1 - Is it hard to follow the DrKoach H.E.A.L. Program?
It is a change and like most changes it can be difficult at the beginning. However, as you choose to follow a lifestyle change program your body will show you exactly how rewarding it will be. Then, it will get a lot easier to follow. For some this is a couple of days and for others it is a few weeks. That is why we provide the encouragement and support you need to make it through the difficult portions and achieve success.
2 - What kind of support will I receive?
Part of the design of these programs is to support each participant. We not only tell you what to do, we provide the underlying explanations which help you to make better informed decisions. We also show you how to do by providing food demonstrations at each session to help you see how easy it can be to make incredible tasting food that is very good for you as well. We also provide the opportunity to speak with and ask questions of the experts who will help provide you with the assistance you need to get over the hurdles you may be experiencing. Additionally, you can call or email us during the week with your questions. We understand that success is not an accident, it takes work and sometimes we need some additional help with the work part to achieve the success of reaching our goals – we are here to provide the help.
3 - Who will be monitoring my medications during the H.E.A.L. program?
All medication adjustments must be made by the participant in conjunction with their prescribing physician. Our H.E.A. L. program does not create a doctor patient relationship with our participants.
4 - What would an average day look like food wise for someone on this program?
- It would depend a great deal on the meal plan level they were staying on as our program has a very extensive breakdown of the types of foods in each level and the correlation that food level has on your optimal health. Additionally, we recognize that many people have jobs that would not allow them to stay in a particular level and for that reason, we help you to construct a plan that works for you.
- However, for the first week on the program, it would look something like this: Breakfast: 16 to 24 ounces of fresh orange pineapple juice Lunch: 20 to 24 ounces of fresh vegetable juice or a sprout salad and an apple Dinner: Big mixed green salad with carrots, tomatoes, beets and a oil free dressing Snacks: Raw fruit or vegetables
5 - I heard this program requires people to give up meat. Is that true?
No. While the H.E.A.L. program encourages a plant-based diet, how much a participant cuts back on meat will depend on the individual's preferences and goals.
6 - Is there really a difference between conventional and organically grown produce?
Yes. Organically grown produce is grown without the use of chemically generated poisons which are used to make the food look pretty and healthy. Additionally, organic produce really does taste better. Part of the reason you need to detoxify is all the unnatural chemicals used to get fast growing, pretty looking produce.
7 - How can I eat at a restaurant if I am on the program?
Eating out is not as difficult as it may seem. There are a number of tricks that you can try that will help you continue to live a normal life while treating your body better. There are many simple techniques that we can show you in one of our programs.
8 - Do you have to have a lot of new appliances?
No. However, a good blender and a food processor will go a long way toward making your life easier..
9 - Why do I have to give up many of the foods I enjoy meat, dairy, bread?
These foods are satisfying to your taste buds initially, but they usually have adverse effects on your health. Over time they lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol and more. These chronic illnesses will cost you in finances, energy level, and overall quality of life. It is important to remember that once you have been off of these foods for a significant period of time, you will lose the taste for them and no longer crave them.
10 - Does the food actually taste good or is it like most healthy stuff - like tree bark?
Unfortunately, “healthy stuff” has received a bad reputation from years of forcing “tree bark” like items on us as if that was going to make us healthy. The foods that we promote are awesome. They taste wonderful and are a pleasure to all your food senses: sight, smell and taste.
11 - Does it take a long time to prepare the meals?
It depends. Just like cooking regular meals, you can be fast and easy or you can take a long time to prepare something that you want. The meals on the program are all very fast and easy to put together. As you progress and move into the maintenance phase, you can find recipes that take longer but are worth it.
12 - Will I be hungry all the time?
Not if you are following our program. We encourage you to eat. You do not need to count calories of measure portion sizes. In the beginning, we tell you to never get hungry. As your body begins to trust you and gets accustomed to the foods you are feeding it, you will find that not only does a smaller amount of food make you satisfied, you are not as hungry throughout the day.
13 - What about sweets and artificial sweeteners?
We do not promote anything artificial. Therefore, we only recommend stevia (natural plant based sweetener) or RAW Agave Nectar for sweetening your foods or drinks. Stevia adds no calories. Agave Nectar has about 16 grams of carbohydrates (15 sugars) per tablespoon. It is similar to honey but lower on the Glycemic Index
14 - Do you promote the use of supplements in your program?
Yes and no. The word supplement has a very wide meaning these days. We do recommend a couple of super foods that can be used to supplement your eating program. These foods are provided in their natural or near natural state without pasteurization or nutrient supplementation. We do not recommend the use of vitamins or other “supplements” over and above what can be considered a food. The one exception is a plant-based B-12 supplement
15 - Is there a specific cookbook that you recommend I can purchase?
Although there are numerous cookbooks available to purchase, we do not provide a recommendation for any one in particular. We have spent a great deal of time developing recipes for the program that fit into the specific food levels of the program.
16 - Isn't it expensive to eat healthy?
Yes and no. Yes, it is more expensive than getting that .99 cent hamburger and .99 cent fries. No it is not more expensive than preparing any other type of meal. We are here to help you see that eating “healthy” is not expensive or boring. Just like any other type of eating, you can make an expensive meal or you can make an extremely inexpensive meal.
17 - Can I lose weight with these program?
Yes, weight loss is one of the great benefits of our lifestyle change programs. Participants have lost as much as 34 pounds in 12 weeks and on average lose about 7 pounds in that time. But more importantly, participants lower their risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, diverticular disease and other diseases strongly affected by lifestyle choices.
18 - Aren't genes the most important factor in determining a person's health?
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, genes account for only 10% of our health status. Medical care and environment each also account for 10%. Lifestyle choices are responsible for the remaining 70%--making them by far the No. 1 factor in determining our health.
19 - Is this program just for people who have type 2 diabetes?
The lifestyle changes suggested in the H.E.A.L. program can help prevent, arrest and even reverse type 2 diabetes, making it beneficial not only to people who have had type 2 diabetes, but also those at risk for diabetes and those who simply want to be proactive about their health. In addition, our programs can help address and prevent many other lifestyle-related diseases.
20 - Is the H.E.A.L. program a diet?
Unlike fad diets, the H.E.A.L. program doesn't require the counting of calories or carbs, eating a lot of one thing or depriving the body of food. It's a science-based eating plan that encourages consuming less processed, fatty, sugary, salty and high cholesterol foods and more "foods as grown," including whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. The other three equally important components of the program include getting consistent exercise, avoiding tobacco products, and developing a positive attitude and support system.
21 - Why should I spend money on this program?
Long-term, H.E.A.L. program actually can help you save money by lowering your health care and prescription drug spending and giving you the priceless gift of a longer, higher quality life.