Meet Edith and Craig, a sweet couple in their mid-70s who have been on a transformative journey with Enara Health. Edith, a retired teacher, spends her days engaged in activities with her church and ladies’ groups, while Craig, who has worked in retail and lived in seven states during his career, enjoys the comfort of their Arizona home, where they’ve lived for the past 20 years. Their story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the powerful impact of doing things together.
A Lifetime Together, A Journey to Better Health
Edith and Craig’s bond goes way back to the second grade, and their shared life journey is filled with love, challenges, and triumphs. In recent years, however, they faced a significant health challenge: Craig experienced a stroke and a heart attack, which left him weighing 320 pounds. Standing 6’3″, Craig knew he needed to make a change, but it wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about regaining control of his health and quality of life.
When Craig’s cardiologist suggested Enara Health through Phoenix Heart, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for both him and Edith. Enara wasn’t just a weight loss program; it was a comprehensive approach to health that would involve commitment, lifestyle changes, and the support of a dedicated team.
Embracing the Enara Program: A Couple’s Approach
Craig has lost an impressive 80 pounds since starting with Enara, and both he and Edith have learned valuable lessons along the way. “You have to do it with your spouse,” Craig emphasizes. The couple lives with their daughter and granddaughter, and they know that the journey isn’t easy with so many temptations around. But they’ve found strength in doing it together.
Edith plays a crucial role as the cook in the household, and she’s made significant changes to their meals to align with their weight loss goals. They’ve discovered that different foods affect each of them differently, which has led them to customize their meals. For example, Edith enjoys a chickpea and cucumber salad, but Craig isn’t a fan, so she prepares it just for herself. On the other hand, they’ve found common ground in dishes like chicken with chickpea pasta, which Craig particularly enjoys. “I never go hungry,” Craig says, praising Edith’s ability to adapt regular recipes into healthier versions that work for them.
The monthly weigh-ins and body composition analyses have been a vital part of their journey, providing both accountability and motivation. “The app and the scale – that’s the first thing we do in the morning,” Edith shares. These tools have become a routine, helping them stay on track and make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle.
Learning and Adapting: Key to Success
One of the most significant lessons Edith and Craig have learned is the importance of meal preparation. “That was the key to the whole thing,” Edith reflects. By preparing meals in advance and freezing portions, they’ve been able to maintain control over their diet, even on busy days. Virtual tours of stores like Trader Joe’s and Costco have also been invaluable, helping them find pre-prepared, healthy options that fit their plan.
Craig describes the program as a comprehensive approach to health. “I call it Total – it has a physical, food, and behavior component,” he says. He stresses the importance of commitment and the availability of online resources, which have been crucial in their journey. For full commitment, “do it with someone,” he advises, highlighting the role of teamwork in their success.
The Enara Difference: Personalized Support and Expertise
What sets Enara Health apart for Edith and Craig is the personalized support from their care team. Edith speaks highly of the nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, and exercise specialists who have guided them. “Those people were invaluable,” she says, mentioning how the registered dietitians have provided new ideas and resources when she was feeling tired or uninspired. They’ve even introduced her to different spices and ways to make meals more exciting.
For Edith, the encouragement to exercise has been particularly impactful. With the support of their exercise specialist, Tony, she’s found a routine that works for her, gradually incorporating weights and building muscle mass. Craig, too, has seen non-scale victories. On a recent family trip to Disney, he rode a scooter, something he wouldn’t have been able to do before losing weight. “I feel good,” he says, noting that he’s gone from wearing size 56 waist pants to size 48. “[I] don’t feel as heavy, and my feet are better,” he adds.
A Mindset Shift: The Hardest Part of the Journey
Reflecting on their experience, Edith and Craig agree that the hardest part has been the mindset shift. “You have to commit,” Edith says. They’ve learned that the program isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s crafted to fit individual needs. “Do the best you can to make it work for you,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of personalizing the plan and sticking with it.
The couple’s journey with Enara Health is a testament to the power of commitment, teamwork, and adaptability. Their success isn’t just measured in pounds lost but in the quality of life they’ve regained. From finding joy in cooking healthier meals to participating in family activities, Edith and Craig have truly transformed their lives.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Journey Together
As they continue their journey, Edith and Craig are committed to maintaining the progress they’ve made. They plan to keep using the tools and resources provided by Enara Health, from the app and scale to the ongoing support from their care team. And while they’ve faced challenges along the way, they’ve learned that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
Their story is an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. Whether you’re starting your weight loss journey alone or with a partner, Edith and Craig’s experience shows that success is within reach when you commit to making lasting changes and embrace the journey together.
For those considering Enara Health, Edith and Craig have one piece of advice: “Just start.” The program offers not just a path to weight loss but a comprehensive approach to better health and a better life. And as Edith and Craig have shown, it’s a journey worth taking.
