How can networking help us achieve our health goals?

How does networking contribute to health and well-being? I’ve never really a been a yo-yo dieter. I’d lose weight on one diet, then gain it all back (plus some) on the next. After several mindset shifts, I decided that I was done with all that. I decided to accept myself whatever size I was.

I discovered I could maintain my weight with TaeBo and walking. Which worked until hit my fifties. Early 2023, I decided to drop some weight before my class reunion. That’s when I discovered Optavia. Optavia is a lifestyle program that teaches you how to eat healthy and make lasting changes to your habits. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s real and it works.

When I first started Optavia, my goal was to lose 20 pounds by June for my 40th class reunion. But I quickly realized that the program was more than just a weight loss plan. It was a way to change my life.

I started by learning about the Habits of Health, which are the foundation of the Optavia program. These habits include eating regular meals and snacks, choosing healthy foods, and getting regular exercise.

I also started eating Optavia Fuelings, which are nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Fuelings are convenient and easy to prepare, and they helped me to stay on track with my goals.

At first, I was afraid it would a bit of an adjustment to follow the Optavia plan. But I quickly got into the swing of things, and I started to see results pretty fast.

By the time of my class reunion, I had lost 32 pounds! I was feeling great, and I had more energy than ever before. I was also sleeping better and my blood pressure had dropped.

But the best part was that I knew that I could keep the weight off. I had learned new habits that I could stick with for the long term.

Since my class reunion, I have lost a total of 49 pounds. I am still on the Optavia program, and I am loving every minute of it. I have never felt healthier or more confident.

If you are looking for a sustainable way to lose weight and improve your health, I highly recommend Optavia. It’s a program that works, and it’s a program that can change your life.

Here are some specific tips that helped me on my Optavia journey:

• Find a supportive community. One of the best things about Optavia is the community of support that it offers. There are online and in-person support groups where you can connect with other people who are on the same journey as you.
• Set realistic goals. Don’t try to lose too much weight too quickly. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, and celebrate your successes along the way.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your Optavia Coach is there to support you and help you succeed. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

If you are ready to start your own Optavia journey, I encourage you to visit the Optavia website to learn more. I also encourage you to find a Coach who can help you get started on your path to a healthier, happier life.

I have to give a special shout-out to my Optavia Health Coach, Ingrid Powell Dawkins. Ingrid and I met back in the summer of 1988 when she was assigned to my unit as a West Point cadet. I’m so grateful that our paths have crossed again, and that she is now helping me on my Optavia journey.

Ingrid is the best Health Coach anyone could ask for. She is knowledgeable, supportive, and always there to cheer me on. She has helped me to stay on track with my goals and to make the necessary changes to my lifestyle.

I’m also so happy to report that my sister has also joined me on the Optavia journey. Together, we have lost a total of over 81 pounds! We are both so proud of our progress, and we are so grateful for the support of our Optavia Coach.

This is just one more example of how your network can benefit you. You never know when or how someone from your past can help you in the present. Ingrid and I met over 35 years ago! So make sure to nurture your relationships and stay connected with your network. You never know when you might need their help.

Here are some tips for nurturing your network:

• Stay in touch with people you meet, both online and in person.
• Be supportive of others and offer to help them whenever possible.
• Be a good listener and learn from the experiences of others.
• Be generous with your time and knowledge.
• Be yourself and let people get to know the real you.

The more you nurture your network, the stronger it will become. And the stronger your network, the more benefits you will enjoy.

^{Related reading: Not Using Informational Interviews? You’re Missing Out on Valuable Networking Opportunities!}

^{Related reading: Top 20 Networking Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)}

Twanna Carter, PhD, ICF/PCC, Career Coach for Black Women Leaders | 20+ Years of Experience Helping Women Achieve Their Career Goals | Leadership |  Personal Development | Business Strategy | Career Development | Lifestyle Balance | Digital Business Card | Free 30-Minute Career Solution Call