Metabolic Reset Week 10: From Resistance to Resilience: Finished the Vibrant Aging Journey!

I did it! I completed the 10-week Vibrant Aging Metabolic Reset Program with Health Coach Wynne Heilbrunn , and the results are life-changing:

? Down 20 pounds

? Dropped 4 sizes, from a 12 to 4

? Zero pain in my two torn meniscus—100% reduction in inflammatory pain

? Off my antidepressant (my only prescription)

? Gained a lifetime of tools to manage stress, sleep, and my environment, which have had a 100% impact on my happiness

Overcoming Resistance

When I first spoke with Wynne about the program, I was resistant. I pushed back, especially when she suggested it would be possible for me to go off my antidepressant (of course with my doctor’s consent). She told me most health issues can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes, but I wasn’t ready to hear it.?

At the time, I was on Elavil, a mood stabilizer I’d been prescribed in 2016 after an accident left me with a severe concussion and migraines. While the medication initially helped with migraines, I became convinced I “needed” it long after the migraines disappeared.

Then, last year, my adult son shared that he was quitting all his psychiatric medications. He told me, “Life is good. It dulls my senses, and the side effects aren’t worth it.” I was scared but inspired by his courage. He did his research, and after quitting, he was so much happier and healthier.

I’m proud to say that over these 10 weeks, with my doctor’s watch, I reduced my medication to zero. This reset taught me to care about what I put into my body. When I did my research, it was clear these pills are often for people unwilling to change their life. I decided to do the work—and now I’m reaping the benefits.??

Learning What Fuels Us

Another thing this program gave me was a new curiosity around health. So this week, I watched the documentary “You Are What You Eat”, which deepened my understanding of the science behind eating. One major takeaway was we should buy our meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs from farmers markets or companies certified with sustainable farming practices or be more plant based. Otherwise, we’re likely pumping poison into our bodies.?

I’ve seen these risks up close. My mom has the terrifying condition of antibiotic resistance. One major cause of this is eating meat and poultry from factory farms who pump antibiotics into the animals to prevent disease from the overcrowding conditions.?

I also learned how hormones in commercial meat products fuel inflammation, and I know for me, inflammation means pain.

I refuse to go back to pain. I’m back doing 5Rhythms, my movement meditation dance practice, and it brings me such joy.

No Longer a Sucker

I’m a marketer at heart—I love P.T. Barnum and Edward Bernays, the father of public relations. The goal of good marketing is to make you spend money from emotion, not reason. This reset made me take a hard look at where I’ve been throwing my money and asking myself, “Why?”

Take skincare. For years, I shelled out ridiculous amounts of money to a MLM multilevel marketing company for “high-quality” skincare products. And you know what? This reset taught me that all I really need is organic coconut oil. My skin has never felt better. I don’t want to calculate how much money I wasted the last 20 years helping others make their sales goals.

Then there was my antidepressant. Why was I paying a pharmaceutical company to “keep me stable”? How did I let myself believe that the key to emotional balance was in a pill??

I was conned into the idea that beauty, peace, and health come with a price tag.

I also felt na?ve and taken when I think about all the processed “health food” products I bought the last few years.? This program taught me how to read labels—not just on food but on everything I consume. If I can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not good for me. That realization hit hard when I looked at all the so-called “healthy” keto snacks I used to eat. They are full of junk.

Now, the only people I want to give my money to are farmers or chefs who cook clean, wholesome food. I don’t want to live in fear of the world around me, but I don’t want to be a sucker anymore.

I won’t become one of those insufferable, holier-than-thou people who carry my own stash of celery sticks to parties. I just want to live better, make smarter choices, and stop falling for the lie that health and happiness can be bought.

This journey has been about taking back my power, my health, and my money—and it feels right.

Shifting Habits and Mindsets

This program has also shown me how deeply ingrained our habits around food and drink are—both individually and socially. This week, I went on a beach walk with a friend, and afterward, we stopped at a café. She had French fries and a beer while I sipped mint tea. She laughed and said, “I’m European. I can’t imagine not starting my day with coffee and a pastry, and I could never give up fries and a pint.”?

It’s hard to imagine changing these habits because they’re tied to how we connect with others and how we comfort ourselves. But part of what makes this program work is that it gives you the time—10 full weeks—to become a conscious eater.

Having a health coach and a supportive group made all the difference. They helped me reprogram how and what I eat. Such as, I promise I will never again eat standing up in the kitchen or sitting at my desk.

A Priceless Investment

This program at first was hard to understand its promise because the goals felt intangible. It’s called “Vibrant Aging,” but I won’t fully know if I age better until 20 or 30 years from now.?

But I can definitely see the immediate results of living pain-free, weight loss, being pharmaceutical free, better skin, sleep and reduced stress.

What I know for sure is the lessons I’ve learned are priceless. I’ve slowed down in every area of my life—how much I work, how much I run around as a parent, partner, and professional. If I keep rushing, I’ll just be rushing to die sooner.

This reset wasn’t just metabolic; it was a holistic shift.

What You Need to Succeed

To make this 10 week program work, you need:

? Time: You need time to cook your own food. You have the time, it’s all about prioritizing what matters. Removing distractions like social media from my phone freed up time in my day.??

? Transparency: You have to be honest and track everything you eat and do.

? Tenacity: Stumbles will happen, but you can’t give up.??

? Tenderness: Above all, you have to love yourself enough to want to do this.

Before this program, I was teetering on the brink of self-destruction with food, drink and a stressful life. Now, I see completing this journey as an act of self-love.

Your Turn

Many of you have reached out with questions, and I’m happy to share more. But the best person to talk to is Wynne herself.

• Schedule a chat with Wynne Heilbrunn here: Schedule Now
• Email Wynne: Contact Here

To read the full 10 week series of articles documenting my journey click here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/audreyjacobs/recent-activity/articles/?

This program changed my life. If you’re ready to take the leap, I promise—it’s worth it.

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