Making health your business

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Mark McCollough and Chris Gammon are seen with their new BMW as a result of signing on as independent consultants of Visalus. Anchoring them are their before photos in which Mark is 26 pounds heavier and Chris, 22. (Times collage by Cherri Crockett)

Editor’s Note: Have you been thinking about getting healthy but just don’t know how to get started, or are you in the middle of a weight removal journey and seem to have lost your motivation? This is the second in a series of three stories of local people, who, just like you, are on a mission to find a healthier way of living.

In this, Part 2, you’ll meet Chris Gammon and Mark McCollough who have benefited twofold, not only have they become healthier, but have a new business, as well.

RUMFORD- Like so many couples, Chris Gammon and Mark McCollough experienced a creeping of weight gain over the years. They both have always lead active lifestyles, but upon having to begin home care for Mark’s mom, they found themselves taking in more calories than they were expending.

“It’s been difficult,” noted Chris. “We used to walk all the time and then it got down to a couple times a week. We got to the point where we started eating whatever was convenient. Take out and snacking on whatever we had that was quick and fast. We had no energy and were always exhausted and ready for bed by 7:30.”

This past March, Chris and Mark realized that they were at their heaviest they have ever been and needed to do something to help themselves.

Chris, being an online marketing and web designer, came across Visalus and immediately recognized it as a tool she could use to not only change her and Mark’s lifestyle, but it would be a great business opportunity, as well.

“It was amazing,” noted Chris. “Within the first 90 days I lost 22 pounds and 10 inches. I went from a size 14 to a size 8 and had more energy than I had in a long time. It was so exciting to have such baggy clothes!”

Mark lost 26 pounds, bringing him below his high school weight at 53 years of age.

During those first 90 days, Chris remembers the increased energy, feeling more full throughout the day and losing the cravings for snack food that she once had.

Their typical day on Visalus consisted of a morning shake, another shake at lunch, a healthy snack or shake in the afternoon and then a sensible dinner.

“It saves us so much time,” noted Chris. “Having to take care of Mark’s mom we just don’t have time to spend on preparing meals. It’s so quick and easy. Visalus teaches you to really take a look at your habits.”

Chris and Mark began snacking less, paying attention to what they were eating for main meal for the day and were finding that they could actually make money with Visalus.

Currently, Chris and Mark have brought about 200 people into Visalus, earning them about $450 a month in free product and back in June, Chris qualified for a BMW. Yes, the company gave her a BMW for her level within the company.

“It blows my mind to see how it can change people’s lives,” noted Chris. “It keeps me and everyone else accountable for what we’re putting in our bodies. When I first started the program it was like I was taking happy pills. My body was finally getting what it needed.”

Chris hosts Visalus parties to help people understand the product and how it works. She noted that people who are following any diet can use Visalus, even with the popular Weight Watchers, each shake is only 2 points and it’s packed full of vitamins and nutrients.

Visalus has made its way through Chris’ household, as not only do she and Mark drink it, but it’s proven beneficial for Mark’s elderly mom, Chris’ dad and Mark’s teenage daughter, as well.

“When it all comes down to it, there is no miracle,” noted Chris. “It all starts with you.”

If you would like more information on Visalus and how it may benefit you, there will be a meeting on Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs of Sam’s Italian Sandwich Shoppe in Rumford. You may also contact Chris by calling 418-1039, email her at h2hservices@gmail.com or visit www.christinagammon.bodybyvi.com.