A vacation is a time to unwind, celebrate, rejuvenate, and try new things. Whether you are safely planning an upcoming spring vacation or taking some time off work for a staycation, there are plenty of ways to focus your time off on fun, not food, and in a safe way!

Check out the following tips for staying on Plan and having a relaxing break while on your vacation/staycation:

• Get outside. Explore a new town or take a hike around your neighborhood park! Just getting out for some fresh air and moving your body can really help you relax and unwind. So get that circulation going and spend your vacation/staycation stress-free!
• Plan a game night. Monopoly, Battleship, Clue—these games never go out of style! Dust off the board games and invite the whole family to enjoy the simple joy of a game night.
• Explore a new town. Whether you're staying at home or vacationing somewhere new, pick one afternoon to explore a new town nearby! Wear comfy shoes and get some steps in as you take in the new area.
• Routine is keen. During your time off, you might make a few alterations to your meal schedule, like moving your Lean & Green to lunchtime for an afternoon event or splitting it in half for two events. Work to stick with your typical schedule to avoid any temptations.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to relax during your time off while also staying on Plan! Ask me, your Independent OPTAVIA Coach, for even more fun ideas on how to enjoy your time off while on your journey to optimal health and wellbeing.

Being mindful is an essential part of your journey to optimal health and wellbeing. Mindfulness is about more than simply thinking positively and being in a proper headspace. Incorporating mindful behaviors into your daily routine will help you make choices that lead you to success on your journey to lifelong transformation.

To elevate your health and wellness experiences, try practicing some of these mindful habits:

• Journal. Each day, reflect on a moment when you felt a craving and how you handled it, or try writing about an accomplishment. Remember, you don’t have to write the next best-seller; one sentence is all it takes! Incorporating this habit into your daily routine will provide you with a valuable record of your thoughts and feelings during your journey. Your LifeBook is a great place to start journaling!
• Plan ahead. Spending some time thinking of situations that are challenging for you is an important form of mindfulness. After doing this exercise, plan your replies to these instances ahead of time, so that you are ready when they pop up.
• Meditate. Spend a couple of minutes to stop and be conscious of your breathing. Doing this will help clear your mind, so that you can think more soundly.
• Think as you eat. Try to practice mindfulness as you eat your Fuelings, taking at least 15 minutes to slowly and thoughtfully consume your meal. To help slow down your eating, try cutting bars into small pieces and eating one bite at a time. As you’re enjoying your food, be sure to reflect on the changes you're experiencing and how they make you feel.
• Talk to me, your Coach. I am here to offer you support on your journey to optimal health. Remember that I have been in your shoes, so I can help steer you to success!

Ask me, your Independent OPTAVIA Coach, for more ways to practice mindful behaviors on your journey to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time.   

Family Change

Dr. Julie came from a big Italian family that would spend Sundays at church and carry over their weekly Sunday celebration during family dinners. Growing up, Dr. Julie saw food as something that was always there for her.

But, as she continued along with her lifestyle, which included coping with food day in and day out, she ended up at more than 325 pounds*.

“I watched my whole family shrink before my eyes. They made incredible transformations, while I was convinced that my life as a sedentary sideline mom and a doctoral student was all I was capable of being”

Dr. Julie tried every "diet" out there until one day, she decided to embrace OPTAVIA and get on Plan. She let her own brother become her Independent OPTAVIA Coach, and now Dr. Julie has lost more than 147lbs*!

“Over the past year, I devoured Dr. A's Transformational System and cooked tons of Lean & Green recipes designed in partnership with Culinary Institute of America.” 

Dr. Julie even attended a recent event, which led her to becoming an OPTAVIA Coach herself! She has now helped dozens of people start their own journeys, including her own daughters. Gifting everyone the gift of optimal health and making OPTAVIA a family affair.

“My daughters and I now plan meals, shop, cook, and eat as a family together nightly, something we NEVER did before the start of my journey!”

Today, she thanks OPTAVIA for her health, happiness, and how close it has brought her family together again.