Sustainable changes lead to lasting results

Ximena knew she needed a change.
As a full-time professional and mother to a young son, 40-year-old Ximena, originally from Argentina, was struggling to build a healthier lifestyle. She wanted to be more active, have more energy, and set a positive example for her son, but years of negative self-talk and setbacks left her feeling stuck.
“I tried to look after myself, but I didn’t fully understand what healthy was,” Ximena shared. “When things didn’t go as planned, I was so hard on myself, and it would derail all my efforts.”
Determined to make a lasting change, Ximena found My health for life through an online search. “It was cost free and from a trusted source. I thought, ‘I can give this a try,’” she said.
Ximena joined the initiative and was paired with qualified Health Coach, Kate who helped her focus on sustainable, long-term goals. Through their sessions, Ximena learned how to set realistic expectations, embrace setbacks as part of the journey, and develop healthier habits.
“The main message from my coach was to remain kind to myself,” Ximena explained. “That really stuck with me. My goal wasn’t immediate change—it was about building habits I could sustain for life.”
With guidance from Kate and using tools in the health coaching booklet, Ximena set clear objectives, including her non-negotiable 30 minutes of daily physical activity, mindful eating, and reducing alcohol intake. She embraced her coach’s advice to create a “Plan B” for challenging days, ensuring she stayed on track even when things didn’t go perfectly.
“Some days, I’d plan to exercise but couldn’t. My Plan B was to take my son to the park or play with him at home—anything to stay active,” she said. “If I knew I had an event with drinks, I’d plan ahead and skip alcohol the day before.”
These small, consistent changes added up. Ximena increased her vegetable intake, began journaling her meals and activity, and committed to her 30-minute daily exercise routine, which included walking, cycling, and playing with her energetic three-year-old son.
“I’ve noticed a huge difference,” Ximena said. “I’m more energetic, confident, and comfortable in my own skin. This year, I wore a bikini for the first time in years—I stopped worrying about what people think.”
Her family has been a vital source of support. Her husband helps by looking after their son when Ximena needs to prioritise her workouts, and together, they’ve embraced a mindful approach to eating, focusing on thoughtful portions and balanced meals.
Ximena now feels confident in maintaining her healthier lifestyle. She tracks her progress, reflects weekly, and reminds herself that setbacks are simply part of the journey.
“My goal is to sustain these habits for the long term,” she said. “I’m kinder to myself now, and I know that consistency matters more than perfection.”
For Ximena, the initiative has been life-changing, giving her the tools and mindset to prioritise her health and well-being. She encourages others to take the first step.
“This isn’t about drastic changes. It’s about small, meaningful steps that add up over time,” she said. “The support and guidance I received made all the difference.”
If you’re ready to create healthier habits with a free Health Coach, start with an online Health Check to see if the initiative is right for you.
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