BEFORE
The Daniel Plan, and local media, have been tracking Melanie and Jim Black since January when they decided to jump on The Daniel Plan. Both of them are two of the “biggest losers,” but that’s just the start of what they have to share about their journey.
Explain one or two of your primary health and/or lifestyle challenges prior to the Daniel Plan.
Melanie: Prior to The Daniel Plan I had very little energy and no stamina. I had a difficult time focusing and remembering. I was unmotivated and discouraged. I wasn't living, I was surviving. I've been a yo-yo dieter my entire life and an emotional eater, using food when I was happy, stressed and/or sad.
Jim: My weight was slowly destroying my health with three chronic problems that were directly related to my weight and lifestyle: GERD (Reflux), sleep apnea and anxiety.
Why did you start the Daniel Plan? How did you hear about it?
Melanie: I wanted something better for my life. And when Pastor Rick mentioned the plan in late fall of 2010, he made it sound exciting. I was mentally READY! (which I believe is an important key to successful weight loss) I just needed the tools. I knew if I couldn't do this WITH God, I was in big trouble.
Jim: I seized the opportunity to be a part of a group to help motivate me. I have been an active Saddleback Church member and always have my ears open.
What has been the most significant changes and things you have learned, since getting on The Daniel Plan?
Melanie: One significant change is preparing and eating at home 90% of the time. Being in control of food quality and quantity. We eat organic fruits/vegetables and hormone-free meats. I've learned to be patient and to "TRUST GOD," because I created this mess and know it is not going to be an overnight fix. I don't feel deprived at all. I feel like I'm eating more now than I did when I was unhealthy and overweight. The difference is in what I'm eating. If someone says it's "too expensive" to eat organic/hormone free, I ask "how much do you spend eating out"? Or how often do you visit the doctors? I'd much rather pay for healthful food versus paying for medical bills. It's all in how you look at it.
Jim: I have learned how to eat right: Eliminating bad food choices and replacing them with good ones. It has been extremely educational with elimination of wheat, sugar and sugar substitutes, and non-organic foods.
AFTER
What results have you experienced?
Melanie: I'm down 33 pounds. I've participated in my first 5K. I feel energetic. My memory is returning. I "care" more about myself, because I know that God has given me the tools to accomplish my goals to serve Him better.
Jim: I have lost approximately 58 pounds to date and am off all prescription medications and cured of chronic weight-related problems.
What advice would you give to others to get started or continue?
Melanie: Like Pastor Rick recently reminded us; it's important to DRINK WATER, GET SLEEP, and journal what you eat. If you're in the midst of losing weight, be patient and Don't Give up! Remember God is in control. If you haven't started The Daniel Plan. What are you waiting for? Don't be afraid. What's the worse thing that can happen? You'll lose the weight. You'll feel great! And you can be a role model to someone else that might feel defeated. The Daniel Plan is NOT a DIET. It's a WAY TO LIFE!
Jim: The cravings for sugar and complex carbs goes away when you stop eating them. It seems like hard work at first with finding and preparing organic foods, but like anything with time it gets easier as you learn where to shop, what to buy, and learn new recipes.