John
About: Loves working out, traveling and creating new smoothie recipes
Goals: Manage Ulcerative Colitis symptoms, guidance in elimination diet protocol, improve overall health and nutrition
After talking with two Gastroenterologists and being told I will be on medicine and steroids my entire life to just maintain, I knew there was a better way.
What prompted you to make a change?
In October of 2018, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I had diarrhea, blood, and would be hitting the restroom about 8-10 times a day. Most of the time, it was within 30 minutes of eating if not WHILE eating and urgent. After talking with two Gastroenterologists and being told I will be on medicine and steroids my entire life to just maintain, I knew there was a better way.
The disease kicked me down right when I was starting to get into weightlifting and the gym. I had adjusted my nutrition on my own to be more natural and holistic. I was following the health trends and eating the way you are “supposed” to eat - or at least I thought.
After some research and unintentionally losing 35 lbs, I discovered all of my symptoms could be caused by gut permeability. I had tried a few diets on my own, but through my ignorance and lack of experience, I was never able to get anywhere. After talking with Britney from OnPoint, she assured me she had the nutritionist to help and I was set with Zoe.
The disease kicked me down right when I was starting to get into weightlifting and the gym. I had adjusted my nutrition on my own to be more natural and holistic. I was following the health trends and eating the way you are “supposed” to eat - or at least I thought.
After some research and unintentionally losing 35 lbs, I discovered all of my symptoms could be caused by gut permeability. I had tried a few diets on my own, but through my ignorance and lack of experience, I was never able to get anywhere. After talking with Britney from OnPoint, she assured me she had the nutritionist to help and I was set with Zoe.
How has your life and health changed since working with OnPoint Nutrition?
My taste buds have definitely changed. I am now able to sleep through the night and wake up at normal hours. My vision has stabilized, and I am back to being mentally stress free. I still visit the restroom 30 min - an hour AFTER eating, on occasion and only 2-3 times a day. My weight has increased 10 lbs and I can actually manipulate it with food instead of constantly losing weight.
Changing my taste buds to be able to eat and enjoy more fruits and vegetables the way they're supposed to be enjoyed is something I'm most proud of. I had hated strawberries growing up because they were “bland”. Cleaning up my sweets make berries a perfect topping!
Changing my taste buds to be able to eat and enjoy more fruits and vegetables the way they're supposed to be enjoyed is something I'm most proud of. I had hated strawberries growing up because they were “bland”. Cleaning up my sweets make berries a perfect topping!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about working with OnPoint Nutrition?
You may understand nutrition, understand what you need to do, but quick movements and lack of vision will keep you down. OnPoint helps beyond what you need to do and helps change your lifestyle through accountability, guidance, and friendship. I am happy and still looking to make improvements. I believe with continued work on my digestion, I will be able to eat anything again, in moderation of course.
What was the hardest part of your journey? How did get through it?
Breaking my sweet tooth! I used to have desert with every meal and then some. I was never one to say that a food was “too rich” or “too sweet”. It tasted like “food”. Natural alternatives Zoe had provided and food timing to keep me food and craving less broke me through. I still get it from time to time, but recovery is long term. I've learned that I do not have an iron gut.
Zoe
John worked exclusively with our team member Zoe Fienman RD, LDN, CDE. Zoe believes a healthy diet is a diet that fits your lifestyle and is filled with an abundance of wholesome foods that are nutritious and flavorful!