The Tribune

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

I remember when I first started my health, wellness and fitness journey, it felt like I really did try everything. I did all of the fad diets – South Beach, Zone, Atkins, cabbage soup diet, Shakeology, Weight Watchers, and yes, I even had my fair share of slim teas, and slimming lotions and body oils.

I remember once I even plastic wrapped ground coffee beans around my stomach because “they” said it would cut fat and tighten my skin. Looking back at it now I just shake my head, because I know now that the only true way to change your body, for the long term is to change your lifestyle. This is the message I preach now, but just a few short years ago 306-pound Ethan was looking for weight loss miracles like many people out there. I just wanted the weight gone, and I was willing to do just about anything to make it happen.

I am the first one to say that there is no judgement. I don’t not judge anyone who is motivated enough to try “unconventional” means to achieve the body they want. So as a health and lifestyle coach, when people ask me what do I think about this programme or that diet. I tend to keep my personal thoughts to myself and encourage the person that if they feel that strongly about it, then they should try it. Even if it is to confirm that it doesn’t work. I believe that you learn by doing and really what’s the worst that can happen, you will either be successful or you won’t, but at least you will know what works, so when someone says ‘Hey, you should try this, it’s a guaranteed success”, you can say confidently, “I tried it, but it didn’t work for me; glad it’s working for you though.”

There are some things that I would like you to do and consider before starting any sort of health, wellness or fitness programme, regardless if it’s physical activity, diets or supplementation.

1. Consult your physician. And when I say consult your physician I don’t me Web MD. I mean go to your actual doctor and tell them about what it is that you are considering. You don’t want to risk your long-term health and well-being for a quick fix.

2. Do your research. There is so much information out there on everything, so I am not just talking about going on Google. I mean have conversations with people who have actually done it and talk to them not just about the good things, but the bad things, too. Almost all of these types of programmes normally have some negative effect, even if it is just excessive use of the bathroom.

3. Be cautious of people trying to sell you stuff. The health wellness and fitness industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry and this is heavily linked to successful marketing. Businesses know that people are desperate to have the bodies they want, so it’s your responsibility as the consumer to be extra careful of people who are selling you solutions solely for their own personal gain. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I know I spent so much money on pills, programmes, potions and promises that left me broke. I don’t want the same for you.

4. If it doesn’t work it’s not you, it’s them. We often think that if we try something and it doesn’t work that there is something wrong with us, that we are failures. I know that I how felt especially if it “worked” for someone else. I really want you to remember that everyone is different. And it’s not you, so please don’t beat yourself up.

5. The race of health, wellness and fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. So know that sustainable results will take time.

If you need help with this or any other aspect of your health wellness and fitness journey, please feel free to reach out to me directly. #letsgetit

• If you need help navigating any part of your health, wellness and fitness process, you can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ethanquant.