Healthy aging with a healthy lifestyle

This article, "Healthy Aging with a Healthy Lifestyle: The Inspiring Story of Sandra", tells the inspiring story of Sandra and her work as a lifestyle coach. Her journey to vital health and her unique approach to coaching are an inspiration to anyone striving for a healthier life.

In 2020, Sandra decided to drastically change her life. After years of struggling with obesity, she chose vital health. This choice led to an impressive weight loss of more than 50 pounds. But it wasn't just about losing weight - it was a choice for a healthier, longer and, above all, more vital life. Sandra did not want to risk the diseases that often accompany obesity. Her story is not only inspiring, but it has helped her guide others on their own journey to a healthier lifestyle.

From Obesity to Healthy Aging

Sandra had been obese all her life. She always felt trapped in her own body, with the constant fear of the health problems that could result from her weight. This realization was the motivation that led her to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2020. "It was a choice for healthy aging," Sandra says. "I didn't want to risk heart disease, diabetes and other conditions that often come with obesity."

The gastric bypass was a drastic step, but it was also a necessary change. It forced Sandra to make healthier choices, which helped her transform not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. "My self-image and mirror image have changed tremendously," Sandra says. "I have peace in my life now. I no longer have to worry about whether I can fit in a chair, whether I can eat in public, whether the belt on the plane is long enough or judgments from people."

The Importance of Expertise in Coaching

As a lifestyle coach, Sandra uses her personal experiences to help others. Her own struggle with obesity has enabled her to coach as an expert by experience. She knows better than anyone what it feels like to be stuck in unhealthy patterns and what it takes to change them.

"Because I can now share my own experiences in addition to my expertise as a coach, I can connect even better with my coachees' issues of stress and unhealthy weight," Sandra explains. She emphasizes that stress played a significant role in her own obesity. It was only later that she realized that stress affected her eating behavior, leading to unhealthy or insufficiently nutritious eating. This insight helped her make others aware of the impact of stress on their health.

Customized Coaching

Sandra has been working as a coach for more than a decade and in that time has guided countless people. She emphasizes that no two trajectories are the same because each person is unique. Yet there are often recurring themes, such as self-image and stress. At the beginning of each coaching process, Sandra has her coachees fill out a vitality check. In it the coachee gives a grade for his/her vitality and then they answer questions about their exercise, diet, alcohol consumption, relaxation and stress. Based on these answers, Sandra can work with the coachee to determine where improvements can be made.

"With stress, you often see signs such as feeling always 'on', perfectionism, worrying about others, sleeping poorly, brooding, or struggling to relax," Sandra explains. This insight helps her guide coachees to recognize the causes of their unhealthy habits and support them in making healthier choices in their lifestyle.

Small Goals, Big Successes

Sandra's main message is simple but powerful: "Talk! You are never alone with the struggle you have. Make goals small so they are achievable and you can celebrate multiple successes." She believes that setting small, achievable goals is essential for lasting change in a healthy lifestyle. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, keeps motivation high and allows people to achieve their goals one step at a time.

Want to Know More?

If you are interested in Sandra's work or guidance, you can find more information on her website www.sandravandenbulk.com or Instagram page @myvitalereis. Her approach, based on both expertise and personal experience, provides valuable support for anyone who wants to embrace a healthy lifestyle.