In Element 07, we’ll focus on making simple, yet powerful, changes in your environment at home to make it easier to reach your goals. Consider how you can increase the steps needed to make unhealthy choices and decrease the steps required to make healthy choices. It’s all about setting yourself up for success.

There are several opportunities throughout your day where you can create obstacles for unhealthy decisions to make healthy choices easier. Here are some tips for improving your surroundings, and creating a leptogenic world, or an environment at home that’s conducive to weight loss:

• Clear your pantry. Instead of unhealthy foods that could sabotage your healthy eating, such as white bread, hydrogenated vegetable oils, refined cereals, and processed sweets, reach for an OPTAVIA Fueling, which is portion-controlled and provides balanced nutrition.
• Meal prep and storage. One of the keys to eating smaller portions is to serve less food. Try using a smaller plate to accommodate smaller portion sizes. Make your kitchen the designated location for serving food and avoid bringing serving bowls when dining at home with your family. Since drinking water can help reduce hunger, set your table with large water glasses and keep a pitcher of water on the dining table for easy refilling.
• Optimize your bedroom. Make your bedroom more conducive to healthy sleeping by dimming the lights in your bedroom so your body can start to wind down. When it’s time to go to sleep, turn the lights off and make sure your room is completely dark. Choose a bedtime that allows for seven to nine hours of sleep and stick with your routine.

Ask me, your OPTAVIA Coach, for other tips on creating a leptogenic world, while at home, on your journey to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time.

Still need to order your NEW Habits of Health^® Transformational System? Let’s connect today!

This time at home can allow you to get more creative with meal planning and staying hydrated, by using the tips below:

1. Eat six small meals per day, one every 2 to 3 hours.
2. Drink 64 oz. of water per day^* by:
   • Keeping a refillable water bottle with you.
   • Infusing water with a wedge of lemon or lime, or one of OPTAVIA’s infusers.
   • Set a timer to remind you when to refill.
3. Plan Lean & Green meals in advance.
4. Get the whole family involved. Cook and enjoy meals together.
5. Seek out support, ideas, and inspiration from your Coach.
6. Avoid buying foods you wouldn’t normally keep around. Skip the chips, desserts, baking supplies, or anything else that might derail you, even if they have a long shelf life.
7. Try to keep healthy foods on hand, especially those with a longer shelf-life, such as these 9 versatile lean & green-friendly items^*:
   • Frozen chicken breast (pre-cooked & raw), seafood, and turkey, chicken or fish burgers^*
   • Canned chicken breast, tuna, and/or salmon (packed in water)
   • Eggs
   • Reduced-fat cheese
   • Frozen veggies, including zucchini noodles, riced cauliflower, chopped bell peppers, and spinach
   • Canned veggies, like tomatoes, mushrooms, and green beans
   • Dried herbs & spices
   • Unsweetened nut milk
   • Plain nuts & seeds

From Setback to Comeback

“I've been overweight all my life. I was always the last one picked in PE and the first one to get picked on at recess. Food was my comfort.”

As an adult, Jeanmarie became obese. She tried several weight loss programs and even considered surgery.

“I had other issues that weren’t related to food, but I kept turning to food for comfort.”

Jeanmarie’s daughter, Kim, had witnessed her mother’s unhealthy habits and became her “food buddy”.  At one of Kim's medical appointments, Jeanmarie asked the physician if there was anything they could do to get to a healthy weight.

“The doctor gave me a card and said, ‘This is my patient. She has achieved health with OPTAVIA and wants to help others.’”

Jeanmarie wasn’t completely sure if she was ready to go on Plan, but when she saw how positive everyone was about getting healthy and their amazing transformations, she wanted that same success.

“So I gave it a chance and my eating habits improved significantly! My weight loss has been gradual, but steady. I don't give up. ”

Jeanmarie’s setbacks led to a major comeback. She lost 110 pounds* and has gained so much – more energy, fewer aches, the ability to fit in a seat, and the passion to share healthy habits with others.

“My doctor is thrilled with my weight loss. I love coaching others and sharing the OPTAVIA Program.”