Off to #YWM2017 Your Weight Matters National Convention

I'm heading to New Orleans this week for the Your Weight Matters National Convention #YWM2017 this week. I am proud to be part of the Convention Planning Committee. I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonderful speakers and education in the agenda this year. I am super jazzed about the diversity of topics... nutrition, sleep, stress, regrouping after setbacks, saboteurs to your health... we even have a topic on the connections between our pets and human obesity, really cool science and studies and practical tips and tools you can use come Monday morning.


And my main reason for attending every year...  the wonderful community, reconnecting with friends and making lots of new ones! I've heard from a few of you reading that you are coming!! Yay! Can't wait to meet you all!

Thursday at the ENGAGE! Discover the Power of Your Voice Training I will be presenting: Why You Should Tell Your Story! and How Social Media Can Help Your Advocacy Efforts.

Friday: I will be taking part in the Event Welcome: The Power of Coming Together: The Harm of Accepting Weight Bias and then in the evening find me dancing at the Costume Party... look for flying feathers from my homemade costume which may or may not hold up, fingers crossed.

Saturday: I'll be presenting some of the awards at the OAC Reception and Awards Ceremony.

I'm also hosting two coffee talks: Tips and Tricks for Staying on Track in Social Situations on Friday and Logged-on: Online Resources to Achieve Your Health and Fitness Goals on Saturday.

Sunday: I'll be helping with the AM Send-Off.

Other than those... I am attending sessions, checking out all the awesome exhibitors and making new friends. If you are close... come! There's 3-day and single day on-site registration, health professionals can earn up to 18 CE hours too if you need added justification ;) Oh and locals can get a FREE Pass for the Community Outreach Day Event on Saturday. Lots of free samples and swag in the exhibit hall. See the link for more info and if you have a pal in the area tell them to come by.

If you are not headed to #YWM2017 this year, please consider attending the event next year. Psst... the 2018 location will be announced Friday night at the costume party. Watch my twitter feed for the breaking news!

Education Advocacy Support Event Pins

It really is an event not to be missed. For me... it's a way to renew my commitment to my health. It energizes me and the inspiration and motivation carries me throughout the year. Well worth the price of admission! I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Catch a glimpse of all the fun on social media: I will be tweeting, snapping pics, maybe even taking a few videos from inside the action (and behind the scenes) so if you want to follow along be sure to follow my social media accounts:

Twitter (where I will be the most active)
Instagram
Facebook

The official hashtag is #YWM2017 and be sure to follow the Obesity Action Coalition's (convention hosts) tweets too.

In honor of my trip here are some favorite bariatric surgery-friendly, low carb, protein packed New Orleans inspired recipes:

Shelly's Award Winning Jazzy New Orleans Muffaletta Salad

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Surgery Healthy Recipes Fitness Weight

Shelly's Banana Fosters Protein Pudding Jars

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Surgery Healthy Recipes Fitness Weight

Shelly's Cheesy Crab Imperial

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Surgery Healthy Recipes Fitness Weight

Shelly's Muffaletta Soup

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Surgery Healthy Recipes Fitness Weight

Shelly's Pecan Praline Mini Protein Muffins

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Surgery Healthy Recipes Fitness Weight

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon... and if you are not joining us this year... make these recipes, follow the tweets and make plans to come next year! You will be glad you did!