Active Lifestyle Success Stories

Zoomer | September 16th, 2013

Part 4 of a 4-Part Series on Active Living Fueled by BOOST®

Real life success stories of mature Canadians who gained strength, energy, and controlled their health through an active lifestyle fueled by good nutrition.

BEING ACTIVE BOOSTS CONFIDENCE

“My whole life I was inactive and look at me now, I’m becoming a Yoga instructor!” —Michele Rigby, 58, Truro, Nova Scotia

Michele Rigby thought she was ‘healthy enough’, even though she was admittedly inactive. “I’ve had a busy life working full time while raising four children with my husband, and I haven’t paid much attention to exercise, which I’ve always hated,” says Rigby. “I finally had to face my inactivity and do something to stay healthy.”

Fitness Strategy “I started running which gave me the courage to do something that has pushed all my boundaries. I am now taking a course to become a certified Yoga teacher!! Every time I go to the class I’m startled that I am there.”

Did you know? Running and yoga can work as a team to achieve strong and supple muscles. The more active your lifestyle, the more muscles need protein or they can be subject to breakdown and wasting. Older people may actually need higher amounts of protein in their diet than younger adults in order to manufacture muscle tissue¹. Researchers suggest aiming for 20-30 grams of protein at each of the main meals² –about half of which can be achieved with a single serving of BOOST^® Meal Replacement drink.

A HEALTHY DIET FOR MORE ENERGY

“I’m determined to be physically and mentally fit and active to keep up with my two adorable young grandsons.” —Shirley Hill, 63, Chatham, Ontario

Shirley Hill loves spending time with her two young grandsons.

“To keep active, I’ve had to change up my diet so that I have the energy to enjoy busy days with two boisterous little boys,” says Hill. “The changes in my diet – more grains, less red meat and lots of fruits and vegetables have resulted in feeling energetic and full of vigour. No matter how busy life is, I’m determined to stay active and independent and enjoy the gift of each day.”

Fitness Strategy “We go for long walks, swim, hike, play soccer or commune with nature by a local creek.”

Did you know? Balanced nutrition, especially getting high quality protein at every meal and snack, is important not just for muscle development but also for keeping energy up throughout the day. When planning your snacks, think of BOOST^® Meal Replacement drink. One serving delivers 10 grams of high quality protein, calcium for strong bones, and carbohydrates to keep you going.

WALKING TO HELP CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES

“I’m a Type 2 diabetic who controls his diabetes by eating healthy and walking at least twice a day.” —Walter Dedick, 82, Delta, British Columbia

Despite having Type 2 diabetes and arthritis, Walter Dedick makes sure he stays motivated to be active daily. “It’s important that we seniors try to accomplish even a small walk a day,” says Dedick.

Fitness Strategy “I try to keep active daily by doing chores around the house, gardening and going for walks. I do a short one-kilometer walk early in the morning with my wife and then I go with my neighbour and walking partner for a longer walk in the afternoon. Sometimes in the evening I do a third walk alone.”

Did you know? Health Canada recommends walking 10,000 steps a day, which equates to roughly a 30-minute walk on top of your regular daily activities. Fuel your walking program with proper pre- and post-exercise nutrition. A balanced, healthy diet that includes carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals provides a solid nutritional foundation. And BOOST^® Meal Replacement drink can help. Each 237 mL serving contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs, including calcium for strong bones, as well as carbohydrates to fuel your walk and 10 grams of protein to aid in muscle recovery.

Visit boostnutrition.ca today to join the BOOST® BE ACTIVE™ Program and to learn more about how BOOST® can help fuel your active lifestyle. We’ll send you our FREE Welcome Kit filled with useful tips to get you started, plus savings on your next BOOST® purchase!

It’s never too late to get moving!

1 Katsanos CS et al. Am J Clin Nutr 82:1065, 2005.
2 Symons et al. J Am Diet Assn 109:1582, 2009.