Can you tell me a little bit about how you found out about Pack Health and what made you want to sign up?

I work at UAB hospital and one of my coworkers was telling me about her journey and how much she was progressing. She mentioned she was actually earning money while doing so! She showed me her blood pressure and all around the app. I thought about how cool it would be to keep up with my weight loss journey and having some help me stay on track with what I eat. I signed up because why not? When I signed up it said I’d get a Health Advisor and I thought to myself, “Ohh this is something I need!” I knew it was going to be tough, but I knew I needed to do it. I wanted to do it. I needed someone to talk me through things. I signed up and my Health Advisor Elizabeth called me and told me what we’d be doing together. I was so excited!

We’re so happy to hear that! How has your experience been so far? How’s it been with Elizabeth?

Elizabeth has been wonderful. We’d talk about all the things we’re going to do and she really was so helpful. I’m sure I got on her nerves because I was doubting myself a ton, but she was amazing and so helpful. Early on, and I got the gist of it and thought “Yes! This is awesome!” I’ve gotten to the point where I look forward to talking to her every Monday!

My hurdles were a huge thing for me and they were holding me back big time. It was the part I never really talked about out loud and I kept in my head. I always thought that eating healthy was so expensive and I never thought I could manage my time well enough to prioritize eating well. With Elizabeth’s help, I found out that it’s actually so much cheaper to eat healthier and I was shocked! I learned how to meal prep and eat new foods that I wasn’t aware of!

Did you two set any specific Tiny Steps you’d like to share? 

My first Tiny Step was finding a time that worked for me. After we determined that, I was able to get out there and get my steps in. I started with one mile per day and worked my way up to two and even three! Just walking, in general, was my number one thing. I learned it wasn’t a race it was about listening to my body and doing what I could do! We set reminders on my phone to go to bed on time and I used the same reminders to remind me to get walking. You’ve got to create your time and it’s got to be for YOU! I can’t let ME down!

How has Pack Health helped you change your lifestyle?

Food prepping never even crossed my mind. Elizabeth was so good about reminding me to carve out some time to prep. She also encouraged me a ton and reminded me of the things I said I wanted to work on. She was the accountability person I needed for everything I said I would do. I was also able to text her and we could work on things more easily. She almost felt like my best friend because I would send her pictures of my mileage and food and photos in general. It was a journey, but it was worth it!

How has the current Coronavirus pandemic either impacted or changed your commitment to healthy living? 

Actually it’s made it better! I had a lot of time to sit and have time to myself and think about what I wanted to do for myself. It took out the excuses for not having enough time to take care of myself! I created a new routine while working from home. I would get up with my neighbor and walk at 6:30 am and get ready for work. I’d have time to eat a healthy breakfast and make coffee and get to work! Not to mention I met so many people at the park which was so great for me. We got used to seeing each other exercising and we would encourage each other. I think the pandemic has really helped me learn that I’m okay being alone and know that I have something to do. I need to take care of myself!

Would you recommend PH?

Absolutely! I actually think everyone needs it and it should be a requirement for your job! It has helped my mind and my anxiety and I’ve been able to better manage my ADD as well. Walking helps so much with my memory and eating berries has helped my drive! And let me tell you, I’ve been overweight for a while and this has TRULY made a difference! I started looking in the mirror and loving myself and it turns out, all I needed was a little encouragement.