Challenge Testimony - Donna S.

A Plan That Changed My Life

After Challenge

“I began struggling with weight gain and high triglycerides in my late 30s.  As life went on and time went by, I began to put on a few more pounds, and my cholesterol level began to rise.  My primary doctor encouraged me to try diet and exercise, rather than medication. I tried to adhere to the 1 page diet plan he gave me without fully understanding why I should eat certain foods.  I began running, and eventually worked my way up to running a half marathon.  But when I returned for my annual physical, not only was my cholesterol and triglycerides still on the rise, but now my blood pressure was up as well.  That is when the doctor said “I think it’s time for medication.  You have tried both diet and exercise, but it just is not enough for some people”.  With tears in my eyes I left the doctor’s office that day with two prescriptions and an overwhelming feeling of defeat.

Pre-Challenge

A couple of months after beginning the medications my husband came home from physical therapy and began telling me about a trainer from The Smith Clinic named Angie. When Angie and I talked she made things so simple. She set me up with the initial 30 minute consultation, at which time she gave me her “21 Day Meal Plan”. This was the plan that changed my life.  This plan gave me all the tools I needed to learn how to eat healthy; coupled with a regular exercise program devised specifically for me.  I began to drop the pounds and to feel healthy again. ​

In September 2014 my doctor took me off my meds!  It has been a year and a half since I began the clean eating plan and a regular exercise program.  I have continued to maintain a clean eating diet and my fitness membership at Smith Clinic. I know that there will be times when I slip away from the healthy lifestyle that the plan has taught me, but I also know that the team at Smith Clinic will always be there to get me back on track.  Since that first visit in February 2014, I have completed three of the diet and exercise challenges at The Smith Clinic. The challenge coaches take the time to know you as an individual and work to strengthen each member’s body and mind through positive reinforcement.  I even won first place in the latest challenge and received a $250 gift card to Academy Sports as my prize!  How is that for icing on the cake?  When I went back to my doctor for my annual this year my numbers were great.  No more need for meds! ​ 

I am ecstatic about my new healthy lifestyle that the team at Smith Clinic have helped me to maintain. I am even more grateful for the new lifelong friends I have made during this journey.  Thank you Smith Clinic you truly are a lifesaver!”

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