifestyle. Some time ago, I faced a worrisome situation when I started experiencing tightness and minor chest pain. Given the history of heart disease in my family, this naturally caused me concern. During that period, I came across a compelling documentary called The Widowmaker, which heightened my worries even further. I felt trapped and uncertain about the best course of action. As a pharmacist, I was aware of the risks associated with heart attacks, yet I did not meet the criteria for an extensive examination of my heart arteries.

LIFELINE

Then, in December 2016, everything changed when a friend introduced me to the concept of lifestyle medicine. He explained how adopting a plant-based diet could not only prevent but also potentially reverse heart disease. Intrigued, I embarked on extensive research, and to my astonishment, I discovered the undeniable truth behind it. Lifestyle changes, such as incorporating more plants into meals and engaging in physical activity, held remarkable potential to slow down heart disease progression and even reverse artery blockages.

Motivated by this newfound knowledge, on January 1, 2017, I embarked on a personal journey to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. I must admit that, especially in the beginning, it was not without its challenges. I lacked a coach or mentor, and there were limited people in my life who followed a plant-based diet. Nevertheless, fueled by my determination to improve my health and vitality through plant-based nutrition, I persisted. After approximately six months of wholeheartedly adopting a plant-strong approach, I began to witness promising results. I shed 35 pounds, significantly lowered my LDL cholesterol levels, and experienced a surge in energy. However, let me be clear that being 100% plant-based (no animal products and no processed food) all the time is not realistic. I refer to my eating pattern as being “plant-strong.” I believe this is one of the factors that make this lifestyle sustainable, as it allows for flexibility.

Inspired by my own transformation, in the fall of 2018, I started coaching others who were seeking positive changes in their lives through movement, plant-based nutrition, stress management, and social connections. This coaching journey has been incredibly fulfilling, as I have been fortunate to witness sustainable transformations in individuals’ lives. In some cases, they have even been able to reduce or eliminate their reliance on medication.

Having dedicated nearly three decades to my career as a pharmacist, ensuring patients’ medication compliance has always been and continues to be of utmost importance to me. However, my focus has now shifted towards lifestyle medicine, recognizing its potential for improving health outcomes. Lifestyle addresses the root of the problem. With my background in pharmacy and extensive training from esteemed institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, I have become a board-certified health and wellness coach (NBHWC) as well as board certified in lifestyle medicine (DipACLM).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this blog is twofold. Firstly, I humbly aim to raise awareness about the astounding power of lifestyle medicine among the public. It is disheartening to note that many people, including doctors and other healthcare professionals, remain unaware of its potential. Secondly, through sharing valuable information, practical tips, and inspiring stories, my sincere hope is to guide individuals like yourself towards making sustainable behavior changes that will significantly enhance your well-being. As a “side effect” of plant strong eating, weight loss may be a natural outcome of these positive changes.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for joining me on this extraordinary journey. I am genuinely excited to share insights, strategies, and unwavering support to assist you in achieving a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle.

Wishing you wellness,

Coach Mike

www.coachmikethomas.com

©WLS Coaching LLC

This blog for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.