by Donika Hristova, Health Coach at Accord

My work as a health coach specializing in metabolic therapies for mental health comes directly from my own journey of healing. I’ve experienced first-hand the profound transformation that metabolic therapies can have on mental and overall health, and that experience completely changed my life.

Today, I’m three and a half years medication-free, thriving, and living proof of what’s possible when we use metabolic therapies as lifestyle medicine. Because of that transformation, it’s become my mission to help others find the same freedom, clarity, and vitality that I once only hoped was possible.

At Accord, I have the privilege of supporting and guiding clients as they put the main pillars of metabolic health into practice, with a focus on the ketogenic diet as a way to support mental health. Together, we create clear, actionable plans using SMART goals that are personalized to each person’s lifestyle, preferences, and needs. It’s deeply collaborative work, and it’s all about helping clients take charge of their health in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.

A big part of what I do is helping clients understand what’s happening underneath the surface: how their choices and daily habits affect things like energy, sleep, cravings, focus, and mood. I teach them how to use data, such as blood glucose and ketone levels, not as something to stress over, but as tools for awareness and self-understanding. This isn’t about symptom management; it’s about addressing root causes and supporting the brain and body at a cellular level.

Since joining Accord, I’ve witnessed so many incredible transformations. I work with people who are diligent, open, and courageous, and many of them are able to reduce their medications within a few months, stabilize their moods, and reclaim parts of life they thought were lost. Watching them show up for themselves, day after day, is beyond inspiring. It reminds me why I do what I do and fills me with hope every single day.

That same sense of empowerment is at the heart of an exciting new offering we’re introducing at Accord: a six-week small-group coaching program focused on metabolic therapies for mental health.

This group is designed to be a safe, supportive space for people who are curious about or already practicing metabolic approaches for mental health, including individuals and family members who want to learn together. Each session includes a short teaching component and an open discussion, with practical guidance and curated resources to help participants integrate what they learn into their everyday lives.

We’ll explore some of the key pillars of metabolic health such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and connection, all while creating space to share experiences, challenges, and wins along the way. My hope is that each person leaves with more clarity, confidence, and community on their path toward healing.

This is why I’m so passionate about this work: because I’ve lived it. I know that with the right knowledge, tools, and support, healing isn’t just possible, it’s within reach.

Interested in joining this group and/or learning more about the coaching program at Accord? Get in touch with us!