Sunshine, barbecues, fireworks, and being thankful for our country! Who doesn't love a good Independence Day celebration?

To many of us, it's about celebrating our nation and proudly displaying red, white, and blue, and also spending time with family and friends.

As you are enjoying yourself this holiday, there are some easy steps to make sure you stay safe and healthy. It doesn't take much, but a little pre-planning can go a long way.

Check out the following tips and strategies to keep you on track and healthy this year:

• Stay safe in the sun. Wear red in your outfit, not on your skin! Everyone wants to spend time outside, but be sure to stay smart while enjoying the sunshine. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. Don't forget your neck, back, lips, and scalp!
• Bring something. Showing up with a platter of veggies or a tray of chicken or vegetable kabobs will ensure you have plenty of healthy options to keep you on plan and satisfied. Better yet, check out the Grilled Steak & Vegetable Kabobs Lean & Green recipe below, or check out the recipes in the OPTAVIA App, and bring one to the party to share with your friends and family! They won’t believe how delicious and healthy a meal can be.
• Family & friends first. Parties don’t have to revolve around food! Grab your cousin, steal away your sister-in-law, or best friend, and enjoy the warm weather with a walk after lunch or dinner.

Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for other tips to stay on track this Fourth of July while you work to achieve Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time.^®

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Everyone experiences it, whether it's at work, home, or anywhere in-between. Like a healthy diet, managing stress is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

While we may not be able to fully rid ourselves of stressors, learning how to manage stress gives us a range of ways to reset, recalibrate, and recommit to our mental wellbeing.

Try these relaxation techniques to help keep your stress levels at bay:

• Positive Affirmations. Talking to yourself in a positive way can help create a positive mindset. Stay positive with thoughts like “I can handle this by taking one step at a time.”
• Breathe. Take some reflective time to do a breathing exercise at the beginning of your day or when you have a midday break. Deep breaths cue the brain to calm down.
• Stretch. Stretching helps reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow throughout the body. Take a few minutes to stretch every couple of hours, especially if you've been stationary for an extended period.
• Reach out to your network. Reach out to OPTAVIA's supportive Community and me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, to talk through any challenges you may face along your health journey.
• Get outside. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, and a change of scenery can help you relax. Go for a short walk on a nice day to refresh and revitalize. Your mind and body will thank you for it!
• Do what you love. Whether it's hiking, painting, or cooking, immersing yourself in your favorite activity can be a pleasant distraction. Your thoughts and worries will decrease, making you feel more relaxed.

Ask me, your OPTAVIA Coach, about other ways to manage stress on your journey to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time.

Living Healthy Out Loud

Meredith struggled with her relationship with food for years, like so many others. On top of that, she was diagnosed with a rare disease six years ago.

Meredith started dodging photos and would go weeks without leaving her house, but over time she changed her life after being introduced to OPTAVIA.

Meredith got on plan, eventually lost the weight*, and discovered the results she needed to improve her holistic health and wellbeing.

After seeing her progress, Meredith felt obligated to share OPTAVIA with others and became an independent OPTAVIA Coach herself!

“My mission is to use my platform to teach others about the importance of health and wellbeing, especially my OPTAVIA Clients, who I’ve mentored by joining a group of ‘lady bosses’ dedicated to changing their lives.”

With Meredith’s help, a few local women in the group have finally executed their personal small businesses that had in the past only been a vision on a dream board!

Not only is Meredith an independent OPTAVIA Coach and helping others, she is also using her voice to mentor others with rare diseases by encouraging them to start their own journeys.

“For the second time, I will speak in front of the FDA during Rare Disease Week. l hope to inspire others with rare diseases to find their voices too.”

Each day Meredith feels more motivated to stay committed to her goals while helping others. She thanks OPTAVIA for her courage and her newfound new passion to help others.