The study I was a part of ended the week before Thanksgiving. I ended up losing a total of 43 pounds in ten weeks. But that wasn’t the only good thing that happened during the study. My blood pressure, HDL cholestrerol, Triglycerides and Glucose levels all went from bad to completely normal as a result of the study. For example, my glucose levels started the study at 139, putting me in type-II diabetes territory down into the optimal range with a number of 86.

I also become much more of a conscientious eater, paying attention to what and how much I eat. I have stopped eating junk food completely and I have discovered I don’t really miss it that much. I have tried to stick to the same type of diet that I followed during the study, which 5 meals a day each with a good amount of protein (close to 20 grams) but also with a good balance of carbs and good fats. It is sometimes a challenge but I have been fairly successful. It was much easier when I was drinking shakes for two of my meals but I am glad to be eating whole foods for every meal again.

I still have a very long way to go. My BMI still puts me in the obese category, but now that I have been able to introduce exercise back into my day it definitely helps. Overall, it has been an amazing journey, one that I plan to continue. Dr. Paul Arciero has put together a six month continuing study to follow on from the original ten week study. This will allow all of us in the original group to continue to work towards our healthy goals as the first six months after a diet can be the most crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I cannot say enough about the amazing job he and his staff have done for all of us! The first test will be at the three month mark, around February. I will post an update then. But for now I will leave you with this:

  Me at the beginning of the study

 Me today