Livea's Lifestyle Playbook

In this “Special Edition” of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook, Chris Hawkey talks with our newest Livea brand ambassador, General Manager and Head Coach of the Minnesota Lynx, Cheryl Reeve. Coach Reeve shares why she made the decision to join the Livea program and how excited she is about how it is helping her with meal planning and developing a healthier lifestyle which not only benefits her, but her family as well. She also talks about how she loves meeting with her Livea consultant and how important personal accountability is.

In this episode of Livea's Lifestyle Playbook, Michele talks with Emily who lost 45 pounds on the Livea program. Emily mentions how many different diet plans she tried and how frustrated she was after losing weight, to put all back on again. With the support and guidance of her Livea team, she lost the weight and has been able to keep it off. She's now able to keep up with her two small children and loves her healthy and active lifestyle. Andreea from the Livea Coon Rapids center was recently featured on KSTP Channel 5's Twin Cities Live “Beyond the Scale” segment. She talks about how she decided to visit the center without an appointment after seeing how successful her mother was on the program. Andreea lost 60 pounds and has kept it off for over three and a half years!

In this week's Livea Lifestyle Playbook Podcast Michele talks with registered dietitian and assistant center director at Livea's Coon Rapids location, Taylor about portion control and how to incorporate easy to remember ways to visualize how large the portion sizes of different foods are. These tips can be really helpful when going out to restaurants or social gatherings. Michele also talks with a good friend of hers from the Twin Cities sports scene, Judd Zulgad about his weight loss success. Judd has lost nearly 40 pounds and is only 8 pounds from his goal. He describes how supportive the Livea staff is and how easy it has been for him to stay focused on the plan.

In this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook, Michele talks with Paul who lost an amazing 80 pounds through the help and guidance of the staff at the Coon Rapids center. Paul mentions that he has his 30th high school reunion coming up this year and did not want to be the biggest person in the class photo like he was at his 25th. He also talks about how his wife and two teenage children have been so supportive and have helped him stay on course. Paul also enjoys contributing to the Livea Community Connections page with recipes, tips and encouragement. In our quick tip, Crem Frazier, Livea's Director of Fitness, has advice on how to improve your balance by incorporating helpful exercises into your daily routine.

In the first Livea Lifestyle podcast of 2022, brand ambassadors Michele Tafoya and Kat Perkins talk about the meaning of “courage,” and how Kat learned through some personal challenges to be less fearful and more courageous in dealing with the ups and downs of everyday life. Kat also talks about how Adam Levine, her coach on “The Voice” taught her the important difference between fear and doubt and how all of us can use that knowledge to be more successful in our personal and professional lives. Make 2022 the Year of YOU!

In this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook we feature three more clients who recently shared their success stories on Livea's “Beyond the Scale” segment that airs on KSTP-TV's Twin Cities Live. Alice talks about how health and a little vanity got her to join the Livea program. Amy, who just turned 50, talks about making the decision to finally get serious about losing weight and getting back to a healthy and active lifestyle. And Kim talks about how she used to fudge her weight on her driver's license, not by maybe five or ten pounds, but by 70 or 80. She joined Livea and lost 87 pounds! We finish the podcast with four of our Livea fitness experts offering great tips on proper form, getting the rest we need and offering new exercise suggestions.

On today's Livea Lifestyle Playbook, three of our clients share stories that were originally featured on our “Beyond the Scale” segment on Channel 5's Twin Cities Live. Margaret talks about how losing nearly 90 pounds has made so many things that used to take so much effort, so much easier. Whether it's gardening, going for walks or just climbing a flight of stairs, her weight loss has made her life so much better. PT talks about being a new dad, and how he's now more focused on being healthy so he can keep up with his active young daughter. And Jane talks about how her daughter's engagement was the spark to get her to join Livea so she could fit into the perfect dress for her daughter's wedding. We end our feature with holiday tips from our Livea brand ambassadors.

In this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook Michele Tafoya revisits her conversation with Livea's Medical Advisor, Dr. Paul Olson. After some straight talk from a friend, Dr. Paul decided he needed to do something about his weight. In just over seven months, he lost 107 pounds on the Livea program and has been able to keep it off. He credits the Livea team for teaching him how to eat the right kinds of food and not beat himself up when he has a bad day. We end the podcast with five of Livea's brand ambassadors, Chris Hawkey, Dawn McLean, Dave Ryan, Kat Perkins and Muss Mussman offering tips on how to enjoy the holidays without overdoing the “eating, drinking and being merry.

In this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook, Michele talks with Livea's fitness director, Crem Frazier about ways to stay motivated and incorporate exercise into your weight loss routine. Just a few minutes a day can help you build more endurance and see real results. Crem also includes tips on how to make your exercise routine more successful. Her bottom line advice is to just “show up.”

In this episode Michele talks with Claire from the Edina center who lost 48 pounds with Livea! Claire mentions how much she appreciated the structure and support she received from the Livea team. She shares that she really loves her early mornings walks with her dog and enjoys the outdoors. She is also proud that she can show her 17 year old son the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Our “Quick Tip” comes from Tammie, RD from the Minnetonka center. Tammie share advice on how to make sure you schedule all of your Livea meals in order to keep your metabolism engaged. She mentions great food options to help you with your busy day.

In this episode Michele talks with Kim from Roseville who lost an amazing 85 pounds with Livea! Kim mentions that she scheduled and cancelled twice, but the third time was the charm. Once she made the commitment she's never looked back. She talks about how staying on the plan was so much easier with the guidance and support of the Livea staff. Kim also said that she used to fudge on her driver's license weight by 70 pounds, but now is thrilled that her actual weight is even less than the fudged weight! Our “Quick Tip” comes from Tabby who talks about planning and prepping for your workouts. She mentions how important it is to plan ahead and schedule the time for each workout.

In this Livea Lifestyle Playbook podcast Michele talks with WCCO radio host Henry Lake about his weight loss journey and how combining smarter eating habits and exercise have helped him get rid of his unwanted pandemic weight gain. Henry and Michele talk about their favorite Livea snacks and meals and how helpful that is been especially when traveling. Maddie from the Livea Roseville center offers a quick tip about self-care routines that you can do daily in as little as three to five minutes. Tips include meditating or writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Michele has a fun conversation with Alice H. who lost 25 pounds on the Livea program. Alice mentions seeing a Livea TV commercial one evening and contacting the Apple Valley center that night. She did not want to wait and risk changing her mind. She scheduled an appointment for the very next day, started on the plan and lost 8 pounds her first week. She talks about how supportive the Livea team is and how they helped her to lose the weight and develop a much healthier lifestyle. September is “Self-care” month and Mitch H. from our Rochester center talks about gratitude journaling and how spending five minutes each morning thinking about what we're grateful for can help bring a more positive attitude to our day.

This week Michel Tafoya talks with Paul, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and the Carlson School of Management. After an annual physical, Paul's doctor actually recommended the Livea Center in Edina. The result is that Paul has now lost 75 pounds. He says he felt so welcomed and so supported at his first meeting with the Livea team, and they have been so helpful every step of his journey. Another benefit of the weight loss is that Paul has now become a runner instead of a jogger. Also, be sure to catch our newest Quick Tip feature. In this one Alyssa from Rochester talks about proper form when working with weights.

This week Michele Tafoya and Livea CEO Heather Holmberg discuss how exciting it was for Livea to be named the BEST weight loss center in Minnesota. Heather talks about how proud she is of the Livea team and how they have worked so hard to help clients be successful and stay motivated through the challenges of the last year! Now, all of Minnesota knows what we've known for over a decade: Livea is the best weight loss program in Minnesota! And, by the way, Livea was also named a Top Workplace in 2021!

This week, Michele Tafoya speaks with long-time friend Mike, who also lost weight with Livea in Edina! After Mike noticed Michele's husband, Mark's, success, he decided to join Livea. Now, he's down 18 lbs. and feels amazing! Listen to learn why he says, “My energy levels are up, and I actually sleep better!” Next, Michele touches base with fellow Livea brand ambassador Kat Perkins! Listen to learn how health struggles prompted Kat to have a conversation with Chris Hawkey about Livea. Learn why she says it was easy to lose weight with Livea's roadmap!

Michele Tafoya speaks with myTalk 107.1's Dawn McClain this week on the Livea Lifestyle Playbook! Dawn speaks about her experience with Livea compared to other weight loss programs. She says Livea “was really on my side”! Listen to learn Dawn's favorite Livea meals to bring into the office (mashed potatoes is on the list!). After the break, Michele welcomes Bill from Apple Valley onto the show. After speaking to a friend and Livea client at his daughter's wedding, Bill decided to take the first step and join the program. Now, he's down over 66 lbs! Listen to learn more about Bill's weight loss story.

This week, Michele Tafoya speaks with Kari from Minnetonka who recently achieved her 65 lb. weight loss goal! Kari says that going into “survival mode” during the pandemic led her to reevaluate her health and make a change. After seeing a Livea commercial, she had an “aha” moment and made the first call! Listen to learn how Kari found unexpected benefits to weight loss – including picking up running as a hobby! After the break, Michele catches up with Zach Halverson from KFAN radio. Zach says his friend Chris Hawkey introduced him to Livea and changed his life. Now, Zach is down 69.1 lbs. thanks to the Roseville Livea Center! While Zach enjoys looking better, he says he really enjoys “feeling better in my own skin.” Listen to hear more about Zach's Livea journey!

Michele Tafoya speaks with Edina Center Director Tabby this week on the Livea Lifestyle Playbook! Tabby is part of the Livea Fitness Squad, and loves how Livea's clients can jump into fitness no matter what level they're at currently. Listen to learn how Tabby uses her background as an athlete to shape her weekly workouts! Next, Michele speaks with Mike “Muss” Mussman, a radio personality on K102! Muss lost 25 lbs. with Livea, and talks about how he feels more confident hosting events and music festivals now that he's lost weight. Tune in to learn how Muss's radio friends like Chris Hawkey inspired him to connect with Livea!

Michele Tafoya welcomes Mankato Center Director Charlie onto this week's episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook! Charlie shares his favorite tips for getting back on track after a bad day. Pro tip: When you have a difficult day, that's when you need Livea the most! Listen to learn Charlie's five tips for getting back on track. Next, Michele speaks with Minnetonka client Sue, a Registered Nurse who lost nearly 80 lbs. several years ago with Livea. During the COVID lockdown, Sue was on furlough from her job and stopped taking part in her daily activities. After regaining almost 30 lbs., Sue decided it was time to come back to Livea and reach her goal again. And she did! Listen to learn more about Sue's success story!

Michele Tafoya welcomes Registered Dietitian Terrie to this week's Livea Lifestyle Playbook! They discuss cabin season, the trouble that many Livea clients run into with alcohol and weekend meals, and the importance of setting intentions ahead of the weekend. Terrie also explains the concept of ketosis, and how an off-plan meal can take you out of that fat-burning state and slow your progress. Listen to learn more about eating healthy during cabin season! Next, Michele speaks with Duane, a Woodbury client who lost 45 lbs. Duane shares how his weight loss affected everything in his life, from his health to his overall outlook!

This week on the Livea Lifestyle Playbook, Michele Tafoya sits down with Mitch, the Center Director in Rochester. Mitch has a background in kinesiology and exercise science, and previously ran a gym in Ohio for nearly 10 years. With Livea, Mitch endeavors to empathize with his clients and set them up for success as they start a weight loss and exercise journey! Mitch often shares that you can't out-exercise a bad diet, so it's imperative that each client has a strong nutritional base before starting an exercise routine. Listen to learn more about Mitch! Next, Michele speaks with Minnetonka client Nancy, who lost over 83 lbs. Nancy said she was tired of feeling like a burden when she couldn't keep up with her family members, and wanted to make a change. Her niece arrived at a family gathering after losing weight with Livea, and told Nancy all about the program! Learn how Nancy changed her life, and how she's feeling today!

On this week's episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook, Michele Tafoya talks with Registered Dietician and lifestyle coach Rachel from the St. Cloud Center. Along with many other health and wellness topics, Rachel shares tips on making smart decisions at the grocery store. They discuss how to make sure you have a good balance of protein, grains, vegetables, fruit and dairy when you're shopping. What are the best low salt and low sugar options? What are the best choices for calcium? Is it better to buy organic? They also talk about reaching your weight loss goal and how to stay focused on all of the positives that your weight loss success brings to your life. Next, Michele talks with Livea brand ambassador and on-air personality at WOLF 102.9, PT. PT jokes that he has recently gained 13 pounds in the form of his new baby daughter, Olivia. But kidding aside, he talks about how the responsibility of being a new dad has made him more determined than ever to reach his weight loss goal so he can enjoy all of the great things that being a father brings to his life!

Michele Tafoya speaks with Registered Dietitian Lauren on this week's episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook! They discuss the most important thing that Lauren wants Livea clients to know (hint: it has to do with the nutritious food you eat every day!). Learn how Lauren helps her clients take their lifestyle change one step at a time. For some clients, it's as simple as introducing one more vegetable into their recipe repertoire! Lauren also shares how she helps clients re-frame their weight loss journeys to focus on what they've gained, such as new confidence when walking into a room, versus what they've given up. Next, Michele speaks with Tom, a Livea client who lost 51.7 lbs. with the Apple Valley Center. Learn how portion control was a game-changer for Tom's success! Tom says, “the methodology is what impressed me.” Listen to learn more about Tom's weight loss journey!

Michele Tafoya speaks with Livea's Director of Operations, Diane, in this week's episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook! Diane was drawn to Livea after experiencing her own weight loss journey. Now, after more than 8 years as the Minnetonka Center Director, and now Director of Operations, Diane reflects on how many clients say how much better they're feeling after losing even the first few pounds. Learn about one of Diane's clients who was able to significantly reduce his medications after losing weight! Next, Michele speaks with Rochester client Vicki who lost 63 lbs. in less than a year. Vicki was advised to lose weight ahead of a double knee replacement surgery, and wanted a program that would keep her accountable! At her first visit, the team was “so welcoming, helpful and friendly.” And the rest is history! Tune in to hear the rest of Vicki's story now.

Michele Tafoya opens this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook with a conversation featuring WCCO's Rebecca Kolls. As a Master Gardener, Rebecca shares how getting her kids into gardening was a great pathway to introducing good nutrition! She also shares her tips for growing your own vegetables at home (pro tip: start small!), and listen for her favorite pesto recipe. Next, Michele speaks with Shannon, a Woodbury Livea Center client who lost 47 lbs! After trying to lose weight on her own, Shannon turned to Livea for the support, nutrition education, and community that she needed to reach her goal. Shannon says, “It's amazing what that coaching on the everyday nutritional aspects can provide.” Tune in to learn more!

Michele Tafoya speaks with Marcia, a Lead Lifestyle Consultant with Livea in St. Cloud who has been in her role for 10 years! Marcia speaks about her love for the clients in St. Cloud, and how special the weekly meetings are for her. She also acknowledges how challenging it can be for some clients to take the first step with Livea – one client even sat in their car for two hours before coming in for the first appointment. Plus, hear about Marcia's client who lost 60 lbs. and was able to remove the seatbelt extender from their car! In her second interview, Michele speaks with Sheri, a client from the Edina Livea Center. She lost 57 lbs., and hit her goal on her 60th birthday. She says, “I finally feel like I'm in a place where, wow, this can be my life.” Listen to learn how Sheri has maintained her weight loss for the past 6 months!

This week, Michele sits down with Livea's Apple Valley Center Director, Lindsey. As the head of the Nutrition Department for Livea, Lindsey oversees a team of Registered Dietitians, and meets with clients every day! Learn how Lindsey gets to know each of her clients, and determines how they can overcome the roadblocks that kept them from reaching their goals in the past. You'll also hear how the Livea team converted to virtual support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, Michele speaks with Livea Client Eric, who lost 15 lbs. with the Minnetonka Center. Eric says, “I want to feel good AND look good.” Learn how Eric felt after his very first weigh-in with Livea!

Host Michele Tafoya sits down with Livea's Fitness Director Crem in this episode of the Livea Lifestyle Playbook. Learn why there's never a bad time to start a workout or activity routine! Crem shares her favorite ways to add activity into your day, and how nutrition is the largest factor in your weight management success. In the second half of the show, Michele speaks with Livea Brand Ambassador Tami Hedrick! Tami and Michele first met several years ago when Tami led women's initiatives for the Minnesota Vikings, and are now reconnecting as Brand Ambassadors for Livea! The pair discuss parenting, self-care, and the journey toward reaching their weight loss goals.

Michele Tafoya opens the Livea Lifestyle Playbook with a conversation with Livea CEO Heather Holmberg. They discuss why Heather is so passionate about the Livea brand, what differentiates the program from others out there, and how Michele's husband and Heather's husband, father and step-mother found success on the program! Also, learn how the Livea team adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to provide support to their clients! Next, Michele speaks with St. Cloud radio DJ Kelly Jordan. Learn how Kelly lost 35 lbs. with Livea, and why he says the difference in his appearance is “night and day.” Also, hear how losing 35 lbs. helped Kelly with pain in his heel while walking!

Features highlights from our 2020 podcast. Listen as Michele talks with several of our Livea experts, brand ambassadors and clients. You'll hear clips from previous podcasts featuring client success stories, health and wellness tips from our experts and feel good stories about how Livea changes lives.

Episode 7 follows Michele Tafoya's conversation with Registered Nurse Mary, who chose to work with Livea to benefit from the support of Registered Dietitians! Learn how losing 40 lbs. has been a “game-changer,” and how a pair of boots inspired Mary to improve her health! Next, Michele speaks with Amy, an elementary school teacher, who lost 75 lbs. in 6 months with Livea in Rochester. Learn how Amy's doctor reacted to her cholesterol dropping 101 points after she reached her goal!

Michele Tafoya sits down with Livea Brand Ambassador and comedian Miss Shannan Paul! They discuss Miss Shannan's comedy career, how she overcame negative self-talk, and what drew her to beginning her weight loss and wellness journey with Livea. Next, Michele speaks with her good friend of 30 years, Al, who joined Livea after seeing Michele's husband's success on the plan. Learn how he broke his pattern of late-night eating!

This week, Michele speaks with Jenn from Edina who ran track in high school and lost weight with Livea while training for a marathon. She's kept 53 lbs. off for over two years! Learn what Jenn means when she says “I got me back.” Next, Michele catches up with KFAN's Chris Hawkey, who lost weight with the Livea team nearly 10 years ago. Tune in to hear why seeing a photo of himself on stage motivated Chris to lose weight and change his life!

Michele Tafoya sits down with Connie, Minnetonka Livea's Center Director, and Livea's VP of Operations, Melissa. They discuss the Livea client experience from the perspective of Michele's husband who lost 37 lbs. with Livea in Edina. Melissa and Connie elaborate on the “why” behind the program, and how the Livea team helps clients maintain a healthy lifestyle long after they finish the program. Next, Michele speaks with Dave Ryan from 101.3 KDWB about his 20 lb. weight loss. Learn why his favorite part of each Livea visit is the weigh in!

Episode 3 finds Michele speaking with singer/songwriter and NBC's The Voice finalist Kat Perkins, who lost 30 lbs. with Livea! Tune in to learn how Kat lost 30 lbs. while travelling the country with her band. Next, Michele sits down with Livea's Director of Fitness, Crem, to discuss the Get Up and Move Exercise Initiative and why movement is so important to overall health.

Michele Tafoya chats with Dr. Cathy Whiting about her 15 lb. weight loss, and why Livea's welcoming environment was so important to her. Next, Michele speaks with Dan Holmberg, husband of CEO Heather Holmberg, who lost 40 lbs. with Livea and shares his personal struggle of losing weight as a former college athlete and busy father.

NBC Sports Reporter Michele Tafoya welcomes you to the Livea Huddle, a brand-new podcast about all things health and wellness by Livea Weight Control Centers! Join Michele in deep conversations about health, weight loss, self-care, and so much more. This week, Michele sits down with Livea COO Andrea Sowers and Registered Dietitian Beth Maschoff for a quick primer on who Livea is, and why they do what they do. Next, Michele speaks with Dr. Paul Olson, a veteran Livea client who lost 107 lbs. with the program 10 years ago. Dive into the Livea Huddle and find inspiration for your own healthy lifestyle journey! Don't forget to subscribe to receive new episodes in your feed every other Tuesday!