FOX 17 NEWS of Grand Rapids recently interviewed me regarding the weight loss program that I am a part of through Mercy Health Partners and Hackley Health Management in Muskegon. After beginning their program in November 2008, I was able to lose nearly 60 pounds and "reset" my life in a more healthy direction.
The Decision Free program through Hackley Health Management was where I began. It was very much like a programmed approach to weight loss. I didn't have a lot a choice on what I could eat for several months. However, I was seldom hungry and every product I did eat, tasted great. Through their medical supervision, I was able to reduce and eventually eliminate the medications I was taking for hypertension and cholesterol, along with prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
Once I lost most of the weight, I transitioned to the Healthy Solutions program, where I could now enjoy more HMR entrees along with fruits and vegetables. It was about that same time I learned that I needed to seriously increase my physical activity if I was going to sustain the weight loss. The support of Hackley Health Management and weekly classes helped me set goals and confront the challenge of serious exercise.
After reaching my goal weight, I was able to begin Phase 2, the maintenance stage of the HHM program. The knowledge that I have gained from these classes has been invaluable. I've been in this phase for about 18 months and have increased my physical activity to include a minimum of 2000 calories from exercise each week. I am now able to eat "outside of the box," but still use HMR shakes, entrees, and nutrition bars as meal replacements. These low calories, high-density options are critical for weight management.
Looking back at the photos I have of those unhealthy years and knowing how much better I feel today, I have no desire to return to the lifestyle prior to my journey with Mercy Health Partners and Hackley Health Management. For these fine people and my current health educator, I am forever grateful.
1 comment:
That is so awesome and such a great story for everyone. Have you ever been on the Fuel Up to Play 60 website, Kirby? Same concept of moving for 60 minutes a day every day that is sponsored by the milk industry.
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