After experiencing continuous stress and a lack of motivation, Rachel Cody decided that it was time to alter her lifestyle so she could live a much longer and healthier life. In 2010, she made a decision to quit smoking, and as a result, along with a few other contributing factors, she ended up putting on a few unwanted pounds. “My metabolism isn’t what it used to be, and having a family with a history of weight-related ailments, I knew I needed to take control of my life.” Rachel has a loving family, a wonderful career, and no serious health concerns. She says, “I have nothing to complain about and should be taking advantage of my beautiful life.”
Finding Motivation
My top priority in losing weight and keeping it off is my health. My competitive spirit is what kept me motivated throughout this journey. I set small personal goals or challenges to keep things fun. Whether it be a push-up calendar or a roasted chickpea recipe, I always have healthy options to try to keep things interesting. Planning out something to train for also keeps me focused. Having an event to look forward to, a team that depends on me, and a group of friends to train with makes working out more social and fun.
Mental and Physical Changes
The healthy habits formed over the last few months have made their mark, and it is apparent to everyone who knows me. I have gotten my youthful spirit and enthusiasm back. My mental stability, focus, mood, confidence, purpose, and drive have all improved greatly and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It hasn’t been easy—there have been bumps along the way—but the combination of a clean diet, exercise, and using doTERRA products has set me up for success, and I don’t plan on turning back. And of course, overcoming any challenge takes the support of those around you and the persistence to see your goals to the end. I am amazed at some of the things I have pushed my body to do. I have counted down to the end date of this competition, but the strides I have made will not stop just because this challenge is over.
I have a new appreciation of what my body is capable of and a new confidence to take myself there. Through the course of this challenge, I have managed to prep and list my home for sale, which was something that we wanted to do for some time. We found our dream farm and we are in the initial stages of purchasing. The newfound stability and outlook have been extremely beneficial in maneuvering these stressful tasks. In the past, I was an emotional eater. I would juggle back and forth between a sweet and salty snack all day in an attempt to make myself happy— resulting in a jolt of energy and a lazy crash. Now, I prepare foods that taste great, satisfy my hunger, and give my body the fuel it needs. I rarely have cravings for anything between meals.
Trying new recipes and bringing “healthy” foods to social gatherings is fun. They occasionally get a lot of hype, and I might get a hard time for bringing a fancy salad to a barbecue, but the dish is always empty when I bring it home. My complexion, concentration, and life’s purpose are clearer now.
Sleep is no longer an issue and when it’s time for bed I am out with the lights. My back no longer troubles me, which I never did pinpoint as a problem originally. I believe the extra weight I was carrying contributed to poor posture causing a dull constant pressure that I only realized once it was removed. I have a new balance. The physical changes in my body are more noticeable to others, but it is the mental changes that I see in myself that I never want to lose again.
Having the right attitude and outlook on life and surrounding myself with others who do the same is key. I know I can depend on myself from now on and that the healthy decisions I make daily mold what I look like on the outside and how I feel on the inside. I love the new me and am proud of what I have accomplished in this short time. It is so worth the time and effort. My body has rewarded me, and I feel so blessed that doTERRA provided me this opportunity!
“Weight is gained steadily over time and the safest way to get it back off is steadily one pound at a time.” – Rachel
doTERRA Products Used:
- Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend
- doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack
- DigestZen
- Zendocrine
- Purify
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Deep Blue Soothing Blend
RACHEL'S TIPS TO SUCCESS
Tell Someone
I believe in setting up healthy habits and then telling all your friends and family so that, ideally, they can get onboard too and help you stay on track.
Plan your meals
Meal planning with fresh and clean foods from the perimeter of the grocery store helps me. Avoiding over processed and convenient prepackaged meals and snacks lurking in the aisles is key.
Exercise Daily
Set aside time every day for some sort of exercise. Walk the dog, take a hike, do some yoga, anything to get your heart rate up and your metabolism burning. I prefer to go to group exercise classes first thing in the morning so I don’t allow myself to get “too busy” to fit it into my day.
Develop a Routine
Healthy eating and exercising, paired with doTERRA essential oils, is a winning combination. Once the pattern is set it is amazing how much more aware you become of your body’s reactions to things.
Purchase a dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack and Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend here.
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