Living Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 10

Initial Goal: Lose 26 Ibs End Result: Lost 36 Ibs in 3 months ‡ Joseph Hulse, Jr. 2016 SLIM & SASSY COMPETITION GRAND PRIZE WINNER Journey to a Better Lifestyle Joseph Hulse Jr. had been over­weight from years of poor lifestyle choices, overeating, and a lack of exercise. At the time, he was working long hours trying to support a family while also attending graduate school. He says, “L ife’s demands have resorted my wife, three pre-school age children, and myself to eating on-the-go frequently.” Poor lifestyle choices eventually took a toll on Joe’s overall health, making it very difficult for him to accomplish his daily responsibilities. Due to lack of physical activity, excess weight, and weak core muscles, Joe developed lower back and neck pain. The pain made working out less desirable, and fatigue gave him an excuse not to change. But, he realized that he needed to push all the excuses out of the way and start making some serious lifestyle changes. ® Overcoming Challenges Incorporating dōTERRA Products Having three young children and getting to the gym is tough, so I found a local gym with child care. There are days when I don’t have time to exercise, so when that happens, I give myself a pass and plan for the next morning. Lifestyle is a journey of planning. Whatever you do, avoid criticizing yourself for missing a workout when time is not in your control. You can always stay accountable by asking a friend to meet you for workout or a walk. Each day I started with water and the Slim & Sassy® Metabolic Blend for a morning boost.* I used the TerraGreens® mix after a workout and changed my eating habits for healthy portions of lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. I reduced excess sugar and processed foods and focused on eating higher fiber foods. Each day I take the dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack® supplements to support my daily intake of antioxidants.* I incorporated the Slim & Sassy® Trim-Shake for a low-calorie evening snack. Placing Value on Health Exercise has been vital to my transformation. I have found the morning to be the best time for exercise, so I set a specific time to go to the gym, and I make it a priority. It became my outlet for reducing daily stress. I also made sure I was getting at least seven hours of sleep so I could have the energy to exercise the next day. Adequate sleep will bring mental clarity during workouts and when selecting food choices. Since I started the challenge, I’ve identified my eating triggers and really placed value on my health. Using dōTERRA products in my lifestyle change has made a remarkable improvement in my overall wellbeing.* It is incredible the improvement I feel with balancing family, work, and graduate school. I feel more energy keeping up with my three preschool-age children! My concentration and focus with the graduate studies are at an all-time high. * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ‡Results vary based on diet and exercise. Typical loss may be less. 10 / FALL 2016 LIVING MAGAZINE “I want to be an example for others to improve their nutrition and overcome weight loss obstacles. Most importantly, I want to have good health and longevity with my wife and to set an example of nutrition, hydration, and physical activity for my children as they continue to grow.” -Joe Exceeding Expectations In the end, I exceeded my weight loss goal by 10 pounds, and more importantly, I have implemented a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family. I have dropped far more inches than expected, and I am under my waist size goal by three inches. With the change in body fat and improved posture, I am feeling healthy and energized, and I no longer get up struggling with neck and back pain. A primary goal was to change my family’s nutritional habits. The new lifestyle has allowed me to set an example of healthy eating, and I cook more for my family! My wife and I are incorporating enjoyable physical activity in our own quality time. Being active has helped me keep and have fun running and dancing with my children. The lifestyle change has motivated many around me to begin their weight loss journey. I often get asked how I lost weight, and I am happy to share this experience with them. BEFORE JOE’S TIPS TO SUCCESS Value Yourself and Think Positive Find Motivation Exercise Create Awareness of Calories and Nutrition Stay Hydrated and Well Nourished 1 2 3 4 5 Evaluate and reduce life stressors and trigger points to make healthier lifestyle choices. Make a mental decision that you are important enough to carve out time for yourself so you can have a better, healthier lifestyle. Self-reflect on what you consider fun and build your workouts around what you enjoy doing. Keep motivated by surrounding yourself with support and healthy reminders. Ask friends to help you stay motivated and to join you in activities and healthier eating habits. Place motivating messages of encouragement around your house. When the mind stays motivated, the body will follow. Focus on increasing your upper and lower body strength when beginning your lifestyle change. Increased muscle supports posture, mobility, and is the body’s frame. As you begin to see results, don’t stay complacent. Push yourself to achieve goals that you once would never create for yourself. Confidence will build, and you’ll look forward to new achievements. Read food labels and choose whole foods that are unrefined with no added sugar. Familiarize yourself with serving sizes to maintain portion control. Clean out your pantry to remove unhealthy foods and create a shopping list of healthy foods and stick to that list. Avoid drinking your calories and save your calories for eating nutritious foods. Eat high protein and high fiber food sources at every meal and increase your servings of plant-based foods. Take dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack® supplements to support your nutritional needs.*