The WellFit Life 2024: Be UNSTOPPABLE

DeliveryRank chats with Vicki Runnels, founder of The WellFit Life. Vicki is dedicated to empowering overwhelmed women on their weight loss journey. With a focus on adopting healthy habits and shifting mindsets, Vicki helps her clients regain confidence and vitality. She understands the struggles of feeling defeated and stuck in a cycle of unsuccessful dieting, and she guides women towards a path of positive, sustainable change. If you're ready to become your best, most vibrant self, Vicki is here to support you every step of the way.

Many women struggle with confidence, overwhelm, and fatigue when it comes to weight loss and healthy living. How do you help them adopt healthy habits and shift their mindset to regain confidence and vitality?

My approach to helping women is holistic because everyone's journey towards weight loss, increased energy, or greater confidence is unique. Before diving into specifics like weight loss or exercise, I take the time to understand what these goals truly mean to each individual. For one person, feeling stronger might mean being able to keep up with their kids, while for another, it could mean managing health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol. So, I tailor my approach to each person's needs.

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I look at the whole person. This includes considering factors like sleep quality, stress levels, social support, and past successes. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can address all aspects of their life that impact their health and well-being.

When it comes to nutrition, I help clients identify what healthy eating looks like for them. This might involve cleaning out their pantry, stocking up on nutritious foods, or learning how to read labels. We focus on making small, sustainable changes rather than rigid diet plans. I encourage clients to ask themselves whether a particular food choice aligns with their goals and makes them feel good.

Similarly, with exercise, I break it down into manageable steps. We start with what they already have in their toolbox, whether it's a pair of walking shoes or a water bottle. The goal is to build confidence through small wins, like going for a short walk or trying a new workout outfit. Even these seemingly small steps can make a big difference in how they feel and their overall progress.

Throughout the journey, I emphasize the importance of self-care and positive self-talk. It's okay to have setbacks or days when things don't go as planned. Instead of beating themselves up, I encourage clients to show themselves kindness and grace. We focus on progress, not perfection, celebrating each step forward no matter how small.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower women to make choices that support their health and well-being. By taking a holistic approach and focusing on sustainable habits, they can achieve their goals and live their healthiest, happiest lives.

Your approach involves celebrating strengths, designing lasting habits, and embracing self-care. How do you guide individuals to create a blueprint for lasting change in their health and wellness journey?

Here's how I support women in crafting a blueprint for a healthier, happier life. It all begins when we decide to work together and I guide them through envisioning their life a year from now, having achieved their goals. I encourage them to vividly describe what they're doing and how they feel, making their vision tangible and exciting. We then explore their strengths, the qualities they possess that can aid them in reaching their goals, whether it's organization skills or effective planning. 

We also address potential obstacles they may face and how their strengths can help overcome them. Identifying a support system is crucial, and I step in as a non-judgmental guide and partner. We set realistic three-month goals, breaking them down into manageable weekly and monthly objectives, adjusting them as needed. It's like building a structure from the ground up, taking one step at a time. 

Mindset shifts are essential, transforming "I have to" into "I get to" and reframing negative thoughts about exercise and healthy eating. Writing letters to themselves helps clients explore their current feelings and visualize their future selves, reinforcing their motivations and desires. We focus on what they want more of in life and what they want less of, crafting a personalized blueprint for a vibrant, fulfilling life. 

Drawing from your own experiences, you mentioned overcoming discomfort in your own skin. How did your journey, including trial and error, contribute to your deep understanding of what clients go through in their pursuit of a healthier, happier, and more confident life?

My journey has given me a deep understanding of the struggles women face when it comes to weight, confidence, and overall well-being. In my late teens and early twenties, I found myself about 35 pounds overweight and a smoker. I vividly remember the discomfort of feeling out of place in my body, constantly adjusting my clothes and feeling self-conscious around thinner friends. The frustration of trying on clothes and finding nothing that fit or looked good was all too familiar. These experiences made me keenly aware of the desire for change and the challenges that come with it.

I understand the allure of quick-fix diets and the disappointment when they inevitably fail to deliver long-term results. I've been there, jumping from one diet to another, hoping for a solution but never finding one that was sustainable. Quitting smoking was another journey altogether, one that required commitment and perseverance over a three-month period. It taught me the importance of truly wanting change and being willing to put in the effort to make it happen, step by step, from the basics.

In my early thirties, I found my passion for fitness when I started teaching aerobics. It was a turning point that sparked my interest in nutrition and holistic health. I became fascinated with understanding how food affects our bodies and our overall health. This led me to pursue various certifications in culinary coaching, precision nutrition, and fitness nutrition specialist, among others. I believe in the power of lifelong learning, especially in a field as dynamic as nutrition, where new discoveries are constantly being made.

My own journey has made me more empathetic and understanding of the struggles women face with their health and weight. I know what it's like to struggle with food choices, to indulge in unnecessary meals, and to grapple with habits that don't serve our well-being. But I also know that change is possible with commitment, time, and self-belief. It's about making small, sustainable changes, day in and day out, and trusting in oneself to navigate the journey. So when I work with women, there's no judgment, no expectations—just empathy, understanding, and a belief in their ability to create positive change in their lives.

With various certifications, including being a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, you offer a comprehensive approach. How do you simplify the process of eating better and moving more, making it accessible for women who may feel overwhelmed by diet traps and extreme fitness routines?

To start, it's important to meet yourself where you are and work with what you can do. Simplifying exercise involves making it easier to achieve your goals. For instance, preparing your exercise bag the night before and keeping your shoes and water bottle ready by the door can streamline your routine. If you work outside the home, having walking shoes, a rain jacket, and an umbrella handy can make it easier to fit in a walk during your day.

It's crucial to prioritize yourself and your health by scheduling time for exercise and sticking to it. Remind yourself why you're making these changes and what you hope to achieve. Having a clear understanding of your motivations can help you stay committed to your goals.

When it comes to simplifying eating better, having a plan in place is key. While some people may prefer planning their entire week's meals and prepping them in advance, others may find it more manageable to plan a few meals ahead and ensure they have healthy staples on hand.

Consider preparing extra batches of food to have leftovers for future meals. Repurposing leftovers can save time and reduce food waste. For example, leftover rice can be used to make meatless taco dishes or stuffed peppers.  I also help women find healthier substitutes or modify favorite “less healthy” dishes.

Keeping healthy snacks readily available, such as cut-up fruits and vegetables or packaged nuts, can help prevent impulsive eating when you're on the go. Invest in an insulated bag with an ice pack to store snacks for errands or busy days.

Remember, progress takes time, and it's okay to have setbacks along the way. Treat each setback as a learning opportunity and adjust your approach as needed. Building healthy habits is about consistency and self-compassion, not perfection.

Incorporating these tips into your routine can help simplify exercise and eating better, making it easier to maintain healthy habits in the long run.

If you would like to find out more about Vicki Runnels, please visit https://www.thewellfitlife.com/