How 60 Days Saved My Life & Helped Me Lose 85 Pounds
By Success Stories
Editor’s Note: In February 2015, Steve decided to participate in the 60-Day Guided Reboot for Diabetes. The transformation he has made since beginning his Reboot is truly remarkable. Read his inspiring and life-changing journey that led him to lose 85 pounds and stop taking medications for several health conditions.
Name: Steve K.
Age: 51
Location: West Virginia, United States
Guided Reboot Plan: 60-Day for Diabetes
How did you learn about a Guided Reboot?
I had a co-worker that recommended watching Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead and Hungry for Change. After watching these documentaries, I decided to look further into Joe’s story and program. I discovered the 60-Day Guided Reboot for Diabetes and decided I would give it a try.
What inspired you to sign up for a Guided Reboot?
I, like so many others, had lost and regained more weight each time I tried. I was heavier than I have ever been. I was on more medication than ever. I was on a CPAP machine. I had been a Type II diabetic for five years and was starting to have signs of diabetic retinopathy in my eyes. I am a photographer so this really scared me.
I have tried other options to lose weight and keep it off.I have lifted weights, run on an elliptical and been on countless diets. I was frustrated with diets. To me, a diet meant depriving myself of food that I wanted. I felt awful. I had no energy. I was in constant pain. My back, knees and heel hurt all the time. I knew I had to do something but wasn’t sure what. I don’t think I was depressed but at times I felt hopeless because no matter what I had tried in the past had failed.
Watching Joe go through his experience gave me the feeling that I could do this. Joe comes across as, no pun intended, an ordinary Joe. I could really relate to him and that gave me the encouragement I needed to give juicing a try. I decided on the Guided Reboot because (1) I felt like I would be held accountable to my fellow Rebooters; (2) It was an investment and a significant one so I had to be committed; and (3) I was concerned about having low blood sugar while on the Reboot and wanted a resource to talk to if if needed.
How did the experience go for you?
Going into the Reboot, I was concerned that I would feel hungry all of the time. I was surprised that I wasn’t hungry at all.
We had regular meetings with Rhaya [the Guided Reboot Coach] all scheduled to give us information about our upcoming phase of the Reboot. We received a lot of information about how diabetes affects your body. I knew it was bad but didn’t understand how much inflammation it caused throughout your body. Rhaya was always there for us willing to help. I followed all of the advice for getting ready for the Reboot. I got off of caffeine the week prior to starting the reboot. I love coffee. I had been a Starbucks regular for many years and a member of our office coffee club.
The first week of the program consisted of juice and vegetable based foods. The plan is geared toward 1,500 – 1,800 calories a day. I had been eating a lot more than this prior to the reboot. I was amazed that I didn’t feel hungry. How could this be? Any other diet I tried that had this few calories left me feeling hungry.
After the one week transition, we moved into 25 days of juicing. I was feeling great and was ready for the challenge. For the most part, the juicing phase went well. It was easier preparing food as it was all juice. I was lucky that my wife was cooking for the boys and herself so I just had to take care of myself. There were others on our team who were trying to prepare “regular food” for the family and juice for themselves. I would really encourage anyone in this situation to ask your spouse to take over the cooking duties while you Reboot. I never felt hungry but I was ready for solid food by the end of 25 days.
The 28 day transition back to real food went well. I learned that I could eat a mostly vegetarian diet and be ok. It has actually become normal for me and I’m enjoying it. I was amazed at how little food it took for me to feel full after only juicing.
Did you have any notable health or physical improvements (weight loss, lower cholesterol, etc)?
I had great success during and after my Reboot. I started my Reboot on February 4, 2015. In eight months, I have:
- lost 85 pounds.
- shrunk 3 shirt sizes from XXXL to L
- lost 10 inches from my waist
- off my medications including:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- diabetes
- CPAP
- the pain in my knees, heel and back are gone
- I very seldom have a headache. If I do it’s because I haven’t drunk enough water and not because I’d had too much caffeine or something else.
- Latest blood work came back excellent:
- A1C – 5.3
- BP – 118/70
- HDL – 44
- LDL – 91
- Total Cholesterol – 159
What was the toughest part about the Guided Reboot experience?
I honestly didn’t have a difficult time. I had made my mind up that I was going to succeed. Getting your head in the right place is critical. No excuses! There were a few times during the 25-day juicing that it was difficult sitting down at the table with my family for dinner when they were eating solid food. I occasionally had to excuse myself and eat by myself.
The one side effect I did have was being cold in the winter. This was weird for me as I’m usually always warm. I must say that losing all of this weight has changed that.
What habits have you maintained and kept a part of your everyday life?
I continue to maintain a mostly vegetarian lifestyle, not vegan. I only eat meat 2-3 times per week and it’s usually chicken or fish. I try to incorporate juice into my daily diet at least for my snacks. Some days I am more successful in doing this than others.
I try to drink a lot of water each day. I find I feel better all around when I stay hydrated.
I have completed another two week juice fast this summer and plan to do another before the holidays. My weight is stable but I would like to lose another 20 pounds and will use the juice fasts to do that.
What is your lasting impression of the Guided Reboot experience?
I am extremely grateful to have found Joe and his story. It was important to me to have someone to whom I could ask questions. Sharing with my fellow Rebooters was important as well. There was a core group of us who helped each other along the way.
When it comes right down to it, the Guided Reboot probably saved my life. Like Joe, I was fat, sick and nearly dead. It’s hard to admit that. In the past, I would have given up the first time I faltered. I learned that it was ok to stumble as long as I kept moving forward.
I remain very positive about the Guided Reboot. I would recommend this to anyone and am willing to talk about my experience to anyone who has questions.