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Years ago, when I was a Director at a large corporate industrial fitness center I pondered how I could create some synergy to bring together all of the resources and connections that comprised my daily routine. After a few minutes of thought, the domain name FitSpeak came to me, however for years the website was nothing. No content. No images. Nothing at all. But the concept was percolating. After my departure from a large corporate place, it suddenly became crystal clear what FitSpeak was to be and it all happened with the concept of a garbanzo bean. Below is what generated the beginning of what's here now. A simple way to explain what coaching is and why it's so very powerful. 
Why Garbanzo Beans?
I got the concept of "adding garbanzo beans to your life", when my dad shared a story with me when making a salad. He had been going through a difficult period in his life and had been depressed for several months. He had been going to therapy and working hard on getting over his depression and it was when making a salad he realized he was finally making some progress. During his depression he was going through the motions of eating and preparing food without much thought or pleasure. But he realized his depression was staring to lift when he was making a salad and thought to himself garbanzo beans would make this ordinary lettuce and tomato salad have some pizzazz. He also realized that adding some garbanzo beans required a little more effort on his part. He had to open the can, drain the beans, etc. When he shared this story with me I thought what a great analogy to what it's like working with a coach. Trying to accomplish goals on your own is doable but when you add a pinch of coaching its amazing how far you can move forward.
Garbanzo Facts Last time you made a salad for yourself, did it have any garbanzo beans? I'll bet not. The reason might have to do with the fact that garbanzos are grown in the Mediterranean, western Asia and India. Also known as chickpeas or Cicer reticulatum, garbanzos generally come to you in a can that must be opened with one of those pinch-and-turn devices that requires some effort and both hands. Garbanzos are a good source of zinc and protein. They are also very high in dietary fiber and thus are a healthy food source, especially as a source of carbohydrates for persons with insulin sensitivity or diabetes. They are low in fat, and most of the fat content is monounsaturated. (that's the good kind) One hundred grams of mature garbanzos contains 164 calories, 2.6 grams of fat (of which only 0.27 gram is saturated), 7.6 grams of dietary fiber, and 8.9 grams of protein. It doesn't stop there. Garbanzos are also a significant source of calcium (190 mg/100 g) equal to yogurt and close to milk. According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, on average, garbanzo seed contains: 23% protein, 64% total carbohydrates, 47% starch, 5% fat, 6% crude fiber and 6% soluble sugar. Do they have minerals? Glad you asked. Garbanzos also report high mineral content: phosphorus (340 mg/100 g), calcium (190 mg/100 g), magnesium (140 mg/100g), iron (7 mg/100 g), zinc (3 mg/100 g). So my point? Yes, I have one of those. Garbanzos are excellent but to get them to your salad requires someone like me helping remind you that you should include them. That's what wellness coaching is all about. Someone helping you do what you already know and to take small steps ... like opening a can of garbanzo beans.
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What is FitSpeak? 
