Member Moment with Craig

Around 10 months ago, I saw my first Calibrate Facebook ad. One at first, then a second and third. I soon realized I couldn’t escape it. What could have been considered cyberstalking, I took as a sign to click and find out more. 

I should start by saying my weight and overall health hasn't always been a concern. I used to be an avid endurance athlete, running often with my dad and completing 10 marathons in my 30s. Running was my way of staying in shape and keeping my weight down, I’d just cut calories and increase my miles. But as I got older and experienced injuries, my joints (and earlier methods) stopped working the way they used to. This, combined with my desk job as an engineer, researching satellites for an aerospace company, I began gaining weight and seeking new weight loss methods. Over the last 20 years, I’ve probably tried every diet there is. 

“I’m no stranger to weight loss programs. I achieved some short-term successes, but I always found myself backsliding into old habits, until I’d try the next diet, which always led to the same frustrating cycle of short-term success followed by failure.”

Needless to say, I was extremely skeptical of Calibrate at first. I wondered, “Is this real, or is this another diet that will require me to live on carrots alone?” I’ve done the crazy restrictions before, and they’re neither effective nor fun. But after a lot of research and a few Calibrate phone calls, I liked what I heard. I knew I needed to try something different—and realistic—that I could integrate into my life long term, and Calibrate is exactly that. 

The best part about joining was my first video appointment with my Calibrate clinician. A few times in the past, my primary care clinician told me my A1C level was in the prediabetes range, but by my next appointment, it’d be back to normal. This wasn’t the case when I began Calibrate. 

“Mid-pandemic, when no one was going into clinicians offices, I completed my initial Calibrate lab and met with my Calibrate clinician virtually. During this video appointment, I discovered my A1C level was indicative of diabetes. If it weren’t for the telehealth aspect of Calibrate, I wouldn't have learned about my elevated A1C level until much later.”  

But I’m thrilled to report that at my 6-month Calibrate check-in, my A1C level had decreased to the prediabetes range. I’m hoping by the end of my One-Year Metabolic Reset, my A1C level will be back to normal. That’s my goal. 

The fact that I can meet with my Calibrate Medical Team and accountability coach virtually is a huge plus. It allowed me to start improving my metabolic health immediately, despite the world shutting down. But more than its convenience factor, Calibrate is sustainable. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to integrate Calibrate into my lifestyle. I have a big sweet tooth, but neither Calibrate nor my Coach, Corena R., has encouraged me to be militant about my diet. 

I can enjoy weekly sushi, with rice, I just shouldn’t have rice every day. And if I’m craving chocolate, there’s probably a reason. Is it emotional? Am I stressed? In any case, I listen to my body, acknowledge that it’s OK to have the chocolate, own it, enjoy it, log it in the app, and start fresh again tomorrow. 

Another discovery I’ve made through Calibrate is my love for walking. My wife, Sandie, isn’t on the program, but we walk together in the evenings. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and experience nature together—and it’s been a wonderful outlet for my mental health. 

“Lately, I’ve been upping the ante by incorporating short running intervals into my walks. These intervals aren’t the marathons I used to run, but damn it, it’s progress! That’s something to be proud of.”

I’m also proud that I started. I’ve lost 18% of my body weight* and still have three months remaining in my Calibrate Year. I look forward to taking more steps towards a healthier me and seeing what else I can accomplish in that time. 

MY FOUR PILLAR PRACTICES:

• FOOD: Realizing that steel-cut oats are OK has been a godsend for breakfast.   
• SLEEP: Setting a bedtime, to get 7 hours of sleep—not 5. 
• EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Playing guitar helps me unplug. 
• EXERCISE: Walking and running.

*Results not typical; average Calibrate members lose 15% of their body weight in 12 months. Read more here.