As you are working towards optimal health and wellbeing, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen suggests following the “Trilogy Wheel” in Your LifeBook. The “Trilogy Wheel” encompasses the idea that having a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy finances is the key to achieving optimal health.

We know that some things are out of our control when it comes to our overall health, but improving these three areas can lead to achieving your goals.

Follow these tips to get one step closer to transforming your mind, body, and financial wellness^* as you work to achieve optimal health and wellbeing:

• Eat healthy. Food costs money and it seems that healthier foods tend to be more expensive. To save money and support local farmers, you can shop at your local farmers' market this summer. They offer a variety of fresh veggies to add to your Lean & Green meals.
• Sleep well. Sufficient sleep is crucial for anyone working towards optimal health. Staying up late, or sleeping minimal hours each night, will cloud your ability to think clearly and logically. Dr Andersen recommends, at minimum, eight hours of sleep each night so do your best to meet this as a goal.
• Meditate. When done regularly and on a sustained basis, meditation can benefit your mental wellbeing. According to heathline.com it can help reduce stress, enhance self- awareness, and ease anxiety. 
• . Continue to expand your support system by sharing your journey and goals with the OPTAVIA Community, with me (your Coach), or even your family and friends! When others become aware of your healthy lifestyle, they may align themselves or be considerate of the healthy habits you are working hard to achieve.

Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for other ways to achieve a healthy body, mind, and finances on your journey to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time. 

We all know that the little ones can be picky when it comes to food, especially some vegetables.

However, education can be very powerful in overcoming this challenge. Children will be more likely to eat (and enjoy) the foods you serve them if they know where they come from, how plants grow, and the benefits to their health.

Over the years, a little learning here and there goes a long way. Getting your kids involved in the kitchen when they are young can also lead to a breakthrough! 

Consider these tips:

• Have them choose colors. Having a variety of colors and options in your kitchen will certainly excite the kids! Ask them what color bell pepper they want or if they prefer green or purple cabbage. Eat the rainbow!
• Let them watch. Pull up a chair for your little ones to stand on and safely watch you cook. You may be surprised at how interested they can be. In addition, it is a great way to spend time with your children and have them ask questions.
• Help plan meals. Ask what they want to eat or let them choose a side dish. Find out their favorite vegetables and get them involved!
• Perform simple tasks. Even young children can help stir or mix foods together. They also may enjoy using measuring cups and getting products out of the drawers for you.
• Safely chop veggies. If your kids are old enough, you can get them involved in chopping or slicing certain vegetables. After they get the hang of it, it may even save you some cooking time.

The more your kids know about the foods they are eating, the more they will enjoy and appreciate them. Just make it fun and encourage them to try new foods as they grow.

Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, about additional ways you can create different food experiences and make lasting memories at the same time.

Running to her own beat

Dana has been an avid runner and gym-goer for 10 years. She has completed 40-plus half marathons and three full marathons, including the 2018 NYC Marathon. Yet, despite the hundreds of fitness classes and thousands of miles run, her weight crept steadily higher year after year.

“What I needed was a change in mindset about what I ate and how often I should eat to keep my insulin levels low, energy sky high, and my body burning fat for fuel.”

Dana's own sister eventually convinced her to try OPTAVIA and she soon got on Plan. She never looked back! "I remember reading in the Habits of Health book about how Dr. Andersen visited a gym and told the women that if they tried Plan they'd soon see the muscles that they'd worked so hard for. That was exactly what happened to me."

For Dana, it took 10 years of working out to make the muscles, but only five months to take off 25 pounds^* so she could enjoy them.

With success came a lot of interest, especially in Dana’s circle of friends. That’s when she made the decision to become an OPTAVIA Coach.

"I've always enjoyed helping people reach their goals, especially in the running community. I never expected just how many people valued my advice and guidance. I became a Coach for the accountability factor. A side bonus was I didn't realize how rewarding Coaching with OPTAVIA would be!"

So far, Dana has helped a husband and wife team lose 300 plus pounds^* between them. She has also helped her dad, sister, and daughter achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

"Thank you, OPTAVIA, for changing my life for the better from the bottom of my (healthy) heart."