Today's Healthy Face is Abby Veigel, team lead for Health Games - The Encore. Registration is open for a new round of weight loss challenges, open to all Harrison County residents. Veigel is passionate about heading up this effort - and for good reason. She worked hard to overcome her own struggles related to obesity and decided to make it her goal to help others accomplish the same. Read on and be inspired. Register for the free Biggest Loser and 10%Takedown Challenges HERE.

 

Tell us a little about yourself, your family, what you do here in our community, etc.

 

I grew up in Canton, Ohio and married my high school sweetheart Bill. We have been married for 16 years and spent the majority of our marriage living in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Bridgeport 4 years ago. We have 2 girls, Addison and Annie who are 13 and 10 and keep us very busy and moving in all directions. I graduated from Capital University with my bachelor’s degree and the University of Pittsburgh with my master’s degree in Social Work. After having kids, I studied at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and became a certified holistic health coach. I am also a certified RRCA running coach, certified spin instructor, body pump instructor and piyo instructor.  I have been working with an amazing team of community members to lead Healthy Bridgeport and now Healthy Harrison. I also work full time for the Michael Late Benedum Chapter and enjoy the work that it allows me to do for charities and our community. Most nights you can find us at City Park on the softball fields or in the gym watching volleyball or basketball. We love watching our girls play sports and living in Bridgeport.

 

1.What is your favorite motivational/self-help book?  

I believe there is no better book to guide your life than the Bible. I start every day in it and pray that it’s Word guides my thoughts, words and actions every day. The other book that I recommend everyone reads at least once is 75 Hard by Andy Frisella. It’s truly life changing

 

2. Favorite healthy meal? 

I love a simple meal of grilled chicken, white rice and asparagus. I truly believe that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard. Keep it simple! I was diagnosed with celiac 6 years ago and my daughters also were also diagnosed shortly after so eating most of our meals at home is safer for us!

 

3. Favorite workout?  

I love running with friends. Some of my best friendships have been formed on the pavement and a good long run with a good friend is so good for the soul.

 

4. How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle?  

I prioritize my workouts like I do my work meetings. I often have to get it done before my day starts or the day gets away from me. I also always plan our meals on Sundays so I know what we are having. No one is shocked to find us show up to sporting events with our dinners packed and ready to eat!

 

5. What is your favorite motivational quote?

“You don’t have to be extreme, Just Consistent.”. So many people think you have to run marathons or eat 700 calories to be healthy. That’s far from the truth. Just keep moving and fuel your body with whole foods most of the time and you will succeed.

 

6. How did your health journey start?

 

For the first 10 years of my adult life, I was obese and depressed. I tipped the scales near 300 lbs after my second daughter was born and I knew then that something had to change or I was going to be dead before I got to see them grow up. I started running one day and only made it 20 ft down the street but every day I went a little further. Through running and clean eating, I was able to lose 150 lbs the first two years and I found a passion for healthy living. I have completed 2 marathons, over 50 half marathons and went on to be certified in many areas of fitness and nutrition. My own personal journey and struggles have given me the drive to pay it forward to others. No person should look in the mirror every day and hate who they see and if I can help one person love themselves again, then my work is complete.

 

7. What are some easy tiny habits that you recommend people start with on their journey? 

 

Take a walk with a friend every day. Rain or shine, it’s good for the soul. If you hate veggies, add bacon to them?? Eventually you will learn to like the veggie and won’t need the bacon. Don’t underestimate the power of water. Our bodies need it more than we know!