1. ​​​​​What was your motivation for trying this program?

I wanted to commit to my health and lose weight. Working with a coach, who is also a dear friend, I knew it would be a meaningful personal transformation journey and not just another "I tried".

 

2. Have you tried other programs before?

Nothing structured. Tried dieting and exercise regimens on my own, but wasn't able to stick with it.

 

3. What were some of the challenges you faced in the program? How did you deal with them?

Snacking habit - Breaking my emotional eating habit was a challenge. But realized that drinking water and staying hydrated kept those urges in control. Kept a kettle and lemon slices handy at my desk... if I felt the urge to munch, I'd pour myself some warm water and add a lemon slice. The electrolytes Archana recommended worked wonders in curbing hunger pangs and giving an energy boost.

 

Sleep deprivation - Work, schedules, worry, TV and bad browsing habits all kept me awake late into the night and I was sleeping for no more than 4hrs at a stretch. With Archana's help, developed a calming bedtime routine. The essential oil diffuser and smell of lavender now triggers my brain that its sleepy time. Reducing screentime before bed, charging the phone out of reach, reading a book instead of TV, writing a journal to de-clutter my brain all helped in building a better nighttime routine.

 

Travel cheats - My work involves a lot of travel filled with airport snacks and munchies. Learning to prep before travel was a huge learning after I failed miserably on my first trip during the program. Now when I travel, I always have some fruit, a reusable water bottle, electrolytes and my own coffee in a pouch. Being mindful not to order the habitual bagel or croissant at the airport and go for the dried fruits/nuts instead. Get a cup of hot water for my King coffee (Thanks to Archana, I am addicted!) rather than the usual Grande Latte

 

Entertaining/ Eating out - I am a foodie and always will be... more geared to understanding ingredients and flavors now. Eating out and trying different cuisines is still enjoyable by ordering a salad or soup as a starter and sharing entrees and desserts. During the program, I rekindled my love for seafood - ceviche, shrimp cocktail, sashimi were some of my favorites to try!

 

4. Did you meet your goals?

Yes! Seeing the weighing scale move is a powerful affirmation and motivator. My attitude had always been that my body shape or size won't deter me from being happy. But I am getting a kick out of feeling more energetic, recharged and hopefully encouraging others to take this transformation journey with Archana.

 

5. What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

That prioritizing yourself and your health doesn't de-prioritize work, family or enjoying life. Focusing on my wellbeing only created a more centered and positive environment around me. The biggest thing I learned was that I needed a coach on this journey, someone who guided and held me accountable and it had to be someone other than my husband.

 

6. Any other benefits worth mentioning?

Working on my sleep schedule for a major game changer for me!

 

7. What would you tell someone who's on the fence about doing this program?

Do this for yourself!! If you haven't tried a structured program before like me, then this is the one to try. Science of the program aside, Archana's approach to working with you personally and what drives and challenges you is what makes the difference. If you have done various programs before, well... what's the harm in trying one more? You know the 10-weeks will only provide exponential benefits.

 

8. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't discussed already?

The lifestyle change caught me by surprise! But I am glad I didn't overthink and just did it. I feel empowered now and know I can embrace this holistic change.