Sandy Roe: HELPcare Challenge Success Story

By Jane Connell, RD • June 25, 2024

Since beginning the HELPcare Challenge Sandy has lost a total of 25 pounds and reversed her pre diabetes!

If you think that the HELPcare Challenge is about a quick fix 13-week program that people finish and then fall off, Sandy’s story proves otherwise.

Sandy had tried numerous approaches over the years to lose weight but none gave her the change in lifestyle and results that the HELPcare Challenge has done.

Sandy participated in the Challenge II group which ran from January through April of 2024. By the end of the Challenge, Sandy had met her Challenge goal to lose 1 lb of body fat per week. Two months later, she is continuing to lose body fat towards her ultimate goal, she’s lost 4 inches at her waistline, and she has reversed her prediabetes.

“Do it! You will not be disappointed."

By using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Sandy discovered that her daily coffee creamer along with a few squares of dark chocolate were causing an undesirable rise in blood sugar. This increased blood sugar triggers release of insulin which is a fat storage hormone preventing the loss of body fat. After a rough day at work, Sandy and a co-worker would frequently stop by for an ice cream. And in the evening to wind down, Sandy occasionally munched on sweets. Although a CGM is not a requirement of the Challenge, Sandy used the information from it to improve her food choices which helped stabilize her blood sugars.

When Sandy joined the Challenge, she began to cut out most white sugars and carbs. She focused on consuming more protein in order to meet her daily needs to prevent muscle loss. She became more mindful of what and when she was eating, including extending the number of hours of overnight fasting to help with brain health. Sandy consumed the electrolyte LMNT daily - either in the evening in place of “hot cocoa” on chilly nights, or an icy beverage during the daytime.

Sandy has lost a total of 25 pounds of body fat and increased her muscle mass. Non-scale progress includes dropping down 2 sizes in her jeans. Her belt has gone from not fitting at all or on the first hole, to now in the 5th hole. She went from over 39 inches on the waist to now just 35 inches. Her morning blood sugars are now in the normal range, and her A1C indicates that she no longer has prediabetes.

Sandy attributes her success to the educational information she received through the HELPCare Challenge, sharing the successes and the struggles with other Challenge participants, as well as information further back from Lisa and Lee, and also her son, Jeremy. “And, of course, primarily to Jane’s coaching in the Challenge”.

“The accountability of one-on-one coaching calls, talking with others who have been successful in a keto or low-carb lifestyle, and my CGM also keeps me accountable.”

Sandy is continuing to apply what she has learned from the Challenge, and she is continuing to yield results months after the Challenge ended. Her message to anyone thinking about enrolling in the HELPcare Challenge? “Do it! You will not be disappointed.”

Visit the HELPcare Challenge page to reserve your spot in the next group!

Jane Connell, RD

Coach Jane is a licensed, registered dietitian living in Camas, WA. She has been doing remote health coaching for the past 14 years through Optum in Eden Prairie, MN. She has joined the HELPcare coaching staff and will be coaching members through the HELPcare Challenge program.
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