The ICH Story
Dani's Professional Beginnings
I attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN and received a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science with a minor in Speech Communications. When I started working at Fitzharris Athletic, I learned the love of running - and met my future husband! I ran my first half marathon in Duluth, MN at Grandma's Marathon (the half is the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon). I was hooked!
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Looking for a way to combine my love of exercise into a health-related career, I went on to receive a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, also at SCSU. I remember one day we were discussing nutrition. I love to eat, like most of us do, and when I realized you could eat a lot more health-conscious foods for the same amount of calories in junk food, the light came on! Yes, exercise was important, but so is eating nutrient-dense foods. No more Cap'n Crunch Berries for my mid-afternoon snacks (although I still love them)!
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When the boys were still quite young, I had extensive testing done due to blurred vision in my right eye, a sign of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I didn't have MS, but learned that MSG (Monosodium glutamate), which is in many of the foods we eat, can mimic signs of MS. I started to educate myself more about toxins in food and the home. I would search out recipes to make homemade everything, including cleaners. There was no stopping the madness now!
​I have wanted to own my own business for most of my life. I just didn't know what type. Then, I was introduced to health coaching. I worked for 7 years honing my skills and learning more about nutrition and weight management. It was clear I could encompass my knowledge and interests, as well as my gifts and talents, into an enjoyable and fulfilling career. After several years, it became clear that I was called to do this on my own. And, although nutrition is a big part of lifestyle change, I have found that behavior change is the hardest for clients to sustain. "I know what to do, but I'm just not doing it," is something I've heard a LOT! If you've said this, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's been quite the walk to get to this point, but I'm so grateful for every step - the people I've met, the relationships developed and the experiences along the way.
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
1 Corinthians 9:27
Mission:
To love selflessly and live boldly. To have a life full of love, friendship, fruitfulness, adventure, excitement and fullness.
Vision:
To increase your energy, build your confidence and to savor life through a process of self-discovery and self-determination.
Value ABC's:
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Authentic - to be real, honest, reliable and trust-worthy in all relationships and interactions
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​Belong - to show reverence and respect for each person’s individuality and inner beauty in building relationships, connections and community
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Compassion - to believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself
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Development - to create an environment of learning without judgement or failure, only research and experimentation.
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Excellence - to give you my best each and every day and continually work to improve my skills and your experience
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Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Science
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​Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology
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30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry
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7 years of experience health coaching in corporate setting
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American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist
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National Society of Health Coaches Certified Health Coach
Education & Experience:
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ABOUT ME.
Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, dog walker, adventure seeker, woodworker, a little bit silly...
Danielle Birkeland
A Bit About Me... or maybe a lot
Hi! I am Dani Birkeland, owner of InCourage Health LLC. I thank you for taking the time to consider me as your Certified Health Coach. I am a wife to Brent and mother of 2 sons, Cam & Shane, who are both adult men now. Ugh! How can that be?? I would say that healthy living started as a hobby, then as I grew older, became a part of who I am. I enjoy the outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, snowshoeing and bonfires. I love to travel, including time at the beach or hiking some trails. And, I love woodworking and using power tools. I used to run half marathons, but now mainly walk with my dogs, who run crazy when I let them! I'm a borderline homesteader (I say borderline because we don't have chickens!) who freezes and cans what we grow in the vegetable garden to use all year.
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When I was both in high school, I made homemade meals for myself, my dad and brothers using canned soups, like a good MN girl. I became interested in reducing toxins in the home, as well as in my foods, after having blurred vision in my right eye that caused dizzyness, learning that MSG (Monosodium glutatmate), an additive in many processed foods, can mimic signs of Multiple sclerosis. Now, I prefer homemade cooking using very few pre-packaged foods so I know what's in the food I eat, and I can sneak in healthy veggies and other ingredients without anyone really noticing... usually! LOL
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I have the heart of a cheerleader (and actually was one in both high school and college, AND for my boys through all of their sports and life's ambitions). One of the first things most people who know me would say is that I am "nice and sweet" and a good listener. As your health coach, I will ask tough questions and challenge you, but at the same time, will be there to walk beside you to figure out how to overcome whatever roadblocks come your way. My goal for clients is not to make you a size 2, but to improve your health to the point where you feel excited about your energy level, to have the confidence and skills to live that way so you can fully enjoy and savor your life.
Going through the process of starting my own venture has been similar to what I feel my clients experience. There is doubt, fear, lack of confidence, frustration, a limited mindset, and the feeling that I lack the tools and skills to not only start but make it last. Sound familiar? However, through years of prayer (yes, years!), inspiration from my sons, who have taken risks to achieve their goals, and support from my husband (who always seems to be okay with my crazy ideas), family and friends, I knew it was time to move forward. I always felt I had a Growth Mindset, but my actions did not support that. I have decided to have faith, take small steps in spite of my fears, and to live a life filled with love, adventure and fullness. I hope you will join me so you can do the same!
My Family - Cam, Brent and Shane - sporting Birk Construction shirts.
Shane is the owner of Birk Construction.
Cam #5 fulfilling his dream of playing college hockey.