Matt: Stage 2 Hypertension No More!

In 2016, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension and I weighed 326 lbs. I was working in a stress-filled job and had no energy. Fast food was a regular part of my diet. Attempts at eating less and exercising were short-lived and usually ended in binge eating, after starving myself all day.

My “a-ha” moment came after my diagnosis of high blood pressure when I realized that I could have a heart attack and lose my wife and kids.

I have been overweight for most of my life. I didn’t know what I needed to do but I knew I had to do something and that I needed help.

The first step I took in taking back control of my life was doing some research on health and wellness programs and SANE made the most sense to me. SANE helped me to get over my skepticism in my own success, and have faith that I could do it. I then began taking small steps to change my life, and before I knew it, my body was working the way it was supposed to.

My biggest success came when I was able to start playing ice hockey again! And it may sound vain, but I loved being able to buy new clothes in a smaller size.

The first tip that I would offer for SANE success is to have faith and to forgive yourself. Second, DON’T try to do it all in a day, a week, or a month; do it for your life. Finally, think outside of the box; I have found so many great ways of enjoying SANE food!

SANE coaches have played a big part in my success. Being able to talk to my coach and knowing that she understood my struggle made me feel not alone or overwhelmed.

For me, a typical SANE day includes work of course, but 3 times a week I play ice hockey. I also do yoga, rollerblading, and slide board training.

Now that I have gone SANE, I continue to get better and am feeling great about it. My SANEity continues!

~ Matt P.