Christopher

Age: 38

Lost 28 pounds

Christopher isn't doing the 20/20 program primarily to correct his blood pressure, cholesterol level, or lose weight. A lot of his co-workers actually ask him why he is doing the program. He sees the 20/20 program as a "forcing" function to achieve work-life balance. It serves as a catalyst to take a more disciplined approach to better eating and getting to the gym. It is the kick start many of us want, but find it hard to take the first step. Ultimately, Chris is developing a rich body of knowledge around nutrition and healthy habits around exercise.

The self-professed "foodie", who loves to eat, had a wake up call in the first 72 hours of his official entrance into the program. His 20/20 physician explained to him that his biological age or body age was actually 10 years older than his chronological age of 38. He also became increasingly aware that 25% of his body was pure fat. This information was just the catalyst Chris needed to get him to the PRO Sports Club for his workouts. He was then committed to the work that lay ahead.

Chris wants people to know that it is an intense program, not easy, and truly a time commitment that makes you become accountable to yourself. The first 5 weeks was not an easy task for him. "You go from zero to sixty (miles per hour) in a matter of days with eating healthy and developing a regular exercise regime."

The 10 week program has taught Chris about balance and getting smart about tradeoffs. When he has pizza night with his family on Fridays, he avoids grains during the day and watches what he eats on Saturday. His "replacement theory" has thaught him how to make intelligent choices about nutrition and meal selections. He doesn't believe it is coincidence that diet starts with the same letter as deprivation. Telling someone "no" doesn't work. However, educating someone about making knowledgeable choices does. This program isn't about a diet for him, but rather a lifestyle.

Chris still eats out 2-3 times per week. He has gained a broader perspective about food, as well as a reason to explore a wider variety of foods. "There is an extensive education component and community around the 20/20 program from Designed Dinners, Cooking Classes and Grab and Go meals." He realizes you don't have to be on a "special diet" to choose healthy options like these.

The empowerment Chris has gained through education and his supportive team who he praises - his dietitian, personal trainer, psychologist, and physician - have enabled him to become self-sufficient. He also credits his wife, Michelle, "who kicked my butt to consider the 20/20 program in the first place and who has fed and put the kids to bed single-handedly on several occasions to accomodate my 20/20 appointments."

He can now navigate his life in a smart, intelligent, well-balanced way. He wants people to know - it's not always about the weight, but rather achieving the balance between meeting work commitments, healthy eating, finding time to exercise, and personal time.