Did you know that water plays a vital role in supporting healthy weight loss? Unlike fat, our bodies can't store water, so it's necessary to replenish yourself continuously throughout the day. In addition to helping you stay hydrated, water speeds up metabolism, facilitates the removal of toxins, and can help prevent overeating.

As we approach the summer months, ensure you practice the habit of healthy hydration with these tips:

• Monitor your water intake. Certain health conditions and lifestyles can determine how much water you need, so consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount for you. As a baseline, we recommend drinking 64 ounces* of water per day.
• Keep a water bottle close. The easiest way to remember to drink more water is to always keep a water bottle handy, in your car, at your desk, or when practicing the habit of healthy motion. Your water bottle is a visual cue to hydrate and you are more likely to refill your bottle when it is empty. Need a new water bottle? Visit OPTAVIAGear.com for a selection of different sizes and designs!
• Drink water with every meal. Drinking water with your meals not only helps you stay hydrated but can also help improve your body's digestion. If you are hydrated, your body will produce sufficient saliva, which helps break down food into nutrients that your body can easily absorb.
• Get water from veggies. Your food choices significantly contribute to hydration and account for roughly 20 percent of your daily fluid intake. Next time you hit the grocery store try iceberg lettuce, celery, or cucumbers – these options are high in water content. For perspective, the water composition of a cucumber is 96%, making it a smart choice to include in your Lean & Green meals.

Proper hydration is as critical as healthy nutrition when working towards your health goals. Connect with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, to discuss other creative ways to stay hydrated.

Are you ready for the unofficial start of summer? For most that means grilling, warm weather, and outdoor fun! It can be challenging to stay on plan at gatherings, but the good news is that plenty of fresh and healthy choices are in season.

You just need a gameplan to stay on program while enjoying yourself at the same time.

Consider these tips for any celebration:

• Stick with lean proteins. Stick to lean cuts of protein like sirloin tips, flank steak, skinless chicken breast, and fish. Lean cuts are high in protein but lower in fat and calories. Make sure that whatever protein you choose is not battered and fried.
• Vegetables first. When filling up your plate, think of vegetables! Skip the dip and fill up on non-starchy vegetables like salad, asparagus, broccoli, celery, and cucumbers. Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories, a great source of fiber, and should be most of your plate, whether cooked or raw.
• Be the head chef! Check out the delicious recipe below or check out our selection of recipes in the OPTAVIA App and make it for everyone! What's better than a healthy and delicious recipe to kick off the start of summer?
• Focus on fun activities. Instead of making food the focus of the event, have fun enjoying time together with a new activity, like a game of backyard kickball or badminton!

Connect with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for additional tips to help you stay on plan this summer!

One Small Yes

Elizabeth's health journey began months before she said yes. "I was overweight, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially exhausted. That saying, 'sick and tired of being sick and tired,' that was ME!"

Elizabeth felt that she had no control over her life and was facing an uphill battle with her health. Then, she decided enough was enough. Soon after, she learned about OPTAVIA, got an independent OPTAVIA Coach, and started her journey.

"I began the journey of a lifetime. Little did I know that this program, focused on learning healthy habits, would shift my whole perspective on EVERYTHING in my life."

OPTAVIA has helped Elizabeth learn how to lose weight, eat properly, and grow with OPTAVIA’s Community of like-minded individuals. Not only is she close to reaching her goal weight*, but she's found a new love for CrossFit and running, two things she never thought she would enjoy!

Elizabeth celebrated her "health- anniversary" by running a 5K that she had trained and prepared for well in advance of the race. With the success that she felt throughout many areas of her life, Elizabeth decided to become an independent OPTAVIA Coach so she could share the incredible gift of OPTAVIA with her family and friends.

"This journey has been an absolute blessing for my family and me! I spent the first year discovering freedoms in my physical health, and then in my second year, I discovered freedoms in my emotional health.”

Elizabeth is highly grateful for her health journey and looks forward to the new opportunities to cross her path because of that one small YES!