Total Nutrition Takeover: Jean Ruefer

At first, Jean, pioneer of our Low Impact class, was hesitant to publish her results from the 2017 Total Nutrition Takeover (TNT) but ultimately decided it was worth sharing. As someone with type II diabetes, weight control has always been a struggle so, in the process of helping herself get healthy, she is hopeful to help someone else, too. Below is Jean’s story!

By the measurements used to evaluate the competition, I don’t think they show that I was very successful. But the measuring stick my doctor and I used to judge my success was a little bit different.

I had several doctor visits before and after the health challenge, which included blood tests. Blood tests are what doctors use to determine your “fitness level.” Below, I share my blood work from just before the challenge to just after and the results are what ultimately led me to share my story with you!

December 2016 Results

•  Cholesterol – too high, I had gone off a medication in August due to an adverse reaction and, as a result, my cholesterol went up. My bad cholesterol was too high and the good cholesterol was too low.
•  A1C* – 7.5  up from the previous visit.
•  Triglycerides – too high.
•  Weight – up 7 pounds from the previous visit.
• In July 2016, I was diagnosed with CPPD arthritis (pseudogout), which limited my activity for several months.

March 2017 Results

• Cholesterol – within acceptable limits. The doctor’s words were “I can live with that.” Safe levels of total cholesterol fall anywhere below 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood, mine measured at 170 mg (and my bad cholesterol was down while my good cholesterol was up).
•  A1C* – 6.5 (down 1 point). What does that mean? The A1C test measures your average blood glucose during the previous 2-3 months with a focus on the previous month. For people without diabetes, the normal A1C range is 4-6%.
•  Triglycerides – lower.
•  Weight – down 5 pounds.
• CPPD Arthritis under control and taken off medication.

What was the worst/hardest part?

Thinking about what to eat and making the right decision instead of the easy one. I am not good at prepping meals, so this was my greatest challenge. Sometimes I felt I was eating the same thing over and over again.

Who did you take it out on?

I am not sure I did this other than being hard on myself for slipping. I am learning balance and grace.

How did you handle hunger?

I just had healthier options available for snacking.

What was your biggest success?

My blood test results.

Did you learn something new about yourself?

Being in a group helps tremendously!

Once it was all said and done, what was the best part?

I knocked over a minute off my test workout! And I have to thank the coaches for all of the support and help I received from them along the way.

Did you meet your goal?

No, but I can see how I can get there.

Which habits will you carry with you now that it’s over?

Definitely recording what I eat. I kept a daily journal with lots of information including what I ate, what the workout was and how much water I drank.

Would you do it again?

Yes! Having been at the gym one full year now, I have my workouts dialed in and am already signed up for the 2018 challenge. I love that my daughter has since joined our Low Impact class. In addition to feeling better and improving my blood work further, I’m zoning in on my weight loss goals this year!

Jean Ruefer
HR Manager

* For people with diabetes, the lower the A1C value, the better the diabetes control and the lower the risk of developing complications such as eye, heart and kidney disease. Your goal should be to have A1C values less than 7% and you should have an A1C test at least twice each year to find out your long-term blood glucose control.

** Always check with your doctor before implementing any changes and to get information most relevant to you.

Photos: Iron + Lace Photography