Health & Fitness Week 2007

Watch Me Reverse “Type 1 Diabetes” Days 281-298

Tuesday September 18th – Friday October 5^th, 2007

Why Health & Fitness Week was one of the best weeks of my life:

• Dr. Doug Graham is inspiring in endless ways.  He is down to earth and open to talking about absolutely anything.  No question on any topic goes un-answered.  His worth ethic and dedication towards putting on a world class event surely inspired me to do my part as a work exchange to the best of my ability.  His physical appearance is off the charts.  His athletic abilities are further off the charts. I could go on and on but all you need to do ask anyone who has spent time with the man and I am sure you will hear a wonderful story from each person.
• Lennie, Doug’s long time assistant, was a wonderful leader and great teacher the entire week.  Especially considering the multitude of tasks she is required to do simultaneously. 
• I had the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal with 35 people who enjoyed the same food as me.  I didn’t have to worry about what others were going to say or what they were going to ask.  “Where do you get your protein?”  “Where do you get your calcium?” LOL
• I had the opportunity to pick fruit.  I have only picked my own fruit on a couple occasions in my entire life.  Being an 811rv, picking fruit becomes a special experience.  Once must live the lifestyle to appreciate vine ripe fruit, that is fresh, picked with your own hands and free, the way it’s supposed to be.  I had the chance to pick two different varieties of blackberries, raspberries, several varieties of pears, apples and blueberries.  I consider natural, wild fruits even better than organic.  Also, it was a pleasure to pick such expensive fruits such as blackberries, blueberries and raspberries because I don’t get to have those very often.
• I learned how to prepare Gourmet 80/10/10 meals.  It’s not hard, but I am a visual person, so I need to see it happen before I truly comprehend it. 
• I made several new friends, with whom I communicate regularly. 
• It was a great break from the city life.  The chance to go into the mountains and experience fresh crisp air every morning was a true pleasure.
• Dr. Graham’s lectures were outstanding as usual.  Especially the sports/fitness lectures.  I love hearing Dr. D’s personal stories and experiences with professional athletes/clients.  There is no other way for me to gain those insights other than hanging around the man. 
• The food was outrageous.  Anybody who has looked backward on this blog as seen I that I eat pretty simply.  The opportunity to try amazing soup combinations and salads with dressing was fantastic.  I had sun gold grapes tomatoes for the first time, which was quite a pleasure.
• The ambiance was sensational.  I haven’t been exposed to much “food art” in my life and seeing Janie Gardner work her magic was fun. 
• I finally got to meet people I had been e-mailing for months.  One of my friends brought a mammea from south Florida for me.  What an experience that was.  I enjoyed it so much I have purchased many boxes from my local distributor for insane prices, but hey, I’m worth it.
• There were many many inspiring moments that I will carry with me forever.  I couldn’t even begin to share all of them so I will just share one.  A man named Darrick brought his father George to the event.  George is somewhere in his 60’s, just retired and just getting into the 811rv lifestyle.  Every night before dinner the floor was open for “Thank yous.”  One night George stood up and said thank you Doug because he knows if he continues to take care of his health he will be able to watch his grand children grow up.  It was a really special moment for me.  I’m not sure if I’m doing a good job of relaying the story, but I just feel that statement was powerful, it was a person realizing what is really important in life to him and 80/10/10 allows us all to gain similar insights.
• I didn’t attend many fitness classes, but the classes I did attend were very eye opening.

I’m sure I’m missing important things, I should have made notes while I was there instead of writing this a month after the event, lol.

You can see some pictures at http://www.flickr.com/groups/hfw2007/

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at RobbyBarbaro@PathOfHealth.org

Also, if you interested in attending next year from August 30th – September 6^th, I can get you a discount.  I will be there and I would love to meet you!!