I would like to introduce you to Vincent Yuen. Vincent has just competed in the 2024 WNBF VANCOUVER New You Category. His story is of resilience to get away from the medication to aid with his car accident which was impacting his weight gain and concentrate on fitness to natually reduce his weight and live a healthier & longer life.
Enjoy his story.
MAY 11, 2024 - My first time stepping on stage - let alone share publicly to many about my health and fitness journey. I was nervous and excited - nervous about being on stage and sharing something more personal and excited to see where this journey takes me. Although I did not win the category that I competed in, I was still able to affirm that the journey impacted me and will hopefully inspire others.
My journey actually started…
APRIL 2019 - When my mom told me I looked skinny in an unhealthy way. I booked an appointment for a blood test, resulting in high levels of blood sugar - double digits, which is beyond the healthy range. I was put on 3 different types of medication to regulate my health and I was told to moderate 5 major carbs - rice, noodle, bread, potato, and pasta, and sugar in my diet. I chose to cold turkey and remove them fully from my diet. Being on medication is scary. Imagining that I have to take medication lifelong is worrisome. What can I do?
JANUARY 2020 - Leaving from work, I had a car accident. My airbags came out deflated, so luckily, I held myself with all four limbs, otherwise, it would have been worse than the mild concussion that I got. I received all types of treatments - Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Kinesilogist, Massage Therapist, and even a Counselor. In addition to being medicated, now I had to deal with the concussion and these pains. I am lucky to still be alive, but I really needed to consider what to do to become healthy once again.
The world faced a pandemic. My treatments were paused. My aches and pains remained.
When I was able to access my treatments once again, I was able to continue with my healing process. Concussion and side effects were dealt with. Aches and pains became tenderness and soreness. Strengthening my body from the misalignment of the car accident became overall strength and conditioning, so that I can ensure long term protection of my physical body. I didn’t realize that I was stronger than I believed in myself. Perhaps this is a physical activity that I can enjoy doing to help me - not only to strengthen my body for daily operations, but also to help me lose the necessary weight that was reflected on taking medication.
AUGUST 2021 - I reached out to a friend to help me with my health fitness journey. I started at over 200 lbs. I lost 15 lbs in one year’s time until I won a scholarship opportunity with my present coach - John Le.
SUMMER 2023 - I have lost close to 30 lbs at this point. I went for my regular blood test every three months. When I visited with my doctor to review the report, I was informed that my medication dosage can be halved. This was hopeful. If I can continue with my weight loss journey, perhaps I can reach the point where I did not need to be medicated.
MAY 2024 - By the time that I stepped on stage, I weighed in at 165.2 lbs (my weight on the morning of MAY 11th, 2024). I had lost 35 lbs up to this point. Although this might be comparatively slow compared to others who have lost more in shorter amounts of times, this was my journey, especially with a lot of other stressors that have been happening in my life, especially since September 2023 to April 2024). I am proud that I have lost 35 lbs so far. I am proud that I can wear size 30 waist jeans, instead of size 34.
I decided on this health fitness journey because of two external aspects - regulating the internal chemistry of my blood health (hopefully without medication in the future) and recovering and strengthening my physical body from a car accident. Of course, these are not the only aspects that motivated me (IE, feeling confident in my skin, not being avoidant of pictures, etc.), but these are the two driving factors that started my journey.
I hope I can inspire those around me to care and consider their health. You are never too young or too old to care for yourself. You investing time to care for your health will have a long term impact into your future, both near and far. Don’t wait until an unexpected situation arises in life before you consider taking necessary steps to protect your life, so that you can enjoy more of it.
Blessings. Thank you.
