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One Hundred Pounds Lost Equals Better Life Found
Over the years, Henrietta B's possessive weight edged up to the point that her mobility was impaired and her stamina decreasing rapidly. Five years ago, her worried daughter found the Rice Diet Program on the Internet, and Henrietta found herself traveling from Boston to Durham for a three-month sojourn at the Rice House.
The 5'4" proud grandmother of fourteen weighed in at 300-plus pounds. Henrietta says that she immediately felt "faith and accepted" at the Rice House. She learned that a salt free diet rich in fruits, vegetables, rice, grains and beans helped her trim 65 pounds that summer. With the steadfast encouragement from the doctors and nutritionist, she ate the simple fare, water-walked and grew stronger by the day. She made a few good friends with whom she still maintains contact.
In the summer of 2006, having suffered the loss of her only son, she returned to the Rice House where she found a measure of comfort and healing in the company and understanding of the staff and other Rice Diet participants. She lost many inches and an additional 26 pounds. She participated in Tai Chi and learned the proper heal-first walk that strengthened and improved her gait.
Back in Boston, she's happy to report that she still consumes a healthy diet, continues to walk and enjoys the companionship of her family and a group of long-time friends. After a career in the field of education, she remains active and serves on two Boards.
Henrietta plans to return to the Rice Diet Program annually… partially because she wants to share her enthusiasm for the program and process. "This experience had such a powerful impact on my life that I truly want to help others."
She adds that regular contact with Jayne Charles, the Rice Diet Program Coordinator via email has been "a lifesaver." "I know that when I call out for help or support one day, there will be a response the next. It keeps me going.
"I do not judge myself when it comes to my own program. Most of the time, I prepare and consume a healthy diet using herbs rather than salt. I eat some fish and chicken and keep yogurt and fruit cups for snacks. I splurge on an occasional meal, but I know that if I'm careful eighty to ninety percent of the time, I will be alright."
Meanwhile, she revels in the fact that she still lives independently, drives and does most of her own shopping and housekeeping. This vital and engaging woman has lost more than 100 pounds and maintained her weight loss over the years. Henrietta is a youthful 73 years old.
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