My name is Mary Duke and I have been married to the love of my life, Dennis, for 38 years and counting. Together we were blessed with 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls, which are now all married and have blessed us with 8 grandchildren (and counting).
I have stayed fairly active throughout the years, although, I was out of shape, overweight, poor diet, and did not care much for exercise, I was always on the go doing things for church, school and things that a mom of 5 and a grandmother of 8 would do. I took very little consideration for my heath and what I ate. I frequently tried fad diets, always looking for a quick fix to get me into clothing a few sizes smaller. Hey, I actually lost a few pounds here and there and was able to buy some new clothes, only to find out that six months later they had shrunk in the wash………or not! I always returned to my old eating habits and I think our family alone has eaten enough fast food to single handedly keep many of the chains in business. I knew in my heart that my body needed to last me a life time and that my life is a gift from God and I needed to stop abusing this temple and take better care of it. Easier said than done! I just had such a hard time giving up all the fattening foods I loved! It was hard saying no to the foods that were bad for me and yes to healthier alternatives in fear of losing the one thing I loved to do and that was eat! Eat what I liked, and what I craved, with very little regard to the portions I ate and when I ate it. Eating was fun, fulfilling and comforting! It still is, only now, I have a whole new outlook on my health and the body God gave me.
I got a wakeup call about 6 years ago when my Doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. It scared me a little…..but not enough for me to really change the way I ate and cared for my body. She said if you act now and start making changes in your eating habits and exercise you could avoid full blown diabetes. I made little changes like cutting back on sugar…. a little, and I cut back on some of the pasta dishes I loved and occasionally turned down a dessert. I continued on eating with very little change and very limited exercise (very limited) till one day a year or so later my Doctor told me I had full blown diabetes. Talk about a wakeup call! Now I was ready to go into action and make some lifestyle changes.
For the next 3 years I tried to change my diet and exercise a little more and yes, it helped some, but it wasn’t enough to bring the levels down. I was still spiking anywhere from 250 to 350 after a meal. I tried to read and get info about different things that would lower blood sugar and the education is a must, but I was still looking for a quick fix. Something to take, a magic formula, a way to get rid of what ailed me. I asked God to give me wisdom and to help me get this under control and He reminded me of the words my Doctor first told me….. diet and exercise! He is wise and He uses practical things in our lives to help us.
Dennis and I both agreed it was time to take the journey for life and health. So on our quest to walk in His wisdom, our son introduced us to BeachBody, which has a great eating plan, and a great choice of exercise programs, which have helped me to lose weight and lower my blood sugar levels. My blood sugar is lower than it has been in almost 5 to 6 years. I exercise regularly, 4 to 6 days a week. We are learning how to exchange great tasting healthy foods and recipes for the unhealthy ones and we get more than enough food to fill us up.
I drink a delicious and filling Shakeology drink once a day, in place of one of my meals, which has been approved by the American Diabetes Association to help in the fight and control of diabetes. I am still dropping weight and inches and I love that I am feeling good and healthier than I have in ages. I am most grateful to God for His loving kindness that keeps us on the right track and when we get off He will get us back on.
Maybe you are on a journey for life and health and want to check out all the programs BeachBody has to offer. It has worked for us and can work for you too. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions and if we can’t answer them we know someone who can. It is never too late to start the journey and live the life God meant for you to live, preparing spiritually, mentally and physically for whatever lies ahead.
As with any diet and exercise program check with your doctor first before starting, especially for any medical or physical problems you may have. God Bless you on your “Journey for Life and Health”.
Mary Duke
BeachBody Coach
