Martin Gallardo, an employee in the UI Nursing Clinical Education Center and Behavioral Health Services, was looking for accountability about eating healthier. He reached out to health coach Carla Melby-Oetken at liveWELL to identify dietary changes and set goals.

Since then, Gallardo has increased his energy levels by eating a more balanced diet, avoiding too much junk food, and taking part in a fitness activity he loves—boxing. In the process, he has passed on healthy habits to others.

Through his work with Melby-Oetken, he became better equipped to reach his dietary goals and was held accountable to these goals. Gallardo wants to share his success with others and talk about changes he made and his recommendations to others.

What made you decide to meet with a health coach?

Accountability. Like most people, I know what to eat, or at least I have a good idea, but I just wasn’t doing it. We all face many obstacles with regard to eating and leading a healthier life—sometimes we just need that little extra push in the right direction. For me, it had a lot to do with convenience. Working two jobs and having a family with two children can be tough, and we go for what’s easier.

How did working with a health coach help you?

Working with Carla was very helpful. She helped me develop tools that I can use on a regular basis. We didn’t go over all tools in just one session—that would just be overwhelming—but we sat down for several sessions and in each session talked about what went well, what could use improvements, and discussed goals. Goals are really important, and we need to keep them in sight. Progress is progress no matter how you get there. It’s not a race, so you do it your own way.

She also helped me overcome feeling bad about myself after I had made an unhealthy decision with my food, whether it was overeating or eating something not so healthy. I tended to dwell on the negative when it came to food, and it can be such a vicious cycle. She helped me break those bad habits.

What improvements have you noticed?

Better energy and feeling good about myself. It’s OK to make a mistake. Just keep the goal in view, and keep moving toward it.

How have your changes impacted others?

My son, in particular, has been exercising more and has been watching how much he eats. I’m happy he’s starting now, as I feel it can be more difficult when you’re an adult.

What advice do you have for others who want to start making changes?

Don’t give up. Understand that there will be setbacks. Just keep your goals in front of you, and keep working toward them. Pay more attention to how your clothes fit. That is a better goal to focus on since the scale can be deceiving due to muscle weighing more than fat.