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Carrying and Dropping the Weight
Linda had carried the weight—both physical and emotional—for as long as she could remember. From her early days as a chubby child to navigating the challenges of adolescence as a slightly overweight teenager, the struggle with her weight persisted. As the years went by, the pounds continued to slowly add up, pushing Linda to explore various weight loss methods, from several programs to extreme measures such as minimal eating and countless hours of exercise.
The toll on her well-being became undeniable, with issues like acid reflux and fatigue becoming constant companions. The fear of embarrassment and the limitations imposed by her weight haunted Linda, making her hesitant to engage in various activities, even checking weight limits before sitting on a swing. Routine doctor visits were marred by anxiety, knowing she would have to confront the scale and face comments about her health.
The unexpected onset of COVID-19 and the shift to virtual teaching presented Linda with an opportune moment for change. With fewer social interactions, she saw it as the perfect time to embark on a personal transformation before the pandemic's end.
A turning point came when Linda stumbled upon a friend's before-and-after photo on Facebook. Determined to cast aside excuses, she reached out and discovered the OPTAVIA program. Filled with a mix of fear, excitement, determination, and hope, Linda joined that very night. The waiting period for her OPTAVIA box became a preparation phase. With the support of her OPTAVIA Coach, she purged her house of junk food, stocked up on nutritious groceries, identified her motivations ("WHYs"), and set short and long-term goals encompassing weight loss and measurements. The dreaded "before" pictures and measurements were taken, serving as a tangible starting point for Linda's journey.
In early March, Linda embarked on DAY 1 of her OPTAVIA journey, bringing her commitment to the forefront. The key lay in a radical transformation of habits—water consumption, Fuelings, Lean and Green Meals—leading to a cascade of positive changes.
Fast forward to August 1st, and Linda achieved her goal, shedding 95 pounds. Linda also went from a size 20 to a 4*. Yet, the transformation extended beyond the external, bringing newfound confidence, comfort in her own skin, boundless energy, and a renewed perspective on life.
Linda's milestones continued with improvements in various aspects of her life. With the weight goal achieved, her focus shifted to toning her body, incorporating strength training and HIIT, and embracing activities previously deemed impossible—ziplining, kayaking, and even confidently wearing shorts.
Enter Coaching—a surprising but rewarding addition to Linda's life. Despite a busy schedule with teaching and family responsibilities, the desire to pay it forward led her to become an independent OPTAVIA Coach. Witnessing others struggling with their well-being, Linda found joy and purpose in guiding them toward a proven method for success. As a teacher, Coaching seamlessly integrated into her schedule, allowing her to impact lives positively on two fronts—nurturing young minds and empowering individuals to adopt healthy habits that transform their lives.
In retrospect, OPTAVIA changed Linda's body and mind, while Coaching altered the trajectory of her entire life, enhancing its quality in ways she never anticipated.
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