The Hurdles of Being a Health Coach in India: My Real, Raw, and Hilarious Journey

“Mam, how much weight loss can you promise me if I do your 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge?”

A genuine concern from someone living in a world of instant gratification! “Well,I cannot make you look like Deepika Padukone!” I quip—half-serious, half-amused.

Identity Crisis Central: Dietician, Nutritionist, or Health Coach?

Identity Crisis Central: Dietician, Nutritionist, or Health Coach?

Every day, I face a barrage of questions that test my identity. “Ok, Mam, why don’t you make me a diet chart? You’re a dietician, right?” they ask—before I can even complete the divine purpose of my profession. “No, no—I protest! Sorry, sorry—you’re a nutritionist, right?” It’s like being trapped in a never-ending game of name-tag mix-ups. And trust me, I blurt out, “I am a certified health coach from New York!” in one breath before someone can rename my profession yet again. 

Doctor Dilemma: Collaborate or Confront?

I work in close collaboration with doctors—rest assured, we are no quacks,no neem,no hakeem, and definitely not the sort who’ll just hand you your grandmother’s recipe and declare, “Wallahi, you’re fit!” 

Still, I often hit a wall when doctors look at me like I’m dabbling in witchcraft or voodoo. The medical curriculum rarely delves into how dietary modifications can be game changers in combating diseases. 

Research over the years has consistently shown that changing your diet can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases¹.

¹ Studies have shown that reducing sugar intake not only improves metabolic health but also positively affects overall well-being. For further reading, check out resources from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and similar research outlets.

Holistic Hijinks: Body, Mind, and Beyond

As a health coach, my mission is simple: to help you alter, adapt, and adopt lifestyle changes that truly resonate with who you are.

I’m like your paid “best friend”—offering a safe, non-judgmental space where we explore your health challenges together. Instead of simply “fixing” a problem, we work on uncovering the underlying “why” so that the changes we make are sustainable and meaningful. It's a personal transformation through integrating body and mind. Sounds heavy? It is—but in the most life-affirming way.

Research has shown that addressing stress,sleep,and lifestyle habits alongside dietary choices can significantly impact conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about transformation through teamwork.

- Experts & WhatsApp University: The Know-It-All Conundrum

Sure, everyone’s an expert on health these days, courtesy of Instagram and WhatsApp University. Yet, Mr. & Ms. Know-It-All might be over-the-top overweight, pre-diabetic, and struggling with insomnia. When was the last time they truly connected—beyond just a fleeting social media story?

Sometimes I wonder, was India ever truly “the land of Kamasutra?” These days, romance often means eating out, discovering new chaat spots, or succumbing to the first true love: gluttony!

Picture source - IstockPhotos.com

Real-Life Hurdles: Stories That Hit Home

Let me share a few examples from my daily encounters:

The Reluctant Self-Investor:

One 45-year-old homemaker, newly diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes, reached out about joining my Sugar Detox program. In the midst of a midlife crisis and feeling utterly invisible, she balked at spending a single dime on herself. I half-jokingly asked, “Would your husband ever think twice about spending on his own health?” Her emphatic “never!” left me both amused and deeply reflective on our quirky cultural attitudes toward self-care.

The Time-Starved Sweethearts:

Then there’s the working couple in their late thirties.Their love for ice cream is almost as strong as their bond, with dinner mostly arriving via Swiggy. Together, they weigh more than 175-kgs and, after struggling with infertility, are now stepping into the world of fertility treatments. Unfortunately, amidst their jam-packed schedules, they have no time for long-term lifestyle changes. The Alarming Health Landscape: When Pills Just Won’t Cut It. In today’s world, when there seems to be a pill for every ill, the rise in chronic diseases is both startling and worrisome. According to ICMR statistics, India now sees over one million new cancer cases every year—a figure that continues to climb alarmingly. And it doesn’t stop there. Diabetes is an epidemic, and Alzheimer’s and dementia are creeping up too, with our aging population facing challenges that demand more than just a quick fix. It’s a stark reminder that we need to wake up and take care of our health!

The Alarming Health Landscape: When Pills Just Won’t Cut It

In today’s world, when there seems to be a pill for every ill, the rise in chronic diseases is both startling and worrisome. According to ICMR statistics, India now sees over one million new cancer cases every year—a figure that continues to climb alarmingly. And it doesn’t stop there. Diabetes is an epidemic, and Alzheimer’s and dementia are creeping up too, with our aging population facing challenges that demand more than just a quick fix. It’s a stark reminder that we need to wake up and take care of our health!

Picture Source - AdobeStockPhotos

Let’s Start a Conversation!

If you’re tired of quick fixes and ready for a genuine lifestyle transformation, I invite you to rethink your approach. I don’t believe in diets. I believe in transforming habits. Your body is your best doctor, your kitchen is your pharmacy, and YOU are the world’s greatest healer!.

Give me a follow on instagram. Dm me at bittersweet_rubina and subscribe to BittersweetwithRubina on Youtube. Share your story, and let’s build a healthier, happier, and even a little funnier future together!