Staff Testimonials

Sample Benefits Our Staff Members Have Achieved from the Nutrition Initiative

The following are some descriptions, written by our staff members, of the benefits that they have already enjoyed as a result of the JRC nutrition initiative:

“In approximately February, 2002, Mike Anderson sent me a copy of John Robbins’ Diet for a New America and Howard Lyman’s Mad Cowboy. I found the information convincing and began to follow what Mike refers to as a RAVE diet (no Refined foods, no Animal Foods, no Vegetable oil, no Exceptions). I found Dr. McDougall and Dr. Fuhrman’s writings to be very informative and helpful. I also used a behavior modification self-management system in which my goal was to lose at least a half pound per week. Rob Duquette was my monitor and I used self-chosen penalties if I failed to meet my weekly and overall goal. When I started the project my weight reached as high as 183 on some days. I calculated what my ideal weight should be, according to the Body Mass Index Method. It was 146.5. By July, 2003, my weight had reached 145. My total cholesterol was 138 at the last measurement.”
- Matthew Israel

"Good eating = Good health! I just had my annual physical exam completed, with quite good results. My blood pressure was very good (122/60) which is not unusual because I run a couple of miles 3 times a week. However, my cholesterol level dropped from 220 to 184, primarily because of participation in JRC’s Good Eating program. A side benefit was the loss (in the 6 weeks since starting the program) of six pounds and one inch off my waist … proof the program does work!"
- Jerry Kutcher

"I went to my doctor and got the results of my annual physical. My cholesterol is 184, last year it was 221. My good cholesterol is 90 which my doctor said is very good and a big improvement from last year. In three months I will have another blood test and if my cholesterol continues to get better the doctor will begin to reduce my medication until I can come off it all together. My blood pressure is 130 over 80, down from 150 over 98. If I get it down to 130 over 70 the doctor will take me off my blood pressure medications. My triglycerides are 200, last years number was in excess of 500. My B-12, iron, sugar, calcium etc. were all perfect, and as an added bonus, I have lost 26 pounds over the course of the past 10 months. These are the best results I have ever had."
- AnnMarie Iasimone

"In September, 2002, I was approaching 55 plus years old and I weighted 206 pounds. Every three months I had a doctor’s appointment, and was on eight medications. I am a diabetic, black female, with high blood pressure. Today I weigh 174lbs., my doctor’s appointments are every six months and I am on only four medications. My blood sugars have dropped dramatically, and so has my blood pressure and cholesterol. What has changed my life is a conscious decision to live a healthier life. How did I accomplish this? First, I stopped smoking. Then I started exercising (walking), and changing my eating habits. At the time this was occurring I was exposed to the nutritional videos here at JRC. Not only did this information give me good guidelines to go by, it made such good sense. Currently, I eat no red meat at all, cut back on fish and chicken, and eat lots of greens, fruits, nuts, and beans. I drink only soy milk - and it is really good. It takes time to adapt to change, especially after doing things and eating a certain way after many years, however these changes have made a major impact in my life, for me, my family and my job."
- Sirmirrion English

"I have successfully lost 33 pounds since the inception of changing the way I eat.  It started in September of 2002, with the introduction video “Eat To Live”.  I made a conscious choice that I did not want to die of the many diseases/illnesses thought to be curable or incurable.  I opted instead to prevent getting diseases/illnesses through good nutrition.  It was certainly a new concept for me, as meat and potatoes were the staple of my diet.  I have reduced my meat and dairy consumption 95%, and save 5% for those special occasions.  My initial weight was 212 pounds.  I have been maintaining 179 for close to 2 months now.  My goal is to lose 4 more pounds and cut down my consumption of carbohydrates - I love my brown rice and whole wheat pasta.  I have more energy and feel the best I have since my early 20’s.  In closing, I would like to thank Matthew for sharing with us the benefits of good nutrition."
- Bob Bruno

"I just had a baby and gained approximately 65 pounds during my pregnancy, and I have lost over 45 pounds just by eating right.  I have attended the Vegan lunches as well as the classes and they have helped me in my success returning to my original pre-pregnancy weight.  I enjoy and look forward to the Vegan lunches, as well as being informed about new recipes for low fat meals."
- Theresa Brophy

"I have lost 47 pounds over the past 12 months by changing my entire way of eating.  My diet now consists of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, beans, and drinking 8 to 12 glasses of chilled water, to which I add fresh-squeezed lemon or lime for taste.  Changing my way of eating helped me to increase my fiber intake, which has aided me in losing body fat.  This has helped me to not only lose the weight, but has also helped me to significantly lower my cholesterol, control my blood pressure, and better my self-esteem."
- Albert J. Tarrano

"I just wanted to let you all know that I have lost 12 lbs. I hope to be losing a lot more weight.   I have been following the Dr. McDougall diet opposed to the Dr. Fuhrman diet.  I find it less restrictive and easier to follow.  I have started back to aqua aerobics.  Due to class times at the YMCA, I don’t get to go as often during the week as I’d like to.  A trick that I have learned is to have fruit and other healthy snacks available to keep me away from temptation – especially in the office.  Wish me luck on losing more weight - my goal is to lose 20 lbs by October."
- Denise Comeau

"When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with cholesterol of 550.  All throughout my life my cholesterol has been that high.  I had been to every doctor and every specialist in the Midwest and even some in Texas.  They tried me on every kind of cholesterol lowering medication known to man; however, nothing worked.  My cholesterol stayed in the 500 point range.  When Dr. Israel introduced the Fuhrman idea to the staff here at JRC I was hoping to simply lose a few pounds.  I never imagined that my cholesterol would drop to 400 points. That is the lowest it has ever been – and without any medication.  I was amazed!  I benefited from the Fuhrman diet not only by lowering my cholesterol, but I lost almost 15 pounds and have never felt better."
- Emily Burke