Health One Meal Replacement Car Survival Kit

Many of our patients are busy and have hectic schedules as many Americans typically do.  Being organized and having a plan to be successful is something we think is important in life, but also important when you are making a lifestyle change.  

One important component to our program is meal planning.  Meal plans are set up individually, but most will utilize the Health One Meal Replacements    In order to be successful and organized some patients have used a Health One Meal Replacement Survival Kit.  This kit is comprised of the things necessary to be able to meet your meal plan requirements if you are in a bind or need a back up plan.  For example, you are traveling out of town and have packed for the allotted time, but then your car breaks down or you get stuck in traffic or are delayed an extra day.  This is when the "survival kit" really comes in handy, but it could also be very useful in ordinary situations too. 

A Health One Meal Replacement Survival Kit can be tailored to the individual needs.  Different people desire different flavors; therefore there is not a one-size-fits-all kit.  Here is a list of suggested items to have in your Health One Meal Replacement Survival Kit, but feel free to modify the list below to meet your needs!

• A plastic shoe box container with lid (as seen below)-found under $5 at big box stores or even the dollar stores
• 5-10 packets, variety of the flavors of the Health One Meal Replacement that you enjoy
• 2-16 oz. bottled water
• 3 plastic or foam disposable bowls
• 10 disposable spoons
• Blender Ball Bottle or another type of shaker to "blend" the meal replacement and water
• Items for additives:
• PB2
• Mrs. Dash-to use as an additive
• No Sugar Added Peach Cups
• Sugar-Free Fat Free Pudding powder
• extracts
• other spices



Plastic Shoe Box Container (Image Source)

 PB 2 Peanut Butter Substitute (Image Source)

Bottled Water (Image Source)

Blender Bottle or another type of shaker (Image Source)

Plastic or Foam Bowls (Image Source)

Plastic Spoons (Image Source)

Mrs. Dash Spices/Seasonings (Image Source)

No Sugar Added Peach Cups (Image Source)

Once you have your kit established, place it in your car or take it with you where ever you go.  That way if you are ever in a bind and need a meal you can whip out your kit and make the following:

• A quick shake: 1 MR + PB2 or another additive (extract), pudding, etc. with 8 oz. water in blender bottle.  If a gas station is near, add ice!
• A quick 1x1: Mix in disposable bowl with disposable spoon 1 MR + PB2 or another additive such as an extract or pudding, etc with water that makes a batter consistency. Eat uncooked OR find the nearest gas station and use their microwave for FREE! 1 minute in the microwave & you have a quick, hot meal.  
• Peach Cobbler: Mix in disposable bowl with disposable spoon 1 Vanilla MR + the entire contents of one container of the 'no sugar added peach cups' until all is incorporated.  Microwave at a gas station for 2 minutes & sprinkle with cinnamon (if available in your kit).  

Be sure to keep your kit stocked regularly with the items you use most...this will ensure that you are not lacking something you need when the time comes!  Have you made a Health One Meal Replacement Survival Kit?  If so, we would love to hear what you have in yours.  

Thinking About a Salad? Think Twice when for Weight Loss or Maintenance

The salad has We hear it all the time, "I ate a salad" or "I chose to get the salad bar instead of what I normally get", etc.  Chances are if you are trying to watch your weight you have said something similar.  Google provides this definition of salad: 

sal·ad  

/ˈsaləd/

Noun A cold dish of various mixtures of raw or cooked vegetables, usually seasoned with oil, vinegar, or other dressing: "a green salad". A mixture containing a specified ingredient dressed with mayonnaise: "tuna salad". The salad has been around for a long, long time.  We're talking since the beginning of time when people gathered edible leaves as part of their meal plan. However, the salad we know today is not just edible greens! That would mean that the salad would consist of greens such as Romaine, Iceberg, Kale, Spinach, etc with little seasoning and a rather low calorie snack or meal.   Today, the calories in a salad has not only grown due to increased portion sizes, but also due to the number of non-vegetable additional toppings. Because of the increase in calories, the salad may not always be the first and best option for weight loss or weight maintenance.  A salad can be a great option if you think twice about the amount and type of toppings that you add.   Toppings to GO ahead and include these vegetables/herbs: snow peas green/red/yellow/orange peppers tomatoes carrots broccoli cauliflower mushrooms green beans cucumbers zucchini asparagus beets artichoke hearts peas radishes onions salsa basil/mint/chives/parsley/dill Toppings to CONSIDER, but not get carried away with include fruits (remember fruits have calories too!): pears mandarin oranges apples cherries grapes  strawberries pomegranate Toppings to CONSIDER if you desire more lean protein: low-fat or no-fat cottage cheese grilled chicken canned tuna baked fish ground turkey, cooked egg whites tofu edamame/hummus Toppings to LIMIT if you desire tasty salad, but want to limit calories: cheese avocado croutons dried fruit sunflower seeds sesame seeds other seeds nuts/water chestnuts salad dressing (creamy, oil based) *Ask for on the side to dip fork crispy noodles  pasta high calorie meats: those that are cooked in oil or fried Instead of this: Image Source Choose something that looks like this: Image Source

A veggie-filled salad will yield fewer calories and provide fullness unlike no other salad you could make AND you will be happy with your choice of building a salad that IS considered a good option for weight loss or weight maintenance!

Worst Celebrity Diets for 2013

Americans aren't the only ones looking for lots of fast weight loss!  The Brits too desire this.  The British Dietetic Association, a sister association of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, has announced the top 5 worst celebrity diets for 2013.  After reading the list, it is ridiculous to think that one would actually try one of them, but the reality is there will be a lot of people who do as a "last" result for trying to lose weight.  

Here are the top 5 & our comments on each.  To get full information or read the original article click here. 

5. The 6 Weeks to OMG Diet: this includes ridiculous, limited-research suggested routines such as drinking black coffee in the morning and taking cold baths to delaying breakfast until 10 am, excluding snacks, & removing fruit from your eating plan.  This type of plan is not realistic long term and even if followed in the short term may not even present you with the results you are looking to achieve.  

4. Alcorexia/Drunkorexia Diet: just as it says...starving yourself during the day to "save" calories for your nightly drinking habit.  This is an unhealthy way to fulfill the calories you need in a day and with out a doubt you are fueling your body with zero nutrition.  Not to mention toxic levels of alcohol and recommendations for alcohol consumption being "in moderation".

3. "Party Girl" IV Drip Diet: traditional IV drips are used in hospitals to help the malnourished and ill by providing them with the nutrition they need.  Celebrities are now paying for these sort of drips to prevent them from feeling "run down".  There isn't any evidence or research that concludes that this is effective or a safe means for weight loss or gaining nutrition. 

2. The KEN (Ketogenic Enteral Nutrition) Diet: another "diet" that is traditionally used for patients who are unable to eat "regular/grocery store food" due to a severe illness, disease or another chronic condition.  Who would have thought that any one would try this outrageous method of wearing an NG (naso-gastric tube) tube that allows liquid nutrition to automatically pump into your stomach throughout the day to try to lose weight?  So, wearing a pump with a hose down your nose is the latest and greatest to weight loss?  I'm not sure I would consider that true.  

1. Dukan Diet: The most popular of the "worst" diets includes many phases & confusing directions that would lead anyone to go crazy! Not to mention, completely excluding food groups that can lead to lack of proper nutrition.  This makes it hard to do long term and thus why it is a diet (short term) and many move on to another to achieve the results they are looking for elsewhere.  

The bottom line, diets are short term and will provide short term, if any at all, results that will lead one to another diet.  For more information on "Staying Away from Fad Diets" click here.  Choose wisely the plan that is best for you and be sure that you consult a Registered Dietitian to provide you with the information you need to make a sound decision when joining or doing anything to lose weight.  Our staff consists of several Registered Dietitians that can get you on track with weight loss.  We are happy to help at any time.  Call our office 317-489-4817 or email us at info@hntindiana.com to get any questions you have answered! 

Image Source

The Post Holiday or New Year "Diet" Trend

Now is the time! The time to jump on board with a new year's resolution in hopes of keeping it throughout the year.  According to statisticsbrain.com, losing weight was the #1 new year's resolution and "staying fit & healthy" was ranked #5 in 2012.  Here are a few more stats from statisticsbrain.com:

-45% of Americans usually make new years resolutions
-8% successful in achieving their resolutions
-24% never succeed and fail on their resolution each year

It's interesting that "lose weight" is the #1 new years resolution, but it's not surprising since the overweight/obesity trend in America is rising each year.  Why is this?  Plain and simply answered...over consumption.  Americans are eating too much; too many calories that is.  And the new year falls on the heals of the major 6 week, "over consumption period of time", beginning with thanksgiving.  So, Americans spend 6 weeks (or more) eating too many calories then they decide to make a goal or resolution to lose weight.  Great idea if they are the 8% who are successful in achieving their resolutions, but not so good when it means another fad diet ending in starvation and disappointing results. 

What Americans really need is a reliable program that will provide them with the necessary tools to make lifestyle changes.  

life·style noun (ˈlīf-ˈstī(-ə)l): the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture;  a particular way of living:the way a person lives or a group of people live 1
 

Trying each year to participate in a short term diet or short term stint at the gym to accomplish weight loss is not the key.  The key is participating in changes that you can do for the rest of your life (all year round; including holidays, get togethers, etc.).  Those are considered "lifestyle" changes. When a person is able to make lifestyle changes that they can do ALL year around and not just the first 6 weeks of a new year, this is when they are successful in achieving their goal of weight maintenance or weight loss. 

 

HNT is that reliable program to provide quick weight loss results (that's what you want) while meeting nutritional needs (that's what our registered dietitians and other health professionals on staff want) as you learn the tools you need in order to make the necessary lifestyle changes. 

 

The idea of weight loss is simple....if you overeat or eat too many calories at some point you must compesate by eating fewer calories.  Otherwise you will gain weight if you continue to eat too many calories-as many Americans do each year.  Did you catch that?  I said the "idea" or "concept" of weight loss is "simple".  I didn't say actually "DOING" it was! That is why we are here to help-it's our job!

 

We are here when you are ready.  Call 317.489.4817 for more information on how you can break the cycle of creating the same new years resolution each year and not being able to be successful.  Come to one of our FREE orientations to get started.  

Noblesville, Indiana's Riverview Hospital Employee 8 Week Weight Loss Program

We are excited to see the community at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville promoting a FREE 8 week weight loss program to their employees.  The weight loss program consists of 8 exercise classes and 4 wellness classes in addition to the weekly weigh-in.  Prizes are awarded to everyone for participation and a Kindle Fire to the person with the greatest percentage of weight loss. We urge any employee associated with the hospital to take advantage of this opportunity!  Contact: Kristin Lamb, Wellness Coordinator, Riverview Hospital at 317.776.3829 or via email at klamb@riverview.org for more details. 

The initial weigh-ins will be held Tuesday, January 8th-Thursday, January 10th from 6 am-4:30 pm in the Cardio-Pulmonary Gym located next to the old Out Patient Lab area. 

We are proud to be able to assist in additional weight loss to any of our patients who are Riverview Hospital employees in hopes of providing a competitive edge when it comes to percentage of weight loss at the end of the 8 week program.  We love to hear about opportunities that employers make for their employees to promote health and would love it if more employers would do the same thing.

Health One Meal vs. McDonalds Value Meal

Every now and then we get a person who thinks that the meal replacements we use in our medically supervised weight loss program are expensive and "not worth the cost".  According to the USDA the cost of a day's worth of food eaten by the average American is at or above the cost of Health One Meal Replacements (HOMR) for one day. In addition, a CBS news poll showed that nearly 25% of people eat out at a fast food establishment at least once per week and are spending a lot per meal for junk.

Enter...a healthy option in the HOMR, designed to reduce calorie intake while providing all the nutrition that you need (100-125% of your daily needs).  The HOMR is proven for weight loss and reducing/stabilizing blood sugars.  A perfect meal-considering 78 million Americans are obese and over 10% of adults 20+ years old have diabetes.

 

Lets compare the HOMR to two very popular McDonald's Fast Food value meals: the double cheeseburger meal and the Big Mac meal.

 

Big Mac Value Meal (cost with Large diet drink $5.33)
Big Mac:

550 calories

29 gm total fat

970 mg sodium

25 gm protein

 

Medium French Fry:

380 calories

19 gm total fat

270 mg sodium

 

Totals for the Big Mac Value Meal:

880 calories

48 gm total fat

1240 mg sodium

25 gm protein

 

Image Source

 

Cheeseburger Value Meal (cost with Large diet drink $3.19)

Cheeseburger:

300 calories

12 gm total fat

680 mg sodium

15 gm protein 

 

Medium French Fry:

380 calories

19 gm total fat

270 mg sodium

 

Totals for the Cheeseburger Value Meal:

680 calories

31 gm total fat

950 mg sodium

15 gm protein

Image Source

 

Vs.

 

Health One Meal Replacement Shake (cost is < $3.19)

Blueberry Lemon shake

190 calories

1 gm total fat

310 mg sodium

15 gm protein

25% of RDI's for vitamins and minerals

Image Source

 When the comparison is made, the value in the Health One Meal Replacement stands out as it is cheaper, but provides 25% of RDI's for all vitamins and minerals, 15 grams of protein, and less total fat and less sodium than the popular McDonald's value meals shown here. We are very proud of our weight loss/weight maintenance meal replacement that we can provide in our programs. 

Indianapolis Proven Weight Loss Program

Health and Technology Nutrition (HNT) is dedicated to providing weight management and long term weight loss solutions through medically supervised weight loss. The Indianapolis area is the original location of HNT- Program for Health and Weight Management. We have proudly served the community since 2002. We believe that support combined with education is what it takes to make a lifestyle change permanent. Our goal is to teach you the skills to develop a healthy lifestyle and to coach you while practicing these skills. In a supportive setting, you'll focus on mastering four essential skill-sets: Behavioral; Nutritional; Environmental; Physical Activity.

Personal and professional coaching is fundamental to our program. Our dedicated staff consists of four registered dietitians. Accountability is at the core of the participant-coach relationship. You're highly encouraged to attend weekly behavior change classes, keep records and check in with the coach between visits. It is this high level of contact with your coach that makes this program unique.

Sustainable Health improvement often starts with initial Weight loss. We can assist anyone ready to change. With a range of starting weights from 131-557lbs. everyone benefits. Our average weight loss in the first 20wks is 16% loss; maintained 1,2,3,4 years out!

We invite you to attend a FREE information session to learn more about our program. We know that you want all of the details before you decide if it is right for you. It is 1 hour long and provides an opportunity to get your questions answered. Family and friends are encouraged to accompany you. When you’re ready to change it impacts those around you—positively.

 

 

HNT Indiana Staff

 Call us, 317.489.4817, we'd love to work with you if you are ready for your weight loss journey to start!

Get Lasting Weight Loss Results in Indianapolis, IN

Health & Nutrition Technology (HNT-Indiana) has assisted more than one thousand individuals here in central Indiana in the past decade. We have been blessed to be a part of many changed lives … all starting with weight loss. Shirley is one of the blessings we are delighted to highlight.

What constitutes improved health for one person may not be the same for another. Hence, we make no guarantees, but with repeated and sustained results year after year of an average weight loss of 17% in the first 20 weeks we can confidently say many are finding their own benefits. Having started in September 2009, Shirley reached her goal weight of 24% loss at week 43. She continues to enjoy the benefits afforded her by maintaining this new lifestyle now three years later. She not only lost weight, but had blood pressure medications decreased by more than 50%. She is no longer using a sleep machine! She is actively involved in life: Family and Friends have noted her enthusiasm for Zumba as one form of physical activity she now enjoys. Read more about Shirley HERE.

Shirley Before

 

Shirley After

To view the improved health  journey of  other successful participants visit any one of our Facebook sites: HNT Indiana, Health One MealReplacement, Health and Nutrition Technology (HNT)-Weight Management.

Or better yet make it your personal journey of improved health starting with HNT. Health and Nutrition Technology is a nationally recognized, medically supervised health and weight management program. The professional staff provides a comprehensive approach to health by integrating behavior modification classes along with individual support and caring. 

Health One Meal Replacement Provides Complete Nutrition for Weight Loss

Health and Nutrition Technology (HNT) is: a proven program; medical supervision; complete nutrition. By utilizing all three of these aspects we help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. HNT takes a balanced approach to weight loss by applying evidence-based practices. Our focus is YOUR long-term success.

Registered Dietitians provide effective meal plans for every individual in the program. Weight loss goals ranging from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds all utilize Health One, a low-calorie, high quality meal replacement. Simply put, it is designed to replace higher calorie foods while providing balanced nutrition. What sets Health One apart is that it isn't just a shake; it's also designed to be cooked with.

Healthy cooking and eating is a skill. Enhance your current skill level. Use Health One in hundreds of recipes to create variety, texture, enjoyment, and most importantly weight loss. No other meal replacement available has the same versatility. HNT provides the support and tools needed for success, while preparing you for your eventual transition back to grocery store food.

Health One is filling and wholesome. Every serving provides your body with balanced nutrition- the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal functioning. You can select among 4 flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Creamy Potato Soup. Product traits in each individual meal:

    160 calories

    15 g highly purified protein

    25% RDI vitamins and minerals

    Gluten-free

    No artificial sweetener

    Excellent satiety

Learn how to end the cycle of dieting and achieve long term success through a partnership with HNT Indiana. Attend a FREE information session at any of our five convenient locations throughout Indianapolis. Visit our website for directions, recipes, and statistics. Change your life…so you can live it! 

Let your imagination run free!

Great for the novice or expert chef.

Health One Potato Soup Lasagna Noodles

Health One Vanilla Blueberry Waffles

 

Why Choose Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs?

Health & Nutrition Technology (HNT-Indiana) opened in October 2002 under the medical and program directorship of Dawn Ayers MD-endocrinology and Sheila Henson RD.  Dr. Ayer’s reputation as a phenomenal physician who cares for her patients with compassion is as true today as when we opened 10 years ago. To know her as Dawn or Dr. Ayers is one in the same.  

Dr. Ayers recognized the need for an effective weight management program in the Indianapolis Area. She had aspirations to offer a non-surgical medical option to her patients beyond standard commercial or support programs. Thus it was an ideal fit to team up such a well-known and respected medical provider in conjunction with the proven behavior modification program in HNT. The result: the need of providing safe rapid and effective weight loss is being met—consistently! The average weight loss is 17% in the first 20 weeks; maintained at one, two and three plus years out. 

The entire team consists of four dedicated Registered Dietitians specializing in the field of obesity management. Having grown over the years there are various central Indiana locations: Monday evenings at Carmel St Vincent Professional Bld suite 275; Tuesday evening at Riverview Hospital 4 TCU classroom; Thursday evening at Community Health North 7250 Bld suite 100; Thursday evening at American Health Network in Peru, IN; and week days and Tuesday evenings at our home base 1201 E Main St suite B, Plainfield, IN. 

An average weight loss of 50 lbs is life changing. Our approach includes medical supervision as is appropriate per individual needs. Every participant is involved in the behavior modification process whether they have 25 or 250 lbs to lose. We utilize a restricted caloric meal plan incorporating Health One meal replacements. This versatile tool allows individuals to accomplish their health and weight goals. Exceptional nutrition is obtained with 125% of all RDIs, 75g protein, in approximately 1000 calories with variety and flexibility in cooking, and continued use for as long as they wish.  

We are proud to offer Health & Nutrition Technology, medically supervised weight loss, as a viable, safe, rapid, and effective approach to a very difficult reality for much of our nation and fellow Hoosiers.  If you are ready to change your life call us, Sheila Henson RD, Christina Varvel RD, Roxanne Standeford RD, Karen Hartung RD and Dawn Ayers MD at (317) 489-4817 or visit www.hntindiana.com.  

Sheila Henson RD, Program Director
 Dawn Ayers MD, Medical Director

Indiana Weight Loss Success Story: Andrew

Andrew started the program in February of 2012 weighing 340 pounds.  The rest of this post is made up of Andrew's actual responses to questions we asked him. 

When I asked Andrew how long before joining HNT was he thinking about losing weight he said, "Actually not long. I had never spent any time considering my health. I was always pursuing learning new things and improving my life in other ways, but my weight was the one thing I had never focused on. It was long overdue."

 

Andrew had dieted in a self directed way years before. It was brief and ineffective. More malnutrition than anything else. Just before joining HNT he had reached a low point physically. He turned 25 only a month before starting the program and it became apparent that his youth was the only thing keeping him in good health. At his size it was only a matter of time. He didn’t like that throughout his life he had no control over his weight and decided that it was time to take control.

 

I asked Andrew what made him want to join HNT and what made him continue with HNT throughout the 20 week program.  This was his response.  "I like that I could see how it worked. The science behind it is real and the people running the program are licensed dietitians. I wasn’t looking for a quick fix or an empty promise. I wanted a program with proven efficacy and I found it in HNT. It hasn’t always been easy, but with dedication and effort I’ve seen great results. I’ve lost a lot of weight, but I’m not done yet. Not even close. I like that with equations we learned in the first few weeks I’ve been able to predict my weight loss week to week and with some accuracy much further into the future. As long as their are still successes ahead I’m going to stick with it."

 

His biggest reward from improving his health and weight is that the "nagging feeling that he wasn't doing enough was gone".  It was always there reminding him. He says that feeling is gone!  

 

"HNT has given me control over an aspect of my life that had become a runaway train. The impact of that cannot be underestimated."

 

Andrew's biggest lifestyle change has been daily exercise. He says, "It’s only an hour on an exercise bike at a not all that fast speed in front of a TV, but the consistency of it has had noticeable effects". He implements daily record keeping too and encourages anyone else in the program or looking to lose weight to, "Do the math. A lot of people scoff at at the equations, but I attribute a great deal of my success to keeping accurate records. The confidence that I get from knowing exactly where I have been and where I am going gives me strength". Andrew is right, record keeping is one of the most important strategies that has been proven in research over and over again for those able to lose and maintain their weight!

These are Andrew's words of encouragement to you: "The most important thing is measuring your calorie input/output. Don’t weigh yourself everyday. Stay on track and don’t let fluctuations bring you down."

 

Andrew NOW & Andrew Before! Down 117#'s and counting in his 33rd week in the program.

Keep up the hard work Andrew! We are all rooting for you!

 

Success Story Update-2 years later: Alex

We first blogged about Alex's success back in 2010 HERE.  Since it has been nearly 2 years without meeting with Alex we wanted to follow up with him to see how he was doing.  Here is what he had to say:

"When I was "in" the program [the first 20 weeks], I started biking as my exercise.  I started running in the spring of 2011 and haven't looked back.  I ran my first 5k that summer and fell in love.  I had gained back  some of the weight as I was eating not all the right foods all the time, but I still felt very healthy and I was exercising.  I ran the mini marathon in Indy this past May [2012] and was so proud.  I had sworn for years that I would never be a runner, and here I am running three times a week and loving every minute of it.  I actually enjoy going for a run.  I am currently training for my first marathon coming up in January at Disney.  My current weight is 32 pounds lower than when I started in 2010 (there is more muscle in there now with the adventure runs and lifting I've been doing). "

Alex after running his first mini marathon in Indianapolis, IN in May 2012

We are so proud of Alex and his accomplishments in the program and after the program.  We are excited to see what Alex does next with his improved physical ability, lower weight, and self confidence.  He seems to be on top of the world!

HNT Indiana Offers Meal Planning Class

Hello HNT Indiana Family!

We hope you all doing well and ready for cooler weather.  If you happen to be struggling in the area of meal planning and are in need of a "FALL FOCUS on Meal Planning", we have just what you are looking.  In October we will be doing a 5 week series lead by Registered Dietitian, Roxanne Standeford, on Meal Planning. 

The class is offered to those who are interested in a more detailed, individualized approach on how to meal plan with OR without the use of meal replacements for weight loss OR weight maintenance.  This class is available to ONLY those who have completed the first 20 week Foundation.  We want to reiterate that this class is NOT a Boot Camp and will focus specifically on Meal Planning (how to, macro & micro nutrients, making it easier, tips, etc).  We want to help you understand the importance of and how to meal plan whether your goal is to lose or maintain your weight.  

Here are the specifics:

The class will be on Tuesday evening at the Riverview Hospital (Our Noblesville Location).  Check in time for the class will be from 7-7:30 pm and the class will be 1.5 hours long (7:30-9pm).  We have a limited space in this class as we will only be taking 15 participants.   

Please let me know (rstandeford@hntindiana.com) if you have any more questions regarding this special "FALL FOCUS on Meal Planning" course that we are offering.  

HNT RSP Weight Loss Success Story: Kevin

Kevin is a participant of the HNT RSP (Remote Support Program) and has agreed to let us share his amazing weight loss success story with all of you! Read below as he shares many details. 

 

 

My name is Kevin.  Through most of my life I’ve been heavy.  There have been stretches where I have lost weight & kept it off for short periods of time, but eventually the weight comes back and increases.

Everything came to a head about a year and a half ago.  Though I was very heavy, I was always able to manage through everyday activities.  Things started changing towards the end of 2010.  Tasks were becoming more difficult, stamina was decreasing.  After walking about ¼ mile my back would start seizing up and I would be winded.  I needed a rest.  I couldn’t even stand still for more than a few minutes before I needed to lean against something or sit down to ease the strain on my back and legs.

From the end of 2010 through mid 2011 I had unknowingly, because I rarely checked my weight, gained over 50 lbs.  Years ago, I had purchased a scale which measured up to 440 lbs. as a standard home scale reading up to 330 lbs. was showing ‘ERR’ (Error).  With physical issues mounting and the thought that I may have to start buying shirts larger than 5XL, I pulled the scale out to weigh myself.  I assumed my weight would be in the 400-420 range, where it had been mainly in recent years.  This time the scale greeted me with ‘OL” (Overload).  Now being that this was already a heavy duty scale, this was a bit demoralizing.  I was forced to weigh myself on the loading dock scale at work, making sure no one was around.  The scale read 468 lbs.

With other events occurring in my life, adding stress to the already decreasing health, I went to my doctor for a physical to get the full scope of how bad I had become.  The prognosis was increasing blood pressure, among other readings, and most likely I would be diabetic before years’ end.  Though many friends & family over the years had begged me to lose weight, I finally realized that something had to be done.  My doctor had previously worked with Health and Nutrition Technology (HNT) in the past and he got me in touch with them to enter the program.  The decision has changed my life.

Due to the timing of when I joined HNT, I entered the Remote Support Program (RSP).  HNT utilizes Health One Meal Replacements in conjunction with weekly group and one-on-one discussions about nutrition, fitness & behavior modification.

Through the program, with the help of the HNT staff, I was able to help identify bad habits I was employing, plus better ways to handle stress & refocus energy to other activities other than eating. 

I learned the importance of being active, understanding I didn’t have to be tremendous in the beginning.  In fact due to my size & health condition, in the beginning most activities were measured in 5 – 10 minute intervals, but keeping with it, the time & intensity quickly increased.  I found enjoyment in activity.  Found it was much better to think things through during a walk, rather than sitting on the couch eating & feeling worse afterwards.  I felt increased confidence & empowerment as I set goals & achieved them.

The Health One Meal Replacements were extremely helpful with my weight loss largely through their versatility as a product.  Not only can they be made into shakes or soups, but they can also be cooked or baked into others forms to add texture.  Plus the variety of flavors led to many different meal choices. 

The meal replacement formula also provides well balanced nutrition, so I felt satisfied after eating them and any cravings were minimized. 

Now about 15 months after entering the program I’m down over 250 lbs. and have a much better outlook on life.  Blood pressure and all other measures are back in the normal ranges.  I’m probably in better shape today in my mid-40’s than I was in high school or college.

I don’t dread being active; I’ll walk to the store instead of driving to it even though it was only a ¼ mile away.  I wake up in the morning energized, ready to take on the day.

I understand my journey is not over, but has only begun.  I look forward to meeting new challenges and to see where they will take me.

 

Kevin: BEFORE HNT (468 lbs)

Kevin NOW: Down 250 lbs!!

Kevin NOW: with his OLD pants!

 

A Family Losing Together-The Beckwiths

We have had several families participate in our weight management program and have great success.  The Beckwiths are one of those families.  They have been in the program for 29 weeks and have lost a total of 211 pounds or 21% total weight loss between the four of them.  We are so excited for them!  Take a look at their before and after pictures showing their weight loss progress, but don't forget about the health improvements or risks that have been lowered since beginning their journey at HNT. 

Christmas 2011

Summer 2012

Keep up the great work!

Weight Loss and Nutrition Tracking Tools

      Accountability is necessary in any adventure, even weight loss.  Great accountability tools, such as calorie trackers or daily planners, can be found online or available in downloads for smart phones as apps.  Check out these FREE websites that some of our patients have used to see what works for you!

• Spark People
• Calorie King
• Livestrong
• MyFitnessPal
• USDA's Nutrient Database for Calories

Find other weight loss tracking tools and apps in this article.  What do you use for accountability?

 

Kyle's HNT Success Story

Kyle had thought about losing weight for years and he had been successful at losing the weight, but he never learned how to manage the weight loss so it always ended up coming back on. After years of visiting his doctor and seeing his health decline because of obesity, he knew he had to lose weight.

~

The statistics given after weight loss in the first 20 weeks, 1 year, and 3 years and maintenance statistics were what caught Kyles attention about the program. That is the reason he signed up. He liked seeing results each week through weight loss, but liked that he was learning about how to keep it off. Now, Kyle has been in the program for over 21 weeks and has lost over 80 pounds.

~

The biggest reward that Kyle has received since joining HNT has been his doctor taking him off of his blood pressure medications. His favorite part about HNT is learning how to maintain my weight and seeing how HNT is changing the lives of everyone I meet in the program.

~

Counting every calorie and making a choice to stay away from toxic environments are two key strategies that Kyle implements daily to keep the weight off. The biggest lifestyle change that he has made is that he "is eating to live not living to eat". "HNT has given me the foundation to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

~

Kyle's encouraging words for people who would like to work on their health and weight: "Wanting to start working on your health and weight management is a good first step, now all you need to do is make a commitment to yourself to work on your health and weight and HNT will be there every step of the way."

Kyle: Before HNT

Kyle: NOW!

(photos courtesy of: Kyle, please do not reproduce)