Fit for Life: The 5 Es

Editorial by Yves Monnier

In 2018, at the age of 55, I weighed 260 pounds, had high blood pressure and the beginnings of fatty liver. I was officially part of the 42 percent of American adults who are obese—a chronic condition that often leads to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. I envisioned a future of illness, surrounded by prescription bottles and unable to enjoy a quality life with my family.

So, I asked my doctor, “What now?” His answer surprised me. Instead of recommending more medications, he simply said, “Lose weight, and that will take care of most of your problems.”

I walked out of the doctor’s office determined to lose weight. But how? I considered multiple weight-loss options, but all were either quite expensive, had significant side effects or resulted in only short-term loss. Consequently, I decided to create my own weight-loss plan: The 5 Es.

• Eat Better: I drew from our Seventh-day Adventist Church’s vast health message.
• Eat Less: Portion control became a new mantra.
• Exercise: I started with walking, gradually incorporating jogging and using a rowing machine.
• Realistic Expectations: I focused on taking one day at a time. Weight loss and good health were not going to happen overnight.
• Entrust Myself to God: I leaned on God to give me the courage and discipline to stay on this journey.

A year later, I was thrilled to find myself under 200 pounds. A visit to my doctor confirmed the good news: no more high blood pressure and no fatty liver. The funny part about my doctor’s visit is that he was surprised: “My patients don’t usually follow my advice to lose weight,” he explained.

Now, several years later, I am grateful to God for this ongoing journey. I feel vibrant and full of life, able to run and play with my sweet granddaughter. My health journey has not only transformed my body but has also enriched my spirit, and I am committed to maintaining this newfound vitality.

Yves Monnier is the Ministerial and Evangelism director for the Pennsylvania Conference