November 2025 Update
We have decided to start doing monthly update instead of weekly updates. There are some good reasons why and I include it in the monthly update video below. If you aren't interested in watching a long video, read the post after the video for the kind of synopsis of the transcript.
Video Synopsis
Hello everybody! It has been a while since we released a video, so I wanted to provide an update on our progress toward our goals. We are going to start doing these updates at the end of the month to share what we have accomplished and what we need to work on. It isn’t as exciting to do this weekly since there is very little change from week to week, but looking back at November, we have some great stats to share.
My Health and Weight Loss Progress
I am currently down 46 pounds from my 52-week high, which includes losing 36 pounds since we arrived in the Philippines. My waist is down about seven inches, which is nice because my shirts are getting big on me; they went from being tight and barely covering my belly to making me feel like I am wearing a tent.
Another great victory is that my insulin usage is down significantly. At my peak, I was using about 240 units a day, but I am now down to 130 units, almost the halfway point. I am off Trulicity, and my blood pressure is so well under control that I actually have to manage low blood sugar episodes now.
This progress isn’t just from weight loss, but it also comes from my exercise routine. I am walking for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening, along with doing resistance band bicep curls and squats. I try to fit the squats in after lunch, before bed, and as part of my morning routine. My body is feeling a lot better, and I’ve even been able to switch medications and lower my dosages.
Erica’s Health Update
Erica is also seeing great results. She has lost about 7 pounds so far. Regarding her blood pressure, it was actually starting to go too low on her previous medication, regularly dropping between 105 and 110. Consequently, she was able to cut her blood pressure meds in half while keeping it very nicely under control.
Dietary Changes and Family Habits
We sat down with the kids to talk about reducing sugar and identifying healthy choices. We have completely cut white rice out of the house, opting instead for brown or red rice, which is much healthier. We also removed white sugar from our pantry; if we need a sweetener, we use local honey or muscovado, a lightly refined sugar that retains molasses and minerals.
Personally, I have managed to completely cut Coca-Cola out of my diet, which was previously a thorn in my side. I picked up a stainless steel Aquaflask water bottle that I fill with ice water and carry with me. Now, when we go to restaurants, I just drink my water and avoid the sugary drinks on offer.
On the spiritual front, we have continued doing scripture reading every day as a family. We gather together to read one or two chapters a night, taking turns reading verses, which has been a very good time for us.
Channel Updates
While we won’t be doing weekly health updates anymore, we are committed to monthly channel updates. We are also posting daily “Shorts” to give you an idea of what our everyday life is like here in the Philippines. We have a lot of footage that just needs editing, so we hope to put out a couple of longer videos soon. Additionally, look out for weekly community posts and upcoming blog posts on our Substack.
Thank you for following our journey. If you get value from this, please like and subscribe, as it really helps us get this information out there. I appreciate all the comments and support!
This is also published on Substack: https://betterlivingquest.substack.com