Step by Step, Wellness Your Way: Navigating Your August Goals

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Can I be the first to say that we are ALL nailing it in the August 10kStepSisters Step Challenge? There's now 24 days left in the challenge! If you missed sign up for this challenge, you can sign up to be notified of the next challenge.

A Mid-Week Mantra: Every step is a step closer to a better you.

This mantra is a reminder that every single step you take is a step towards a healthier version of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but what's most important is the consistent effort you’re putting in! That's why the step challenge is flexible and doesn't require you to hit 10,000 steps every single day. Celebrate each step and know that you’re making progress every day.

But to ensure that we all reach a level of consistency, the total step minimum for August is 277,000 or more total steps to be eligible for the prize drawing. While aiming for 10,000 steps as often as possible is the goal, I understand that life can sometimes get in the way.

Here are two ideas for ensuring you meet the 277,000 total monthly step minimum:

• Hit 10,000 or more steps five days per week and aim for 7,000 or more steps on the remaining days.

• Set a higher step goal of 13,000 or more steps four days per week and aim for 5,000 or more steps on your "rest" days.

My Social Media Handles Have Changed - @itswellnessjess

After much consideration, I’ve decided to change my social media handles to better match my content. My previous screen name was intentionally vague, but I've now fully embraced my niche! Moving forward, my primary handle is @itswellnessjess on both Instagram and YouTube.

I'm also working on my first nutrition certification, aiming to complete it by the fall. Once certified, I will offer a few 1-on-1 sessions monthly to help ladies with creating their own weight loss plans or for more personalized help around creating calorie deficits. Sign up for this notification list if you'd like to be notified first about these sessions. I plan to start slow and offer 2-3 evening sessions per week, and those on that list will be notified before everyone else when I'm certified and start 1-on-1s.

Two New YouTube Videos This Week

Calorie Budgeting + What I Eat in a Day Video My latest video, uploaded yesterday, is about calorie budgeting. It explains why you should switch from a restrictive mindset to managing your weight loss journey like a boss through calorie budgeting. I also included a sample day of eating to show how I fit my meals into my calorie budget.

Walking Pad Walk and Talk Video Another video I uploaded this week is a walking pad "walk and talk" where I chat to keep you company while walking. In this video, I open up about some of the negativity I’ve experienced since growing on social media, my first time trying SolidCore, and some pop culture chat. Still testing the waters with this style of video!

Step Challenge Spotlights

• Who's The Big Stepper So Far? Shout out to Z.Stewart, who is taking the lead with the most steps averaged (and total) so far during this month's challenge!
  

• Who's Nailing It With Consistency? Over 200 are in the step challenge, and over 70 of you have averaged over 10,000 steps every day so far! To name a few: Sheyen Vang, Valory Sanders, Ericka K., Evie H., Rosa A., Julissa Martinez, Kisa Harris, Ebony Boulden, Aikelah Booker, Lauren P., Tiara (@only1intencion), Carlene Robinson, Ruthie F., Dani (@dani.getsmintfit), I am Shaniqua Says, Amber Moody, Cinique C, Channel V., T.m. Bonnette, Sim Simma (@simdrizzy) among so many others! Keep crushing it, ladies!

I Purchased a New Walking Pad

I had a great run with my first walking pad! After 7 months of consistent use, it started to wear, and I wanted one with a faster speed. If you're curious, this is the new walking pad that I ordered. I’ll use it for a few weeks and then share my thoughts on this one! As a reminder, I typically walk somewhere between 3.2-3.5mph most mornings on my walking pad before starting my day. This ensures that I hit 10,000 steps each day whether I choose to do additional workouts or not. If you like to walk at an incline, this walking pad looks like a viable option as well.