The Journey to Healthy, Happy and Whole

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

There is no magic pill or potion for getting healthy. Oklahoma State University PhD candidate Lindsay Starkey knows this, and through her hard work and perseverance has managed to significantly improve her health and inspire others along the way.  

After being diagnosed with high triglycerides and not wanting to depend on medication, Starkey knew she needed to incorporate some healthier changes into her life. Starkey took the first step toward improving her health by signing up for BALANCE, a 14-week program designed to help participants develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

Starkey, a Veterinary Pathobiology Postdoctoral Fellow, was accepted into the highly individualized program last fall. Over the course of 14 weeks, she received free pre- and post-program assessments, personal training, nutrition counseling, lifestyle modification sessions, and goal setting counseling.

Starkey met with a personal trainer several times a week to work out and attended weekly nutritional lunch meetings in which she received recipes and advice for cooking.

Since Starkey began BALANCE, she has experienced a multitude of positive changes, not only physically but emotionally and personally as well. She reported having more energy and feeling encouraged. Not to mention, she said, shopping was way more fun after losing weight!

Starkey now eats out less and strives to implement balance into every meal.

“I’m more adventurous in the kitchen and willing to cook healthy meals,” Starkey said. “I adopted habits that have stuck, and my body is responding in a positive way.”

Starkey also said she enjoyed being confident in doing the exercises she learned in the BALANCE program by herself.

“I never in my life thought I would want to go for a run, and I do now,” she said.

Since the program, Starkey completed her first 5K in November and achieved her goal of jogging the entire race.

When asked what advice she would give others who want to make a healthy lifestyle change but aren’t sure where to start, Starkey said to simply take the first step.

“This center has so many opportunities, take advantage of what OSU Wellness has to offer,” she said. “Get a workout buddy so you can have that reliability. Just take the first step and the rest will come.”

Starkey’s tenacity and willingness to turn her life around has captured the attention of many in the Department of Wellness and has led her to a healthier, happier and more enjoyable lifestyle.

For testimonials or more information about the BALANCE program, visit the Department of Wellness website, wellness.okstate.edu.

Story by Tory Dwyer