HELP Heroes: Michelle Falgren’s Story
I've known Jed Falgren for well over 40 years, as he was in my brother Mark's Austin (Minn.) Class of 1983. We renewed our connection and friendship a few years ago with the advent of social media and because of our shared interest in high school and college basketball.
When I began blogging about my health journey in early 2020, Jed would regularly comment, and when we announced the launch of HELPcare his wife, Michelle, was the driving force for both of them to become HELPcare Coach members.
Working with them to help restore their health, with weight loss as a welcome side effect, has been so encouraging and rewarding for Lisa and me!
I asked the Falgrens if they'd be willing to share their experiences publicly, and just as she was the first of the two to really dive into the HELP lifestyle change, Michelle volunteered to tell her story first.
Here it is in her own words, as she sent it last night:
I started with HELPcare in February 2022. I am 54 years old. I love to exercise and am a self-described diet queen! It is not an exaggeration to say that I have done them all!
With all “diets” I found short term success only to be right back where I started (or heavier) a short time later. Once one plan became boring or stopped showing results, I was right back to researching the next diet that would for surely bring success!
After I turned 50, I started the hormonal changes that go along with women of that age. The weight kept piling on, despite my best efforts at diet plans and hours of exercise regimens.
My self-confidence was tanking and I would not let anyone take a picture of me below my shoulders. I needed a new plan!
Lee and my husband, Jed, have been friends since high school, and Jed had been following Lee and Lisa on social media. He commented frequently on their journey of health and wellness that resulted in weight loss. The diet queen in me became very interested.
Lee and Lisa met with us and explained fasting, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, carbs vs ketones and the health and wellness benefits that come from a fasting/keto lifestyle. It became clear very quickly that this was not my next diet, but a lifestyle choice we needed to make.
I hoped for 10-15 pounds of weight loss but really didn’t think I could lose much more. I had never gotten past a 5-6 lb change with all my dieting and exercise, so I was only cautiously optimistic.
Boy was I wrong! I am currently down 17 pounds and still going! I feel better and look better than I have in many years!
I have far less inflammation, less soreness, more energy, better sleep and my hormones are far more in balance. My skin is clearer, my hair and nails are healthier.
I am blown away at how great I feel!
It is far from a slam dunk in the easy category because let’s face it, carbs and sugar are delicious! Breads and crackers were my favorites but they upset my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and gave me horrible acid reflux.
Since giving up carbs, I have had no IBS concerns and no reflux. ZERO! The change was almost instant. Jed and I found we do not miss the bun on the burger or brats and have come to enjoy ordering a salad instead of the fries with our meals.
I bought a Keto-Mojo monitoring system (highly recommend) so I can track how foods and times of eating affect my glucose and ketones. It was a game changer. I am also learning this is not a “one size fits all approach” and that what works for my husband may not work for me.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I am no longer on a diet! I am on a life journey of health and wellness!
I am so thankful for Lee, Lisa and the HELPcare Clinic for sharing their knowledge and passion. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it has changed our lives for the better. Jed joined me on this journey in March and is also finding great success. His story will be another day!
Michelle's story exemplifies why I retired from Mayo Clinic to found HELPcare and help Dr. Dave Strobel start HELPcare Clinic to provide unhurried primary care through an affordable membership.
Resources on this site - including HELP: The Health, Energy & Longevity Plan and eLearning modules, as well as the encouragement of HELPcare Community Discussions.
HELPcare Coach, the personal level of service Michelle and Jed have had. It's available to anyone, anywhere since coaching can be done by phone or videoconference as well as in person.
HELPcare is an affiliate of Keto-Mojo so our members and site visitors save 15% when they purchase glucose-ketone meters and test strip kits. HELPcare also receives a commission from these sales, and all of the proceeds will go to partial HELPcare Foundation scholarships for those who can't afford the full membership dues.
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