Orriant Success

Snippets of Success – Changes for the Long Term

Orriant — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 17:45:47 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants!

Alicia* is one amazing women. She has been successful at losing over 40 pounds and lowering her blood pressure and cholesterol. She is making lifestyle changes that will sustain her for the long term. Alicia gets her exercise time in by walking as much as possible during her lunch breaks or after work. She also carries water with her everywhere she goes. She has drastically reduced her junk food and fast food intake, and discovered that she likes eating fruit for snacks and eats oatmeal for breakfast or lunch. She’s including more vegetables with her dinners, trying to fill ½ her plate with vegetables. She is thrilled to see she has the will power to say “no” to sweets. She knows if she really wants something then she allows herself to eat just a small portion of that treat. She keeps healthy snacks on hand at work so she has something healthy to nibble on if she gets hungry or is feeling a little stressed. She says it’s nice to fit into her old clothes again and finds satisfaction with other people noticing her weight loss. Alicia tells a story about how she picked up a child and realized she has lost more weight than what the child weighed. What a great feeling to actually see how much weight she has lost. She feels like she has seen the light and loves her new lifestyle! Great job Alicia!

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

The Rise Newsletter – October 2013

Orriant — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 16:01:34 +0000

It's time for another edition of Orriant's The Rise newsletter. Enjoy! Changing Seasons With the arrival of fall, you may find it harder to stay physically active... especially if your workout routine consists of outdoor activities. Orriant has ideas to keep you moving during the drop in temperature. Orriant Health Assessments℠ Do you have an upcoming Orriant Health Assessment℠? We give you a sneak peak at what happens during these brief tests and how to best prepare for your appointment. A Healthier Halloween Wondering how to keep your kids (and self) from gorging on Halloween candy this year? Orriant has some easy tips to stay healthy as the holiday season kicks off. Recipe of the Month Fresh Salsa - a Fall favorite! Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

Snippets of Success – Understanding the Importance of Healthy Decisions

Orriant — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:05:54 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants!

When *Mysti began working with an Orriant Health Coach℠, she knew she needed to lose weight in order to improve her health and feel better about the way she looks. She started her weight loss journey by tracking her diet with a food journal. By paying close attention to her food selections, Mysti has created a more balanced diet, and has learned the importance of eating more fiber rich foods that will help her stay full compared to empty sugary carbohydrates. In addition to eating healthier portions sizes, Mysti incorporates stress relieving techniques such as meditation (which has helped her reduce stress-related eating) and is drinking more water thanks to her fancy new water bottle she purchased. Another major victory comes from limiting her late night eating, specifically while watching television. As she has made these changes, Mysti now understands she needs both a healthy diet and regular exercise. By including daily exercise in the mornings, not only has she seen progress in her weight loss, but she has noticed how much better her days seem to go when she exercises. She has more energy throughout the day and has commented that “it is a lot harder to put off if you do it first thing.” The results of her hard work this past year was losing close to 25 pounds and even reaching a healthier cholesterol profile at her most recent Orriant Health Assessment℠. She attributes her success to consistent exercise, healthier food choices, portion sizes, and cooking new healthy recipes that she enjoys. During the course of making these changes, Mysti realized if she does not like the meals she prepares, she will go back to old habits. She feels better, looks better and enjoys the fact she is down two clothing sizes. Mysti has thrown away her old pants that are too big and vows to never wear the larger size again!

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

The Rise Newsletter – September 2013

Orriant — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 21:55:29 +0000

Looking for a good read? Look no further than Orriant's September issue of The Rise newsletter. Zen Den With our hectic schedules, how can we not be stressed? Master your personal Zen. Group Fitness You've heard the raves and seen the crowds. Perhaps you've wondered what all the fuss is about!? Group fitness rocks! Recipe of the Month Peanut Butter Oat Granola Bites - a back to school treat the kids will crave! Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

Snippets of Success – A New ‘Spin’ on Life

Orriant — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 22:25:19 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants!

Exercise can be fun when it is something you enjoy and makes you feel good. That is what one employee from South Shore Medical learned after attending a spin class 3 days each week for the last month. She has tried a lot of different exercises and workout options throughout this year, and has now found something that she really enjoys. She said after completing a spin class she feels much better throughout the day and very accomplished knowing she burn more than 600 calories. A healthy diet and calorie control is also a part of her daily routine. She is getting closer every month to her weight loss goal. After calling her health coach this past month, she got a few extra tips about the importance of weight training. She now plans to add some different weight training exercises to her routine to make sure she stays on track and makes her weight loss goal before her birthday. With her persistence and daily healthy habits, she’s got it made!

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

The Rise Newsletter – August 2013

Orriant — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 17:19:28 +0000

August's issue of Orriant's The Rise newsletter is back and at it again. Check out what's inside this summer issue. Summer Travel If you're finding it hard to keep your healthy routines going while you're away, don't fear! Orriant has tips to help keep you on the right track. Stuck in a Rut? Ideas to spice up your summer workout, get back to eating at home, and for a healthier breakfast. Recipe of the Month Sweet Punch Romaine Lettuce Smoothies were a hit with Health Coach Emily F. and her kids! Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

Snippets of Success – Making the Switch

Orriant — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:49:18 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants.

A particular Orriant participant joined the program because he knows his health is important. He was reaching towards the goals he set with his Orriant Health Coach, but wasn’t seeing substantial results. Not until a “spark” was lit within him. When asked what the “spark” was, he stated, “I think it is just the commitment to self. Deciding to do something and then following through.“ Not only did he commit himself physically to his goals, but he understood in order to see lasting results he needed to change his mindset. “Again, I say the switch was when I decided that I wanted to do something. [I] started with one major thing and was able to accomplish that. Being able to set a lofty, yet attainable goal, and get it completed was a big morale booster. To see the results just from that made it seem easy to try other things and know that I just need to commit myself to it.”

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

The Rise Newsletter – July 2013

Orriant — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:57:33 +0000

July's issue of Orriant's The Rise newsletter is packed with so much good information, we dare you not to find at least one interesting fact. Can Pets Influence Your Health? Check out Orriant's pets and the reasons why we love them in our lives! Smokeless Tobacco Do you know what your smokeless tobacco products are doing to your health? Recipe of the Month Try our energy bars made from nuts, dried fruits, and not much else! Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

The Rise Newsletter – Summer Kickoff 2013

Orriant — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:34:04 +0000

It looks like summer is officially here and Orriant is celebrating with an awesome summer issue of The Rise newsletter. Do What Makes You Feel Good Are you familiar with the 7 domains of health and are they balanced in your life? Healthy and Happy Our articles on emotional eating, healthy dating ideas, and the effect of healthier lifestyles will for sure motivate you to RISE Up this summer! Recipe of the Month Strawberry Bruschetta. Yup, you read that right, strawberry bruschetta. Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

Rise to Success – Dixon Baxter

Orriant — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:55:31 +0000

“I tipped the scales at 307 and I said, ‘that’s it!’” Dixon Baxter is making healthy changes with the Orriant program. He is 27 pounds lighter and his blood pressure has dropped to a healthy level. These changes did not come easily. Dixon works for MHC at the Wilmington, NC Dealership (location #74). His typical work day is 15 hours long. Like most people, Dixon admits he is an emotional eater. It wasn’t until his first health assessment that Dixon realized how heavy he had become over time. Dixon is driven to lose weight and get off of his blood pressure medication, which he’s been taking the past 25 years. He has set three specific goals with his Orriant Health Coach: eat 3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, exercise 30 minutes 3 days a week, and drink 100 ounces of water daily. “I’m really excited about the results I’ve seen so far. If it weren’t for Orriant, I would be back to doing the same old stupid stuff I was doing before. I would have given up on my new year’s resolution weeks ago.” When Dixon was asked what the best part of Orriant was, he responded, without hesitation, “Kristin. She listens to what I have to say.” Kristin is the Orriant Health Coach who collaborates with Dixon on a monthly basis. “She is so helpful, even my wife gives me questions to ask her.” One of the things he appreciates most about Kristin is how she helps make his goals attainable. This allows him to plan ahead and set himself up for success. “I appreciate Kristin. It is nice to have somebody behind me like she is. My attitude is so much better, I just can’t tell you.” The road to healthy living is a long one. Dixon acknowledges he didn’t gain weight overnight and therefore can’t lose it all overnight. “Kristin puts me in the right frame of mind. I’d love to lose a pound a week – I’m doing it the healthy way.” To date, exercise is Dixon’s biggest challenge. His schedule doesn’t allow for 30-minute workouts at a time, so he generally exercises in 15-minute chunks at home. Dixon shares a story about when he first started to exercise. He found a cardio video lasting only 15-minutes. He thought he would blow through the video but admitted, “I was dying at 7 minutes.” Dixon has slowly built up his aerobic stamina and is finding even longer lasting effects. “My personality is coming back. I haven’t had a ‘peppy’ attitude in years, but I can feel it coming back. I want to keep exercising so I can keep my self-esteem high.” While it’s challenging to fit exercise into his busy schedule, he has adapted to eating a healthy diet relatively quickly. He went from drinking 5 diet cokes a day to drinking only 1 in 2013. He has surpassed his goals of eating 3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to about 5 or 6 a day. “Before Orriant, eating 2 pieces of fruit in a year was a miracle. Now I eat it every day.” Just the other day he stopped off at the gas station where he normally would have bought soda and crackers. This time he got a bottle of water and 2 apples. “A year ago, the thought of going to 711 and buying water… I would have laughed!” Dixon is grateful to MHC for offering Orriant and thinks of it as earning a bonus. “I’m getting paid to make myself healthier!” he exclaimed. His family has also been extremely supportive. His wife is cooking healthy meals and his daughters are completely behind him with his healthy decisions. “I got a lot of love in my family. I’m at the age where I have to make these changes.”

The Rise Newsletter – April 2013

Orriant — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:20:38 +0000

Spring into healthy living with these fantastic tips from Orriant's April issue of The Rise newsletter. Eat the Rainbow Did you know that VARIETY with fruits and vegetables is just as important as quantity? Dancing to Health If you danced 60 minutes a day, you could lose an additional 10 - 12 pounds in a year. Recipe of the Month Celebrate spring with a farro salad. A fresh blend of farro, fresh herbs, and kalamata olives. Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español

Snippets of Success – A More Proactive Change

Orriant — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:22:36 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants.

An Orriant participant shares how he was able to lose over 70 lbs. with help from Orriant. Hear his transformation in his own words. "I have watched my weight increase for the past 20 years. It would [slowly increase and hoover] around a 20 lb. mark before going up again to a new high. When 4Life started with the Orriant program, I chose to use it as a motivator to reduce drinking soda. I've heard from others that they were able to dramatically lose weight just by eliminating soda. [By cutting out soda from my diet], I went from 267 to 247 lbs., but I just could not consistently break the 24o lb. mark. However, when the new standard was implemented back in August 2012 and my new health assessment numbers were actually worse then they were the year before, I realized I needed to make a more proactive change. I started taking meal replacement shakes for breakfast and dinner with a standard meal for lunch. This allows me to consume the majority of my calories in the middle of the day. This simple change allowed me to drop down to 205 lbs. by the end of December 2012. In January, I started adding exercise to my daily routine and I am now (in April) down to 196 lbs. My body fat percentage is currently at 13.9%"

Snippets of Success – Leading by Example

Orriant — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:23:32 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants.

When Sarah* learned her brother had been diagnosed with a serious health condition, she was understandably worried. Luckily the doctor said her brother’s health could improve through some smart lifestyle choices. Sarah wanted to find a way to support her brother through this time. Instead of offering ideas of changes he could make, she decided to set a good example for him by creating a health plan for herself. Less than 6 months of adapting to her new healthy routine, she is down 35 pounds. By any standard, her plan has been a great success.

Central to Sarah’s plan is a focus on regular exercise and wholesome nutrition, which includes an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Incorporating a variety of these colorful power-foods actually meant replacing the junk food, soda and other processed sugars she might eat otherwise. Sarah is quick to note that eating fresh produce is the way to go. She decided to experiment with different foods to see which ones made her body feel best, and this is a trick she strongly recommends for everyone. She’s found, for example, that she has a slight intolerance to wheat and feels better when she doesn't eat too much of it. Sarah’s pleased to report that after 6 months of healthier choices, her brother’s health has improved to the point where there is little evidence of any major health issues. Now that she’s reached a healthier weight, Sarah’s current goal is to maintain her new figure. She wants to continue feeling great about herself, and she also wants to meet the health standard at her company’s annual Orriant Health Assessment this year. Sarah’s parting advice? “Stay strong and find your willpower.” Judging by her success this year, those are words she lives by.

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

Snippets of Success – Replacing Soda with Water Equals More Energy

Orriant — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:42:42 +0000

"Snippets of Success" are brief glimpses into the successes of Orriant participants.

Jake* has made it a goal to drink more water throughout the day. To be successful, he decided to cut soda out of his diet and drink water as a replacement. From this small adjustment, he has noticed a huge boost in his energy. In addition to his increased energy levels, Jake has been sleeping better and feeling more rested when he wakes up in the mornings. Jake is feeling healthy and more proactive, especially at work. Now he likes making “to do” lists and takes great satisfaction in completing all his tasks lined up for the day.

*Name changed or omitted to protect privacy.

The Rise Newsletter – March 2013

Orriant — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:25:32 +0000

Spring is here and so is the latest edition of The Rise newsletter. This issue offers great insight about enjoying the sunshine and helpful information on why your PWP helps you to engage in your own health. Start to Spring Take 10 - 15 minutes of sunshine in and get your daily intake of Vitamin D! Physical Effects of Stress Did you know that emotional stress today could result in weight gain tomorrow? The PWP The Personal Wellness Profile (PWP) can help you proactively manage your health. Recipe of the Month Check out our new snack recipe: Cauliflower Cheese Sticks. Cauliflower is low in fat and carbohydrates, but high in dietary fiber, water, and vitamin C. Click here to read The Rise - English Click here to read The Rise - en Español