This Week I Ran Into An Old Client

By BJLIfe/Alan Freishtat
Posted on 07/15/20

When I came out of shul earlier last week, I ran into a former client.  I didn’t literally run into him and during the Corona crises, I certainly made sure not to really run into him.  But keeping our social distance, we had a very interesting conversation that I would like to share with you.  First, a little history.

I have been in the health and fitness field for over 21 years now.  Prior to that, I turned my own health around.  I have always prided myself on advising people on health, fitness, and weight loss based on the latest science.  I have always tried to keep up with the latest in health research.  Aside from professional magazines, I also receive daily emails from respected publications, many used by doctors.  However, there are two issues with all research; 1) Is the popular science based on sound research? and 2) Is there great research out there that isn’t being disseminated for one reason or another that might show something different than what you’ve been told?

And now about my former client Joe.  He first came into my program in his 50’s.  He was already suffering from heart disease, diabetes, and was obese. He was on multiple medications. And he received our standard care at the time.  He did make progress.  He lost some weight, began exercising more consistently, and made many improvements in his diet.  And yes, he did see some concrete results.  Sugar levels and cholesterol did improve somewhat. But we never saw the breakthrough we wanted to enable him to eliminate his medication, lose more significant weight and to reverse his diabetes and heart disease.  When Joe decided to come back to my program 2 years after he left, the weight lost, 5 kilo (11 pounds), had all come back.  He was really doing the best he could but got frustrated and we were doing the best we could do based on the science we were working with.  The problem here was that what we were doing, and unfortunately what most are still doing just has its limitations.  Now, back to the conversation

Joe told me that he had picked up a book and was following a program.  His weight was as low as it has been in 20 years and he is feeling really well.  It turns out the program he is following is based on a whole food plant based eating program.  I had explained to him that we had turned in the same direction, and that although many of my clients could to that 85-90% and get great results, people like himself who are trying to reverse disease really had to be strict, and he is being strict.  He asked me if I thought he could get rid of his diabetes medication and I told him emphatically, YES!  And even the statin drug for cholesterol.  I still remember him telling me 3 years ago that his cardiologist told him he is now a member of a club—the club that has to take medicines for the rest of their lives.  But guess what is happening?

Oh , that research we didn’t know about—that’s always been there.  A mostly plant based diet, exercise and activity, reducing and managing stress, and finally, having good relationships and social interactions with our fellow human beings all adds up to the prevention and reversal of our common chronic diseases.  And it’s not a couple of studies, it’s thousands of them. 

I am proud of Joe for not giving up and for pursuing a solution to his health problems.  I am also proud of myself for not just doing the same thing again and again and getting mediocre results.  Since our office changed direction, our clients are all doing far better and being far more successful—especially in the long term.  One thing all of this research has shown us—there is only ONE way of eating that reverses heart disease. 

Especially in these difficult times of a Corona virus pandemic, preventative health via lifestyle medicine is crucial.  After years and years of trying to turn his health around, Joe found the answer—and that answer will work for just about everyone.  Using lifestyle medicine and working on good health behaviors will add hours to your day, days to your year and years to your life.” 

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER and a BEHAVIORAL CHANGE and WELLNESS COACH with over 20 years of professional experience. Alan is the creator and director of The Wellness Clinic for prevention and reversal of illness and disease.  He is available for private coaching sessions, consultations, assessments and personalized workout programs both in his office and by telephone and skype. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops. He can be reached at 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or by email at alan@alanfitness.com Check out the his web site – www.alanfitness.com US Line: 516-568-5027