Twelve years ago, I was hypertensive and pre-diabetic. I was threatened to be put on blood pressure medication. I was obese and knew I needed to change my life. I did not want to go on meds.
So, what’s the alternative? Make a lifestyle change. By adapting a plant based diet, not only did my blood pressure normalize, so did my blood sugar. I also lost 150+ pounds. I know many of you know my story already, but the reason I bring it up is because I recently had lab work for an upcoming physical.
When a started my weightloss journey almost 12 years ago, I never imagined I would end up coaching others. As I strived to reverse my hypertension, I was doing what felt best for my health. I researched the best and worst foods to eat and began an exercise routine. This would help me lose 150+ pounds, reverse my hypertension and pre-diabetes and be in the best shape of my life.
Along the way, people would ask me what I did to lose weight. I also had friends or family that wanted to know how they too can get off their meds for good. I would always share what I learned. When I saw that other people were rsponding to my advice, that’s when I realized I should consider becoming a coach.
Recently, I had some lab work (just routine lab work) and thought why not get my A1CC checked. I don’t know if I ever had it checked before. Even when I was pre-diabetic, if my doctor checked my A1C at the time, I don’t think I ever knew my number. So I thought this would be interesting.
Diabetes runs in my family, especially on my mom's side, but it is on my dad's side too. Many of you know I helped my mom reverse her diabetes to where she's no longer considered diabetic and not on any meds. Other family members have not been so fortunate and their diabetes just gets worse.
Today marks my 7th anniversary as a vegan. Yes, I was plant based since 2012, but I ate minimal animal products like turkey or yogurt up until September of 2016.
I credit my vegan brother Robert Cheeke for helping me transition. The 13 week workout journal did the trick. After the 13 weeks, I never wanted to go back to animal products.
.As most of you know, I plan to do some nutrition coaching, as I love helping people transition to a whole food plant based diet. I have seen family and friends reverse diseases with a dietary change. It would be awesome to watch others transition to a healthier lifestyle as well.I only plan to do this on a part time basis, as I’m definitely busy at my full time job and my workout routine. But Helping others overcome health issues is my way of giving back as I reversed my own issues (hypertension and pre-diabetes).
I signed up for Dr. Fuhrman’s Nutrition Coach Certificate program. When if ends in December, I plan to begin coaching. I live this lifestyle and I follow Dr. Fuhrman and other plant based doctors advice. Dr. Fuhrman's teaching have especially resonated with me. When I started my journey 11 years ago. I was morbidly obese, tipping the scales at 350+ pounds.
