Jeff H’s Major Transformation: Mind, Body & Spirit
By Success Stories
“I feel like I have been granted a second chance on life.”
Name – Jeff H.
Age – 42
Location – Olympia, WA
Reboot – 60 Day juice-only Reboot (July-Sept 2011); followed by 30 day juice-only Reboots in Feb 2012, July 2012
Quick Stats – 92 lbs so far. No longer taking steroid for auto-immune disorder, asthma medication, or aspirin for high blood pressure.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT REBOOT YOUR LIFE?
I saw the movie Fast,Sick & Nearly Dead on Netflix. The title intrigued me because that is exactly how I felt at that particular moment. I was expecting to look forward to a life of continuing misery and an early death.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO A REBOOT?
The fact that I felt I had nothing left to lose. That the only alternative was to spend the rest of my life miserable and on medication. I had tried every other type of diet and exercise available and nothing seemed to create permanent weight loss. The fact that Joe & Phil both lost the weight so quickly and were able to keep it off made it seem possible. Also the fact of Rebooting my system, cleansing my body of toxins, supercharging my immune system with so many nutrients, and the ability to lose my cravings for unhealthy food were a big part of the appeal.
HOW DID THE REBOOT EXPERIENCE GO?
It was very difficult at first. I spenT a week getting ready, but I still experienced alot of detox symptoms such as fever, fatigue and soreness. The walk I took on Day 3 or 4 past multiple restaurants after a soccer game was probably the longest walk of my life! I had a regular meditation practice and I tried to rely on it as much as possible to help with the cravings.
By the end of the first week I noticed a remarkable improvement in my energy and a large reduction in the body aches and asthma I had been experiencing, and the cravings were mostly gone. After that it became much easier, I began to walk daily during lunch and riding my bike to work. Within 30 days walking wasn’t enough and I found I needed to begin to run. I ended up running quite a bit and decided to challenge myself to run a 10K (6 miles) at the end of my 60 days, which I did.
As 60 days drew near, I didn’t really want it to end. I was not only enjoying a level of health and energy I hadn’t felt in many years, but I found a real clarity, lightness & euphoria that was almost spiritual in nature. That was even more exciting than all the other great benefits.
DID YOU HAVE ANY NOTABLE HEALTH OR PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS?
Before beginning the Reboot, I had recently been diagnosed with a non-specific auto-immune disorder and with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I was told that I only had 25% of normal lung capacity and had the lung capacity of a life-long smoker even though I had never smoked! I was also told that I would be using medications for the rest of my life. My bad habits had become a chronic life-threatening condition.
The auto-immune symptoms cleared up almost immediately, My asthma symptoms have almost completely disappeared as well and I rarely use my inhaler anymore. People say even the way I walk has changed, and that my skin glows with health! I have also recently taken up Stand Up Paddleboarding and running. I have discovered a true joy and freedom in moving my body! I recently finished a half-marathon in under 2 hours and am now training for a full marathon in a couple of months.
WHAT WAS THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT THE REBOOT EXPERIENCE?
Dealing with the emotional issues that surfaced. I had used food as a way to stuff down my emotions and refused to acknowledge them. I had to learn to deal with all the feelings that I had kept bottled up for so long and were beginning to surface, and find an outlet for them. I had to process a lot of grief, pain and loss which I had buried for many years! I would say that the support of friends and my meditation practice were essential to getting through it. Also I forced myself to be accountable by swallowing my pride and posting daily status updates through Facebook of my struggles.
WHAT HABITS HAVE YOU MAINTAINED AND KEPT AS PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?
I still drink juice daily! I also eat mainly salads, stir-frys, and stick to a raw food diet as much as possible. I do my best to avoid all the processed foods; the pasta, chips, candy and other food triggers that put me in the miserable state I started in. Also I try and do a half-hour of exercise every day, typically running or weight training, as well as training my mind through meditation.
WHAT IS YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION OF THE REBOOT?
It was life changing! I am a different person than I was a year ago before I saw “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.” I feel like I have been granted a second chance on life. I am a far more outgoing and confident person than before the Reboots, and end up bringing up juicing in conversation to just about everyone I meet. My friends, co-workers & family have started calling the “Juicevangelist” because I am so passionate about Reboots and I have gotten so many of them to try one for themselves!