Jake Bateman with Wheeler

Jake Bateman of Wheeler Cat has lost a total of 65 pounds since joining the Apple Program®. Living a healthier lifestyle is something Jake wanted in his life, so he’s begun to make his goal a reality by exercising and monitoring his portions. He’s tackled excuses preventing achievement of his goals and made his health a top priority. He now has the motivational drive needed to maintain his health for years to come.

Much of Jake’s desire to change stemmed from his annual Apple Health Assessment™. He states, “That was a big reality check for me. When I saw my health was spiraling downward, I knew something needed to be done. With the support of my Apple Health Coach™ and the information offered on the Apple Program’s website, I was able to get things rolling.”

Jake now runs about 3 miles two to three times per week. He also enjoys riding his bike between 8-10 miles twice a week and often incorporates strength training exercises into his fitness routine. His training is getting him in shape to run a 5K in June and later plans to complete a half marathon with his wife in July.

Prior to joining the Apple Program, Jake felt that he was always “too tired” or “too busy” to improve his health, but now feels he has the tools and motivation to reach his goals. His coach helped prevent the dreaded “plateau effect” in which your body adapts to the exercise and normal physical activity efforts produce only small results. “She gave good advice on diet and exercise. She helped me develop a varied exercise routine, which worked like a charm. She was a great motivator and kept me accountable.”

Aside from his coach’s enthusiasm, Jake received support from his family and friends and was able to develop the determination needed to make changes in his health. “It was a lot of hard work,” reports Jake, “But I now have a better quality of life. I feel great and my body doesn’t hurt like it used to. I can move more freely. I feel like the changes I’ve made will add years to my life that will enable me to spend more time with my family.” He reminds others, “It’s never too late to change, especially when it comes to your health; no matter how tired or how busy you think you are.”

Kimberly Johnson with Ken Garff

In effort to improve her and her family’s overall health and happiness, Kimberly Johnson of Ken Garff began a lifestyle makeover by making small changes to her daily routine. Her triumph came by designing goals aimed at improving her overall eating habits. She knew if she worked on making small changes she would have a better chance of reaching her overarching goal of a healthy lifestyle. Kimberly’s plan has resulted in success!

Many of her accomplishments came due to the accountability aspects the Apple Program® has designed. Kimberly has said, “Tracking and reporting my goals online has helped me have success. I’ve done well in other weight loss programs but the Apple Program was more meaningful because it let me take part in designing my goals.” Her initial goals were simply to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink water, and do some form of exercise four times per week. Working on those goals enabled her to reach long term goals such as improving her blood pressure. Her blood pressure is now at an ideal level.

The support of her Apple Health Coach™ also helped contribute to Kimberly’s progress. “The encouragement of a coach goes a long way,” says Kimberly. She reports feeling uplifted through her work with the Apple Program, and feels enabled to make changes – like healthier cooking – benefitting her whole family.

Kimberly’s recommendation for others to achieve success is to try increasing the number of fruits and vegetables in your diet and “Remember that being happy overall is the root of success in all you do!”

John Preston with Clyde Co

John Preston with Geneva Rock has won his battle with type 2 diabetes since joining the Apple Program® last fall. His determination and hard work to get off his medication has paid off. John has lost nearly 20 pounds and no longer has to take his medication for diabetes.

John attributes his success to making lifestyle alterations in the form of small, attainable goals related to nutrition and exercise. One of his goals included cutting back on carbohydrates- especially French fries- and avoiding other deep fried foods. Instead of fried foods, John enjoys foods like grilled chicken, whole wheat foods, oatmeal, and more. He has also cut back on soda and snacks on fruit and nuts. Incorporating these dietary changes led him to making other improvements, like only having one piece of bread when eating a sandwich instead of two and having sweet potatoes or yams instead of baked potatoes. He’s also discovered that sugarless candy is a great substitution when he has a sweet tooth.

In addition to improving his eating habits, he furthered his healthy progress by implementing an exercise routine which consists of walking with his wife for one to two miles when the weather permits. If it’s raining he has a backup plan that involves a treadmill or stationery bike in his house. He’s also made simple changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator to add to his success.

For a long time John never had to watch his weight or what he ate, but when things started to change, he realized he had to take control. John knew the best thing he could do to improve his current health state was to lose weight. He began tracking his daily goals and making a conscious effort to make changes which would enable him to improve his health. But John has not stopped there! He still wants to lose another 12 pounds, which he plans to achieve by the end of summer. “My doctor told me whatever it is I’m doing, to keep doing it!” He plans to keep on track with his goals and adding another element to his exercise routine, road biking, which he feels will enable him to get to his target weight. From there, he plans to continue setting goals such as possibly cutting carbonation from his diet all together.

He’s grateful that the changes he has made have added years and quality to his life. “I feel great, I have more energy, and I don’t have to sleep as much,” says John. He appreciates the assistance he received from his Apple Health Coach™. “Having a coach to talk to each month is great. She’s provided great support and encouragement.”

John’s advice for others who are seeking to improve their health conditions is to, “Set a goal related to nutrition and exercise and stick to it. Find ways to make it work and keep variety; mix up your foods and your workouts and enjoy foods in moderation.”

Sonia Brunson with Cedar City

Sonia Brunson of Cedar City has taken her health to a new level, shedding 22 inches, losing 20 pounds, and becoming two sizes smaller than she was at the beginning of the year! Her success has come by working hard at the gym, making healthy substitutions in her eating habits, and implementing basic changes in her lifestyle. The transformations she’s made have improved several aspects of her life including her physical and mental health.

Sonia’s simple changes include parking further away from entrances when running errands, reading food labels, consuming smaller portions by eating on a smaller plate, and not eating after 7 p.m. Bigger changes have included drinking less soda and consuming more water, and weight training two to three days per week. These goals have got her headed in the direction needed for her to reach her long-term goal of being healthier and more in shape by September 15^th, her 15^th wedding anniversary!

Working with a personal trainer and having the support of the Apple Program® have helped encourage Sonia’s progress. She says, “The Apple Program® has taught me to understand how my body’s condition affects my overall health. It’s motivated me to have a healthier heart, stronger muscles, lungs, and bones, so I can have the opportunity to do what I love with my family- including outdoor activities, especially in the summer, such as hiking, camping, and four-wheeling. I am now much more active with my family and have enjoyed spending time with them when I otherwise would’ve stayed at home. All these changes have lifted my mood and I feel so much better.”

“Improving my health is something I’ve wanted to do for some time, but this program has held me be accountable for what I choose to do or not do. Reviewing my goals every week has really helped. Having a coach has also been great. My coach is encouraging, understanding, and knowledgeable, and she’s been a great, positive support through this whole process.”

Sonia has surrounded herself with positive assistance to help her accomplish her goals. The Apple Program and her Apple Health Coach™ first taught her to set goals whether big or small. Peers and a motivating trainer then provided support and helped push her to her current level of health. Most importantly, however, is Sonia’s family, who provided great encouragement. She’s learned that she can do anything if she truly wants it!

Sonia now not only has better health but also has an improved attitude. “I’ve learned to stay positive even though it’s hard sometimes.” This optimism will help Sonia reach her long term goals of 1) getting to her target weight of 145, 2) transforming to a size 9, and 3) out hike her husband and kids.

Her advice to others who are seeking to reach their goals is to, “Never give up. Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving, even if they’re baby steps and even when one step goes backward. It’s hard work, but the results are totally worth it. I have not yet reached all my goals, but I know I can do it and can’t wait to get there!”