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

I was sent a letter through my employee benefits, they suggested the program and asked if I was interested! I immediately said of course! Anything to help me get back on track. I’m the receptionist at the  Central Office for Auburn City Schools, so I’m fairly sedentary and could use a push in the right directions. After receiving that letter, I called the same day and signed up immediately!

It’s been about 5 weeks now and it’s been absolutely fabulous.

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

It’s been VERY helpful, I don’t think I would be feeling as well as I do without enrolling. I knew what I needed to do, but I really needed the push to do. This program has really helped!

Michael has been very instrumental in my program. When I signed up, he immediately emailed me and introduced himself. We went back and forth and got to know one another. He sent so many encouraging texts and it kept me on track because I knew he was going to text me and check in! It’s great accountability.

At the time, I was having really bad back pain, so I originally checked the box for chronic low back pain, but my main focus now is weight loss. So, we kind of made my own little program as we went. We customized it perfectly to fit my needs.

What tiny steps did you and Michael set?

We worked on losing 15 pounds in 3 months, but he helped me focus on the stuff I needed to do to make that happen, one thing at a time. Diet was the first thing we talked about the healthy plate specifically. I learned that the plate should really have mostly veggies on it, so I needed to increase my veggie and protein intake. The little magnet has been so helpful. Michael also sent me recipes and videos to help me out along the way.

Because I worked in a different time zone, I would always go through a drive-thru after work, for something quick on my way home. But now, I meal prep on Sundays to prepare for the week. The lunches I’ve been packing really keep me full. Sometimes I’ll bring a salad with beans and baked or grilled chicken and other times I bring a sandwich (because I love a sandwich) with sides of vegetables. I don’t actually always include meat in my lunches -that’s new. I never thought I could get full or satisfied without meat – but I can!

That’s awesome. Is diet still the focus for you?

Actually, exercise is my main issue right now. Michael makes sure I go to the gym 4 days a week, which is a pretty big deal for me. I was doing absolutely nothing when we first started working together! But, after a few phone calls, I started doing Zumba every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. I haven’t been active for so long, but I love Zumba because I can do it at my own pace! I’ve been going for a month now and it’s gotten so much easier!

Have your work friends been supportive?

They’ve been amazing! My friends started asking about the salad jars on my desk because they wanted to know why I was eating so healthy. I love my salads. Eventually, they started noticing I was losing weight and it motivated me to keep going!

And of course, I recommend they try it too because really, this is better than Weight Watchers to me. I’ve been on every single diet known to man. But this has been the BEST because it’s not just about what I’m eating or not eating. The support I get from Michael has made a real difference. It’s fabulous!