Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Wood.
Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’d have to begin by saying that God brought me to coaching. I had retired early from being a high school administrative assistant to move here and keep my granddaughter. I was morbidly obese but praying and asking God to lead me to find how I could lose weight and change my lifestyle to be able to keep up with her. I wanted to be the Nana that could participate in all the fun things with her and my other two grandkids that came along later. That’s when I had a divine meeting in August 2019, with the young lady that became my coach, at an indoor playground. I began my own health and weight loss journey on November 19, 2019. I was approximately six months into my journey when I knew God was leading me to share this gift with others, so I became a coach. I enjoy seeing others’ health and lives transform. On our short weekly check-in calls, I especially love hearing about my clients’ non scale victories, such as clothes getting too big, being able to bend over to tie their shoes easily, having more energy, sleeping better, able to go on walks without it hurting, crossing their legs, keeping up with kids or grandkids, and so much more! As for me, I’m 5’2″ and weighed 273 lbs when I began my journey. I lost 150 lbs. I now have three grandkids and I’m able to keep up with them! I’m participating and not sitting on the sidelines! I’ll never be done with my health journey as it is a lifestyle of making healthy choices for life. I’m human, I’m not perfect, and I do mess up, but that doesn’t mean I give up and quit. No, I get right back to making the smart choices that will serve me and my health well.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being on a health journey and helping others on their health journey is almost always a struggle. There are so many challenges to face every single day. I see the struggles more with women because women tend to take care of everyone else and are completely run down when it comes to taking care of themselves. I try to encourage these phenomenal women to take care of themselves first, so that they can take care of everyone else properly. It’s not being selfish, it’s a gift to your loved ones to show up as the best you, you can be.
My client base fluctuates and it should. If I’m doing what I should, they will transition to maintaining and optimizing their health, which means they will need me less. That’s our goal!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an independent health coach, and I partner with Optavia Lifestyle Plans to help people transform their health. For some, that means reaching a healthy weight, and for others, it’s about taking their health to the next level. As a coach, I’m able to provide guidance, encouragement, and access to resources that help people navigate challenges and create lasting lifestyle changes.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending weekends camping with my family. We had an old camper and boat, and even though things were simple, my dad had a way of turning those weekends into the best adventures. He taught me that joy doesn’t come from having the fanciest things, but from making the most of what you have and being together.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiealyn
Image Credits
TashaLee Photography
