Changing a Lifestyle, Not Just a Diet

Vibrant Life, July, 2000 by Doug Dimond

Challenges and Triumphs

I spent a lifetime getting into this dilemma. Until five years ago, I had normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, so I rationalized that my lifestyle choices were fine. Then slowly my weight increased, the blood pressure rose, and the pills started. Well, if they could regulate the pressure, why be concerned about weight? My heart rate was elevated. Exercise was not in my vocabulary. My clothes did not fit. What a mess!

My wife and I tried various things: macrobiotic diet, less red meat, and more vegetables. Nothing lasted too long. For the past 24 years my work has demanded some traveling away from home. I know every restaurant between the towns of Kittery and Fort Kent in Maine. I was convinced it was a curse of the type of work I do that one couldn't eat properly. Excuses, excuses.

I thank God that Jackie picked up a brochure for the 1999 Vibrant Life Wellness Camp. Several obstacles arose that could have easily served as excuses for us to cancel. On our way to the camp, we stopped at McDonald's and had a Big Mac and large fries for lunch. Then we drove through the camp entrance and peeked around the corner. I didn't know what to expect--maybe a field full of very fit people eating carrots and exercising. Boy, would I look out of place! This wasn't for me. I thought about turning around and saying we had something come up at the last minute. In the end we backed the van into the camp in case we needed to make a quick exit.

When I saw the weight scales and other instruments of torture lined up in the reception hall on Sunday, I was ready to leave. My weight had always gotten the best of me, and I was at my heaviest ever at that point. I hated scales! I was depressed and could not see how this camp was ever going to change that. The more I ate, the more I gained, so I ate some more. I weighed in at 285 pounds. I was not even as tall as I thought. One instructor said "a lot of people were feeling short" that day, and that took a long time to sink in.

From the time we parked the van and edged into the reception cabin I was impressed with the acceptance I felt. Just the facts. Weigh in, up and down the steps, blood pressure, stretching, body-fat estimates, and more forms. I survived, but hoped they would take all that stuff away. After walking around, we settled in the "luxurious" quarters over the lodge. Dinner was a surprise, though. What's that? I wondered. I remembered a small variety store next to Mount Blue State Park. It was there in case of an emergency.

The week gradually got better. Lectures were very informative, and the staff were inspirational role models. We met others who had experiences similar to ours, and others with experiences not so similar. We swapped stories. We made friends. We shared meals and fellowship. We learned that we can and must exercise and feel good about it. I came to look forward to the early-morning walks, midday recreational breaks, and playing Ultimate Frisbee. Devotional moments gave us inspiration to continue. Conversations on the porch, at meals, and while walking around gave us insight into others' points of view. I picked up helpful hints and just plain enjoyed making new friends.

Somewhere in this process Jackie and I came to the same point--we were going to do this. It would be a lifestyle change, not another diet. We would support each other forever. I felt as though I was being given another chance--to do it right. A great gift from God! I wanted to be around for my great-grandchildren as well as to enjoy my family to the fullest right then.

The enthusiasm has survived. At the time of writing, we have reached six months and have not strayed from the vegan principles we learned. Amazingly, I don't obsess on food now. I have found that it is possible to eat well while away from home. Restaurant owners are generally cooperative, and even small grocery stores have something for us. Just recently a restaurant prepared just for me a vegetarian entree that they have never offered before. I will send them some of the recipes from our cooking classes, and who knows what will await me when I return?

I think the greatest change is my attitude toward exercise. I look forward to our daily early-morning walks--treadmills during the winter, but outdoors during nice weather. It won't get me into the Olympics, but who cares?

Personal information: I have lost 45 pounds, am on half strength of blood pressure medicine, and will most likely be off it in two months. I had been using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea since 1995; I have now discontinued it. I still snore, but without the apnea pauses. Even the snoring will continue to improve with time. Jackie has maintained a loss of at least 30 pounds.

The staff performed a miracle in my life with God's help. Everyone should have such a chance to experience this: to put themselves in such an environment that fosters a lifestyle change like this. I want to help ensure that this program continues. I want to live my life as an example of what can be accomplished. Everyone I have met who is associated with this program is my hero.