Immune System Support
Since its inception, Dynamite 180 and its associated products have helped hundreds of people shed thousands of pounds, as well as create a lasting healthy lifestyle change. So many 180 users have shared with us their 180 weight-loss journeys, but none have been so touching as Dynamite Distributor Valerie’s. She is the 180 poster child, losing 100 pounds on the 180 protocol over the course of 8 short months. Valerie shared her inspirational story with us, in the hopes of encouraging others to turn their lives around.
Valerie Before and After. Left, August 2012; Right, April 2013
Before I started my 180 journey in August 2012, I was at the conclusion I was going to live the rest of my life overweight. I considered selling my horses, as I was too fat to give them the rider they needed. I was so unhappy in my own skin.
I had been walking with a co-worker for a few years, and that summer I made every excuse possible not to walk or to only walk a few laps. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it, I just hurt everywhere. I didn’t feel good, I was swollen everywhere, my hands and ankles looked like balloons most of the time. Junk food, sweets, chocolate, fast food, and espresso coffee drinks were my favorites. I ate when I didn’t feel good, to fill a void, and when I was bored; I ate all the time. Changing seemed impossible to me, and I was afraid. Afraid of failing and afraid of succeeding. Mentally I wasn’t ready, but physically my body was screaming for a drastic change.
When Dynamite came out with the Fit for Fall challenge I thought about it for days. What if I fail? What if I succeed? I decided to post on the 180 Facebook Support page asking to join a team. My friend Syndi D. said, “Let’s start our own!” OK, great. Now what did I do? Syndi, Shelly R. (my Dynamite sponsor and good friend) and I formed “Not Horsin’ Around.” I decided right there, if I was going to do the 180 and challenge I wanted to give myself every opportunity to succeed. I ordered the DM Plus, Tri-Mins, 180, Dyna-Lite and Premium Magnesium. At that point, I had been a Dynamite distributor for over 5 years and had yet to try any of the human products. I didn’t tell any of my family members or friends I was doing the 180 and challenge, in fear of failing on my part. I LOVED the two loading days, but by the end of the third day, I was ready to quit. To me, eating bad was easier than coming down from the sugar high, caffeine-induced headaches and detoxing from all the bad foods I was eating. With my teammates, Syndi and Shelly, and the 180 Facebook friends behind me, I pressed on. The weight started coming off. Quitting was still in the back of my mind, but I kept it to myself. I asked myself, “If you quit this, then what?” Changes were happening! Our team won the Fit for Fall challenge! My loss was 20 pounds [during the four-week challenge]! After the challenge I continued on, still afraid of failing and succeeding.
I remember waking up weeks later feeling different in a good way. The body pain was gone; I could move without pain and I wasn’t swollen anymore. My attitude was changing, my weight was going down, and my energy was going up. Now I wanted to succeed and failure wasn’t an option. I started exercising more, mainly walking. Suddenly I found myself, still in the 200 pound range, running. After consulting with fellow Dynamite distributor Judy S. about my exercise program, I upped my protein intake. I did my first 5K (3.1 miles) fun run/walk at 195.8 pounds and finished my fourth 5K at 159.3lbs.
Along the way, I’ve struggled, lost, gained, stalled and went through every emotion possible. I got mad at myself for waiting so long to make a change, but I realized it wasn’t too late, and I wasn’t ready before. I am happy and very proud of myself for what I’ve achieved thus far. It’s a life change and I am finally ready to start living. Riding my horse is easy now, I enjoy it! I’ve had positive changes in my relationship because of my changes. I am so excited to finally do some horse activities I’ve waited a long time to do.
So many people have approached me asking how I’ve lost weight; I proudly share with them about Dynamite products and 180. A few co-workers and former teammates joined me in forming Team Val’s Pals for the Winter Weigh-Off challenge in January, 2013. I was honored to coach my team to 3rd place. It brings me so much joy to watch others make positive and healthy changes in their lives. I want to give back and support others through their journey!
My fitness goals have changed along the way. I want to ride and enjoy my horses (who have homes for life with me), run in the Bloomsday run, and complete a half marathon in 2014.
My advice to those thinking about or just starting the Dynamite 180: Don’t give up! It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it in the end! I thank Dynamite for helping me take my life back, I will be forever grateful of such high quality products.
One of Valerie’s inspirations–getting to ride her horses again (shown here on Phil). Left, July 2011; Right, April 2013
If you have a Dynamite Story you’d like to share with us, please send it to us here.
*The statements made on this page were given freely and are the sole opinions of the author. We always caution that one person’s experience is not a guarantee of results. The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any disease. Dynamite Specialty Products takes a firm stance that our products always be used in accordance with the opinions and expertise of your trusted health care professional, doctor and/or veterinarian.
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