Kim, Air Traffic Controller, 38 years old

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired

Just one year ago. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Literally! I was fatigued, irritable and constantly in a state of frustration. The diet plan that had been working for years stopped working. I found myself gaining weight when I was trying to loose weight. Every time I ate, I was uncomfortable. After each meal I found that I had to unbutton my pants and sometimes unzip just a bit to get some relief. I was bloated, always gassy after each meal, and miserable. I was perplexed because I could not figure out what was going wrong. I tried to educate myself more on nutrition in an attempt to analyze my issues. But every time I read about symptoms like mine, I ended up with a new supplement, vitamin or “try me” product. One day, I opened my cabinet and I realized I had accumulated enough product to open my own store. Enough was enough!

Cheryl was referred to me by a friend of a friend. When I finally decided to pick up the phone and call, I was overwhelmed by her warmth and understanding. Her reception at my first appointment was the same. She understood and she could help me. She spoke with me at length concerning my issues: not just concerning eating, but lifestyle, living and learning how to live well, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I was encouraged after meeting with her and I wanted to incorporate her plan immediately. You see, I am a Mom of 7 year old twin girls, wife and full time career woman. So needless to say, time is very valuable to me and I didn’t have much of it to waste. What I loved most about Cheryl’s practice is the coaching and hand holding. After my appointment with Cheryl, I was paired with a food coach who immediately took me to the store, helped me choose foods, and taught me how to read labels. This was fantastic! Often times when you visit with health care experts you leave their offices overloaded and overwhelmed with lots information, but no real basis for practical application. Not so with Cheryl. She gives you the tools for success. Based on my list of foods to eat/ not eat, my food coach made suggestions and gave me recipes. She too was a wealth of knowledge and was accessible if I had any questions.

Loaded with the proper tools, I began my journey one year ago this month (July 2009). When I began I was a size 14 and I am now wearing a size 8. I look better. I feel better. I am sleeping well. I am eating well. I am living well. I am WELL! I am free of dieting because everything I eat is nutritious. I no longer feel guilty about eating chocolate, butter or using salt. Cheryl has taught me well. This journey began because of my desire for weight loss. But now it is much more important to me that the foods I choose to put in my body are wholesome and nutritious.

Kim Brooks – Began 210 lbs, now 179 lbs