At some point during your journey you may find your weight loss slows down or seems to halt. Typically, a weight loss plateau is defined as two or more weeks without weight loss.

This can be difficult when everything is going in the right direction on the OPTAVIA Program, and then bam, without expecting it - you hit a plateau.

Here is the good news: it is okay and normal! Weight loss should resume if you continue to follow the Program and remain positive.  Be sure to lean into your Coach to put your mind at ease, we have outlined some plateau busting strategies to try if, or when, this happens to you!

• Eat more vegetables. When following Plan, remember vegetables are your friend! Eat lower carb, green veggies such as spinach, broccoli or kale. You can include these in your meals, and try vegetables rich in water to help you stay hydrated and full, like cucumbers!
• Watch condiments. Your favorite condiments might be loaded with oils and empty calories so pay attention to those labels, or eliminate them all together while on Plan.
• Record everything!Keeping a diary of your daily food intake can help you stay on the right path. Monitor your progress, track your new behaviors, and reward yourself every so often for all of your hard work.
• Get moving. Don’t forget to practice the habit of healthy motion. 30 minutes of physical activity every day is important, so hit your treadmill for a walk or safely do the neighborhood loop. These activities will get your body into a good groove.
• Avoid stress, try online yoga. Soothe your inner emotional turmoil with an online yoga class once or twice a week. Learn the practice of deep breathing to keep your mind stress free and at peace.

Ask me, your OPTAVIA Coach, about other ways to avoid hitting a plateau this summer!

With Memorial Day approaching, grilling, warm weather, and tons of outdoor fun is expected!

Though it can sometimes be difficult to stay on track during this season, there are plenty of healthy choices available, and by having a plan for the upcoming weekend, you can stay on course while enjoying yourself at the same time.

Follow these tips for the holiday weekend:

• 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.
• Remember to put vegetables first. When filling up your plate, think 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 the majority of your plate, whether cooked or raw.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is always important, but it is essential during the summer months when the weather is warmer. Keep your water bottle handy and filled to help you stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, which add extra calories, stimulate your appetite, and cause dehydration.
• Never forget the power of creativity. Opt for a bun-less burger or use lettuce as the bun. Put your protein and vegetables on a kebob stick and grill them for a different taste. The healthy combinations are endless!
• Focus on fun activities. Instead of making food the focus of the event, have fun enjoying time together with a new activity! Start up a game of backyard kickball or badminton!

Ask me, your OPTAVIA Coach, about other tips for staying on Plan during the Memorial Day holiday to ensure you continue your journey to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time^®.

Grateful for the OPTAVIA Program

“After four kids and yo-yo dieting my entire life, I had gotten to a very high and unhealthy weight. My blood sugars were going higher and I was starting to have some heart problems. I was shocked when my doctor had suggested weight loss surgery, as my mother battled her weight her entire life.”

Anita’s mother ended up getting Type Two Diabetes along with high blood pressure. She passed away at a young age from complications to a stroke. Anita was worried she was going down the same path.

“My daughter had told me about a program she had success with, but I thought it was another diet.”

Anita was very skeptical. Her daughter told Anita that her OPTAVIA Coach had not only lost 60 pounds*, but kept it off. So, Anita decided to try the OPTAVIA Program and she was amazed with her results – not only was she losing weight, she was also feeling great!

“The pounds and inches came off. I have now lost 61 pounds^*. When my doctor saw my transformation, she practically jumped for joy! I completely changed my health. Now, I am doing the things I used to only dream about.”

At age 55, Anita is learning to surf, and she’s completing 5Ks! She is putting her focus on an active lifestyle.

“I could not keep this amazing secret to myself so I am now an OPTAVIA Coach, where I share this wonderful Program with others.”

Anita feels blessed to have been introduced to OPTAVIA. The OPTAVIA Program has completely changed her life. Not only has she kept the weight off, but she lives by the Habits of Health^™.

“I was so happy I got to personally thank Dr. Wayne Andersen for this program at the last OPTAVIA Event. I will always be grateful to my daughter for introducing me to OPTAVIA.”