Can you tell me a little bit about how you found out about Pack Health and what made you want to sign up?

I received an email from our HR department about the opportunity to experience Pack Health’s program for free. The email explained what Pack Health was, and how the membership worked. My wife and I just had a baby, so I’ve not been eating as well or exercising as regularly as I used to, and I decided I needed to make a change. The email sparked immediate interest! I loved the idea of having accountability to help me follow through with my goals.

We’re so happy to hear that! How has your experience been so far? How’s it been with Michael?

Michael has been wonderful. We have had a great journey so far and he has helped me grow in a lot of areas. I’ve learned a lot from Michael. He really helps me understand that the goal here is to better understand the whole picture of good health. Instead of just trying to lose some weight along the way, he has helped me view it as more of a lifestyle change so I’m setting myself up for a lifetime of good health.

Did you two set any specific Tiny Steps you’d like to share?

Tracking my food has been a big one for me. I have been watching what I am eating each meal and paying attention to where I can make changes in my diet, specifically the sodium content. Michael gives me a lot of tips on how to succeed in my Tiny Steps and keeps me in check. A few other food-related tasks that I have been working on are focusing on eating more non-starchy vegetables, as well as increasing my water intake.

I also have recently started exercising 6 days a week, with 3 of the days being high-intensity workouts, like running or swimming. I have a membership at a gym close to my house too, which I have been utilizing in addition to the other 6 workouts. So I’m definitely reaching my goals of exercise! My wife loves to run, so that helps me get motivated. We used to run together a lot in college and before we had our baby, so I’ve signed up for a few 5K’s and races with her to get back into that routine. She has really encouraged me and my lifestyle change so far.

I travel for work often and it can make eating healthy difficult, but now that I’m able to work with Michael, I have some help planning out my meals and finding better food options. I am still improving on portion control and managing the food groups, though. There’s always room to improve!

Michael mentioned you’ve been spreading the Pack Health story at the office. How have you shared the Pack?

A coworker of mine told me that I looked like I’ve lost some weight, so I shared my story about how I got involved with Pack Health and how it’s resulted in my weight loss. I also mentioned that there’s a free opportunity through work to become a member! He seemed interested so I forwarded him, and a few other coworkers, an email about my Tiny Steps and how helpful they have been in holding me accountable on my journey to better health. One of them told me they’ve already signed up!

Along with the email, I am trying to start some walking groups during lunch, which can be a huge help since almost everyone here has a desk job and sits the entire day. I’m also hoping to start an online chat opportunity at the office, where I can start conversations around health, and share blog posts from the Pack Health Blog, on topics that interest everyone.

How has Pack Health helped you change your lifestyle to help you better function at work?

I feel a lot better and more energetic during the work day because of the changes I’ve made in my life. I sleep better too, which definitely impacts my work day. I am really passionate about my health now. I look at Pack Health as a long-term lifestyle change, instead of just a diet that’s short-lived. I don’t ever want to feel complacent about my health again, I want to always be working on it. Pack Health has really changed my outlook.

Meet Jonathan and his son, Zeke! They, along with Jonathan’s wife, enjoy spending time outdoors together as a family. We recently interviewed him to hear about his experience with Pack Health.