Lynda Labrum with Stores Online

Lynda Labrum with Stores Online has lost over 25 pounds due to her focus and determination on improving her health and lifestyle. Not only does she feel better since making changes to her exercise and nutrition regimens, she’s also happy that her health is headed in the direction that will enable her to be around to play with and live to see her 10 grandchildren be married.

Lynda began making alterations to her lifestyle so she could be a better example of health to her family. Her long term goal was ultimately to lose weight and keep it off, which she’s done by focusing on short-term goals like limiting sweets, drinking ample amounts of water, consuming smaller portions, and sticking to an exercise routine. She’s also incorporated a daily routine of mixing two tablespoons of flaxseed into half a cup of milk. These things have led to her shedding weight and improving her cholesterol levels.

Lynda admits when she first joined the Apple Program® she felt it was just another thing she had to do, but she says, “As I got to know my Apple Health Coach® I really came to enjoy the program. Without the program I probably wouldn’t have seen the results I have. The program, along with a gym pass, has made all the difference.”

One of the most helpful things her coach suggested was to divide up her lunch, instead of eating it all at the same time. “I now eat my lunch throughout the day. I have fruits, vegetables, and a sandwich, but I eat some in the morning, some during lunch, then I have an afternoon snack. It helps curb my appetite, and I’ve found that I’m now no longer eating late at night.”

“The goals I had, as far as weight loss, were more like a dream and idea I had. Losing weight isn’t easy when you enjoying cooking, but it’s all worked out. Having a supportive husband has helped,” says Lynda. She continues, “Although at the beginning of all this, the money and discount on our insurance premium motivated me, I now find that I just want to be healthy and I see that I can. I know that losing weight will help repair and prevent future health problems.”

Lynda attributes much of her success to her Apple Health Coach, Bobbie, who’s been patient, kind, and professional. Her high stress level also motivated her to make changes. She wanted to find something that would reduce it, and has found that an improved diet combined with exercise has reduced her stress. “Life has stress,” says Lynda, “but I’ve learned you can’t get rid of it all together; but you can learn things and find ways to deal with it.” Through the winter, she’s remained constant with her exercise goal by working out at home on a stationery bike.

Her hard work has paid off, as she’s lost two dress sizes and has gained a feeling of success in an area she says she’s struggled with. “My family is all very proud of me, and I get a lot of encouragement from them, which helps. I feel better, and I enjoy the little things like being able to sit cross-legged and crawl on the floor with my grandkids! I also feel better in my head!” Her future goals are to maintain her weight loss by continuing to incorporate the changes she’s made in her life as well as continuing to improve her BMI.

Lynda’s advice to others is, “Don’t stop! If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Talk to people, talk to a friend that exercises or talk to a coach! Picture the goal in your mind, and see in your mind what you’re wishing. Wishes really do come true with a little help and a lot of hard work!”