From women’s health
My name is Lynnette Grimaudiamnettyyy), and I’m 33 years old. I’m from Edison, New Jersey, and I’m a contractor and proposal manager. I wanted to be the healthiest for my son, so I tried the Optavia diet and changed how I think about food.
I always felt like the bigger girl in the class who grew up and I was constantly struggling with overeating. I was raised by a single mother and had to eat and afford food for me and my siblings, which were usually not very nutritious. I did not always feel worth being loved or accepted – and that was mostly because I did not like the way I looked. For years it was drilled into my head: “Lose weight!” Growing up in a Spanish household, weight was for me a cultural focus during every important holiday function.
As I got older, food became my comfort. It made me feel good. However, I was so ashamed of my eating habits that I would “sneak-eat” meals. I go to Wendy’s and get a number six with a lemonade and a double stack on the side with cheese. And let’s not forget a five – piece chicken lump with a double chocolate chip cookie.
At the age of 25, I became pregnant myself and became a single mother. I fell into a depressed state. There have been so many changes to my body, and life was not what I thought it would be. The eating habits of my pregnancy plummeted in the postpartum period, and over time, I grew larger. I dealt with my sadness again through food.
Over time, I realized that my son needed me to be strong and healthy in order to be a part of his life in the long run. He is my Why.
I also think of February 2019 when I went to the wedding of a good friend. I did not want to be photographed, but they caught me in an open moment. When the picture was published, I was so shocked at how big I looked. I could not believe it was me. It was time for me to take control again.
My godmother reached out to me and told me about a weight loss program called Optavia. She became a coach of the company and wanted me to sign up to try the meal plan. I was skeptical at first, but decided to give it a try for a month – and I lost 15 pounds. I loved it.
Optavia is essentially a diet program that sends pre-packaged mini-meals and snacks directly to your door. (It costs money, FYI!) It is designed to contain few carbohydrates and calories, and you also eat lean meats and vegetables as part of your meals. The meals are called fuel, and the plan changed my whole perspective on food. I now consider food as fuel! With Optavia, it is comfortable and easy to grab and go and you do not have to worry about what to eat. Generally, I try to eat lots of vegetables and lean proteins.
I started to feel healthier, confident, less bloated and regularly had more energy. I sleep even better and do not sleep like before. My blood sugar levels are balanced and my blood pressure is in a healthy place. This was important to me as diabetes and high blood pressure were introduced in my family.
This is what I eat one day.
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Breakfast: Egg whites with onions, peppers, spinach and half a cup of oatmeal.
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Lunch: Half a potato with minced turkey.
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Dinner: Lean meats and vegetables.
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Snacks: Optavia Decadent Brownie or their cinnamon cheesecake swirl. Their Crisp Bar fuel is also good. If I’m on my way, I have to take it with me.
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Dessert: I usually save dessert when I go out to eat every now and then.
I first focused on my nutrition, then I started exercising.
I wanted to start feeling stronger and fitter, so I went to cycling classes and Zumba (I love dancing!). I created my own Zumba playlist and would dance to cardio for one hour five hours a week. Then I also added 45 minutes of resistance exercises for my muscle growth.
At first it was boring to get into the habit of exercising, but I enjoyed the stress relief and sense of accomplishment after I finished. I felt my body was grateful that I took the time to work through weakness!
These three small changes had a huge impact on my weight loss.
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I changed my mindset and learned to be patient with myself. I really had to understand that time would pass regardless, and I had to stop putting hard “stop dates” on myself. I would feel so disappointed if I did not meet the ‘deadline’ I set. So I changed my mind and started talking positively on a regular basis. I started telling myself I like what I see in the mirror and really accept myself.
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I made my journey public for others to follow. I decided I wanted to help women struggling with the same things, and I myself became an Optavia health coach and developed my Instagram page to invite people on my health journey. This platform is designed to encourage, motivate and empower – and it holds me accountable as well.
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I started making the gym a priority. I work on my fitness goals because it keeps me motivated and sensible during difficult times we are experiencing. It was an important part of my journey because I can see the differences in myself as well as the differences in those who are watching me. I like being that motivation.
I lost a total of 55 pounds.
I want women to know that it was not easy, but it is certainly possible. You always hear that consistency and discipline are the key. And that’s true, but be patient with yourself and your individual process. The reason why so many people are abandoning their healthy eating habits is because they want the results yesterday. Start by taking small steps that lead to long-term results.
Drink plenty of water, put donuts in place of fruit bowls and shift the state of mind from it can not on can. I’m so glad I went through this journey because my strength was shown when I finally came out of the dark place and could smile with confidence and say, “Yeah, I did it!”
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