Founder, “Get Down, Get Down”
Author, HourGlassHonesty Blog
Greetings from the ExtendSnacks team!
Q: How did your incredible weight-loss journey begin?
NH: I’ve always been considered overweight since age 10, ranging from 150-200 lbs, maxed out at 401 lbs. I had a major car accident in 2007, and that was when the world as I knew it, unraveled.
I was immobilized; bed reddened for 6 months, and ballooned up to 401 lbs. My main concern was 2 things: what will people bring me to eat, and who would see me in my real world.
Depression set in, the negative feelings of why me, and why did I let myself get likes this. It was a hard reality to face. I had to make a decision to get worse or drastically change my life and get healthy. My doctors warned me about the strong possibility of developing heart disease and diabetes. I was also told that, because of my severe foot break and weight, I would never be able to walk again.
For two years, I researched weight loss and found lap band. It fit more in my family lifestyle and my beliefs. You have to continue to make better choices with lap band. January 20, 2009, I decided to go in. This was the same day president Obama was inaugurated. The world changed but it really changed for me!
Q: At what point did you start using your success to help others?
NH: People kept telling me how knowledgeable I was and how I should be sharing this! I didn’t think there was a need being met- not to take away from the doctors, dietitians, gym teachers etc, they give you those resources as well. However, people also need continuous support when dealing with real life. This lifestyle is essential for long-term success and support is KEY. That’s when I started to make a platform to motivate others and say ‘you can do it.’ I decided to start a support group called “Get Down, Get Down.”
Q: We hear you’ve helped a lot of people through your group “Get Down, Get Down”, how do you do it?
NH: It’s funny when people ask where I get the time to do this group?! I say all I’m really doing is what I do in my life anyway- just now including others. Other people have the same desire and need to be healthy. For every me, there’s a whole lot more out there.
Q: What have you been doing to help make your group a success?
NH: First, I don’t’ use the word diet; I use the word eating plan! You can adjust and change an eating plan, versus with a diet people feel restricted as to what they can and cannot eat. I don’t ever want people to feel like they can’t eat their favorite foods, just enjoy them in moderation.
Q: How did you learn about ExtendSnacks?
NH: I came across ExtendBar at Walgreens and the “9 hours of glucose control” message on the bottom shelf caught my eye. After I read the box, I thought, I finally found it! Out of necessity, I was looking for something to help both my diabetic mother and a support group member who is insulin resistant and reverting back to her old lifestyle where she was addicted to sweets and sugars.Q: How are you using ExtendSnacks in your daily life?
NH: I maintain a balanced diet that includes two healthy snacks that are a low carb, high protein, and control hunger. I couldn’t find that all in one with anything else and when I further researched how ExtendSnacks work with the slow burning carbohydrates, I found out how beneficial they are. I’ve incorporated them as a daily part of my lifestyle and eating program.
Q: What have your group members said about ExtendSnacks?
NH: Well, taste is really the true test, and when the group members tasted, they absolutely loved it! I did an initial survey with my group members, here’s what they said:
- “Wow!”
- "Can we really eat this?!”
- “I’m hooked.”
- “I could eat these all day.”
Q: How do you teach others to utilize ExtendSnacks in their daily lives?
NH: I teach others how to use extend throughout the day to curb hunger, manage diabetes, feel full and sustain energy. I tell my group that ExtendSnacks are the only products that have extended glucose control and no other product can do this for them. Anyone can use ExtendSnacks and make it work. For example: If you have cravings at night, reach for an ExtendSnack.
One of my support group members said now, she won’t grab for anything else at night except ExtendSnacks. I tell my group members to be prepared and stay in control! Bring your ExtendSnacks everywhere, have them in your cars, in your purse, at work, and anywhere else you may feel you need them!
Q: What is your favorite ExtendSnack?
NH: My favorite-favorite is a bag of White Cheddar ExtendCrisps! I love the Peanut Butter Chocolate Delight Bar too!
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As you can see, Nicole is on a mission to encourage others to live a healthier, happier lifestyle! It was a delight meeting her and hearing her incredible story. We’re very glad to work with such great people.
Check back soon for more wonderful health heroes.
If you are interested in being featured as a health hero or would like to nominate a health hero, please send an email to: asantacroce@extendsnacks.com.
Thank you!
Alexandra Santacroce
HealthCare Program Coordinator
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