The last two Elements in Your LifeBook are a preview of what you will be doing to continue your weight-loss journey beyond your first year. Today, we will design a plan that might help you potentially live longer based on current scientific research, observation, and experience.

Your LifeBook provides steps from Co-founder and independent OPTAVIA Coach, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen, to follow to help reach for potential longevity.

Check out Dr. A’s tips on how to live your healthiest and longest life possible:

• Incorporate the Habits of Health^®. From learning to eat right, incorporating movement into your daily routine, and making sleep a priority, the Habits of Health will take you on a complete journey.
• Create a healthy environment. Eliminate unhealthy food, drink clean water, ensure smoke detectors are working, and lock all the doors in your home.
• Get a yearly checkup. If you didn’t see your healthcare provider before you began your weight-loss journey, do so now! Make sure you continue to get checkups at least once a year to ensure you are staying healthy.
• Go to your dentist. It may surprise you to know that dental care is critical for optimal health. Schedule an appointment at least once a year to ensure your oral health is intact.
• Reach and maintain your healthy weight. Reaching a healthy weight not only may lower your risk for disease but may also lengthen your lifespan.^*
• Obtain optimal health. No matter what your age is, optimizing your health is a fundamental principle of potentially living longer.

Remember, just as there are no shortcuts in health, there are no shortcuts in longevity. It takes discipline, but by following Your LifeBook, implementing the tips above, and working with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, you can strive for longevity, too!

The holiday season is officially upon us! While it’s usually a wonderful time of the year, it can also be busy and cause unwanted stress.

Whether it's finding the perfect gifts, making meals for multiple family dinners, or dressing up your home like a winter wonderland, the holiday season can be taxing.

Despite the demands of this time of year, there are plenty of ways to minimize stress.

I recommend these tips to ensure you stay on course:

• Invest in yourself. The more you have to manage on your to-do list, the more important it is to take time for self-care so you can approach your tasks with presence and positivity. Give yourself an early present by dedicating time to your favorite activity or treating yourself to an at-home spa day.
• Plan your shopping. Organize your shopping strategically by setting a budget and writing a gift list. With your list and budget set, hit the stores or opt for online shopping. This year, it’s important to get shopping early to avoid empty shelves or shipping delays, so get started as soon as possible.
• Choose quality over quantity. Keeping up with traditions and planning holiday activities are fun, but we can go overboard while trying to make everything perfect. Remember that spending quality time with loved ones is most important.
• Know your limits. Don’t be afraid to pull in others to help! Prioritize the items that need your attention first and if certain tasks can wait, revisit them when the holiday hustle and bustle settles.
• Take a mindful break. If you want to set the stage for an optimal day, stop and take a quick relaxation break. For example, try a breathing exercise or take a quick walk to calm and center yourself.

Remember, the holiday season is all about relaxing and spending extra time with your loved ones. Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, about other tips to follow to ensure a calm and happy holiday season!

Taking Control

Sarah had always struggled with her weight, and as she got older, she noticed the scale continue to go up.

“After 10 years of wanting to have children, we adopted our son, and he is the biggest blessing in our life! However, I found myself at the age of 38 with an almost 2-year-old and not feeling I could keep up with him or fit in with the other young moms with kids my age. I knew I needed a change.”

Sarah decided to call her friend who had lost weight through OPTAVIA* and kept it off. While hesitant at first, Sarah eventually got on plan and reached a weight she never thought was possible.^*

“I began reading through Your LifeBook, and I can't even describe the change that has happened to me on the inside. I drastically changed my appearance by following a VERY easy plan.”

Not only has Sarah kept the weight off, but she can also play with her son, has seen improvement in her relationships, and has begun exercising regularly.

As time went on, Sarah decided she wanted to help others achieve the same happiness she did, so she became an independent OPTAVIA Coach!

“I am watching my friends and family take back control of their futures. I couldn't be more thankful that I picked up that phone and called my OPTAVIA Coach. My life is forever changed.”