Barb, Guidance Counselor, 49 years old

In the spring of 2006 at the age of 49, shared with a friend of mine about how tired I had been. I was working full time and on the weekends, I would find my self-taking a two-hour nap just two hours after I had awakened for the day. I had no energy or desire to do much and I had gained at least 40 lbs in the previous year. To get through the day, I would drink coffee early in the morning, drink a diet coke midmorning, eat chocolate in the afternoon and then drink two glasses of wine before or after dinner. In addition, I had been taking anti-depressants for many years.

Growing up I was a very physically active child and teenager. I played a lot of tennis and majored in Physical Education. As an adult, I was interested in fitness; aerobic dancing, jogging, walking and I taught P.E. I always ate well-balanced meals but had a major weakness for sweets.

Over the years, many stresses entered my life. My father suffered from depression and committed suicide when I was 20; my mother-in-law lived with my family for 6 years; I completed my masters degree while working full time; my daughter suffered from anorexia and was hospitalized for two months; my husband was called to active duty after 9/11 and was overseas for nine months; my mother suffered from an incurable rare disease that prevented her from using her body and communicating verbally. Add to this the stress of raising two teenagers in today’s world.

My friend recommended that I see Cheryl Diane who discovered that I had problems and determined a path to follow. I met with Cheryl and underwent a variety of tests to determine my problems. I had Leaky Gut, a low immune system, Adrenal Burnout Syndrome, low thyroid, hypoglycemia and sugar sensitivity. Cheryl recommended that I exclude gluten, dairy, sodas, wine and sugar from my diet. She prescribed multiple supplements and neurotransmitters along with a healthier way of eating. She connected me with a trained food coach, who helped me shop and prepare foods that would speed up the healing process.

I now enjoy many tasty foods. In the morning, I drink a Living Fuel shake; eat a salad with chicken and veggies for lunch and then eat a protein with veggies for dinner. For snacks, I enjoy eating dehydrated nuts, granola, Lara Bars, hummus, guacamole, gluten-free chips, and sliced apples with almond butter.

Eight months later, I have lost 35 lbs and have a zest for life again. I have more energy, better memory recall and feel that there is a bright future ahead of me. I am no longer taking anti-depressants and am much more careful about what I eat and drink. I am excited about the next chapter of my life.