Lexlee H. — Lost over 190lbs.*

As a high school athlete, I was in good shape until I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus in 2013. Then, I went off to college, and my “freshman 15” turned into a freshman 180. In 2018, I found myself at only 22 years old, mentally exhausted and emotionally drained. I was juggling college and all the stressors that go along with it plus two jobs.

In February 2018, I went to the doctor and weighed in at 360 pounds… 22 years old, 5'9" and 360 pounds! I felt defeated. I no longer felt like myself. I hated doing everything I once loved to do because I was insecure, uncomfortable, tired all the time and had a constant negative mindset. I lost my smile, I lost my buoyant personality and, most of all, I lost Lexlee. I forgot how to be happy.

I would fall often, my knees hurt all the time, my back killed me and I was in extensive chiropractic therapy. At that point, I made a decision that would forever change my life. I chose to get healthy. That month, I started the health and wellness program OPTAVIA. Since February 2018, I’ve lost over 190 pounds* by integrating healthy habits into my everyday life through the support of my independent OPTAVIA Coach (my mom!) and the OPTAVIA Community. The same program had also changed both my mother’s and my grandmother’s lives. Collectively, we’ve lost a total of 344 pounds!*

Not only does my back no longer hurt, I’m also able to ride horses again! I’m truly enjoying life. I love waking up and getting out, I love being more active with my dogs, I love being able to shop at whatever store I want, and I LOVE the way I feel. I no longer think negatively about myself. Instead, I empower myself.

Food no longer controls me, circumstances no longer dominate my mindset and others’ opinions no longer have power over my emotions. OPTAVIA gave me the tools to help me cope with whatever life throws my way. I gained knowledge to make healthy decisions, which I’ll be able to pass down to my future family, and, I gained a Community of other like-hearted people who support and encourage me.

I graduated college in spring 2020 and became an independent OPTAVIA Coach to help encourage and inspire others through their own health journeys. I often help them learn the program’s six Habits of Health—including healthy eating and hydration, motion, sleep, mind, weight and surroundings. I am intentional with my actions, decisions, thoughts and in relationships, and am living life purposefully and consciously. Healthy body and healthy mind for the WIN!

*Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds(5.4 kg). Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.