January 2020 Newsletter

Y O U R W I N T E R
H E A L T H Y W O R K P L A C E C H A M P I O N
Kelly Bell
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE HEALTH AND WELLNESS INTO YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE AT WORK?
I drink lots of water and make my lunch almost everyday and choose the healthy option in the
cafeteria when I don’t. I also wake up around 5am to get my workout in before work, it makes me
feel great and gives me the energy I need to keep me going all day.
WHY DID YOU START TO INCORPORATE THESE PRACTICES?
11 years ago I made a decision to get healthy because I was not happy with my health and my
weight. I made a choice to never “diet” again and be on the up and down roller coaster ever again.
It took me 2 years but I lost 70lbs and have kept it off since then. Having young children at the time
I wanted to set the example of a healthy lifestyle and positive body image.
WHAT BENEFITS HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED FROM IMPLEMENTING THESE PRACTICES INTO YOUR DAY?
I was able to loose 70lbs and kept it off for over 9 years. I was able to increase my activity; I was
able to start running, I learned how to water ski and started downhill skiing again! Hiking and
snowshoeing became a part of my routine. Over the last 9 years I have been very active learning
new sports/activities and plan to continue this as I get older.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR OTHERS IN THE WORKPLACE WHO ARE LOOKING TO SWITCH UP
THEIR HEALTH AND WELLNESS ROUTINE/IMPLEMENT NEW WELLNESS ACTIVITIES AT WORK?
*Knowing what your current state is so you know what your challenges are. I spent a week
recording everything I was eating before I made any change. I realized I was eating way too
much food and a lot of bad food.
*When trying to make changes, choose one thing at a time to focus on until it becomes a habit.
When you try to do everything all at once it is harder. I started with changing how much I was
eating before I changed what I was eating.
*Change your relationship with food, which happens naturally with small choice and habit
changes.
*Set specific goals!
*Don’t beat yourself up when you have a downfall and don’t let it become a snowball. Setbacks
happen, identify it and keep going. Don’t allow a setback to derail your focus and goals for that
day/weekend/week
DO YOU OR A COLLEAGUE OF YOURS HAVE A HEALTHY LIVING SUCCESS STORY?
Contact April-Lynn: atheriault@lh.ca if you're interested in sharing your story in an
upcoming "Live Your Best Health" newsletter