Get ready to debunk some fitness myths and learn effective exercise strategies with our special guest, Zach Lloyd, a Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach. Have you ever wondered why walking with small weights seems ineffective? Zach explains how minimal weights like one-pound dumbbells quickly become part of your body weight, losing their effectiveness. We'll also break down the benefits and risks of rucking, a weight-bearing exercise that can significantly ramp up your calorie burn and endurance. But moderation is key—Zach will guide you on avoiding overloading your joints and tissues. And if you’ve ever struggled with carrying heavy loads during daily activities, we discuss innovative solutions like the "front pack" for better comfort and posture. This episode is packed with practical advice to optimize your fitness routine while keeping you injury-free and performing at your best. Don't miss out on these expert tips to give your best life!

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever wondered how delegating responsibilities can transform not just your leadership but also the lives of those around you? On Episode 113 of Giving Your Best Life, I share a heartfelt personal story about missing a cherished annual event and the surprising growth that came from letting a volunteer step up in my absence. Learn how this decision not only provided the volunteer with invaluable experience but also underscored the critical need for preparation and support when entrusting others with new roles. We’ll also explore the fine line between beneficial opportunities and mere distractions, and how being open to new possibilities can elevate your leadership game.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

What if achieving your goals meant sacrificing your weekends or rethinking your daily routines? In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, Stephanie and Zach tackle the often-overlooked concept of trade-offs in goal setting. From the substantial time commitments needed for marathon training to the potential strains on personal relationships, we shed light on the intricate balancing act required to pursue significant goals without disrupting the other facets of your life. Listen as Zach shares his personal journey of contemplating a triathlon sprint, illustrating the importance of thoughtful planning and realistic expectations to mitigate the risk of failure.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever felt sidetracked by well-meaning people, even when you're trying to stay true to the calling God has for your life? Join me, Stephanie, on this powerful episode of the "Giving Your Best Life" podcast as we wrap up our distraction series by focusing on the often-overlooked topic of people who divert us from our path. I'll share personal stories about my own struggles with staying on track.

Together, we'll explore the challenges of prioritizing God's calling over the demands and expectations of others, using insights from Matthew 6:24 and Galatians 5:16. Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and seek daily guidance to remain steadfast against distractions, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

As Stephanie wandered through the forest, the serenity of mushroom hunting became a profound metaphor for pursuing our calling. In this episode, Stephanie weaves together lessons from Proverbs 3:5-6 and Ephesians 6:11.

Our journey doesn't end with finding focus amidst life's distractions, it's also about the enduring virtues of patience and persistence. Stephanie shares anecdotes from the quiet underbrush of the forest and beyond, illustrating the incredible power of gratitude in transforming our daily experiences.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Spring has sprung and so have Stephanie and I, Zach, straight into the heart of outdoor fitness—and we're taking you with us! As the days grow longer, it's time to shed those winter blues and find exhilaration in the most unexpected places: your very own backyard. From transforming mundane yard work into a heart-pumping exercise to venturing out with your four-legged friends, we're here to show you how simple, everyday tasks can invigorate both mind and body. Discover with us how the change of seasons is the perfect backdrop for family adventures that won't break the bank but will fill your life with joyous movement.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Sometimes the most turbulent waters reveal the pearls of our deepest transformations. In a heartfelt exchange on our latest podcast, Zach Lloyd, a beacon of hope whose story punctuates my book "The Gratitude Challenge," opens up about his life's rough patches that ultimately sculpted the man he is today. Together, we navigate the emotions of the past—bullying, heartbreak, substance abuse—and how these shared experiences, raw and unfiltered, have shaped our dedication to fitness, faith, and helping others find their way through the dark.

As you listen, you'll be moved by Zach's harrowing journey from the brink of despair to the strength he found in the most unexpected of places. His encounter with near-death experiences and drug dealing, followed by a pivotal life-saving call, exemplifies the incredible impact of human connection and the undying hope that lives within us all. It's not just our struggles that define us, but also our capacity to rise, to rehabilitate, and to discover new directions. We're here to show you that no matter how deep the valley, the climb to the summit is within reach.

This episode isn't just about overcoming—it's about the transformative power of giving. I share how serving those in need, those who the Bible refers to as 'the least of these,' has not only alleviated my own battles with depression but has filled my life with a joy that transcends the ordinary. We invite you to find solace and inspiration in our narratives, and we challenge you to embrace the cycle of compassion and thankfulness. Your story, like ours, holds the potential to uplift and guide others towards a life where gratitude isn't just a practice, but a lifeline.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Rebecca Shellito stepped into the spotlight, as she accepted an honor that many would covet - yet for her, it was a mountain of anxiety to climb. Our heart-to-heart conversation reveals Rebecca's raw battle with the glare of recognition while juggling life as a caregiver for her child with autism. As I walk her through her trepidation and strategize ways to navigate this prestigious event, we uncover the universal stress of public accolades and the underestimated impact of seeking support. It's a compelling lesson in valuing our personal victories, even as we shoulder the weight of our day-to-day lives.

The conversation then takes a lighter turn as we swap stories of unexpected joy, like the time an employer-sponsored getaway offered much more than just a break from the office. Together, we celebrate the simple yet powerful act of fun and self-care and how it can rekindle our spirits and transform our relationships. We laugh over the familiar pangs of 'mom guilt' and debunk those self-imposed narratives that hold us back from embracing life's playful moments. It's a candid exchange with Rebecca about the friendships that see us through our highs and lows, emphasizing the beauty of honesty, intention, and the little efforts that keep our bonds strong. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the transformative power of honoring our achievements, seizing joy, and cherishing the friendships that light up our lives.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal