Meet Paris Heinen | Health and Wellness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paris Heinen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paris, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first started my business, I was willing to work anytime and any day. I had no limits or boundaries. Because my coaching is completely virtual, I had clients all over the world, and sometimes that meant coaching sessions in the middle of the night.

Eventually I realized that pace wasn’t sustainable. If I wanted this work to last, I had to create structure. I set a strict coaching schedule, protected a full day off with my husband, and blocked out another full day just for myself. Sometimes I use that time to catch up on work, and sometimes I simply enjoy it.

Creating that structure did mean limiting some of my international availability, which wasn’t an easy decision at first. But in the end, it was the right one. The balance it created has allowed me to show up with more energy, focus, and presence for the clients I serve.

A healthy life isn’t just what I teach—it’s what I protect.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder of Always On Your Side Coaching, a virtual health and wellness coaching business built around my philosophy that there is no one perfect way to get healthy. After more than two decades as a coach, I’ve learned that people don’t need complicated systems—they need practical guidance, accountability, and support that meets them where they are.

That philosophy became the foundation for my book, The Power of 13: Your Common Sense Guide to Health and Wellness. The book outlines 13 foundational habits that support a healthy lifestyle—things like portion control, movement, sleep, boundaries, and mindfulness. None of these ideas are extreme, but together they create real, sustainable change. My goal has always been to help people find their easiest path to better health.

My approach also comes from personal experience. I began my own weight loss journey in 1991 and, like many people, I struggled at first. I lost weight, gained it back, and had to learn how to build habits that truly lasted. After returning to the program in 2000, I lost the weight again and have maintained it within two pounds of my goal for more than two decades. That journey taught me that health isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.

Before starting my own business, I spent 20 years coaching with Weight Watchers. That experience gave me incredible training and insight into human behavior, habits, and the challenges people face when trying to change their lives. In 2020, after my 20th anniversary with the company, I made the decision to step out on my own and launch Always On Your Side Coaching in 2021.

Starting a business was not easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn everything—from technology and marketing to building systems and trusting my own voice. There were moments of doubt, long hours, and plenty of trial and error. But every challenge reinforced why I started in the first place: to create a coaching space where people feel supported, not judged.

What sets my business apart is the community we’ve built. My support groups and coaching sessions are places where people can be honest about their struggles and celebrate their progress. We focus on consistency over perfection and building habits that last a lifetime.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the business itself—it’s the people who show up every week and do the work. Watching clients grow stronger, more confident, and healthier is the greatest reward.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my brand and my story, it’s this: lasting health doesn’t come from quick fixes. It comes from simple habits, honest conversations, and having someone truly on your side.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, we would definitely spend some time heading up into the mountains. Colorado has some great historic gambling towns that are full of character, great food, and beautiful scenery. I’d take them to either Cripple Creek or Black Hawk for a couple of days.

We’d spend time enjoying the casinos, relaxing at the spa, and having some really good meals. Both towns have a fun mix of old Colorado history and modern resorts, so you can gamble a little, walk the historic streets, and take in the mountain views all at the same time.

Of course, while they were here, we would absolutely have to go out for great Mexican food. Colorado has some fantastic Mexican restaurants, and sitting down for chips, salsa, and a good margarita is always part of the experience.

I would also make sure we visited Red Rocks. If the timing worked out, we’d catch a concert there, but even if there isn’t a show, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit. Walking the amphitheater and seeing the views of the city and the mountains is something everyone should experience at least once.

We’d round out the trip with a scenic mountain drive, good coffee at a local café, and plenty of time just enjoying the fresh Colorado air. For me, the best trips are about simple things—great food, beautiful scenery, and making memories with the people you care about.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate this shoutout to my clients and the members of my support groups at Always On Your Side Coaching. These are people who make the decision, week after week, to show up for themselves and their health. That takes courage, honesty, and a willingness to keep going even when things aren’t perfect.

Through our work together and the principles of the Power of 13, we focus on simple, common-sense habits that support a healthy life. But the real magic isn’t the framework—it’s the people. My clients bring openness, accountability, and a willingness to learn and grow, and they support one another in ways that are truly inspiring.

Watching them celebrate small wins, share struggles, and encourage each other reminds me every day why I do this work. I may guide the conversation, but the strength, commitment, and determination they bring to the table deserve just as much recognition in this journey as anything I’ve done.

Website: https://Alwaysonyoursidecoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysonyoursidecoaching

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisheinen/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/alwaysonyoursidecoaching

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPx0iNboQZ-PX7fwudypdQ

Other: Tiktok-https://www.tiktok.com/@coachparisaoys