This is part of an ongoing series of real life success stories from people all over the world who have been impacted by the Paleo lifestyle and The Paleo Solution. Read Chet’s story below.
My story starts in 1995, at the age of 38, when I finally got clean and sober. I had been carrying a 300# Costco weight set around with me for years, that I never used. In the desire to “get my life right”, I started lifting and working out. I was never a cardio type of guy, so it was strictly power lifting with a little bodybuilding. I got married in 1997, to a great woman and I started eating “better”. Little did we know. Also a good job with benefits, so doctor appointments. What a plus. At that time my cholesterol wasn’t that great, but my doctor wasn’t to worried.
By 2005, at 195lbs, I was squatting over 400lbs, and benching 355lbs, with an incline bench of 325lbs. (Sorry, I haven’t gotten use to metrics, yet.) Doc kept a good eye on my blood work and was giving warnings, always telling me that it was heredity that was probably causing my elevated cholesterol levels. We would eat good, but a lot of breads, dairy, and of course, sugar.
By November 2009, my blood work was off the charts. Doc said that we could do one of two things. Go on a cholesterol med, or do a stress test and check my carotid arteries for blockage and if that was pretty good we would check again in three years. I told my doctor that I would try to lower my cholesterol levels by eating better. He agreed, but add that people just don’t stick with it.
At our Thanksgiving dinner, my son in law, Marshall VanBeurden, said I should read Protein Power by Dr’s Eades. I immediately stop the 4 pieces of toast before bed, pasta, and started a high protein diet, which I had to drag my wife to accept. She said, “there’s no way you can lower your cholesterol by eating eggs and meat.” So I had her read Protein Power and we went on their two week diet (which I did for a month and got great blood work results). Doc was pleased and said keep it up.
Then it was probably Aug when Marshall said we had to read The Paleo Solution and introduced us to CrossFit, and Jules Marsh. (What a gem, with an amazing story herself.) We were hooked. We started eating HG, which resulted in a weight loss for me of 30lbs. I can’t believe how common sense it all is. I tell people of our journey, and it scares them to death. No bread, pasta, milk, sugar! If you want your health, give it a try.
At my last doctor’s appointment, Doc told me that I never looked better and my blood work hasn’t been better.
At 5’4″ and 53 years old (almost 54) and 160lbs, I’m still squatting 385lbs and dead lifting 350lbs. Jules is working on Oly lifting with wife and me. I never felt better and believe it or not, I like eating Paleo. If you want good good health and a better future, not only read “Paleo Solution” but do “Paleo Solution.” Thank you Robb Wolf!
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Another great testimonial. I am most interested in your strength ratio. That is a good ratio for back squat- 385 lb squat versus a 160lb body weight which is around 2x. Interesting you squat more than you dead, that is rare. Your quads are probably very dominant compared to your hamstrings. In any case, do you know your vertical jump now that you have those relative strength numbers Chet? 40 yard dash time? I would love to know. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Chet great stuff. Strong guy you are- interesting your squat is higher than your dl. That is rare and I think you must be sporting some impressive quads. In any case, with a double body weight squat I would love to know your vertical jump and or broad jump if you know it or can get tested. Thanks!
Great story! I love these testimonials, they definitely help keep me motivated.
Jules is an amazing person, damn lucky to know her! Thanks Chet.
Woops! I thought the first comment didnt go thru.
Wow, yet another success story! Keep them coming!
Good work!
I really appreciate the call out Chet, but true credit should go to Jules for providing the ongoing training, support, and guidance + Dave Werner and Nancy Meehan at Level 4 Crossfit in Seattle for providing the knowledge (http://www.crossfitseattle.com/). I truly was standing on the shoulders of giants!
Marshall
Good job. My levels went down as well and I have never felt better, 42.5 yrs old but feel like im 20
Thanks for the cudo’s, all. Matt, I’ll work on that vertical jump and 40 yard dash, because I’m curious myself. When I was lifting heavy, I was lifting wrong, and pulled some lower back muscles that keep me from attempting heavier dead lifts. My hamstrings are probably in the development stage. In this journey, the most important issues is my health and to have such a quick and drastic change in my blood work is my biggest indicator that we’re on the best track. Thanks Greg.
Hi Chet,
Thanks for sharing your story and experience w/ Paleo! Can you share more? Specifically, what were your cholesterol numbers before starting and then after initially embarking on the diet. Just curious because mine were as well off the charts, went on Paleo and 3-4 weeks later they stabilized to normal.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Scott