January 2012 Thrive Challenge

Comment

Comment by Daniel Bienvenue on February 6, 2012 at 1:41pm

I am late but I just been approved for the Community activities.

I would like to share that my motivation came when I was visiting my dauthter in Vancouver with my wife. First I should say that I retired from my carreer at the beginning of March 2011. I was in the technical management side of the Canadian TV business (in French) all my life. I am 58 now. I was struggling with a diabetes diagnostic since 2005 after my wife died from a long cancer in May 2003. I took a sabbatical year not long after and became Photographer . I found a new job at the end of that year and start again as a manager in the same branch but in a stimulating evolving TV station in Montreal.

I didn't realize how much my overweight combine with a stressing job without any exercices just open the door to diabetes to manifest itself. In March 2009 I got caught in a crisis which brought me on a temporary sick leave and a good resolution to get in shape with a personal trainer. Her recommended diet was based on Ideal Protein though. This was helping low carb but not my health. By the way I went back to work and let go the personal trainer and guest what the Protein diet also. I went to another crisis in November 2010 which put me down until I decided within my boss openess to retired. And I planned to dedicate my time to my health through a project cherished by my wife and myself: sell everything and getting on the Americas roads with a travel trailer. We crossed Canada territories up to Vancouver, Surrey more exactly from Montreal. Since my daughter was living in Vancouver for 1 year at that time I thought it would be a good place to start. Until there though I gain some weight and didn't exercise much during the journey.

We stayed about 4 months in the area and then my daughter recommended to go at Choices Market. There I found the Whole Food Health Optimizer that I tried. I read about Brendan on the website and get excited with the Vegan thing. I decided to follow that path and then begin in introduce this product into my life, reading more and more about Brendan experiences.

Later we left for our migration to Arizona to stay there until winter will be gone. We are still here, enjoying the Sun which is at the Rendez-Vous daily. The first week of October I decided to suscribe to the World Gym of Yuma and promise myself to be there 7 days a week. I did. Then in December encouraged by my reading of Thrive and the website and the lost of weight and a significative increase in my health, I took a personal trainer at the Gym which was the best decision in my whole life. Here I got the time, the weather and my wife is going 3 times a week to Zumba at the Gym. This encouraged me to continue and frankly I admire my trainer that should be in the fifties, a Korean woman in great shape, experienced and very knowledgeable who is very patient with me. I sweat but I am seeing the progresses.

I never been so motivated to bring my weight where it should be a little bit less than 200 pounds. Since I lost 6 pounds solid in the first month I am continuing this journey with my personal trainer for another month and half until I will leave to go back in Montreal. This morning I am 260 pounds and I am motivated to get where I should go.

Trainer, Gym, exercices, biking (I love it) advices from Brendan and including Vega in my diet with other slow changes as Brendan is recommending it, I am surely on the right path.

Thank you

Daniel Bienvenue

Comment by Matthew Hatton on February 1, 2012 at 3:18pm

Well now, this is something I never expected, especially since as I re-read what I wrote, I had tons of typos and poor grammar! Turns out I've won this months Thrive Challenge, and I couldn't be more excited or grateful! Thanks Vega for being so awesome, both in providing quality product, and quality community. You have a life long shopper! <3

Comment by Vega Cristina on February 1, 2012 at 2:35pm

A Winner has been picked- Check your email!

Comment by Meg on January 31, 2012 at 7:25am

WHAT MOTIVATES MEG: I get motivated on a consistant basis because I'm inspired by my successes and challenges. Everytime I go for a wicked run and feel strong doing it, I'm motivated to continue to but nourishing whole foods in my Body Temple. When I don't feel so strong? I'm inspired to get stronger, whether that means to push myself harder while I'm running, to include more greens into my diet, or getting to bed a bit earlier. I'm also motivated by seeing the animals in nature, and how they live their day to day lives. These animals are THRIVING on a plant based diet, yet so many people over look this. When I run past farms, I see animals that are held in captivity and I want nothing to do with this. I choose to treat farm animals the way that I treat my golden retriever, with all the love in my heart. My motivation continues as I look at people around me who are rockin this lifestyle, more and more vegans athletes are becoming well known, it's incredable! And the people who aren't living up to their fullest potential, and those who are in ill health, further motivate me to BE THE CHANGE; to stand up for what I believe in, to eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables in front of people, to focus on what I want, save the planet and inspire even more people while doing it! This really is the sweet life ;) A total win-win situation :) I fuel my body with only the best and we all win, the animals, the planet, and my health. My unconditional love does not exclude humans. Making vegan meals for loved ones who aren't thriving, helps plant a seed inside themself that may grow in the future :) What are my big goals for the near future? 

*Edge to Edge Half marathon (June 10th)

*RVM full marathon (Oct 11th)

*Grad to become a BC RMT (Dec 12th)

*sweat everyday

*drink 3L each day

*stretch for at least 30 mins everyday

*love the journey :)

Comment by Megan Irene Ellis on January 31, 2012 at 7:20am

The best way to be motivated is to understand what you really want and how you can achieve those things.  This does not just include dieting and exercise.  This is anything you need to live a happy and productive life.  If the job you go to every day is terrible and you hate every experience, there is little chance you will be productive and a happy worker.  The goal is to find a way to make the most of your life while your on this earth.  Figure out the things you love and what makes you feel good as a person.  For me, I love eating fruits and vegetables, i love the way vega makes me feel, i love teaching workout classes and training for races, i love theatre, i love reading book series, i love to travel....these are all priorities in my life.  I know what I want to do with my time and I have found how I can achieve these things.  When you know what you want you can start understanding how to take a hold of those desires.  This is where motivation lies.  And when you reach those goals...man does life feel great!!

[Vote for me!  Im out of my vega supply!! haha! love you all, thanks for making a fabulous product!]

Comment by Mj on January 30, 2012 at 10:26am

What motivates me? That is a good question. I think what motivates me is the opportunities to learn and grow and become stronger. Stronger spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I love doing things I've never done before. The good of my family also motivates me. Helping them learn and grow and become strong individuals and succeed in whatever they decide to do.

Comment by Chad D on January 30, 2012 at 6:09am

11 years ago I signed up for my first Ironman triathlon and through that training I met my wife. We've accomplished 17 Ironman's in 10 years between us.  Now, my wife and I have dropped Ironman races from our goals and we focus more on healthy eating and general fitness.  We are motivated to exercise to release stress and maintain our fitness.  It's always a great feeling to have fit a workout into a stressful day.

Comment by Meg Hebert on January 29, 2012 at 6:03pm

Committing to a team or group motivates me. I joined a small tae kwon do class which I go to whether I feel like it or not.  Four years ago I started playing ice hockey which is a blast once you learn how to skate. It is so much fun; it does not seem like exercise.  Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer is motivating too since it makes it quick and easy to eat healthfully.  I have to be gluten free, so it is very helpful to have healthy gluten free options.

Comment by Caroline Owhoso on January 27, 2012 at 10:16am

I changed my SAD diet to a raw vegan diet in October of 2010 and thanks to Brendan Brazier's I have learnt a lot from him and ordered so many items from his website.  He has some of the best products out there. 

 

What motivates me to stay on this diet are the many health gains I have achieved in just 3 months on the raw vegan diet, the thought of living long and a healthy life, my family, and my contribution to the intervention, prevention, and reversal of illness through nutrition, especially raw and vegan diet.  Obesity is a prevalent disease in our country and I am currently looking into programs that will empower me with nutrition knowledge which will compliment my Masters of Public Health degree.  I am hoping by next year I will become a dietician, coach, trainer, nutritionist, and/or counselor of nutrition.  Here is a short version of my story.

 

I have fibromyalgia, bipolar, allergy, and asthma and some of these since childhood.  Few months ago, I gave up and decided to approach the natural path.  I found a doctor 45 minutes away from me which I did not mind. I just needed some help that will work and fast.  I was sick and tired of the side effects of the medications I was on.  My weight jumped from 145 to 200Ibs.  I was depressed, mad, and scared.  Thus, I searched for the best solution.  In any case, my new doctor put me on some natural medicine like amino acid, etc. and changed my diet to ONLY beans, vegetables, and fruits to balance my pH level. After awhile, I read up on acid and alkaline (pH) levels.  I then stumbled upon raw food diet.  I made a decision to alter my new diet by putting my veggies and fruits and making smoothie and juices instead (without the beans of course).  So, three months later, I have being on a raw food diet.  I have seen significant change in my health with little struggles with pain and lost 50Ibs. 

 

Just these past few weeks, I have been contemplating about finding ways to help people.  So I decided to learn and acquire more on nutrition and the raw food diet in the hopes that within few months I can have an online presence and coach, counsel, and teach people on improving their health and contributing to health prevention in our nation. 

Comment by Dave McDowell on January 24, 2012 at 10:27am

What motivates me?  Living life to the fullest, and feeling great while I do it!

Comment by Mittale Suchak on January 24, 2012 at 9:56am

I became aware of Vega in 2011 when I started working with a local Health and Nutrition Store. After talking to some of my co-workers, I became more interested to learn about Vega as it was one of the most popularly bought product at the store. Everyone that came in wanted to purchase the Whole Food Optimizer. After looking into the ingredients and benefits of consuming Vega in depth, I decided to purchase the Whole Food Optimizer for myself. I have always been extremely passionate about health and nutrition. I have numerous books on eating right, living a healthy life style, balancing work and life, and much more. Everyday I wake up in the morning and get super excited and motivated to have my Vega shake. I blend in the most incredible ingredients such as Vega powder, almond milk, chia seeds, flax seeds, greens like kale, spinach and sometimes, cucumber along with my berries and one banana. That keeps me full for a few good hours. Let me talk about my deepest motivation. I have always had digestion issues growing up. Some of the people mentioned that I should take Digestive Enzymes before I eat my food. Others told me to not do anything about it and just simply eat a lot of whole wheat and gluten. On the other hand, my self-motivation led me to increase my awareness of nutrition. After reading numerous articles, talking to the right people, I decided to choose the non-wheat and gluten-free lifestyle. I decided to eat foods that were easy to digest such as more vegetables and fruits. Most importantly, I started my intake of Vega and that has made my life so much better and worth living. Thanks to Vega for completely changing my life for the best. The Whole Food Optimizer is vegan, gluten-free and alkaline. Perfect combination of everything I need to thrive and survive. I get motivated to go to the gym regularly now because Vega gives me so much power and energy. I get motivated to be a healthy person because of Vega. I am so grateful and happy that I discovered a gluten-free and vegan product on the market. Thanks to Brendan Brazier and the entire Vega team for providing such useful information on the website. I hope to improve my health every single day. When I was growing up, I used to eat a lot of food. Then I realized that it is so much better to break your meals down into smaller chunks for easy digestion. I am even impressed that I can get my healthy probiotics through Vega. I usually tend to get cravings for sugar. But as soon as I consume the Vega Whole Food Optimizer, my cravings totally disappear. Even though Vega is expensive, it is premium quality. When my container finishes, I get motivated to buy more Vega. I compensate on other things. But I make sure I make Vega my top priority.

I love Vega! Keep up the great work of motivating us to complete these challenges.

Comment by Andrea Giles on January 24, 2012 at 9:17am

i'm motivated by the thrill of success when i accomplish my goals

Comment by Scott Karstens on January 23, 2012 at 12:10pm

what motivates me is my two girls seeing me stay active and trying to eat right.  Knowing it I can do it and they see it they will follow in my footsteps and grow up to be active and heathy adults.

Comment by Matthew Hatton on January 16, 2012 at 4:15pm

Motivation is an amazing thing. It's taken from a two pack a day smoker, to an upcoming (this season) vegan amateur triathlete. Motivation comes from many sources: Fellow Athletes, Goals, and Memories to name a few. I have a goal to compete in a 2013 Ironman, using the 2012 season as practice and information gathering of what works, and what doesn't. Lately I've been paying more attention to my body, and what it's telling me, if I feel more than 60% unwilling to train, I'll make it a rest day and make time the following day. It's not about laziness or a lack of motivation at those times, it's about safety and my continued ascent to peak performance. Also, 18 degrees isn't exactly inviting (Although, a crisp run like can me amazing for the mind). 

The coolest place I get my motivation from though, is from motivating and inspiring others. Any time I'm able to teach someone something that will better their lives through fitness and/or diet I realize this all means something, and not just to me. Oh and I gain motivation through knowledge, always eager to try out a new method of food in action! Thanks for reading, and Live Free.

Comment by Julia Silka on January 13, 2012 at 5:29pm

I motivate with daily doses of info that'll help me maximize my health and performance. I only need one portal into this world to find my way around. My mentor Joan died of liver cancer last Sept. On her "health adventure" before her passing, she discovered and advocated for "The China Study". So, I read it and became intrigued with a whole foods, plant-based diet. Within a month I went vegan and discovered a whole new world -- a healthy, better world -- was available to me. I lost Joan, but also gained so many new mentors because of her. I'm inspired to continue Joan's health adventure through my own journey. I can barely wait to wake up tomorrow to discover more!

Comment by Amanda Jacobs on January 11, 2012 at 5:11am

After being known as a "sick" person for most of my life, I am motivated to attain good health and happiness for the long term. For me, happiness includes waking up every morning feeling well and energized.  I have been inspired by the Vega Community and Brendan Brazier to accept myself (multiple food allergies, asthma, extra weight and all) and work towards a happier and healthier me!

Comment by Heather J on January 10, 2012 at 12:41pm

Sadly competition motivates me, but luckily its with myself. I want to prove that I can beat my 5k times, that I can climb higher mountains, that I can lift bigger weights. Currently I am trying to overcome my fear of open water swimming and learning to pool swim in the hopes of doing an indoor triathalon. We'll see.

Comment by Sarah Kernan on January 9, 2012 at 4:07pm

Happiness and energy are what motivates me. When I don't eat clean or miss exercise days I feel sluggish and depressed. I end up feeling bad about myself which only worsens my situation. But I always think back to those days which motivates me to put on my running shoes and head outside or get to the gym. After I am always stoaked on the work-out, full of energy, and end up craving greens, water, and fruit instead of chips and salsa. Exercise highs motivate me.

Comment by Skott Daltonic on January 9, 2012 at 1:28pm

i found that as i crept into my 40's that i was lost. 

i suffer from depression but refuse to take meds so i've spent pretty much my whole life fluctuating up and down w/ bouts of mania and crashes.

i've exercised in the past, trained and run a marathon but burnt myself out from the stupid way i trained. i failed at my goal time and i just took it hard and gave up on running.

a friend of mine motivated me this past fall to kick into gear what i know is in me, and so far it's been working. 

i'm doing another marathon in february up here in MA and looking forward to a few more throughout the year. (hopefully when it's not freezing)

i want to make her proud of me but i also want to make myself proud of the work and successes and failures that will be there. 

i want to be the best human i can be, body / mind / spirit and energy. i want to be the kind of person i want to be friends with. 

i'm hoping my new routines will help balance my brain a little and give me some peace, but honestly, the long runs can be a seriously tough go of it emotionally. too much time alone, in my own head, you know?

any advice for people like me, anyone? any tricks? i play music, but sometimes it's not enough...

love the forum. thanks.

Comment by Renee Newell-Boucher on January 9, 2012 at 12:53pm

What really motivates me is stories of average people, like me, doing great things. I really enjoy reading my running magazine and blogs to maintain my movitation. People who eat well and are active with a busy schedule, they motivate me.

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