Get to know our new NYC-based Holistic Health Coach, Kristina Borza.

1. What motivated you to become a Health Coach?

The connection between my health and what I put into my body became real to me at a very young age. I struggled with constant headaches and digestive complaints as a child until it was discovered that I was suffering from gluten enteropathy. I was 11 years old and very unhappy about having to give up certain foods (this pre-dates the popularity of today’s gluten free market!). But the relief I experienced after sticking to the diet for a few weeks was a game changer. In my early 20s I had another health crisis that, in retrospect, occurred in part because of the years of childhood intestinal damage that went unaddressed. I picked up a parasite while traveling that left me malnourished, chronically exhausted and 15 pounds underweight. It took me a full year to feel vaguely “normal” again and in this process I met a few amazing doctors, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, homeopaths, and yes–even a health coach. Each of them gave me some useful nugget that helped me better understand my body and ultimately heal. That journey solidified my interest in holistic healing and my desire to help others.

2. What is your professional background and how has it helped you with your health coaching clients?

I double majored in English and psychology which lead me down a few different career paths including publishing, teaching and–most recently–in online marketing. My professional background allows me to relate with my clients. I know what it’s like to come home from an office job and not want to meal prep, to have to resist the cravings that come with the dreaded “3pm slump” and how hard it is to get proper sleep when answering work emails late at night is your norm. In short, I’ve been there and I’ve developed strategies for navigating lifestyle changes for even my busiest clients.

3. What type of clients do you specialize in and why?

I love working with people who are interested in losing weight, resolving digestive issues and/or balancing hormones. There are such simple but effective ways to make big strides in these areas and it brings me joy to see people start feeling and looking their best.

4. What is your go-to breakfast?

I have two that I love equally: an omelette with greens and a few slices of Bubbies pickles or a brown rice grit porridge topped with berries, almond butter, coconut shavings and a little cacao.

5. Where can we find you when you’re not on the job?

Probably on the road. As a native New Yorker I’ve come to the conclusion that getting into nature at least every 90 days is vital to staying sane! For my husband and I, this could mean anything from overseas travel to a day trip somewhere in the Hudson Valley.

6. What does self-care mean to you? What is your go-to daily self-care practice?

For me self-care is anything that nourishes me besides food. Sometimes this means quality time spent with friends and family, time spent caring for my physical body (facials, massage, hair & nails) or simply doing something alone that I truly enjoy. Even on my busiest days I take long showers. Something about the running water and time to shut out the rest of the world helps quiet my nerves and sometimes even bubbles up some creative ideas.

7. What is your go-to wellness book and why?

So hard to pick one! Right now I have to say Woman Code by Alisa Vitti. I don’t subscribe to any one dietary protocol but Alisa’s advice for optimizing hormonal health is truly holistic.

8. What are you currently reading (doesn’t need to be wellness!!!)?

I just finished reading “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran and feel like I need to go back through it to highlight my favorite quotes. Just a gorgeous book.

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