'Never feel defeated' - how changing his diet transformed Chris' life

The seeming tolerance of a younger body to an unhealthy lifestyle behaviours can blind people to its dangers. For example, younger people metabolise alcohol faster than those over 30, so they’re more prone to exceeding the alcohol limit without realising its toxic effects. After a life-threatening experience, Chris Yannakakis (31) quit drinking, and is far the better for it. This is his story.

'I realised that life is too fragile'

“I was never a big guy, but I used to enjoy a few drinks with my mates,” says Chris. “I think the turning point in my life came when I was rushed off to hospital in January 2018 after contracting acute pancreatitis.” This condition refers to the sudden inflammation of the pancreas, primarily caused by gallstones, alcohol use and/or high triglyceride levels.

Acute pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pains and sometimes results in serious complications – in Chris’ case: Type 1 diabetes, an incurable lifelong disease. “After a few months in ICU and being in an induced coma, I realised that life is too fragile,” he recounts.

Chris credits his doctors at the Centre of Diabetes and Endocrinology as well as at the Sandton Mediclinic in Johannesburg for inspiring him as a diabetic to gain control of his life and pursue a healthy lifestyle. “My biggest step? I don't drink any sort of alcohol anymore, and I focus on a healthy diet. I used to have a Coke with dinner and sweet treats throughout the week – now I’ve drastically cut down on sugary foods and fizzy drinks.”

'Most evenings, food prep is a priority'

“My parents taught me to cook,” Chris continues, “and most evenings, food prep is a priority. Just like you would prioritise projects at work, you have to put the same organisation, thought and energy into what and how you eat. You need family support – and it helps that my girlfriend happens to be a dietitian!”

“She and I usually buy groceries on a Sunday – fresh ingredients based on a meal plan for the week. We almost always cook at home, and pack lunch for work the next day. This takes some forward-thinking and organisation. When we eat out, we often share a main meal and a salad. Vitality makes the choices easier, like at Nando’s, as their Vitality-approved meals have already been pre-analysed for healthiness.”

Chris now also gyms four to five times a week – a marked increase from his pre-ICU activity levels - and has become an avid runner. “Plus, I do regular Vitality Health Checks because they help me to understand my current health status – what’s changed over the last few months, how that’s affected my blood glucose levels, my waist circumference and so on. This helps me keep an eye on my diabetes.”

Focus on 'small improvements, often'

The Bryanston-based MBA-grad, whose favourite Vitality perk is the travel rewards – “it’s so nice to receive over a grand back on top of your discount as holiday spending money” – has this advice for others keen to get healthier while managing chronic conditions:

“Eat and drink healthy as often as you can because your body can only take so much. When it comes to exercise, start slowly and build up. If you can only do 1 km in 30 minutes, do that 1 km as often as you can, then slowly turn the 1 km into 5 kms. The only race you need to run is against yourself. And if you show small improvements often, you will never feel defeated.”