Local wellness coach gets real about New Year's resolutions

We are just two days into 2017, and many of us are already working on those New Year's resolutions!

One of the most popular?

Diet and nutrition.

When it comes to health and wellness in Indiana, the numbers don't lie.

According to AmericaHealthRankings.org, Indiana comes in as the 39th healthiest state in 2016.

The same website ranked Indiana the 15th most obese state in the nation.

This time of year, many in Michiana are looking for overnight answers.

But B Present Wellness Coach and Blogger, Gina Schade, says it comes down to a lifestyle change.

"One thing that we really need to do to take control of the epidemic is removing sugar from our diet. My first suggestion would be get rid of the packaged foods, eat real foods and start with vegetables," said Schade.

For 3 ½ years, Shade has helped folks battle obesity by creating meal plans and personally walking them through grocery stores.

"If you look at all the nutrition theories, they all have one thing in common. Eat more vegetables," said Schade.

But what if you don't have a personal wellness coach or can't afford one?

Shade says it's all about reading labels and having knowledge about what you are putting on your table, or by joining a group like the Reducing Obesity Coalition of St. Joseph County.

"One step at a time. You don't have to overwhelm yourself and do it all at once. When you break it down into small steps, it becomes very doable," said Schade.