Debby is a shining example of courage in the face of extreme health challenges. She exemplifies the power of tenacity, being connected with vision, and doing what it takes – including the often-overlooked important attention to mindset and habit change – when it comes to realizing your dreams.

Congratulations Debby and THANK you for sharing your story with everyone here today!

Debby_jan2013 Debby veggie2sept2013
Debby, January 2013 Debby, September 2013

 

Wow!  How did I let my weight get so out of control?

by Debby Jones, B.A.S., Health Education Specialist

That is the first thing that comes to my mind when I look back at these pictures. It wasn’t that I did not know how to eat properly and exercise. In the past I had followed a plant based diet, and been very successful. I had even worked with Lani previously.

What had always been missing for me was in the “Mindset” category. I was never willing to put myself first on the list. My children, husband, job, anything and everything came before taking care of myself. The results, as you can see in the March 2013, picture is a woman who according to BMI standards was morbidly obese.

What you can’t see in the picture is that years of not showing the same consideration for me as I did for others was effecting more than my weight.

Then – health at serious risk

Suddenly my health was at serious risk. After consulting with several physicians I came to the conclusion that I was facing two basic options.

  1. The first involved numerous doctor visits and multiple prescriptions.
  2. The second, I could engage in a complete lifestyle change.

There were no excuses, I selected option 2.

Perhaps I could have made this dramatic change on my own, but this is my health and the rest of my life I was considering so I reached out to Lani for help. I knew that I needed someone I trusted and respected to help guide me and keep me accountable.  I got on the waitlist for her Fast Start program and things moved rapidly forward for me from there.

Now – four pants sizes leaner and 30 pounds lighter

In the early  picture I weighed 184 pounds, and was squeezing into my plus size 18 pants. I began in May following a plant based diet, incorporating exercise into my daily life, and refocusing my mindset, all important parts of the Fast Start Program. This has resulted in the loss of 30+ pounds, and more than 4 pant sizes so far. The weight is continuing to drop off. I don’t have a “goal weight”. Part of my mindset change has been learning to listen to my body regarding true hunger.

Even more importantly I have “lost” the need for the prescriptions. I have more physical energy and zest for life than I have had in years. I am looking forward to living a very long and active life.

I am so happy that I didn’t let past defeats hold me back from starting anew. Lani has been and continues to be instrumental in my success.

Paying it forward

In order to help others on their journey to better health I am starting a business Healthy and Vital Living. The first class “Healthy Eating Made Easy” will be held on October 20th, and will include interactive cooking demonstrations with plenty of time for tasting delicious plant based recipes. I will also be available for one on one health coaching sessions. Please come to my website, healthyandvitalliving.com and join me as I move forward to achieve the healthiest and most vital life for myself and others!

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Debby, March 2013 Debby, July 2013

 

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