Erik Leopard is Methodist Health: Just getting started.

By Erik Leopard

Erik is an HR business partner at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Over time, Erik has gained weight and fallen into less-than-optimal eating habits. At risk for heart disease and diabetes, Erik has identified clear goals that will help motivate him to make healthier choices. Erik’s goal is to take better care of God’s temple: his body.

1.   How are you feeling now? Why do you want to become healthier?

I am feeling better after finishing my first week of the program. I have exercised every day and lowered my calorie intake.

As a Christian, my body is God’s temple, and I must take better care of it. I also want to feel better, have more energy each day, and reduce my risk of heart disease. In addition, I want to become a positive example of health for my family, friends, and others who are following my progress and who might have the same struggles.    

2.   What are your goals to become healthier?

  • Learn to eat healthier foods and have better portion control.
  • Learn to rely on food for good health, not for comfort.
  • Lose at least 15 pounds by June.
  • Reduce my waist size.
  • Return to exercising on a consistent basis. 
  • Lose the feeling of needing to always have a full stomach.

3.   What do you need from your co-workers, team members, friends, and family to help you achieve your goals?

I need their support and encouragement to help me be accountable to my health goals. To know they are supporting me is a huge motivator, especially when I’m tempted to make bad health decisions.      

 4.   What are the hardest changes in lifestyle that you expect to experience?

  • Changing the foods I eat.
  • Portion control.
  • Resisting my body’s craving to return to bad food choices.
  • Sticking to a workout routine.

5.   When you reach your wellness goals, it will all be worth it because:

  • I honored God and His temple.
  • I will feel better.
  • I will be healthier.
  • I will reduce health risks.
  • I will be an example to family, friends, and others who have the same health struggles.
Posted Employee Health, Healthy Eating, Weight Management, Wellness