Robyn Spurr

Personal Health and Weight Loss Coaching For Women

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The Healing Power of Hobbies: Transforming Your Body and Mind

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to make time for yourself. Hobbies often feel like an afterthought, something to do when all the “important” tasks are complete. But here’s the truth: hobbies aren’t just a way to pass time – they’re essential for our physical and mental well-being. Engaging in a hobby you love has the power to heal, energize, and inspire.

For me, pottery has been that transformative hobby. But no matter what activity you’re passionate about – whether it’s gardening, painting, hiking, or knitting – the benefits extend far beyond fun.

Physical Benefits of a Hobby

  1. Improved Motor Skills and Strength Many hobbies involve repetitive, precise movements that improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and strength. For example, gardening involves digging, planting, and lifting; painting requires steady hands and controlled strokes; and hobbies like pottery or woodworking build dexterity and arm strength.
  2. Increased Physical Activity Active hobbies like dancing, hiking, or cycling double as workouts. Even less physically intense hobbies, like playing an instrument or sewing, keep your body engaged, preventing the sedentary lifestyle so common in today’s digital age.
  3. Better Posture and Balance Many hobbies demand physical awareness. In pottery, for instance, centering clay on the wheel requires engaging your core and maintaining a balanced posture. Similarly, activities like yoga or tai chi improve alignment and flexibility while reducing stiffness.

Mental Health Benefits of a Hobby

  1. Stress Relief Hobbies provide an escape from the demands of daily life. When you’re absorbed in creating, moving, or problem-solving, your mind gets a break from overthinking. Activities like knitting, painting, or even assembling puzzles have been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
  2. Mindfulness and Presence A great hobby pulls you into the moment. Whether you’re shaping clay, sketching a landscape, or tackling a new recipe, hobbies demand focus. This immersive experience fosters mindfulness, a proven method to combat anxiety and depression.
  3. Boosted Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills Exploring a hobby nurtures your creativity and ability to think outside the box. For instance, experimenting with new glaze techniques in pottery or figuring out the best trail route during a hike exercises your brain in ways that keep it sharp and agile.
  4. A Confidence Boost There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill or completing a project. Each small success builds your confidence and encourages you to tackle challenges with renewed energy.

Social Benefits: Building Connections

Hobbies can also open doors to new relationships and social interactions. Joining a book club, pottery class, or hiking group fosters connections with like-minded individuals. Being part of a creative or active community reduces feelings of isolation and adds a layer of accountability to keep showing up for yourself.

Life Lessons Through Hobbies

One of the most unexpected benefits of having a hobby is learning to embrace imperfection. For example, in pottery, not every piece comes out as planned. Some crack in the kiln, others wobble on the wheel. But these “flaws” often add character and beauty to the final piece. This perspective has taught me to approach life with more patience and self-compassion.

Whether it’s accepting a crooked glaze line or navigating a detour on a hiking trail, hobbies teach resilience and remind us to find joy in the journey, not just the outcome.

How to Get Started

If you don’t have a hobby yet, start small. Think about what sparks your curiosity or makes you lose track of time. Try a community class, borrow a friend’s supplies, or explore YouTube tutorials. The key is to approach it with an open mind and no pressure to be perfect.

Hobbies aren’t just about filling your spare time; they’re about enriching your life. They have the power to make you healthier, happier, and more connected. For me, pottery has been a sanctuary for both my body and mind, but the possibilities are endless. From painting to gardening, photography to dance, there’s a hobby out there waiting to change your life.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one health coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE

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Wegovy and Loss of Taste: Balancing Pleasure and Weight Management

Recently, I found myself in the grip of a nasty cold that left me unable to taste or smell for three seemingly endless days (despite my nasal passages being totally clear). While the experience was frustrating, it opened my eyes to the challenges faced by individuals, including a few of my weight loss coaching clients, who deal with a similar loss of taste on a daily basis due to medications, such as Wegovy.

This brief episode not only sparked a fresh appreciation for the simple delights of relishing food and beverages, but also granted me valuable insights into a less talked about side effect, the struggle with food repulsion and the heart-wrenching inability to savor flavors that were once beloved.

Despite accomplishing an impressive 60-pound weight loss over the past year, one particular client is contemplating discontinuing the medication. The reason behind this decision lies in the exhaustion of being unable to relish life’s simple pleasures, such as enjoying a cup of coffee or savoring a delightful meal.

There is still no consensus on exactly how these drugs work. What experts do know, is that they cripple the dopamine pathway in the brain, classically associated with the ability to experience pleasure.

It is important to note that responses to this medication vary, ranging from minimal effects on appetite to an over-regulated appetite, resulting in a notable loss of drive and pleasure in eating. While most patients fall within the middle of this spectrum, for those with an over-regulated appetite, life can understandably become challenging, particularly considering the significant role that food plays in our social fabric.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-term Success

Concerns about regaining lost weight post-Wegovy use highlight the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. Relying solely on the medication is not a comprehensive solution to address the complexities of obesity and weight gain, unless one intends to remain on it indefinitely. Establishing a strong foundation through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise plans, is crucial for lasting results.

Balancing Pleasure and Weight Management

While medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are tolerable for many, it’s clear they may not be suitable for everyone. For those who find joy in sharing food while socializing or savoring occasional indulgences, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may not align with their weight loss journey.

The decision to incorporate medications for weight loss should be a thoughtful one, considering not only physical effects but also the impact on overall enjoyment of life. For those desiring weight loss while still finding pleasure in food and activities, alternative approaches emphasizing lifestyle changes may be more fitting.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one health coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.

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A Wine Lover’s Guide to Weight Loss: How to Lose Weight Without Giving Up Your Boozy Sidekick

Trying to lose weight but don’t want to give up your beloved alcohol? I’ve got good news for you! It’s totally possible to shed those pounds while still enjoying a few drinks.

1. Keep It Moderate and Sensible:

Okay, first things first – moderation is key! If you want to lose weight, it’s important to control your alcohol intake. Choose lower-calorie options like light beers, dry wines, or spirits mixed with low-calorie mixers.

I personally adore the combination of gin (Hendricks, if you please) and Fever Tree Light Tonic Water. What makes gin + tonic so fantastically perfect is the power it grants you to play with the alcohol levels. With a dash of gin and a tidal wave of tonic, you can whip up a drink that allows you to indulge without overdoing calories or getting too tipsy.

2. Set Some Ground Rules:

Decide in advance how many drinks you’ll allow yourself, and stick to it. Having a plan will help you stay mindful and avoid going overboard. Oh, and here’s a tip: alternate between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or seltzer. That way, you can still enjoy the social vibe without overindulging.

3. Mind Those Mixers:

Mixers are a sneaky culprit when it comes to extra calories. Many alcoholic drinks are paired with high-calorie mixers or loaded with added sugars. Skip the sugary cocktails, and syrups. Instead, opt for low-calorie mixers like soda water, diet soda, or a splash of freshly squeezed citrus juice. You’ll be saving yourself some unnecessary calories without sacrificing flavor.

4. Keep a Record:

Ever thought about tracking your alcohol consumption? It might surprise you. Use a food diary or a handy mobile app to jot down your drinks – what you had, and how much. Seeing it all laid out can give you a better idea of how it adds up.

5. Get Some Support:

Let’s face it – weight loss can be tough. That’s why it’s great to have a support system. Share your goals with friends, family – or hire a coach! I can offer encouragement, motivation, and help hold you accountable.

Losing weight while still enjoying your drinks is totally doable! Just remember to keep things moderate, set boundaries, choose lower-calorie options, track your intake, and maintain overall healthy habits. So go ahead, raise a glass to your weight loss journey – you’ve got this! Cheers to a healthier, happier you!

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.

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Harnessing the Power of Ozempic + Health Coaching

The world of weight loss has changed dramatically since I was certified as a Health + Weight Loss Coach back in 2010. Currently, half of my clients are taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy, while working with me.   

Given how effective the medication is for weight loss, you might be wondering why they want to work with a coach.

To start, incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine while taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss can significantly enhance the likelihood of long-term success should you decide to stop taking the medication.

The benefits of combining healthy habits with GLP-1 agonists for weight management include:

Ensuring Proper Nutrition:

A Health Coach can ensure that you are receiving proper nutrition while on GLP-1 medications. While these medications are extremely effective for weight loss, maintaining a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is paramount for overall health.

Enhanced Weight Loss:

Ozempic (+ Mounjaro + Wegovy + Zepbound) already have weight loss superpowers, but when you team them up with healthy habits, it’s like giving it a jetpack! When combined with healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, the weight loss effects of Ozempic can be further amplified, leading to more effective and sustainable weight management.

Boosted Energy Levels:

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can do wonders for your energy levels. Physical activity releases those feel-good endorphins and gives you a natural energy boost. And when you provide your body with the right nutrients through a balanced diet, you fuel it for optimal performance.

Sustainable Lifestyle Changes:

Building healthy habits while taking Ozempic sets the stage for a sustainable lifestyle. Instead of relying solely on medication for weight loss, you’re creating a foundation for long-term behavior change. When you incorporate nutritious foods and regular exercise into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself up for continued weight management even if you discontinue use due to side effects or cost.

Overall Health Benefits:

The perks of healthy habits go way beyond just weight loss. They have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. By adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. On top of that, you’ll likely experience improved sleep quality, better mental clarity, a stronger immune system, and a longer, healthier life.

If you’re currently using semaglutide or tirzepatide and are in search of assistance with nutritional guidance and cultivating healthy habits, I am here to offer support. Partnering with a health coach offers a unique opportunity to receive personalized guidance in tailoring your diet to meet your specific health needs and goals.

With a commitment to maintaining a limited clientele, I work with a maximum of ten clients at a time, ensuring that you benefit from individualized, comprehensive support. Your journey to better health becomes a collaborative and focused experience, enriched by accountability and unwavering support when you choose to work with me.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.