Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Can you imagine losing 333 lbs? Scott realized that bariatric surgery was not a solution for him, and after much research, embraced Dr. Fuhrman’s nutrient rich eating-style. He has an incredible story of hope; especially for anyone caught in the dark pit of morbid obesity. Welcome to Disease Proof, Scott.   

Tell about yourself and the events that led up to getting your health back.

Starting in puberty, I put on weight. Even though I was a competitive swimmer, rode my bike everywhere, and played pickup games of football and baseball, I still packed on the pounds.

Eventually I got married and became a stay-at-home Dad, which was a privilege, but also very isolating and lonely.  My weight increased dramatically, yet I denied the seriousness of the problem. However, one day I woke up and admitted that I had fallen directly into a huge, black pit. In November of 2005, I weighed 501 pounds.

I was unable to walk more than a few feet. My knees, lower back and feet suffered greatly, causing my independence of movement to be completely gone. My wife, who is a nurse, had to help me shower, dress, walk, etc., and consequently, I had no self-esteem. She also noticed that I had developed serious sleep apnea.

I went to three, different surgeons for consultations regarding the possibility of bariatric surgery, but couldn't and wouldn't commit to it.  The surgeries seemed like handing my problems over to someone else to fix. This was my problem and I had to solve it, or else live with the negative consequences. I chose to solve it.   

I read books and contemplated ways to get out of my precarious situation. In my quest, I discovered Eat to Live and decided to commit to it, because it’s not a diet to get to a certain goal weight, but about learning to take care of one’s health for life. Dr. Fuhrman’s teachings dovetailed perfectly into my plans to totally restructure my life. I found peace in doing simple things like cooking, biking, taking care of myself, and taking care of my family. By February of 2009, I had lost 333 lbs and got my health and life back. 

How did you feel before starting ETL?

A better question would be, “How did I possibly survive?"

Life was intolerable. Weighing as much as I did, I couldn’t move without a lot of pain and exhaustion. I stepped outside my house, at the most, four to six times a year; and only then at the begging of my wife and daughter. I would sit on the stoop for fifteen minutes, and then the stares would begin; whether real or imagined, it was deep, unending uncertainty and sadness.

How do you feel now?

I have a life. Physically I feel great. My wife even admits that she can’t keep up with me now.  

However, I also feel angry at times due to the scorn and ridicule against fat people, and the false hope and lack of understanding the dieting industry throws at them. When I was morbidly obese, I felt worthless, unclean, stupid, unacceptable, and rejected. I was judged according to my size; therefore, it produced a lot of resentment.   

Now, when I look in the mirror, I only recognize my eyes and teeth.  When I’m in public places, I am no longer noticed, because now I fit in and look “normal.” This prejudice still makes me mad. My mind seems unable to embrace the lack of stares now, because psychologically, I still feel like I weigh 501 lbs.

Tell us how you got involved in cycling and how much you ride now.

When I was a kid, I loved to ride my bike. Then it all came to an abrupt halt on my 16^th birthday when driving became my “right of passage.” Consequently, my bike became a fading, dusty memory stored in back of the garage. 

To get my health back, I needed a way to exercise.  For me, biking made complete sense as it was a way to move around without further destroying what was left of my body. It also reconnected me with all the best parts of childhood; that sense of adventure and freedom.  It was, is, and always will be great for me. That first year I rode approximately 1,400 miles. Last year I rode 19,700 miles, and this year I’m shooting for 25,000.  Now, as a family, we do almost all errands via our bikes. Anywhere we used to go by car, we now take a bike. 

Do you have any success tip(s) that you’d like to share? 

• First and foremost, find a way back to believing in your true and honest self. However, the path must work for you. Take and borrow suggestions from others, but until it becomes 101% yours, it's not going to stick.

• Make a sacred pact to commit to this new lifestyle. Do it at any and all cost. This is the only way out.

 Congratulations Scott! We applaud you with a standing ovation! 

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Eating for health is a mindset. We make firm choices based upon correct information that’s been proven to restore health to the body.

However, if food choices are determined by our circumstances or fluctuating emotions, we will suffer the consequences of decisions that will never lead to optimal health.  

When I first started the journey to get my health back, I was obese, unfit and didn’t feel well. It was an effort just to get out of bed in the mornings, let alone enthusiastically eat for health. I knew that if I was ever going to succeed, I had to have something simple and concrete to follow. 

After thoroughly studying Eat to Live, using a small font, I typed out the six week eating plan on page 179. I then printed off three copies, and laminated them at an office supply store. I kept one in my purse, one next to my bed, and one under a magnet on the refrigerator. The plan made all of my decisions. Period.

• Those first couple of weeks I didn’t feel like eating romaine lettuce, collard greens or brussel sprouts. I followed the plan.

• I was heavily addicted to salt, creamy cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and crunchy peanut butter. I followed the plan. 

• I craved diet cola and diet pudding. I followed the plan.

• I was addicted to creamy ranch dressing. I followed the plan.

• My bedtime snack was always a large bowl of cereal and milk. I followed the plan.

• My son became seriously ill. I followed the plan.

• Life suddenly became an out-of-control roller coaster. I followed the plan.  

• He had to be transferred to another hospital in another state. I followed the plan.

• I had to find my way around in a new city. I followed the plan.

• I hit rock bottom with sadness and fear of the future. I followed the plan.  

• The hospital cafeteria food looked comforting and inviting. I followed the plan.

• The candy in the gift shop called out my name. I followed the plan. 

Three months later, back home, I got on the scales. Even though the picture on the left shows the strain of crisis on my face, I was forty pounds lighter; and more importantly, I was no longer addicted to toxic foods. I now craved fresh greens and fruits. Diet soda, diet desserts and salty foods tasted disgusting to me. I could walk for ½ hour every morning and evening, and feel great. My body was thoroughly refreshed after a good night’s sleep, and brain fog had completely disappeared.

The crisis eventually subsided. My body was well-nourished. I had newfound energy to try recipes. I had a bounce in my step to attempt challenging exercises. I knew I was well on the way to getting my health back. I was free.   

“Success or lack thereof is not based upon circumstances; therefore, excuses are irrelevant.”  Emily Boller

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For years, Terry, a former high school and college athlete, could “eat anything” and work it off with lots of exercise through sports.  However, in his late twenties, the weight began to pile on as his social eating and drinking increased, and his exercise decreased.  The once fit athlete ballooned into an obese and unhealthy, middle-aged guy who felt miserable. Thankfully, a mutual friend and vegan proponent, Heather Mills, posed a challenge to Terry to get his health back and introduced him to Dr. Fuhrman. The rest is history. He’s now more than half way through the challenge, and it has changed more than just his medical stats.  Welcome to Disease Proof, Terry.

Tell us about yourself and how you decided to take the plunge to get your health back?

For more than a decade I’ve been overweight and unhappy with how I’ve looked and felt. I’ve wanted to lose 75 lbs to get down to what I weighed when I played collegiate rugby. I grew up playing sports and ate lots of high fat food, but never had a potbelly until I was twenty-five; and even then, when rugby season would start, I could always run it off. However, by the time I was thirty I was a heavy drinker and hardly exercised anymore. My career as an advertising executive in Manhattan requires dining out with clients late into the night as a significant part of my job. There seemed to be no end to my disease promoting lifestyle. Two years ago, when I turned forty, I thought I was a hopeless case. I didn’t think I’d ever be fit, active or happy again like I was in my early twenties.

Heather posed a challenge for me to go vegan for six months to see what effect it would have on my weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. She wanted me to do it “right” so she introduced me to Dr. Fuhrman, who took the challenge a step further. He wanted me to focus on eating high nutrient vegetation for optimal health, and become a nutritarian for life.     

At first I thought Heather’s idea was crazy, because I loved meat and cheese; and it was even suggested that I give up alcohol! She offered to provide the food for six months and arrange monthly check-ups with Dr. Fuhrman if I would write a blog about the experience. After thinking about the challenge for many weeks, I decided to go for it. By this time, I had tipped the scales at 302 lbs [6’4”].  
   
I started the six month quest with 100% gusto on November 1, 2009; just as I was entering my favorite eating and drinking season of the year. A couple of days prior I had my first consultation with Dr. Fuhrman and he laid it on the line just like a coach would, and Eat to Live became the playbook.

How did you feel before committing to Eat to Live? 

I was tired all the time, and it was a struggle to perform even the simplest of tasks such as bending over to tie my shoes or climb a flight of stairs. However, even though I was obese, I didn’t look more than 50 lbs overweight and I lived a “normal” life. I could still fit in airplane seats and was never in want of a date; therefore, I ignored my extremely unhealthy body. I thought I ate relatively healthy and didn’t consider myself to be a junk food addict. For those rare times that I did look in the mirror and become shocked at my size, I would order a giant steak, creamed spinach, bottle of wine, and a few Scotches to make me happy again. 

I naively assumed that if I just cut back on food intake and exercised more that I could achieve my weight loss goal; however, Dr. Fuhrman quickly set me straight. I was surprised to learn that my steaks with creamed spinach and 12” subs were junk food; causing my cholesterol to be dangerously over 300! When Dr. Fuhrman stated, "We got you just in time," I knew it was not a hyperbole. My life was truly at risk. 

What's happened to your body so far?

By the eighth day of following Eat to Live, I had lost 12 lbs and within six weeks my cholesterol dropped an incredible 100 points! I’ve lost 41 lbs in the last 3½ months, and feel great and closer to “normal” again. My body is now conditioned to enjoy healthy food. I love this new way of eating! 

                 

 Are others noticing changes about you? 

Yes, someone recently commented, “I didn’t know you had a chin!” My girlfriend said that my skin looks healthier and more alive, and friends from years ago now see the same person they first met. However, the biggest change that others notice is my attitude. I was never without a drink and luscious spread of food, and now I’m surprising everyone. Many are encouraged and motivated because I’m the last person in the world they’d ever expect to see change eating and drinking habits. Now, the common response is, “If Terry can do it, I certainly can!”

Do you have any success tip(s) that you’d like to share with others in their journey to health?

• Yes, be selfish.  In my case, I love to write, and the prospect of documenting this journey through a blog seemed irresistible. I told everyone I met that I was going on this radical quest to lose 75 lbs., and that I would be writing about it daily. [It’s easy to set up a blog. If you tell everyone about it, and commit to writing about your journey, you are under pressure to stick with it!]

• Also I looked at the weight loss challenge as a sporting event. I’m competitive. I love to win. My ego was at stake because if I lost, I would not only be losing to myself, I would be losing to my doubters, and that got my competitive juices flowing!

Any final thoughts to share? 

• Just because you feel "fine" doesn’t mean your cholesterol is not life threatening.
• Just because you can still buy clothes “off the rack", or fit in an airplane seat, doesn’t mean you’re not dangerously obese.
• Just because people love you, doesn’t mean you should ignore poor health and not do something about it.

   

Almost daily I hear the words of Dr. Fuhrman echo in my head, "We got you just in time." 

Terry has 2 ½ months left of his six month quest to get his health back. I’ll check in with him on the victor’s platform in a few months! In the meantime, check out his blog.  [By the way, since eating out with clients is a big part of his career, he uses his blog to encourage others, like himself, who are committed to eating for health while living in a big city full of challenging temptations.]

Congratulations Terry ~ we are cheering for you! 

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Are you sick and tired of a medical culture that's influenced by drug reps trained in communication skills and research funded by pharmaceutical companies instead of scientific nutritional research?

Are you fed up with a health care system, including dietitians and food service personnel, who see absolutely nothing wrong with serving pizza, fried chicken, beef 'n noodles, dinner rolls, butter and jelly, cake, ice cream, and pudding to severely ill patients?

Are you disappointed that our educational system values and prioritizes college and career preparation over instruction in optimal health and longevity? How fulfilling and productive is a career intermingled with food addiction and hangovers? What enjoyment and satisfaction is there in a beautiful home and nice car mixed with alcoholism, eating disorders, heart disease, depression, chemo treatments, pain meds, diabetes, and broken relationships?

Are you saddened by a social culture, including religious, academic and athletic; that models, by example, and promotes gluttonous pleasures and indulgences? What will happen to a society in which eating for disease has run rampant? 

Are you disturbed by the fact that a quarter of a million dollars can be spent on a preventable heart surgery, and $110 for an unnecessary vial of insulin, while entire families go to bed hungry? Is it even ethical to squander such financial resources?  

The change of one is a transformation.

The change of many is a revolution.

Change begins with you and me. 

It’s time for a revolution!

“We are free to choose our actions. We are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.”   -Steven Covey

image credit: montville.net

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For many, Valentine’s Day is filled with candlelit dinners, flowers and romance. Yet, unfortunately, for many others, it's just another day filled with disappointment due to a loved one’s confusing perils of addiction. 

Addiction is not solitary; it painfully affects everyone, especially those closest to the person caught in the web of its entanglements. 

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Peggy, the lovely wife of Ronnie Valentine, who I recently interviewed on Disease Proof. If you recall, Ronnie was not only caught up in food and alcohol addiction, but smoked four packs of cigarettes a day. I asked Peggy if she’d be willing to share her perspective of what it was like being married to someone drowning in addiction, (with Ronnie’s blessing), and she wholeheartedly agreed to it. Welcome to Disease Proof, Peggy.

What was your life like being married to someone trapped in addiction?

When Ronnie and I married in 1985, he was disciplined, athletic, healthy, and balanced. His addiction to cigarettes, alcohol and food developed slowly over time, as did my coping mechanisms. I definitely progressed in a downward spiral, in my own way, right along with him. 

As a couple, our once normal, loving partnership turned to one of caregiver and sick, disabled person.  Having to pick up additional responsibilities to cover for Ronnie’s physical incapacities and emotional absence due to behaviors that were chosen by him, I continued in a repetitive cycle of anger, pity, hope, and forgiveness, which was detrimental to my own health and well being. 

How did Ronnie’s addictions affect your children and other relationships?

Addiction in our case, as I think for most people suffering from it, affected every relationship within our family, plus our social relationships, in a negative way. Our children experienced the absence of their father. His desire to be in their lives was limited as the addictions were the driving force in his life. I remember telling the kids about a year before Ronnie discovered Dr. Fuhrman’s web site that I felt strongly their father would not be around much longer. We were living with a person who was voluntarily and slowly killing himself. I knew that his will to live had long departed. Although we never talked about it, I knew that Ronnie was putting affairs in order so that I could carry on in his absence. And because his preference was to socialize with those who liked to participate in the same things, our social life also became out-of-balance as isolation took place of relationships.

How did it affect your finances?

Ronnie was taking medications that were costing over $600/month in out-of-pocket expenses! Our finances were crippled, because more than $2500 every month was being thrown out the window to fund his addictions and medications. Today I’m proud to say that we spend absolutely nothing on prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, cigarettes, alcohol, eating out, junk food, or any other vice. 

How did you cope with the ongoing stress? 

I wish I could say that I was the pillar of strength and support, but that would be an inaccurate assessment. However, I do believe for those married that we ultimately want our marriages to succeed. The need to WANT to trust our partner is strong. I knew that this was the foundation to our relationship. If the trust was gone, we were through.

I experienced a naïve type of hope that wanted to find something good to hang on to, which became my coping mechanism. However, eventually over the years, my instinct and good sense confirmed to me that this problem wasn’t going to get any better or go away. As a last resort, I went to my God on Ronnie’s behalf and begged for mercy. I began to pray a lot.

Only God can change a heart. All the diets, disciplined efforts, exercise programs, treatment centers, hypnosis, or any other methods are destined to fail if the heart of the person has not decided to live. I think many people have to hit bottom in order to look up, and Ronnie was no exception. After his second trip to the hospital for treatment of serious heart disease in three years, we were both at rock bottom.

What was the turning point for you?

Upon returning home after having three stents put into his arteries [two years after quadruple bypass surgery], I watched Ronnie search for a new way to live. He discovered Dr. Fuhrman’s web site and began to communicate with him about his health. As Ronnie gained information, he began to change. Although that first year was hard, (Ronnie had been smoking four packs of cigarettes a day and stopped cold turkey), his decision to live never faltered. It was an instant decision on his part. Seeing his will to live again was a turning point for me as I could look forward to a future with the man that I loved the most in the world. My assumption of being a widow was no longer valid! God had come through in His mercy.

What has it been like to see Ronnie change right before your eyes?

There has been a lot of attention, and rightfully so, spent on gaining knowledge about vitamins, minerals, what and when to eat, how foods affect the body, human anatomy, exercise, and managing stress; almost a hobby and passion for Ronnie. I am very proud of his dedication to learn this information and his willingness to share it with anyone ready to listen.

A new trust has been restored to our relationship. We are now on the same page for the first time in years.  Our children have been released of the constant burden of worry, not only for their father, but for me as well.

Sometimes I still forget that I don’t have to do everything by myself anymore. I now have a healthy and fit husband who can help bring in groceries, mow the lawn, and move heavy boxes and furniture with ease; all of which he couldn’t do when he was sick and incapacitated.  I no longer see our money flying out the door with nothing to show for it. Our life is so much better and easier, and an open book to family and friends with nothing to hide.

Is there anything that you would like to share with those who are committed to a loved one through the devastation of addiction?

Ronnie was hurting, but he was a dynamic and extraordinary individual waiting to jump out and live again.  I think it’s important not to put a lot of unnecessary blame on someone caught in addiction, and in the process, bypass our own shortcomings. 

If you are reading this and are a parent or grandparent, be watchful of your children and grandchildren. Their physical and emotional well-beings are impressionable, and their nutritional habits are being formed by you. Some of the answers to addiction may lie here, and I suspect that if taught early, good habits and health would carry throughout a lifetime.

Happy Valentines Day Ronnie and Peggy Valentine! May you have many wonderful years together!

Image credits: roses, theresampetoskey@Flickr; silhouette, emergingcity.com

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Since Valentine Day is on Sunday, I want to interview a couple, Rick and Lynne, who recently celebrated 40 years of marriage and are committed nutritarians. They plan to enjoy many more wonderful, and now, healthy years together. Welcome to Disease Proof Rick and Lynne!

How did you discover nutritarian eating?

For us it has been a long and gradual process to discover and eventually commit to nutritarian eating. About 15 years ago we gave up eating red meat and pork products, and then eventually gave up consuming chicken due to their growth hormones and antibiotics.   Then my sister Laurie and her husband, Darryl, led us the rest of the way to discover Dr. Fuhrman’s high nutrient eating-style. 

Since Darryl and Laurie visit us once or twice a year, they help with the grocery shopping and cooking. In the process they have shared healthier food preparation and recipes with us. Laurie and I have swapped recipes for years and now we have healthy ones to share with each other.

What motivated both of you to commit 100%?

We both attended a lecture by Dr. Fuhrman in Clearwater, Florida, and then attended his health “Getaway” this past summer. His lectures were so informative and full of science to back up his eating plan. Plus it was great to spend a whole week eating delicious, healthy food and then return home from a vacation having lost a few pounds rather than gaining! Of course, it was also wonderful to meet other nutritrians and eat meals and socialize with likeminded people for an entire week. 

How has eating for health changed your lives?

We didn’t have a lot of weight to lose to begin with; surprisingly, we’ve both lost 17 lbs, and now weigh less than the day we got married! Our cholesterol levels are in a healthy range now, and a recent blood pressure reading for Rick was 105/72 and mine was 113/72. We feel so much better eating this way. Even when we eat a substantial meal, because we choose the healthiest foods possible, we don’t have that heavy feeling of being stuffed and bloated afterwards. We are looking better in our clothes and have been able to wear some things that we haven’t worn in years. Now we’re donating our larger clothes because we know we’ll never need them again!

Has it been beneficial to be on this journey together?

Yes!  We offer each other the full support and daily encouragement to eat the healthiest foods possible.  We both want to live long and healthy lives and not die early of a preventable disease.  Rick and I love each other so much that we want as many years together as we can possibly get! My great grandparents were married for 71 years, and I hope we can meet or exceed that number!

Congratulations Rick and Lynne on celebrating your 40th anniversary! Now that you are both in excellent health, may you continue to celebrate many more!  

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It’s time to check in with Stephanie as she continues the journey to get her health back. I’m also going to include an update on Carol, who committed to Dr. Fuhrman’s high nutrient eating-style this past July. Welcome back to Disease Proof ladies!

Stephanie hit a weight loss plateau, and is the first to admit that she was “testing her limits.” She learned a valuable lesson: one cannot mix nutrient dense foods and the standard American diet together and get results. She realized that old habits die hard, and that rationalizing poor food choices is unproductive to optimal health.  

Stephanie also realized that she LIKES feeling healthy and has been craving exercise for the first time in her life. She’s been feeling better about herself every month.

“My nursing classes started again in January, and for the first time as an adult, I’m able to fit into a [classroom] desk!  I've started wearing make-up because I’ve started caring about how I look again. I actually find pleasure in taking care of myself now.  This month I smiled at myself in the mirror ... SINCERELY ... I have never been able to look at myself without shame and disgust.”

Carol is thrilled to be down 88 lbs now since July. Her waist has decreased a total of eight inches so far, and she describes her size 20 pants as “roomy.” She can’t wait to get below 200 lbs next! 

Lately, she’s been noticing that her complexion is smoother from eating lots of high nutrient foods, and someone commented that she looks younger than her actual age. Her favorite smoothie is comprised of blueberries, strawberries, a banana, spinach and a teaspoon of cinnamon.  

Carol says she feels so GOOD, and is excited to be increasing in stamina each month. She’s even started using exercise equipment for workouts a couple times a week! 

Stephanie and Carol, we are cheering for both of you!

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On January 1^st, Laurie, a veteran member of the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com, crossed a milestone of being a nutritarian for five years. She’s still excited to be free from yo-yo dieting and Multiple Sclerosis flare-ups that plagued her life for years. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to eating for health is evident to all as she inspires and encourages so many on the member center forums. Welcome to Disease Proof, Laurie! 

Tell us about yourself and the events that led up to getting your health back?

For years I was a yo-yo dieter. I would lose and regain the same weight over-and-over again; causing my physical and emotional health to suffer. I could never predict whether my clothes would fit or not.

At age 28 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and life seemed still more precarious and confusing with the constant threat of a MS flare-up. Still, I didn’t look to healthy foods to help with the disease. Dieting for me was all about body size and appearance; plus, no doctor mentioned nutrition to me.

What’s happened to your body since you’ve committed to Dr. Fuhrman’s high nutrient diet-style?

I lost my excess weight in 2005, and I’ve stayed at 110 lbs (5’4”) ever since then. There will never be any more yo-yo dieting for me!

I’ve stabilized at this same weight for so long that I've forgotten what it feels like to be changing sizes all the time.  I feel like someone who has always been trim.  I'm so happy with the way I look and feel now.

My "good" cholesterol has increased from 40 to 52, total cholesterol has come down from above 150 to 130, my triglycerides fell from 152 to 47, and my blood pressure is now excellent.

I do have some permanent MS symptoms since I didn't start a healthy diet until my 40’s, but I no longer have flare-ups. I don’t experience the bizarre sensory symptoms (numbness and tingling) that I used to get on a regular basis.  I use an elliptical machine and do strength training on a consistent schedule, and no longer feel like a person with a disease.

My husband, who is also a committed nutritarian, told me during the darkest days of my worst MS flare-ups that he would be with me for the rest of our lives. Neither one of us knew at the time that we would become nutritarians together and lead such joyful lives. Truly, this lifestyle change has been the best thing we have ever done for ourselves, and we are immeasurably grateful to Dr. Fuhrman. He has given both of us the gift of good health.

Laurie, do you have any success tip(s) that you’d like to share with others?

I would recommend Dr. Fuhrman's Member Center to everyone. The recipes are scrumptious, and have enabled me to cheerfully leave behind pizza, ice cream, and other previously irresistible treats. The newsletters and teleconferences are essential, and the social interaction and support is priceless. We treasure the friends we have made on the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com and at Dr. Fuhrman's health getaway vacations.

 

Is there a final thought that you would like to share with anyone who is discouraged or has given up hope?

To anyone who is feeling hopeless I would say, "If I can do it, anyone can!" You cannot imagine how much I loved the taste of the foods that made me fat. It is astonishing how dramatically our tastes in food can change to enable us to truly enjoy eating for health.

Congratulations Laurie on such a great accomplishment! Your continual success is an inspiration to many.

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Ronnie is an amazing example of the dramatic results that nutritarian eating can have on the body.  Not only did he lose over 140lbs in one year and get his precarious health restored, but is now completely off $600 a month of medications!  You will be astounded by his remarkable recovery. Welcome to Disease Proof, Ronnie.

Tell us about yourself and the events that led up to getting your health back?

In 2005 I had open heart bypass surgery, and two years later I had three stents put into an artery. Soon after being released from the second hospitalization, I was still experiencing chest pain.  I typed “reverse heart disease” into an on-line search engine and discovered the web site of Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

At that time I weighed over 300 lbs and couldn’t perform even the simplest of tasks without shortness of breath and chest pain. I was getting affairs in order for my impending death, including preparing my wife to take over our business.   

How did you feel before committing to nutritarian eating?

I was always hungry and I felt lethargic all the time. My brain seemed to be in a continual cloud of confusion, and every joint in my body ached.

What’s happened to your body and how do you feel now?

I committed to Dr. Fuhrman's high nutrient diet-style on July 10, 2008.  During the first seven months I lost 110 lbs.  By July 2009, I had arrived at my ideal weight; a total weight loss of 140 lbs! 

After a couple weeks of nutritarian eating I had renewed energy and hope. I gradually lost all aches and pains, and toxic hunger completely disappeared. Each morning I woke up with vitality for the day.

My chest pains have completely ceased. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides have all been reversed to a healthy range. With Dr. Fuhrman’s careful oversight through Ask the Doctor on the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com, I’ve been able to completely stop all medications. (Medications for blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood thinners and more.) As a result I’ve been able to save over $600.00 a month in out-of-pocket pharmaceutical expenses!    

Now I can:

•         do heavy weight strength training 4 x week
•         do interval cardio training
•         play tennis
•         ride a bike 

These are all activities I couldn’t even dream of doing two years ago! 

I’m no longer a patient that needs medications; I’m fit, healthy and well!

Ronnie, do you have any success tip(s) you’d like to share with others in their journey to health?

I highly recommend joining the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com. I couldn’t have done it without the lifesaving and valuable support from Dr. Fuhrman. He personally answered every question that I had along the way, and his continual guidance and oversight was always reassuring.

Also, don’t just read Dr. Fuhrman’s books, put them into practice!

Is there a final thought that you would like to share with anyone who is discouraged or has given up hope?

It’s always the darkest before the dawn. There is life in all of us if we will make the choice to live it! Nutritarian eating works! Don’t live your life always looking in the rearview mirror. Let the past be just that; the past. 

Our journey to optimal health is always in front of our eyes, and we sit at that intersection every new day. Go forward to freedom! Forget past failures and always keep your eyes on the prize of great health and vitality through excellent nutrition. 

I asked Ronnie’s wife, Peggy, if she had anything to add. She responded with the following note written directly to Dr. Fuhrman:

Dr. Fuhrman,

I want to add my note of appreciation to you for your hard work and devotion. I now have a new husband! 

Who can ever know how life can change? Over a year ago I was sure that Ronnie would not be with me much longer. Through his own doing, he was a prime candidate for a stroke or heart attack. Now, through his dedication and hard work, and the knowledge that you have given to him, he is not only (hopefully) going to live a long life, but he is living it to its fullest! His commitment to nutritarian eating is an inspiration to all of us.

None of this could have been possible without you.

Peggy 

                                *Ronnie weighed more, but 300 lbs was his scale's limit.

                                * He now wears a size smaller in pants (30) than he did in high school (31)!

                                *300mg of Avapro and 200mg of Toprol for high blood pressure

                                * 20 mg of Lipitor for high cholesterol

Congratulations Ronnie!

image credits: capturedimage.net

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Stephanie began the journey to get her health back by following Dr. Fuhrman’s high nutrient diet-style on November 1, 2009. Now, two months later she is down twenty-seven pounds, has lost 6 inches off her waist, and is continuing to have more energy and stamina. If you are new to Disease Proof, click on the following links to read previous posts: Introducing Stephanie and Stephanie’s One Month Progress Update.

Stephanie, how do you feel now after two months of nutritarian eating?

I feel completely different as my energy and stamina are increasing everyday. I am also gaining confidence; therefore making it easier for me to be in public.

Have your cravings for eating between meals subsided?

YES!  Because I’ve learned to recognize true hunger, I know when I really need to eat and when I can hold off a while longer. Plus I’m now able to smell aromas that I've never smelled before!

How has the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com helped you?

The Member Center has been invaluable to me!  I make it a priority to be on the Member Center at least once a day to post my struggles and victories, and to encourage others.  I feel totally at ease there because I know the members are people who have experienced the same things I am going through. They have showered me with their friendship, encouragement, affirmation, and accountability; and given me hope for where I can end up! Plus, it’s been so encouraging to ask Dr. Fuhrman questions anytime, and he answers each one personally.  His straightforward answers have been so helpful to me. I appreciate his honesty and how he has helped me put my priorities in their right place. Hands down, I wouldn’t have made it through the past two months without the Member Center of DrFuhrman.com!

Have your children noticed a difference in you?

My 7-year-old said, “You look amazing! You are nicer and don’t yell as much.”

My 9-year-old said, “Your clothes are getting too big for you and things are fitting differently.” 

My 4-year-old said, “Your tummy isn’t as fat and your legs are getting ‘phinner.’ You are acting more better with us. I want to eat this way because it is ‘helffy!’”

My 7-year-old daughter, who is overweight, told me that she wants to copy everything that I do. All of my children are getting involved in planning meals, shopping and cooking with me. They are all super excited because we were given a gift to purchase a Vita Mix, and they can hardly contain themselves!

Do you have any success tip(s) that have helped you make it through the many temptations of the standard American diet; especially the last month of being inundated with holiday gatherings?

It has helped me to remember that much of the stuff I "think" I want to eat is really, really bad for me; and if I eat it, I’ll most likely end up back in the same place where I started. I NEVER want to be there again in my life.  I have also posted on the Member Center whenever I've had urges or cravings to eat unhealthy food (instead of eating it.) I’ve established this habit and it has been a tremendous tool to help me succeed.

Way to go Stephanie ~ keep up the great work! 

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