My Journey.....to better health!!

Written by Eli Williams, production manager at Canyonside Labs

It started on a hunting trip

October 9, 2023, saw me in the mountains with my son on a mule deer hunt. The air smelled crisp and the anticipation of opening day was upon us. I had one issue and that was I was extremely overweight. I was tipping the scales at an astonishing 355 pounds. My son wanted to hike into a canyon to spot deer and be ready for the next morning's opener.  I had a nice backpack and had the "want" but lacked the "go". I put on my pack and realized I couldn't even buckle up the belt.  My belly was too big. I was deflated and pretty much gave up at that point.

Opening morning arrived and I told my son to just go without me. I chose to sleep in and was reflecting very heavily on where I was in life. I was there doing what I absolutely loved but couldn't physically do it. 

I needed to make a change

Shortly after returning from that trip, I made an appointment with my doctor. I was fully committed to getting healthier. My doctor felt strongly that I should consider weight loss surgery. The thought of weight loss surgery scared me, but after doing a lot of research I decided to book my surgery for February 15, 2024. I started a diet and got down to 319 on the day of the surgery.

I work in dietary supplements and when I went back to work I started picking the brains of my colleagues on what they take and why. I gathered as much information as I could and started my own regimen of supplements. I was very active and my weight was dropping very fast.

I was feeling better than ever and didn't want to slow down. I think the supplements I was taking were helping my mood and my energy levels. They also helped keep my skin tight as the weight dropped.

I have lost a total of 155 pounds and stay active each day. I have tons of energy and feel like I am 20 years old again. I turned 50 years old this year and wanted to share my story with anyone out there in my same position.  You can change your life.  It isn't easy and you have to work at it but it is possible.

The supplements I take that help me each day

Morning:

• Electrolyte powder with salt first thing in the morning 14oz-16oz

• Glycine capsule

• Collagen capsule

• CoQ10 capsule

• Creatine capsule

Evening:

• Magnesium capsule

• Multi-Vitamin

• Probiotic

• Vitamin D3+K2

Find what works for you.

There is so much information out there on what a person should take each day.  Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. I have my life back and am looking forward to being on the mountain this October with my son and making up for the opportunities that I missed last October.