I was a typical American kid that enjoyed summers, playing sports, riding bikes, camping and exploring. My inner Grok ran rampant in the beginnings of my life. As I got older, I began to fall into that same trap many Americans fall into (T.V., video games, fast food and overall sedentary life). I expressed my inner Grok less and less, down to not at all. I became overweight, less confident, and started having knee and lower back issues in my early to mid 20’s! I naturally blamed this on genetics, and was on that fast track to a life of obesity, blood pressure issues, diabetes and a dependency on a plethora of medications.

I was in my mid 20’s in a high demand corporate job that I did not like, and had no time (or at least thought I had no time, but really just made excuses) or desire for any physical activity. My diet consisted of whatever I can eat on the go, eating out, or just take home. Fast food, soda and other processed foods made up the bulk of my diet. I approached 260 lbs and approximately 30% body fat. I rarely did anything physical, and did not have any endurance the few times I tried. I made excuses when hiking with my girlfriend, and often became negative around the whole subject. My self confidence was so low that I hated hiking or other physical activities, because I did not have the energy or capability to do them. I began to develop a “why bother” attitude. I blamed genetics and not my own actions, because I have overweight parents and extended family.

There were a few things that caused me to make a change. First, someone very close to me was diagnosed and then passed away of cancer. It caused me to look at things differently and notice that quality of life seemed to be changing in America. I noticed more people were obese and diagnosed with medical problems at earlier stages in life. I looked in the mirror and realized I was headed down the same dead-end road. I was tired of not having energy and not enjoying life like I did when I was younger. I was only twenty-something, but felt much older due to lack of energy and overall vigor. I began asking myself, was I suppose to be like this at this stage in my life? How did I get here? And most importantly, did I CHOOSE to be here? I discovered answers I did not like, nor was proud of. I took the easy road in the way I ate, lived, and being stationed in a lackluster, sedentary career. I became determined to change everything, starting with my health.

I did what “Conventional Wisdom” taught me to do. I ate low fat, whole grains and worked out like crazy in the gym (chronic cardio). Initially I thought I was doing the right thing. I lost 25 pounds, but then I hit a wall. I began investing in tons of supplements (protein, fat burners, and vaso dilators). I worked out harder (which did not help my knees or lower back) and ate less, and I managed to scrape another 15 pounds off. I got down to 220 and maintained that for awhile, but was still looking for something more. Then a friend told me about this “Paleo” or “Caveman” diet. I did research online and came across The Primal Blueprint. The Primal Blueprint appealed to me because it focused on all aspects of self improvement, and not just diet.

The Primal Blueprint and Welcome Back Grok!

I began the Primal Blueprint at the end of March 2011, and I have to admit that I was a little skeptical at first, because of the taboo on fat. I gave myself one month to give an honest shot at living the Primal life. If I saw no results or did not feel good, I was going to discontinue The PB. I adhered to the 10 laws and gave it my best shot. After a few days I was not feeling good. My energy level was bad and I felt hazy. I was craving carbs and sugars like mad! The PB book prepared me for this, so I stuck with it. This haziness started to subside after a few days, and had completely subsided after a week and a half. After this rough patch, I felt unbelievable. My energy level was through the roof, my appetite was diminished, and carb/sugar cravings were gone. My body was burning fat the way it was designed too. At the end of my 30 day trial, I lost another 15 pounds with ease, and became a true believer. The best part about this was that I got to eat delicious foods that I previously banned (red meat and bacon), and worked out LESS! My workouts consisted of hiking, lifting heavy things and sprinting every now and then. It also gave me the confidence to return to sports I played as a kid such as basketball, racquetball and Ultimate frisbee. I continued to lose 2-4 pounds consistently every weak with ease! I am currently at 175 pounds and 11% body fat.I never thought I could get these kind of results. I feel and look younger and have never had energy, endurance, and power like this in my life. My confidence is extremely high, and I have an overall better, more positive outlook on life. I am constantly looking for new challenges in tougher hikes and new sports. This new mindset enabled me to quit my high demand job and begin a new career in emergency medical services. It is less demanding and leaves me more fulfilled than I have ever been. My inner Grok is happy again, and enjoys what life has in store next. I recommend The PB to everyone that I know. In fact, I recently got my cousin into The Primal Blueprint. Although I constantly get people warning me of my impending heart attack or risk of diabetes, I enjoy refuting them with more accurate studies, and of course my results. My response to naysayers is, “If something as simple and natural makes you look younger, feel great and more fit, do you really think it is bad for you?!”

I would like to thank you Mark for your time and devotion, which enables all of us a pathway to a healthier and more fulfilling way of life!

Sincerely,

Brandon Fields

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