Amber Robertson, right, health coach with Bliss Holistic, helps plate some food with former client and friend Tara Aaron.

-- Michelle Morrow | The Ledger

It’s January and that means Amber Robertson’s schedule is maxed out with clients anxious to start the New Year on a positive note.

Robertson is an integrative health coach who specializes in working with entrepreneurs and busy professionals. She advises them on everything from how to avoid the energy-draining 3 p.m. crash at work to how to lose weight and keep it off.

“I have developed a niche of people who are very active in their careers,” Robertson says. “They want to know how to work 40-50 hours a week and still find the time to make healthy meals. They want to know how to live healthier in the context of their current lifestyle.”

Integrative nutrition emphasizes the importance of local and organic produce, whole grains, high-quality proteins, plant-based fats and water. It shows how a plate should appear at mealtime and emphasizes the importance of proportions and portion size.

A display of different plate sizes shows how we can be deceived into over eating.

-- Michelle Morrow | The Ledger

Robertson says a typical client is the kind of a professional who has trouble carving out “me” time. Many have someone knocking at their door all day whether they are employees, co-workers or family members.

“Part of the work with clients is helping them find out how to make priorities,” she explains. “Someone in a high responsibility job might need to be reminded that they are allowed to take a break, even if it just means turning off the computer and shutting the door for 15 minutes every day.”

Robertson’s online and home study programs begin under $100. Private coaching packages, which include multiple sessions, begin at $600. She also conducts free monthly nutrition demos and workshops the third Wednesday of every month at Nashville Farmers Market.

Private cooking consultations represent a fast-growing part of Bliss Holistic, Robertson’s coaching practice. Clients are keen to learn about many cooking-related topics – from preparing vegan or gluten-free meals to cooking with greens to the basics of making great juices and smoothies.

Tara Aaron, a partner in the Nashville law firm Aaron Sanders, reached out to Robertson for health coaching because she wanted to work with a professional while learning to lead a healthier life.

“She’s a perfect example of my target market: a busy entrepreneur who finds it beneficial to have a coach keep her accountable around making healthy changes in her life,” Robertson adds.

“I don’t take a ‘Julia Child’ approach,” Robertson says. “We focus together on creating simple, delicious meals. I gear everything around what the client needs. In some cases we learn to navigate around the kitchen. We’ll find the right recipes and find dishes that make good leftovers.”

Robertson offers private and group coaching, personalized cooking lessons and community and corporate workshops. She is certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Here are her five simple tips for maintaining a positive mindset while losing weight:

1. Be kind to yourself. Love your body for all the amazing things it does well rather than dwelling on the problem areas.

2. Be patient. You didn’t gain weight overnight, and you won’t lose it overnight either. Your body responds well to slow and steady change. Aim for losing 1-2 pounds per week.

3. Focus on eating more protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. And more water! By increasing these foods, you’ll reduce your cravings for junky processed foods.

4. Find exercise that you love. You don’t have to exercise to the point of exhaustion for it to be effective. Just move more than you already do. Dance around your living room, walk your dog, clean your house.

5. Figure out who your biggest supporters are. Success is so much easier when you have someone cheering you on and holding you accountable. Whether it’s a friend, a workout buddy, or a coach, spend time with those people who want to see you succeed.