I don't usually blog about my individual nutrition clients, however, I'm making an exception because I'm so incredibly inspired by her.

She will go unnamed for now. Let's see, where should we start? There's so much to brag about.

I started with her back in April of this year and at first she seemed like a very typical new mama client, who wanted to get her baby weight off. So we were looking at shaving around 40 lbs off with a better diet. My goal with her was to prove that you should and need to eat in order to drop weight effectively. Up til then, her favorite weight loss method was to try not to eat as often as possible.

I quickly learned this particular person was different and exceptional. I learned she tried a very long time to get pregnant and it took a lot of medication in order to have a thriving pregnancy and have a healthy baby. I learned that she's experienced a lot of physicial pain in her life time from Rheumotoid Arthritis to Hashimotos Disease to terrible migraines. I learned that shortly after she gave birth and was introduced to the most amazing baby boy in the world, she lost both of her parents causing grief and depression. I learned that she is healing from the broken heart of losing 2 of the most significant people in her life. I also learned that she has faith that God will continue to take care of her even in such trying times. I learned that food became more of a pleasure only tool. I learned that she's like most mothers and will give all of her energy to take care of her child and neglect her own needs. I also learned that she was willing and ready to change her life!!!

We introduced our typical nondieting approach and within days, she was feeling more energetic, experiencing less headaches and shedding lbs. She took advantage of her nutritionist and wanted to fully understand what she was doing and why. Needless, to say I recieved lots of texts saying, "I'm at such and such restaurant, can I eat this or that or what." This helped educate her on the what and whys of her new eating lifestyle. She was very disciplined and only had 'cheats' once it was approved by me.

Over the period of the last 4 months, she had to drive across the country with her husband, son and puppies to take care of her parents estate. Not only was the stress overwhelming at times, they didn't have access to a full kitchen, nor the time to prepare 'Meal Plan' meals. We devised a specific restaurant guide for her to follow. Through one of the toughest periods of her life, she was able to stick to her program and not fall to the stresses life had given to her.

After 4 months of changing her diet and way of thinking and taking care of herself, she is down 22 lbs! More importantly, she said, "You have changed the way I eat and my bloodwork is the best it's ever been! I now have the energy to keep up with my '23 month old'. I feel like I have my life back." Her dr. told her that her diet has made a HUGE impact on her immune system and while she'll never be cured of her arthritis and Hashimoto's, it's more under control than ever before.

My client wanted to give me the credit, but the truth is she did it!! I can only provide so much information and guidance, but it's up to the individual to change. She's excited to be at a weight where she feels comfortable to try getting pregnant again and feels better about life in general.

Congratulations, my friend on a job VERY well done! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be at your side through this. Love you and pray for you every day!