We are back in Rochester, Minnesota, this week and for the first time, it’s not because of Ann’s chronic illness. No, this time we’re here to experience the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.

Our healthy lifestyle journey

If you’re new to Postcard Jar, you may not know that we’ve lost a combined total of 130 pounds since late March using an app called Noom. You can read more about that HERE.  Steve lost 62 pounds and is at his goal weight. Ann has lost about 68 pounds and is more than halfway to her goal of losing about 120 pounds.

How we found the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program

We first learned about the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program when we came to Rochester in September for Ann’s lung CT and appointments. We wrote about this innovative program in a blog post about “Exploring Rochester on our visit to the Mayo Clinic.”  While in Rochester, we toured the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center and were intrigued by both the facility and the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living program there. After learning about it, we considered planning a multi-day program in the spring. Then, we thought that since we both felt motivated RIGHT NOW, we should squeeze it in before the end of the year (because holiday cookie season).

So, here we are! Back in Rochester and about to start a physical activity and resiliency plan of action for the first time in our lives. Gulp.

What we’ll be doing in the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program

In a nutshell, the clinic’s Healthy Living Program is an experiential program that is science-based, outcomes-focused, and centered around three things: nutrition, physical activity, and resiliency. It has been developed by Mayo Clinic experts who also deliver the classes and help participants develop a personalized plan for a sustainable healthy lifestyle. The program meets people at their level of wellness, and helps them take the next step(s) in the right direction.

We’ll begin our program bright and early Monday morning (we have to be there at 7:00!) with a wellness meal, body composition assessments, strength assessments, and movement assessments. Once all of the testing is done, we’ll start working on the next steps to heathy living.

Weeks ago, each of us selected the classes that interested us most. We will both participate in sessions on using a foam roller, designing our physical activity plan, and get an introduction to yoga. Steve will learn about resistance training and Ann will take a healing movement class.

In addition, we’ll learn even more about how to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. We’ll also meet with nutritionists and try new foods and kitchen techniques while we’re there which should be fun.

This program excites us, and we’ll likely write more about it when we’re finished. This is a BIG next step for us on our journey and we hope you’ll come along. It promises to be an interesting adventure!