When I found out that I had to enroll in the Restore Program I was discouraged and a bit insulted. You might say I went into the program kicking and screaming, though not overtly. After disciplining myself to exercise and change my diet, my weight and blood pressure dropped substantially. It has been an emotional adjustment (I was comfortable being unhealthy) but I feel much better and do not want to go back to my old habits. I am grateful I submitted to the Restore Program.
When I first got on the program I was a little defensive, because I had just had a baby and knew that I could lose the weight on my own. I felt that Ron Welsh was the perfect consultant, because his wife has had 3 children in the last 4 years and completely understood where I was at. He was very respectful and very knowledgeable. If I had a question that I emailed to him, he always followed up with a phone call to make sure I got the question answered correctly. I really appreciated his help. Even though I have lost weight on my own in the past after having my first child, I am thrilled to say that this time around, I weigh what I weighed in high school! I don't think I ever would have taken it that far on my own. I probably would have lost just enough to get by and went on my way. Just recently I had to buy all new clothes, because I couldn't fit in to any of my clothes anymore! I am very thankful for that!
My journey with Medi-Share began with a desire to get our health care costs under control and to stop paying for the medical care of people who are un-willing to make healthy lifestyle choices. In order to be accepted in the program, I needed to lower my cholesterol. For years, several physicians have tried to get me on statin drugs but I have always refused and basically just ignored the problem.
My naturopath suggested I try a vegan diet for six weeks. Reluctantly, I did and my total cholesterol dropped from 292 to 219. At this point CCMS was willing to accept me in the sharing program with the provision that I work with an advisor. I wasn't very excited about this either but working with Angela Dodson has been another unexpected blessing in my life! I've been so impressed with the total Christian perspective CCMS espouses; they really look at whole body health, spiritual, mental, relationships, and physical. Angela was very compassionate and caring. I grew to appreciate her praying with me after each one of our phone sessions. She was very knowledgeable and always offered me many resources. We worked together for about 9 months; I learned a lot about choices I can make and things I can do to improve my own health. My total cholesterol is now 198 and dropping! Working with Angela and the Restore program, my total health awareness has been raised. I have reccommended this program to many friends and family. Another benefit is that I have lost 30 lbs. and that alone has caused people to ask what I have been doing. Fortunately, my wife, Cynthia, has been incredibly supportivem in making these dietary changes. My son and daughter-in-law have seen the changes and been inspired to make changes of their own. Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, Eat To Live, and Lowering your Cholesterol, have been very helpful. What started as a suggestion from my Naturopath has now become a lifestyle. For a Kansas farm boy who grew up on raw milk, butter, and meat three times a day, I have come a long way. I am excited about enjoying all the health benefits from these changes and the diseases I am avoiding in the future! Thanks be to God!
I felt like I was doing an ok job and that I had a lot of knowledge before I started the program, but it gave me the push to be more consistent and to be more drastic in my choices. Accountability and challenge are good for me and I tend to rise to the occasion. This time it really paid off. My cholesterol level went from 222 to 172 in 3 months and I am in better shape than I have been in years. My doctor told me that my results were dramatic and exciting and he did not want me to lose any more weight! Which, by the way, was not my main goal, but was a great side benefit to being more disciplined in my eating and exercise. It was well worth my time to be involved in the program, because it raised my awareness of everything I put into my mouth and what I was or was not doing with my body. Praise God for giving us the ability to get stronger and healthier with His help!
I started to look different just one week after following the program. Moreover, I am feeling much better with my energy, sleeping, weight, concentration, etc. I am much healthier now. My next goal is to try to lower my blood pressure, and eventually stop taking it.
Katie was always very encouraging to me. I never felt rushed. She helped me be realistic about where I am and always found ways to be positive! She helped me set goals, identify barriers to achieving those goals, and made strategies for overcoming those barriers. I learned so much! My health is in a better place as a result of being in Restore. Thank you!
I completely believe that the LORD led me to pursue the Restore program in order to realign my life in the area of health and fitness. I was totally consumed by the sin of gluttony and my body reflected the consequences of that sin. I basically did not exercise at all. Remarkably, my health in general did not reflect my very bad behavior. My cholesterol and blood pressure were low. Yet, I knew that I was on the cusp of spiraling into very bad health (I am 48 years old) and taking my husband (66 years old) with me. Through much prayer and the inspiration of my best friend (who is still on the Restore Program), I made the call that would change this area of my life. I have lost 17.5 pounds, 5 inches in my waist, and 4.5 inches in my hips. My husband has lost 32 pounds. I have a long way to go and I still pray for perseverance to run this race. My coach has inspired me to realize that "Exercise is Fun"! I thank Matt White for being so extremely encouraging. Matt educated me in the area of physical fitness and I am sure that I drove him crazy with my 90's VCR exercise videos. I have tried many new exercises, watched multitudes of videos, listened to almost every audio, and read every item (and then some) in my Restore assignments. I guess to sum it all up; I see things from a new perspective. I am healthier. I eat great and I don't feel slighted. I am always full. I make better choices. I thank Matt and the Restore Program. But mostly, I thank my God and to Him I give all the glory for any success--past present and future!
Katie was a great help and always had an answer to my myriad of questions. She never rushed me. She made and kept our scheduled appointments for first thing Monday morning every other week. She assisted me in making and reassessing specific, measurable, and realistic health related goals. She helped me identify barriers to achieving my goals and helped me make strategies for overcoming them. I have lost 45+ pounds, am eating healthy, and I am at a better place health-wise as a result of working with Katie.
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