Take Shape For Life featuring Medifast Meals

The reason I first tried Medifast is because my parents did very well on the plan.  This was back in 2002, and they both lost 36 pounds each to get to a healthy BMI and they looked younger and healthier than ever.  So in 2003 I went on the program and lost 37 pounds to get to a healthy BMI myself. 

Mom and Dad

I am sharing this story with their permission and blessing.  My dad is 71 and mom is a year younger but you’d never know it if you met them.  These are people who worked hard raising four boys but still managed to put away for retirement and now enjoy a comfortable and very dynamic lifestyle.  Dad loves golf, mom is into everything.  They are both very active in church and recently spent 18 months on a mission in DC.  They have plans to do another mission, possibly even overseas.

I believe my parents look as young as they do and are as active as they are because 9 years ago they got to a healthy weight.  They did very, very well on the Medifast plan.

Fast Forward: Nine Years

Weight creep is what it’s called.  Over time, and as we age, the pounds can slowly return—that is, unless we have a plan.  I’m not saying my parents went back to their old ways completely but over time both of them gained nearly half their weight back.  Then some health issues developed, including type 2 diabetes for my dad and high blood pressure for my mom among other weight-related issues.

Early January this year they came to me and asked for help.  Not in some frantic or desperate way, but just “can you help us”.  Yes, I can.  You see, in 2002 there was no Dr. A’s Habits of Health or companion guide Living a Longer Healthier Life.  These books are the “course materials” of Take Shape For Life and provide the structure to develop your life after weight loss. 

But first, let’s get those pounds off…

So we placed both mom and dad a one month’s order and got them the course materials.  They started on Monday January 31^st and allowed me to coach them into the fat-burning state, which only took two days and they started feeling really good.  Good energy levels, low-to-no hunger and losing weight.  These comprise the three markers I’m looking for in my clients.  And I’m happy to say my parents have both been A+ students, doing very well following the program.  Check it out:

After One Week:

Gary Blanchard lost 6 pounds and brought his blood sugars down from a high of 170 to the 80’s!  

Jo Ann Blanchard lost 6 pounds and brought her systolic down from the 150’s to the teens!

After Two Weeks:

Both lost another 3 pounds each and continue to feel great with low-to-no hunger and good energy levels.  They are also reading Dr. A’s Habits of Health and companion guide.  After our weekly call-in last week I pointed out one of my favorite chapters, Chapter 11 “The Science of Healthy Eating and Weight Loss.”

Their Advice:  One hour after our call this week, my mom called me back—knowing I was going to write this—and said to say the reason they have done so well is because they have exactly followed the program and be sure I tell everyone that.  She also wanted to share that the Medifast dark chocolate antioxidant mixed with the cherry pomegranate shake in a blender with a little ice makes “the best” shake for two.  It’ll also work for one person if you put the other half in the refrigerator.

I Love My Mom and Dad

And I want to continue to golf 18 holes with my dad and enjoy my mom’s interest in everything we do.  I love her cooking and now with our new Healthy Family Cookbook, even better.  This summer we have planned a cabin retreat here in Colorado that includes hiking.  And I want them to go on another mission in their 70’s, if that’s what they want to.  How cool is that?

Life is too good for bad health to get in the way.

Thank you mom and dad for letting me share your story, I love you.

Myopia

The biggest challenge I have in coaching clients is myopia. I’m not talking about the ocular condition requiring glasses but rather the short-sightedness in your brain.  It’s a natural, human condition of which we all suffer. The good news is our year is still in its infancy.  But like January, it too will pass quickly into 2011.  And being myopic, or short-sighted, is the best way to NOT get what you want in 2010.   

 Myopic Offenders

 Some of the greatest myopic offenders of your 2010 goals include the bathroom scale, special events, stress and saboteurs.  So let’s look at each one of these and how to turn a potential stumbling block into a hurdle that—once you clear—only strengthens your resolve.

The Bathroom Scale:

The bathroom scale consistently messes with my clients heads.  What’s ironic is that very same scale is something that can exalt your emotions and resolve; but it’s a wily beast—SO BEWARE!  During Phase One it is highly recommended that you weigh yourself only once per week.  But how many people actually do that?  My experience says not many.  You think you can handle the truth??  Daily weigh-ins are quite adept at throwing you off track completely.  Some typical scenarios include: “I’ve been following the program to a T for the past four days but when I stepped on the scale this morning I hadn’t lost even one pound!  This program isn’t working!!”  Or another popular one goes something like “Yesterday I went out with friends and had just one Margarita and a few chips and salsa (fill in your own off-plan food of choice) and this morning I’ve gained two pounds!!  I did everything else right and been following the plan…etc, etc.”  In my opinion the bathroom scale is a main offender because it has this incredible ability to completely take your vision of a healthy body and reduce it down to a single number on a single day.

 Special Events:

The great American quasi-holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, was last weekend.  For a lot of my clients it’s a special event.  It may not be yours, but there’s plenty more every month.  The myopia associated with special events say “it only comes around once per year; I can allow myself a little time off and then get right back on plan Monday morning.”  Good luck.  Again, my experience says a special event can throw you off track for weeks, months or completely.  What’s the big deal?  In 2011 when you write your history, will it include you getting exactly what you wanted in 2010 or will it say something like “had some great hot wings, chips and beer.”  Special events are a main offender because all you see is that event.  What you don’t see is the same event in 2011 will include “off program” foods because you are at your ideal weight and you’ll plan for it and enjoy it!  Reminder: Phase One is not the rest of your life.

 Stress:

This is a tough one.  I’ve read that the majority of overweight and obese people are emotional eaters.  Stress can come from anywhere at any time and we are all susceptible.  The best thing you can do right now is to plan ahead of the stress because you know it’ll happen sooner or later.  This will not only help you stay on track but set you up for a lifetime of what you really want.  The last part of chapter 19 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health is devoted to de-stressing techniques.    Healthy behaviors include: De-stress your job, exercise, get out and about, go natural, laugh, focus on the positive, stop challenge and choose, breathe deeply.  I deem stress a main offender because it attacks emotionally and, at the time, makes itself more important than anything else including your vision of a healthy body.

Saboteurs:

Saboteurs are everywhere and can be your own family, your friends and the people you associate with.  They are what I call Trojan Horse offenders because their words are often shrouded in “good intentions”.  A saboteur can also be the voice in your own head.  Anyone or anything that says you CAN’T do what you really want is a saboteur.  Beware.  The myopia associated with these people, and these thoughts, is that words are more powerful than your vision of what you want.  But we know this is not true.  Support is one of the most critical factors in your success.  As your health coach I know YOU CAN!  And you know you can too.  You already have in your possession the vision, belief and passion to get exactly what you want in 2010.  So don’t let them play your mind.

What Do You See?

What you see is what you get.  Vision your healthy body right now regardless of where you are on the journey.  See it clearly in your head and pull up that vision frequently during the day.  See it the first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed.  Do this and the laws of nature will manifest in your life that which was already created in your thoughts.  Antonyms of myopia include far-sighted and wise.  How to get what you really, really, want is no secret.  It’s simply what you focus your thoughts on.

eb.

In my keep on track last week I shared that I was turning 45 years old on Wednesday.  What came of that revelation was a number of pleasant birthday wishes and also some interesting comments from clients of all ages. What has always struck me as a phenomena is how some people in their 40’s look, feel, talk, think and act like they are getting old while others, well into their 70’s and beyond look, feel, talk, think and act young.

If you didn’t know your age, how old would you be?

Suppose you developed a very rare form of amnesia that wiped out just the memory of your own age.  Naturally, being very concerned about not knowing your age, you seek out a doctor who specializes in this rare condition.  He asks some questions and runs some tests and then comes back to you and, based on his expert analysis, tells you your age. What do you think he would say?

I can’t count the number of weight loss “before” and “after” photos I’ve seen over the past five years of coaching optimal health.  I’ve seen a lot.  But it probably won’t surprise you when I say in every single “after” photo the person looks much younger.  And for those who I have known personally along the way, and including my own story, not only do they look younger but also talk, think, act and feel younger.  Which begs the question, do we have the power to choose our age?  If the answer is yes, which I believe it is, it’s got to start with getting to your ideal weight.

Think and Grow Thin

The message of Take Shape For Life is that anyone can create optimal health in their life.  In the creation process, you are not trying to get away from something (like being overweight, on medications, etc.) but moving toward a vision of health that you have created in your own mind.  And by moving toward your vision, something that did not exist previously comes into existence.  Just this morning I heard this quote.  It’s by Lao Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching.  He said:

“When you correct your mind, everything will fall into place”

I like this quote because it makes clear the secret to getting what you really want.  It’s in the way you think.  I’ll play devil’s advocate to make the point as it pertains to losing weight.  Let’s say I offered you $10,000 per month to strictly follow the plan until you hit your goal weight (a BMI of 25).  How do you think your body would react?  There’s no doubt you’d lose weight quickly and feel really good.  You would get healthy and look and feel younger too.  But so often people get pitted against themselves because their internal dialogue says otherwise; the mind is not correct in thinking you can’t; in thinking there is something preventing you from having what you really want.

Making 2010 YOUR Year

This is it!  This is your “second chance”; this is your hope for authentic change.  Losing weight is the easy part.  I believe that.  By following the plan specifically, you’ll lose quickly and safely with low-to-no hunger and good energy levels.

Eric carving the turkey

We hope that everyone’s Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours.

It is one of our favorite holidays because it is about gratitude and a day to reflect on what we have, not what is missing in our lives.

We are truly thankful for the lives that we change and the friendships we’ve developed through Take Shape For Life.

Becoming a health coach was the best—and definitely the last—career move we’ll ever make.  We are truly blessed to have meaningful and rewarding work, one that is built around helping people and making a difference.

Joy & the kids
Thanksgiving dinner

If you’ve ever thought about generating additional income or owning a business, this opportunity may be for you.  Below are a couple of links with some information.  If you’re interested, please take a look and let us know.

Thank you and have a great week!

P.S. This week, Eric will be in Amarillo, Texas working with some health coaches and doctors.