In our diverse world, every culture is a unique thread that weaves together to create a beautiful mosaic. Culture shapes who we are, influencing our traditions and our way of life. This is especially true in health coaching. The journey to well-being shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it should respect and celebrate the rich diversity of backgrounds that individuals bring as they seek a healthier lifestyle.
Lakshmi, a woman of Indian roots living in The Netherlands, needed the guidance of a health coach during her pregnancy. She recognized the significant impact of a healthy diet on her pregnancy and her baby’s well-being. With the support of her midwifery team, she decided to consult a local health coach. However, the advice she received didn’t align with her cultural background. The recommendations included increasing her consumption of dairy, bread, and red meat as sources of calcium and iron to meet her heightened nutritional needs during pregnancy. Lakshmi, a devoted Hindu, had been a vegetarian throughout her life for religious reasons.
In the Netherlands, the typical lunch consists of a toast with cheese or/and a slice of processed meat, a big contrast to the warm, home-cooked meals that are the norm for most Indians. For Lakshmi, the idea of replacing her beloved traditional dishes with a cold, uninspiring sandwich felt like an attempt to fit a square peg into a round hole. This challenge was not only about dietary preferences; it touched upon matters of culture and tradition that were at the core of her identity.
Lakshmi’s experience is not unique. Many individuals from diverse backgrounds face similar challenges when seeking health advice. From dietary recommendations to exercise routines, sleep patterns, and stress management, it is essential that coaching respects cultural backgrounds. Particularly in decisions about children’s health, these choices are even more culturally influenced. Matters such as labor, pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant and children’s sleep patterns, and their diet are all very sensitive areas where health advisors should exercise utmost care. The movie “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway” beautifully illustrates to which extreme circumstances things can go when health professionals do not respect the cultural background of parental health decisions.
So, how can we ensure culturally sensitive health coaching?
1. Listening and Understanding
The first step is to listen to our clients with empathy like a friend sharing stories around the kitchen table. Understanding their cultural preferences, beliefs, and rituals is very important. We should ask questions, learn about their traditional diets, and respect their choices.
2. Customized Approaches
Health coaching should embrace flexibility, offering tailored solutions that work within the cultural context. For Lakshmi, a meal plan that respects her Indian heritage could have been more effective, nurturing her body and soul.
3. Celebrating Diversity
Rather than imposing a single dietary rule, we should celebrate the diversity of foods from different cultures. It’s about discovering the deliciousness of global cuisine while maintaining health.
4. Educating with Respect
Instead of disregarding cultural norms, health coaches can educate clients about healthier choices that align with their traditions. This process can be enlightening and empowering.
Through Lakshmi’s journey, who became a client of mine later on, and through a similar experience of my own, as a Greek married to an Indian, living in The Netherlands, I was inspired to commit to culturally sensitive health coaching. I believe that all health professionals and coaches need to recognize the profound impact culture has on our choices and the path to well-being. We can be compassionate guides on this journey, inspiring positive change while honoring the cultures that enrich our lives. After all, in the world of health coaching, the most profound transformation occurs when it respects and reflects the beauty of individuality.
