Norma's Story - Over 30 Pounds Lost* & Sleeping Soundly

*Because everyone is unique, individual results vary.

I have taken the Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Program once and am currently in it again for support as I continue to lose weight. I was initially overwhelmed with the information—going in to the classes, I was eating lots of carbohydrates, low-fat or no fat and frozen diet meals. It was a shock to learn this new way of eating, but it’s been life-changing and my whole family has benefited from what I learned.

I initially signed up for the Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Program because I had a couple of friends that wanted to try it. I wanted to lose weight because I had been diagnosed with arthritis and figured losing a few pounds would put less impact on my joints. My arthritis pain was so intense that it caused me to avoid activities I enjoyed like evening walks with my husband and biking. My sleep was also disturbed from waking up in the middle of the night with knee pain. I’d have to take ibuprofen, then wait for it to kick in before I’d get back to sleep. These nighttime disturbances could easily shave off two hours of sleep for me.

Everything changed once I enrolled in the Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Program and met with Brenna. At first I was resistant to eating fats like real peanut butter, butter and cream cheese, but Brenna encouraged me and helped me understand it was OK. She said eating this way was going to help me feel better and she was right. Week by week I attended class and put more of what I learned into action, and I started feeling better and shedding pounds.

I have lost more than 30 pounds* at this point and hope to lose more. I experience fewer aches and pains and only notice pain occasionally. To my surprise, I learned the weight loss isn’t what made my arthritis pain lessen; it’s actually all the healing fats that I eat now! With my pain gone, I’ve been able to sleep through the night again. Looking back at how I used to feel, I suspect I had irritable bowel syndrome. I was never diagnosed officially, but I noticed that I would always get sick after eating a heavy meal. Since eating the Weight & Wellness Way, I haven’t been sick to my stomach.

This way of eating really works! My blood work is better, cholesterol is good, and I continue to lose weight. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, and my doctor said to keep following my new eating plan because it’s helping. It’s a good sign to keep losing weight with this autoimmune condition because typically people don’t. He doesn’t see a need for me to be on medication because of the way I’m eating.

I’m so happy that my family has benefited as well; my husband lost 22 pounds along with me. We’ve totally transformed our way of eating, and the health benefits have been dramatic. I’m able to take long walks with my husband again, dug out my bike after five years of not riding it, and I recently went to a Twins game and had no problems walking to and from the stadium from our parking spot faraway! Over all, it’s easier to move, and I’m more flexible. What an amazing feeling!

*Most people following the Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Program can expect to lose one pound or more per week, but because everyone is unique, individual results vary.