Linda joined the Online Course, then took it to the next level and joined the Hero Program and here is her story…
Tell me about your life before you joined RMR?
Before RMR and for most of my life, my health and weight was to me something that I had little control over. I have never had particularly good health and as the years progressed, my weight kept on increasing. I did not pay particular attention to my diet, and I was always too tired to exercise.
How did you see food?
I used to see food as a comfort for any negative emotions, as a reward. I never really saw it as the fuel driving my health and my body.
I was ALWAYS tired. I never had energy to do anything, and had to force myself every day to do the things that I absolutely had to do.
Just how bad was your health?
My health hit rock bottom in 2018. I had about 10 years of continuous stress, due to lots of issues in my personal life. I had to take care of everyone and everything around me, and I never took the time or effort to take care of myself. I gradually became sicker and sicker, until I was diagnosed with complete mental and physical burnout in 2018. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks, and I was told by the doctors that I might never recover. I was prescribed lots of medicines, for high blood pressure, for stomach ulcers, for depression, for insomnia, and the list goes on. My whole life came to a standstill. I was advised to only work for 2 hours per day, but I still had a business to run and a family to take care of. I had NO energy for anything, physically and mentally. My weight went up to 106kg at some point, I had to constantly monitor my blood pressure, and I was unable to get through a day without sleeping an hour or two in the afternoon. I never had a day without pain somewhere in my body. I also suffered from sleep apnea, and was on the verge of having to go on a CPAP machine.
How did this impact your confidence and other parts of your life like your relationships, your career, love life etc?
As you can imagine, the state of my health impacted every aspect of my life. I was too tired to do anything. My business suffered, my relationships with friends suffered and I thought that this would be for the rest of my life.
What made you decide to make the change?
I gradually learned to be kinder to myself, and to take rest when I needed it. I gradually started to feel better, and by the end of 2020 my health had improved a bit. However, I was still overweight and still had very little energy. I knew that I had to address my weight issues, but I didn’t really have the strength to do it. I had some brushes with banting in the past, and I knew about the LCHF lifestyle, but it was just too difficult for me to implement it.
How did you discover RMR?
I discovered RMR through an ad on Facebook, and it sounded interesting to me. I thought that joining a structured program might help me to stick to the diet. I signed up for the Online Keto course. I learned a lot, but I still struggled to implement what I was learning. I knew that I needed more. As I was now on the RMR mailing list, I was receiving some regular emails. One testimonial in particular drew my attention, that of Tessa. I could relate to a lot of what she was saying. I received an email one evening about the Hero Program, and there were only a few hours left to join the next intake for the program. The name of the program resonated with me, as my own business is called Hero Accounts. It was a sign! I had to do it! I decided to take the plunge and sign up.
What were you expecting?
I was expecting that I would become part of a group, and that the coach would be strict on all of us, and would be checking up on each of us. I knew that I would want to do well, and I thought that having someone to check up on me would be good for me.
What did you actually get?
I was very fortunate to end up with Tessa as my coach, the lady whose very testimonial impressed me so much. I learned that the coach is not there to police us, but that all of us have accountability to each other and to ourselves. Most of all, we were all on the same journey, and therefore we could support each other. We were also there to encourage each other, when things didn’t go well with our diet. It was a small group of ladies, and we knew that what we shared with each other was confidential, and that we would not betray each other’s trust. I also learned that I was not the only one with an all-or-nothing approach to dieting, and I gradually learned that I needed to change my mindset. I also learned that the process is more important than the goal.
What are some of the significant changes in your life that you believe came from RMR?
After about 2 to 3 weeks of starting the keto lifestyle, the most significant change for me was that I experienced a rush of energy. I have not felt that kind of energy since I was in my twenties! I could not believe that changing my diet could have such a profound effect on how I feel. I lost weight steadily, I was loving the food that I ate, and I started feeling like a new person. I was seeing results!
How did your experience differ from other health or diet experiences you have had before?
My experience with RMR was totally different to other diet experiences I have had before. I learnt to trust the process, to listen to my body, to know the difference between hunger and cravings and I experienced support from people who shared the journey with me. As I belonged to a group that supported me, I also wanted to be supportive of them, and that encouraged me to keep going.
What are some of the health stats you can share with us?
Over the 3 months of the Hero Program, I lost 12kg. I also lost 12cm around my waist. I was able to stop taking one of my high blood pressure medications, and I will soon start weaning myself off the other one. My quality of sleep has improved dramatically. I have no more aches and pains in my body, which I still find hard to believe. I have endless energy. I no longer need afternoon naps. My ability to concentrate and focus has improved dramatically. I feel like a new person!
What kind of people do you think would benefit from RMR the way you have?
If you are the kind of person who has tried to lose weight, but failed many times, then the Hero Program program is for you. The group dynamic creates a level of support that is really encouraging.
How has this impacted your confidence?
This experience has boosted my confidence tremendously. I did not think I would be able to successfully lose weight, and now I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to.
And what has the impact been on your relationships, your career or your love life?
I feel much more positive in my interactions with the people in my life, and my friends are noticing that I have a new spring in my step. I am passionate about sharing positive thoughts from the Bible with people, and my newfound energy enabled me to do much more of that.
Then, if you have any other comments…
My advice to anyone who is struggling with their health and weight loss, is to join as soon as you can, and get started. You will not be sorry!
If you’d like the same results Linda got, check out our Online Course, then consider upgrading to the Hero Program