Local Resident Makes Healthy Life Change

Making lasting, positive lifestyle changes sometimes begins with a single step, which is how many local residents have seen lasting success in their weight-loss goals all through the help and guidance of The 20/40 Project. Meet Suzanne Chappell of Redlands. Prior to the beginning of this year, Chappell, a healthy baby boomer, had not seen the number on the scale move much in several years. However, that changed unexpectedly when she went to The 20/40 Project orientation to support her husband Glenn. Chappell shared, “I joined The 20/40 program to support my husband who wanted to improve his health and take off unwanted pounds. We were skeptical that (it) would work for us, but it REALLY DID! The program presenters had food samples and recipes at every meeting. In the program, which combines the diet with exercise, my husband has lost 20 pounds and I’ve lost 14.” What, exactly, is The 20/40 Project? According to Sam Benavides, owner of Better Life Fitness and creator of The 20/40 Project, it’s a weight-loss program that addresses the root cause of why people gain weight in the first place, and making the appropriate changes in lifestyle to shed the weight naturally. “The program is designed to help overweight individuals lose 20 pounds during a 40-day exercise and nutrition program,” Benavides said. “There’s no restrictive diet, no supplements, no shakes, and no shots, just a new way of looking at food, more physical activity, and making better, wiser choices.” As previously stated by Chappell, the program does offer weekly recipes, food samples, an educational segment and accountability via weigh-ins. “We had no problem with eating freshly prepared fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and grains; we still start almost every morning with the whole grain cereal recipe (steel cut oat, grains, seeds, fruit, nuts and cinnamon) that they introduced us to. YUM,” Chappell said. “We still love the food and are keeping the weight off.” According to Benavides, “The project follows a highly regimented methodology of appropriate nutrition, regular physical activity along with education in causative lifestyle habits which, when adopted, trigger the body to lose the excess weight. Overweight individuals who commit to take this seriously and follow the protocol will experience rapid weight loss.” “In addition, individuals participating in this project can expect to experience more energy, better sleep, improved mood and clearer thinking as they work toward the goal of losing the 20 pounds. It is recommended individuals enroll with an accountability buddy to make the experience even more rewarding and enjoyable. Participants should expect to devote 6-8 hours per week.” Benavides continued. The next program starts with a free information seminar and orientation on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Redlands Church, at 520 Brookside Avenue in Redlands. Then, the weekly meetings will be held every Sunday evening thereafter through Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. For more information, email Ashleigh at ashleigh@blfhealth.com or via phone at 909-222-5462.