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!
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| 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.
- The first involved numerous doctor visits and multiple prescriptions.
- 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 |
well I am not at all surprised at this story , lani helps so many of us and is a true inspiration to us all, and there is nothing better to eat well and feel well , eating plants not only makes us feel good it helps us live long happy lives, so well done to you and my hat off to Lani for being there when you need, cheers Anna
Anna,
Isn’t Debby an inspiration? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for your kind words!
Lani
Thank you Anna and Lani. I have to admit that it is a little daunting putting my before pictures out there for everyone to see, but I really want to inspire other people that they can make the change and have the same success that I am experiencing.
Debby,
This is why I honor you so much – not only for the work you’ve done, but your willingness to share your story and painful points of your journey. You have no idea how many you have brought hope to today – you can see the evidence with the comments here and it is also reflected in my ‘in’ box!
hugs and hope galore,
Lani
Thank you for sharing your story Debby. So excited for the start of your new business too sharing what you know!!
Cheers, Wendy
Wendy, isn’t it great news? Debby knows how to take it and RUN with it!
Lani
Debby!! You look fabulous…not just the outward, stylish fabulous that many admire and aspire to, but radiant fabulous that comes from health and happiness! You just shine! Thanks for sharing your story. Lani, you are a gem! xo
Hey Sue – thank you for your enthusiasm and good cheer! We all win when one of us advances, and sharing eachother’s joy elevates us all.
Cheers!
Lani
Flaunt It Debby ~ You’ve earned it! Putting yourself out there will be an inspiration to others, congratulations on your new job. Plant Base is the way to health and happiness. Lani continues to motivate and move us in amazing ways.
Sharon
Sharon, I know it means a lot to Debby that you came by to acknowledge the sharing of her story. Thank you for your lovely comments and encouraging words!
Lani
Every time I get discouraged, I come here and I find stories like this; and I can get myself out of my diet and exercise funk. Thank you for sharing your story, Debby!! You rock! And Lani, thank you for all you do here! 🙂
Erin, thank you SO much for leaving your comments today and for your enthusiasm! I know Debby will love your comments almost as much as I do :-).
Lani
I am thrilled to read everyone’s comments. This is exactly why I put my “painful” before picture and story out there. I want to encourage others that it is never too late to make a life change. Thank you to everyone for the kind words. I celebrate my exciting new life everyday!!!
Debby, I also meant to tell you – first thing my husband noticed and commented upon was how beautiful and perfect the backdrop for your ‘now’ picture. Everything in that picture is brimming with color and life, including you!
Lani
I always love reading stories about people struggling about their weight and able to overcome it. It’s all about dedication and hard work, and Debby is, indeed, a true inspiration to all of us. Thank you also Lani for sharing this wonderful story. Great job! I look forward to reading more of your blogs. Cheers!
Love the website– extremely individual friendly and lots to see!