fbpx

Starting a Healthy Weight Loss Journey | Colin’s Story

Article written and reviewed by Cyrus Khambatta, PhD
Published May 22, 2023

Colin's journey with the Mastering Diabetes Method and coaching program is a testament to the transformative power of making gradual changes in one's diet and lifestyle. Starting with intermittent fasting, Colin broke free from his cycle of food dependence and began to view food as a means to improve his overall well-being. With the support of his family and the knowledge gained from working with the Mastering Diabetes team, Colin made significant progress in his health and achieved remarkable weight loss.

Breaking Free from Food Dependence

Colin grew up in New Orleans, a city known for its delicious food, vibrant music scene, and early exposure to indulgences like food and alcohol. While his mother advocated for a more plant-based diet, Colin's college years and subsequent stressful job in Costa Rica led him to rely heavily on food and liquor as coping mechanisms. Despite being active and maintaining a rigorous exercise routine, he gradually gained weight and reached a point where his overall well-being was compromised.

Discovering the Power of Intermittent Fasting

The turning point for Colin came when he embraced intermittent fasting, adopting a 16:8 fasting schedule. Initially challenging, this approach helped him break the cycle of food dependence and develop a deeper understanding of how his body responded to different types of food. By extending the time between meals, Colin learned to disassociate his emotional cravings from actual nutritional needs. Intermittent fasting became a powerful tool in his journey towards improved health.

Gradual Dietary Changes

Recognizing the need for a more balanced approach, Colin began making small adjustments to his diet rather than giving up his favorite foods entirely. Instead of eliminating certain foods completely, he focused on changing the balance of his plate. Adding more plant-based options and incorporating a variety of vegetables and fruits not only enhanced the taste of his meals but also left him feeling more satisfied and nourished.

Benefits of a Plant-Based Lifestyle

As Colin continued to prioritize plant-based foods, he noticed a significant improvement in his athletic performance and overall well-being. Adding more fruits and vegetables to his diet provided essential nutrients, increased satiety, and enhanced his recovery after workouts. He discovered that fueling his body with plant-based options allowed him to achieve better results and enjoy a more vibrant and energetic lifestyle.

Taking Control of Drinking Habits

Recognizing the impact of excessive drinking on his health and weight, Colin made a conscious effort to get his drinking habits under control. He used an app called Reframe, which provided information about the science and biology of drinking, helping him track and moderate his alcohol consumption. Reducing his intake of alcoholic beverages not only resulted in fewer calorie intake but also eliminated late-night unhealthy food binges associated with excessive drinking.

Results and Future Outlook

Colin's commitment to the Mastering Diabetes Method and his journey towards a healthier lifestyle paid off. Over time, he shed an impressive 35 pounds and witnessed a remarkable improvement in his fitness and overall well-being. He found joy in experimenting with new plant-based recipes and reimagining his favorite dishes without compromising on taste. Colin's success story serves as a testament to the power of making gradual changes and finding a balance that works for each individual's preferences and lifestyle.

Small Changes Add Up!

Colin's inspiring success story showcases the transformative impact of adopting the Mastering Diabetes Method and gradually incorporating healthier choices into one's diet and lifestyle. By breaking free from food dependence, embracing intermittent fasting, and prioritizing plant-based foods, Colin experienced significant weight loss, improved athletic performance, and a newfound sense of well-being. His journey reminds us that even small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can yield remarkable results.

About the author 

Cyrus Khambatta, PhD

Cyrus Khambatta, PhD is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

He is the co-founder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green, and is an internationally recognized nutrition and fitness coach who has been living with type 1 diabetes since 2002. He co-created the Mastering Diabetes Method to reverse insulin resistance in all forms of diabetes, and has helped more than 10,000 people improve their metabolic health using low-fat, plant-based, whole-food nutrition, intermittent fasting, and exercise.

Cyrus earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 2003, then earned a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 2012. He is the co-author of many peer-reviewed scientific publications.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at the Plant-Based Nutrition and Healthcare Conference (PBNHC), the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Conference (ACLM), Plant Stock, the Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and has been featured on The Doctors, NPR, KQED, Forks Over Knives, Healthline, Fast Company, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.