The first five elements in Your LifeBook set you up to develop a clear understanding of your current health and to identify your motivation.

This week, we will explore how improving weight management contributes to creating overall health and wellbeing. An important first step is assessing the current phase of your weight management. Here are two different measurements to use to evaluate yourself:

• Body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. When combined with your waist circumference, it determines if you are at a healthy weight.
• Waist circumference. Waist circumference allows us to evaluate organ fat accumulation and indicates if extra fat poses a health challenge. To measure waist circumference correctly, stand and place a tape measure around your mid-section, just above your hipbone, and measure your waist after exhaling.

Remember that the current state of your weight is exactly that - a phase you move through as you continue to improve your weight management. Try not to get caught up on numbers, such as your weight, BMI and waist circumference. Instead, keep these two key points in mind while working toward a healthy weight:

• It is more than weight loss. Your primary focus should be on building healthy habits, not the number on the scale. As your independent OPTAVIA Coach, I am here to keep you motivated and cheer you on through every step of your journey.
• Implement the Habits of Health. Implementing healthy habits makes managing your weight easier, and you will begin to see progress in reaching optimal health and wellbeing. Habits can transform your old actions into new ones that support your long-term health.

Once you develop your path to a healthy weight, you will have the foundation you need to reach your health goals!

Remember, I’ve been in your shoes! Connect with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, to formulate a plan on how we can improve your health and wellness together! 

St. Patrick's Day is almost here! After putting together your favorite St. Patrick's Day outfit, get the festivities started with healthy food and at-home activities.

Try these tips:

• Plan a scavenger hunt. For an extra-fun activity with the whole family, set up a scavenger hunt around the house with clues that lead to fun prizes. Who knows - you might just find a pot of Fuelings at the end of the rainbow!
• Prepare a healthy meal. Check out the Irish Stew recipe in this eNewsletter, or search for other Lean & Green Meal ideas for St. Patrick's Day in the OPTAVIA App! Visit the Apple (App) or the Android (Google Play) store to download the OPTAVIA App today.
• Plant shamrocks. Start an annual St. Paddy's Day tradition by planting shamrocks in your backyard or grow them as house plants. Not only are these clovers perfectly festive for the holiday, but they are long lasting.
• Irish history. Patrick's Day has a history dating back more than two centuries. With this rich background, there's a lot to learn about the holiday and how it came to be.

Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for additional ways you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your family and friends!

A Life Changing Conversation

Several years ago, Mark was at a difficult time in his life. He was overweight, extremely depressed and didn't know where to turn.

Before learning about OPTAVIA, he considered gastric bypass surgery because he knew he needed to change. However, he had no energy, motivation, or drive to make these changes.

Shortly after, Mark’s wife ran into an old friend who had a complete weight loss transformation. “I had to know how he did it, and he offered to introduce me to his independent OPTAVIA Coach. It was the greatest phone call of my life.”

After that call Mark decided to get on Plan. As time went on, he lost more than 200 pounds^*. Fast forward to today, and he is now able to show up for his wife and son in ways he never thought possible.

While losing weight, Mark knew he wanted to give back by sharing OPTAVIA, the Program that completely changed his life with others. Mark ordered his OPTAVIA Business Kit and is now helping OPTAVIA Clients lose weight* while changing their lives in the process.

“I know there are so many more people that could benefit from OPTAVIA, which is why I will never stop sharing my story and how this journey has impacted me. I have fallen in love with being an OPTAVIA Coach for this incredible company, and I wake up every morning looking forward to changing more lives!”

Mark is forever grateful to the OPTAVIA Program, the OPTAVIA Community and he looks forward to many years of inspiring others with the gift he received.