Today we have an absolutely phenomenal transformation story for you. For years Adriaan suffered from a string of issues, including: obesity, gastro esophageal reflux, cellulitis, high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, and acne.  Thankfully he discovered Paleo last year, which helped him lose over 110 pounds (aren’t these photos amazing!) and relieved him from the chronic illnesses and pain that had bombarded his life.

Read ahead to see exactly how he did it.

1. Tell us your Paleo story.

Paleo has seriously changed my life forever…

I started my new lifestyle in August 2012. Since then, I have lost 50kg without the assistance of any medical intervention.

I learned about Paleo via a the Fat-Burning Man by Abel James Podcast which I stumbled upon while searching for a way to improve my life. After only listening to one podcast, I was convinced that Paleo is for me and that it will change my life, which, it did.

My life before Paleo was seriously miserable. It was almost like as if I was collecting illnesses, Gastro Esophageal Reflux, Hernia, Cellulitis, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Acne, just to mention a few.

Moving around, doing physical tasks really became very difficult. Socially, I did not gel anymore. Buying clothes really become a huge problem, as I was unable to find suitable clothes that I like and in my size. Suicide almost became a daily thought…

Today, I am a complete different person. My social circle has grown from just a handful of friends to many… My cholesterol is now normal and all of my past daily illnesses (Gastro Esophageal Reflux, Hernia, Cellulitis, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Acne…) are also gone. I have gone from XXXL to M shirts and from a 44 waist to 30 waist..

My mindset about health and food has changed completely. I am a Software Engineer / Developer by trade, but am considering a new profession and adventure as a Nutritionist / Dietitian.

I am advocating Paleo on a daily basis, motivating people to follow my lead and Paleo.

2. How long have you been Paleo?

Since August ’12.

3. Why did you start? What did you want to change?

I was morbidly obese and uncomfortable and plagued with many illnesses: Gastro Esophageal Reflux, Hernia, Cellulitis, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Migraine, Acne etc. I started Paleo for two reasons, to loose weight and to try and rid myself of all these illnesses.

4. Was it hard to incorporate into your lifestyle?

Not at all. It takes me a bit longer to shop for food, but it is fun, and well worth it. It is second nature to me now…

5. Give us an example of a typical day.

We have sold our car in order to use public transport and to be more physical. I walk daily +- 10 – 15km. I do the ‘Mens Health Xbox Workout’ +- 30 minutes, if possible, as I travel for work daily, and do not always have access to the Xbox. We are also cycling weekends for a few hours.

A typical meal plan for the day is:

Breakfast:

Either 2 scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, avocado, mushrooms, peppers and tomato or 3 egg omelette with mushrooms and tomato, or fried Chicken (no oil) with mushrooms, peppers and tomato.  With Green Tea

Lunch:

Either vegetable soup, chicken soup, or fish salad; also with a cup of green tea.

Dinner:

Either a chicken stir fry (no oil), or stuffed peppers (chicken, turkey or fish filling with vegetables), or salmon stir fry, or grilled meat with sautéed vegetables; again with green tea.

6. What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced?

I have lost 50kg since I have started Paleo. I have gone from XXXL to M shirts and from a 44 waist to 30 waist… My cholesterol is now normal and all of my past daily illnesses (Gastro Esophageal Reflux, Hernia, Cellulitis, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Migraine, Acne…) are also gone. My energy levels are seriously through the roof, some days I really feel like a little boy again…

7. How has this changed your outlook on life?

I feel alive and amazing, something words cannot describe. I now have respect for my body. I now fully understand the importance of food and health and how it affects the human body. I am a Software Engineer / Developer by trade, but am considering a new profession and adventure as a Nutritionist / Dietitian. I have started my Nutritionist course 4 weeks ago… I feel the need and responsibility to tell people about Paleo. I have transformed from a previous introvert to extrovert and motivates people daily wherever I go…

8. What words of encouragement do you have for the Paleo community?

Paleo is really worth it, 100%. It is NOT a diet, but a lifestyle which I would highly recommend to anyone. It is seriously life changing! Please do not be discouraged by the things you can’t eat anymore, but try to see the bigger picture, the bottom line. Your health and well being are the most important thing in your life. You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself…

Thank you, Paleohacks, for letting me share my story! I hope that it will motivate and encourage other people.