Keith Hildebrand is a graduate of the CHIP program, an affordable lifestyle enrichment program designed to reduce disease risk factors through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications.
He’d heard about the program and liked the wholistic approach.
“I had weight issues, I was up to about 260 pounds,” Hildebrand said.
“I also knew Keith Corbett from Rotary.”
Corbett facilitates the CHIP program in Quesnel with expertise, via the Internet, from program founder Dr. Hans Diehl and scientific presenters Dr. Darren Morton and Dr. Andrea Avery.
Hildebrand said his first introduction to the program was the free information session at the hospital.
“I signed up to see what it was about.”
With program sessions almost every night of the week (Monday – Thursday), Hildebrand said the knowledge he gained was invaluable.
“Although it promotes the least amount of processed food possible and the least amount of meat, I found the knowledge I gained about what effect food and lifestyle has on the body and how well it works was amazing. But I still like a nice steak, albeit half the size I used to eat. I pile a little more vegetables on my plate and a little less meat.”
For Hildebrand it was all about understanding food and what’s in it that was key to his success.
“Exercise is also promoted in the program.”
Hildebrand admitted though he’s living proof you cannot out-exercise a bad diet. He found that out the hard way on a recent cruise.
“It all has to work together. I worked out every day on the ship and still gained 10 pounds.”
It’s been two years since Hildebrand graduated from the CHIP program and he says there’s been permanent changes to his exercise routine and his food habits to a certain extent.
After finishing the program he said his weight had dropped by about 15 pounds and he notices a marked decrease in the acid reflux he experienced before the program.
And as for knowing what’s in his food – Hildebrand says he reads the label on everything he brings home from the store.
He recommends the program but encourages those interested to start with the information session, scheduled for Feb. 25 and 26, 7 p.m., main floor boardroom at the hospital.
“But be prepared to exercise self-discipline and a commitment for a solid month – however, you get a really good meal every night of the program.”
Some of the quirky things Hildebrand has noticed as a result of the Chip program included cleanup of plates
and such after a meal was
much easier as there’s no
grease.
“But meals take longer to prepare; there’s more planning required.”
Hildebrand said he’d do the program again as it would be a great refresher and a reminder of what’s the right thing to do.
“It’s a lot of common sense.”
After the free, one-hour information session Feb. 25 – 26, the CHIP program runs March 4 – April 4, 7 – 9 p.m. in the Quesnel Seventh-day Adventist Church fellowship hall, 1518 Maple Drive.
For information call 250-992-3444, 250-991-9297 or visit www.chiphealth.com.