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Success Stories!
Get motivated by reading about
other people's successes!
Click here to share your story!
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I must say that when I started your program as a Get Fit Akron member it wasn't with tons of enthusiasm. I thought it couldn't hurt and I would also be supportive of my wife who thought this would be a good idea.
I am diabetic having been diagnosed in 1997. Since that time I have been on numerous medications to assist in the control of the disease. Unfortunately, it got progressively worse. During the summer of 2003 I began to take daily insulin injections. This dose had to be increased several times. I was not a good diabetic and didn't always watch my diet or what I ate. Daily glucose readings averaged in the 180's with spikes occasionally exceeding 300. Not a good thing.
I began your program around June 1st. Since that time my daily glucose readings have dropped within normal range. It took some time for this to sink in; cause and effect. About mid way through your seminars, I shared my story with you and as I recall you seemed somewhat surprised.
In August I went to a semi annual appointment with my doctor. She was astounded at my numbers. After monitoring me for several years and admonishing me on a regular basis to do better she wanted to know what I had been doing. Not only had my glucose readings improved dramatically but also my cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped markedly. As I indicated earlier I have been on insulin injections for several years. My doctor has started a gradual reduction in the daily dosage with the goal of removing me from injections totally. Phenomenal!
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Chuck
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At the age of 35, I found myself weighing in at 315 lbs at 5’10. I carried it well, I thought. My knees and back hurt like crazy but hey, don’t everyone’s? One day in January of 2000, I had intense chest pain. The next day, I went to the doctor who told me my blood pressure was 199/100 and she was very concerned for my future.
I spent several weeks reading every book on nutrition I could find and learned so much. I threw out all the junk food items in my house! I went to the grocery store, took a tour of the produce department with my kids led by the manager, and loaded up on fruits, lettuce, carrots and apples for juicing, etc. I even bought things I had never heard of before like kohlrabi, nappa cabbage and bok choy. Then came the really hard part…making them taste like something I wanted to eat! I had been a caterer/chef for 10 years prior so took what I knew about creating delicious, appealing dishes and applied it to these raw foods.
Next thing I knew, I was feeling great and losing weight quickly! My energy soared. I had to move which proved difficult at first. I remember walking up and down my street once a night for exercise. That’s how I met my pal, Butch Reynolds. He would sit on his mom’s front porch encouraging me to walk one more lap-rooting for me! Five years later, I am super active as a member of the YMCA and Say Yes to Tennis-No to Drugs.
My boys, Corbin and Ryan (in the ad for this website with Butch Reynolds) changed their eating and lifestyle habits right along with me. Making the changes has helped them become fit and active young men who are rarely, if ever, sick.
Some people think we health food promoters are taking away the good foods but we are really offering them the most wonderful, delicious, variety of foods imaginable! Slaws, smoothies, pies, munchies, salsas, pates, juices, cookies, sauces, dips, salads, party foods! Not to mention the melons, dates, figs, almonds, lettuces, peppers, berries, crunchy grapes, fruits-ah, I love fruits. So much food-so little time to eat it all!
In the beginning, I simply made a conscious effort to eat right-every day, every meal, every bite til it was just what I do! I developed a pioneering spirit, packing food to take with us always. I have as a result lost 125 lbs. Now, I can play hard every day and live life to the fullest!
Julie Wandling, Akron
Author of Thank God for Raw, Healthy 4 Him and Hallelujah Kids
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Julie
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In August it will be two years since I committed to my new lifestyle. I went to my doctor with my usual sinus infection and aches and pains and he stated in the kindest way: "Sharon you are too pretty to be burdened with this excess weight and you are heading for diabetes". WOW, he did not tell me anything I did not already know but it hit home. He recommended a low carb lifestyle and while I was somewhat hesitant based on negative publicity I decided to try Atkins. I was a size 24 women’s heading in to a size 26 with no end in site so what did I have to lose except weight. I never got on the scale because I feel that such a drastic lifestyle change could not afford negative feelings associated with the scale not moving every week so I decided to track by clothes size. Well I immediately began my new lifestyle and incorporated exercising (Tae Bo) as much as seven days a week when time permits. I also started adding strength training and running on the treadmill during the second year. The first year I blew through the sizes rapidly and I guestimate the loss was roughly 100 pounds. The final pounds took another year. I continued on course and did not allow myself to get off track. Luckily the staff where I work and my family and friends were very supportive of my endeavor. Well I am happy to report that through this commitment I have now reached a size 10/12 and am at a healthy weight. I would like to go one more size but hey I won't beat myself up if I can't get there after all I am 39! I can always blame metabolism right! -:) My blood pressure dropped (115/67) down from 140 over 90 and my cholesterol is great. I know it is surprising because the low-carb lifestyle does not work that way for everyone. My advice is to find the best program for you and make it one you can commit to. Also don't hate yourself if you fall of track... it happens just don't lose sight of your goal whatever it is! I wish you all luck!
Sharon Rosche, Greater Akron Chamber
... A little smaller than before & very happy for the GetFitAkron program because it really helped re-energize me!
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Sharon
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