Weight Loss & Wellness Blog

It's Saturday. You've got to get the kids to soccer practice, pick up the dry cleaning, buy stamps at the post office, go to the grocery store, drop off books at the library and head to the auto shop for an oil change. What can you do to fuel your body on those errand-filled days? 

As a member of a college diving team, Mike Hruby exercised six days a week. When his career ended so did the workout schedule. At the age of 22 Mike found himself with more time for relaxing, eating pizza, and drinking beer. Without the intense exercise routine of a college athlete to provide balance, his weight began to balloon. In fact, over the next two decades Mike doubled in size.

Mike's first quest to change his health started in 2010 with personal training.  His knees were weak from carrying the extra weight. While Mike gained in strength, he had basically traded fat for muscle and hadn't lost weight. A couple of friends suggested that exercise was not the issue but diet. They had seen others have success with the Ideal Protein diet from 7Company and recommended it to Mike.

Mike had said for years, “When God makes a diet where the food tastes good and I don’t have to exercise, that will be the diet for me.”

Well, Mike started the plan on February 1st. He calls this is his first serious effort to lose weight by changing his diet. Any previous attempts were ones Mike classified as being selfishly motivated. He selfishly wanted to lose weight, but he also found that he wanted to cheat because, after all, that was a way to get what he wanted too. This time was different though. Mike discovered a greater motivation: he wanted to honor God by bringing his body into discipline and order.

What he’s gotten in return are incredible results. In his first month on the Ideal Protein diet, Mike set and currently holds a 7Company record for a male by losing 38 pounds in one month. In total Mike has shed 90-95 pounds and says that he’s halfway to his goal. He’s committed to staying on the plan until he achieves the goal of being “half the man” he was.

Mike says that his eating habits have changed and that he’s eating better quality food, including fresh vegetables that he cooks himself. He also enjoys the Ideal Protein foods like the dark chocolate pudding, omelets, and peanut butter soy puffs. Mike likes to use the pudding and the omelet mixes as bases to make other dishes. He has modified a few recipes to make them IP-compliant and has come up with his own for gyro meatballs and his creative version of eggs benedict.

Mike now gets compliments on his weight loss and likes the reactions of “Wow! You’ve lost a lot of weight!” He is happy to share with others that he’s found success using Ideal Protein. Mike also receives encouragement to continue toward his goal. Knowing how far he’s come, it’s only a matter of time. We’ll be cheering you on, Mike!

What's your story?  Could yours be the next Ideal Protein success?

Until her 30s Bonita Parrack could eat whatever she wanted.  Over the past 10-15 years, however, age, metabolism, and lifestyle have taken their toll on her health and weight.  A family history of heart disease and diabetes as well as intolerance to medicine have only complicated matters.  Bonita's mother passed away in February 2010, and suddenly, her weight was out of control.

After seeing a photo of herself attending a concert posted on Facebook, Bonita knew that she had to make a serious change.  She had seen a sign for 7Company in Leesburg, being particularly drawn by the "Weight Loss & Wellness".  She felt assured that this would not be just another diet.  Bonita has tried a number of diets, including Atkins, Weight Watchers, and Jenny Craig.  Each time she experienced the same results: she'd lose 30-35 pounds, plateau, and not lose any more weight.

Bonita called 7Company on a Monday.  They had an opening for a consultation on Wednesday.  Bonita's first thought was, "So soon?" Even though she stated that it would probably result in her typical 30-35 pound weight loss, Bonita made the appointment and started the Ideal Protein diet the following day: September 2nd.  A self-proclaimed junk food eater, Bonita liked that with the Ideal Protein diet she could have an IP bar or chips for lunch.  It was fine with her because it made her feel like she was still having junk food.  She also enjoys the Ideal Protein tomato soup, drink mixes, and peanut soy puffs.  Bonita liked that 7Company would bring chefs in and that they emphasized how to eat after the diet.

Over the first 9 months Bonita had lost 103.5 pounds as of her June 1st weigh-in.  She was the first 7Company client to break the 100 pounds lost mark.  Bonita was also the first person to record the largest weight loss for a given month two different times.

Bonita now knows that she's healthier, and she feels good.  Her blood work has "changed 100%".  In fact she is close to being taken off her blood pressure and cholesterol medications.  Bonita also responded to the 7Company support groups, knowing how emotionally challenging this type of process is.

What else has this meant to Bonita?  She says that it's about the little things that she can do; she can now participate in life more.  Bonita feels good when she gets dressed to go out.  She's no longer embarrassed.  Bonita is looking forward to a trip with her grandson who is turning 13; she will be able to be active without her feet hurting.

Bonita has loved the reactions of co-workers, friends, and family members as they've witnessed her incredible transformation.  In fact, three have joined her on this journey to a healthier life, and she's mentoring one of her co-workers who started the Ideal Protein diet a month ago.  Bonita still has goals to reach with her weight loss, but she's come so far with such notable accomplishments you can't help but to cheer her on.

What's your story?  Could yours be the next Ideal Protein success?