I WAS A STRONG BUT FAT WEIGHT LIFTER WITH HEALTH ISSUES
My race started in 2010. I struggled with weight (232 lbs.), blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar… a walking train wreck. After years of trying to beat it on my own, I finally fell on my knees and asked for help.
I failed to lose the necessary weight because I didn’t know how to eat right. I had tried for years, I thought I could do it on my own, I was extremely reluctant to ask for help, but I finally gave in.
I went to Forum Health Clarkston and the transformation kicked into high gear. I met with my nutritionist, and then the magic words, “You can do this, I believe in you.” I thought she was crazy. Me??? I’ve failed at every attempt to lose weight. It’s not going to happen.
My Nutritionist didn’t give me a diet, she helped me transform my life! Together, we designed a healthier lifestyle that included exercise, customized meal plan, relaxation, sleep, and more. Still skeptical, I realized I had nothing to lose. One workout at a time, one meal at a time, one day at a time, it happened. One week, one pound. Two weeks, two pounds. Before you know it, my weight was at 208. That’s when the second phase of the transformation began ‐ Ironman training.
As training began, I set my eyes on two goals: 180 lbs. body weight and Ironman Chattanooga. Both by September 2015. Without the right eating habits, and the right training, I would never reach a healthy weight and be able to complete an Ironman. Forum Health Clarkston was with me every step of the way. They dispelled every myth about exercise nutrition, she kept me informed on the right things to do, she monitored my progress, she tweaked my eating plan as needed, and she helped me properly fuel workouts that often exceeded 5, 6, or even 7 hours. As the journey continued, a major shift occurred. My nutritionist’s confident statement, “I believe in you” continued and then transformed into my words, “I believe in me.” It’s amazing the power each and every one of us holds in our choice of words, which can change destinies.
September 27, 2015. My weight, 180 GOAL! My body fat, 13%! My medications NONE! Blood pressure 120/78! Cholesterol & Triglycerides both on the low end of the normal range! It was time for Ironman. I was humbled standing there at the start among 2500 elite athletes. They were all so lean, muscular, ripped. My coach said, “Dave, you ARE now one of those elite athletes. You are lean and ripped, just like them.” I hadn’t realized it, but I was no longer the fat weightlifter. Transformation successful!
I’m truly humbled by my journey. Life’s a team effort. I couldn’t have done this without Forum Health Clarkston’s amazing nutrition support!
** Note: Dave VanEpps has written a book on his journey you can see it here: Enjoy the Journey