Never Diet Again

I have struggled with my body image since childhood. I was never obese but a cute, chubby, curvy, proportionally overweight... all words used by others to define my body. I hate to admit they all got to me as well. I have tried dieting and exercise on and off for many years. However I had never shaken off using food as a safe haven for dismissing whatever was bothering me at the time. In 2015, I decided to make a change and take back control of this situation. I knew that I not only owed it to myself to make permanent change but also had to set an example for my 5-year old daughter. That's when I booked my first appointment with Carly. From the first time I met her, she won my heart and mind as a no-nonsense, compassionate and funny guide for me in this journey. This is no easy task as I have a very low threshold for bullshit and being an engineer I question everything. I liked her approach of supporting me scientifically as well as psychologically. The latter piece has been missing in my previous endeavors in losing weight. Within the detox period, I lost 9 pounds. That was not the only thing that kept me motivated though. Within a couple days of starting the detox, I noticed that my energy level increased dramatically. I am happy to report that I lost close to 50 pounds since starting to see Carly. More importantly, I am happier, healthier and more confident. I hope I am also being a good role model for my kid so she does not have to struggle with the same issues I did. Is the struggle over? Hardly... that's one thing I gained a better perspective on. You have to constantly work on your relationship with yourself. Good news is that Carly is there to help you, guide you and make you laugh during the process. I would not be exaggerating (see low threshold for bullshit) when I say Carly helped me win my life back. Thank you Carly and Nutritional Wisdom Family!

- - ZEHRA F.

I have spent most of my life feeling disconnected from my body, fluctuating within a 60-lb. range without feeling much control over the process. I am tall and muscular, so I can hide a lot more than people think. I have completed two marathons and one triathlon with this bloated body, so we had a few shining moments in there. It's clear to me that I do things on my own timeline. I got my bachelor's degree in my 30's, got married (and divorced) in my 40's, and I decided to stop living a sub-par life with a sub-par body in my 50's. That's what got me (back) to Carly.
 
I first discovered Carly two years ago. I went through the 10-day detox, worked at feeling fabulous for about a month, got nervous about the positive life shift, and stopped. Actually, I had learned I was about to lose my job, but the point is that I opted for back-to-struggling-and-sub-par and away-from-fabulous. What was different about this time was that I was willing to do whatever it took to claim my strong body and vigorous health. I didn't care that it would take time and money and focus. I was tired of being scared and uncomfortable and pissed off at limiting myself physically, mentally and spiritually. First, I joined Toastmasters, and then I called Carly.
 
To be successful, I need the combination of in-depth nutritional counseling and steady life coaching combined with nifty graphs showing my lean body mass and water weight. I need the Candida Eliminating Protocol and the cord-cutting ceremony. I need the handwritten notes from Carly reminding me to "choose your thoughts!" and "the mind is an excellent servant but a horrible master!"
 
Today, I chose an apple and peanut butter for my snack, a power walk along Lady Bird Lake during lunch, and a heart-to-heart with my teenage son instead of working for an hour in the evening. It's all a balancing act. The difference in my life now is that I make consistently more positive choices and feel consistently better about myself as a result. I've gone from 206 lbs. in October to 166 lbs. today, and I'm still going for more. My skin is bright, I haven't had a migraine since September, and I have these wonderful arm muscles starting to pop out. I wonder how much time I could shave off the next marathon if I have a BMI of 23. I may just find out!

- Maria H.

When food is your best friend and worst enemy, Lauren has helped teach me balance and care for my body. I could not imagine going through this life change with anyone else. In the last two years Lauren has given me the freedom and trust to talk truthfully about my struggles, something I would normally keep to myself. My journey is on my mind every day because of the support I have been given and the respect I have learned to give myself.

- Laurie P.

I spent the better part of my college experience in a cloud of self-loathing. I avoided mirrors and photographs at all costs. I wore baggy clothes and eventually just stopped caring about myself altogether. I had tried everything: Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, but nothing worked. One day I got on the scale and I weighed 201 pounds. I had been active and happy in high school, managing a weight of about 140 pounds. I couldn't believe I had let myself hit this point. I was completely defeated and began to feel the closest thing to depressed I have ever experienced. 

This is when my mom and I made the decision to make an appointment with Carly. As soon as I sat down and explained what was going on, Carly had an idea of what might be going on with my body. We discovered through discussion and blood work that my body chemistry, for hormonal reasons, can't handle the same food other bodies can. She took her basic nutrition program and customized it to my body mechanics, then encouraged me every step of the way. 

The best thing about my experience with Nutritional Wisdom and Carly was that I learned a different way to think about food and my body. It isn't about the labels, it's about the ingredients. I also loved Carly's no bullshit approach. No matter what you believe and how you live your life, Carly's methods about taking care of your body are applicable. The food you consume doesn't just affect your hips and thighs, it affects your mind, attitude and emotions.
After just a few weeks I didn't even care what the scale said or what I looked like in the mirror; all I knew was that I felt like a brand new person. I literally crave good food. What this program comes down to is that it isn't a program at all. It just makes sense and it's how my body was meant to operate. 

I hit my goal weight of 145 pounds last week. The number makes me excited, but what makes me more excited is how I feel about myself and how other people notice not only my body, but my smile and change in attitude. If you take care of your body it will take care of you back!

- Meagan J.

Lauren has been an absolute savior for my mental and physical well-being. She has guided me to adapt a healthy lifestyle without having to adhere to any boring medical terminology or using the word "diet". This program has been an absolute transformation for me... and it's much more than losing weight. I have consistent energy that helps me serve my purpose and connect with the people I love (no afternoon crash)! 

I now LOVE and get EXCITED about salads, high quality meat, and sharing health with my family and friends. The best part is that she's able to do so without making me feel like I have lifestyle restrictions, this is simply the life that I live now and I'm proud to do so. Thank you!" 

- Molly P.

For all of my life, I've been overweight. After my wife and I discussed our future, the issue of my weight came up. Obesity leads to a number of health risks, and we decided this needed to be fixed once and for all. I searched Yelp for a nutritionist, saw Carly's excellent ratings, and decided to give her a shot. At first, my goal was to "get skinny" (whatever that meant), but Carly has taught me that it's about being healthy via diet and exercise so that I can have a long life with my family, both present and unborn. I still plan on getting skinny in the process though! Not only that, she's taught me that eating isn't just physical - it's mental. Mind games! She's helped me come to terms with the pain that I have suffered all of my life due to my weight, and she is still helping me confront my fears of failure today. She has also pointed out to me things that just aren't true, such as "It's Thanksgiving - you have to overeat!" and "You've had a bad day - you have an excuse to eat fried chicken even though you don't have any free meals left!". She has really dug deep into my mind (poor girl) and revealed things to me I didn't even know were going on. I didn't expect to get all that with just a nutritionist! ...but then again, Carly isn't "just a nutritionist" in my book. My progress thus far: I started to turn my life completely at the beginning of May 2012. On May 1st, I weighed in at almost 280 lbs. Today, I weigh 225 (goal: TBD. At most 200). I went from an XXL shirt size to an XL (goal: L with muscles), and a waist size of 42 to 36 (goal: TBD. At most 34). I've made the transition from large clothes to small clothes in my closet, wearing clothes I've never worn before. I've also donated old large clothes. I liked them, but not enough to gain the weight back. I'm still losing, thanks to the immense knowledge Carly has shared with me. I wouldn't be anywhere close to my goals without her and her support.

- Doug T.

My journey has been the hardest thing I have ever done as well as the best thing I have ever done. Over the course of my journey, I have become a new and better version of my authentic self. I started my journey at around 300 pounds and addicted to fast food. I am currently 160 pounds and I don’t miss the fast food at all. I have never felt better about myself. In all aspects, mind, body, and spirit. I would have to say that the best thing I learned from Carly at Nutritional Wisdom, aside from the wealth of knowledge and passion she has for health and nutrition, was to understand that this is not just a physical journey. That it is equally an intellectual and spiritual journey. I remember something she said and it has been a tool I have used over and over again along this journey as well as in all aspects of life. "You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learning to sit in that uncomfortable state and accept it, that is where the spiritual growth happens. That is where the change starts." Thank you, Carly!

- Adam S.

My fitness trainer recommended Carly's services when I reached a point of not being able to lose weight, no matter how hard I trained. In addition to this, I was also having sleeping issues, heartburn with any/all foods, and a general lack of energy. With Carly's help, I was able to learn how important your diet is to your overall health and well being. As soon as she pointed out what was happening and structured a plan, I was all in. As soon as I finished the 10 day detox program, I not only dropped 9 pounds of fat, but I also began sleeping 8 hours a night, something I had not done in 3 years. Following her direction and now eating to my metabolic type, I was able to drop another 11 pounds in a short time to get from the 200s to the 180s. Over time, I reached a plateau and struggled to maintain the weight I had lost. Working with Carly, and making the commitment to cut my fat intake and cut out alcohol, helped me break out of my plateau and reach my new weight of 165, which I have been able to maintain.

In my time with Carly, I've learned how to limit sugar and make my body burn fat, what causes cravings and how to keep them at bay, eat to my metabolic type, and learn which foods have a positive/negative affect on me. The knowledge she has shared has also motivated me to research on my own to help maintain and improve my diet.

Carly, thank you for your dedication, motivation, and time. I'm happy to say that I will begin my 40s in excellent health.

- Vic R.

In July of 2012, after one year of being referred to Carly Pollack I finally decided it was time for me to make a difference in my life. I was confident that the journey I was about to take wasn't forced by others; however born from within. Confident and ready, I scheduled my first appointment with Carly and off we went. I remember the first day I met with Carly she asked me, "Why am I here and what would I like to accomplish?". It took me all but two seconds to tell her, "I'm tired of being lonely, dealing with all the struggles of being overweight and want to find love". So my journey began. I bypassed all "cheat meals" and stuck to the cleansing regiment for my entire journey. I lost a total of 85lbs the first 8 months doing nothing but riding my horse and eating right. Although I’ve stayed at my current weight for the last 4 months, am determined to lose these last 15 lbs. Carly, thanks for teaching me how to eat the right foods and best of luck to everyone on their own personal journey.

- Mario T.

I have been consulting with Carly for nutrition advice for about ten months now, and let me tell you she is the WHOLE PACKAGE!!!!! She is everything you could ever wish for: beyond knowledgeable, full of tips and tricks, motivating, ridiculously funny and REAL!!!!!!

Ten months ago I weighed 156 pounds, ate recklessly, and enjoyed my couch over exercise any day. From my first chat with Carly, all that started to change. Carly just doesn't put you on some diet and hope for the best. With her it's about the whole picture, changing your whole lifestyle so you never actually feel like your on a diet. She digs deeper, totally getting into your psyche, to find the root of the problem.

Today I am down to 134 pounds (22 pound loss), went from a size 12/14 to a size 4, and I am still losing weight without starving myself, taking some magic pill, or any other fad diets out there. I eat real food, and ALOT of it!!!! My co-workers often joke that I am the skinniest one who is always eating!!! And I have MUSCLE!!!!!!! Carlys motivation when it comes to exercise has changed my life, I have a new hobby, and I can honestly say that I enjoy working out now :)

Thanks to Carly, I am so much happier and healthier than i was 10 months ago. She helped me 'flip that switch', going from lazy, unhealthy, overweight to energized, thinner, and HAPPIER!!!! Since I never feel like I am on a diet and now know so much about what I put into my body, I know that I will never go back to my old ways.

Carly literally helped me change my whole life. From food and exercise journals, to foods I never even knew existed, she has the knowledge, tips, and unconditional commitment to you that will make you really want to change all your eating habits and never look back. I PROMISE!

PS....I live in New Jersey, so most of our appointments are over the phone, or through email, or during her trips here.....I think this just proves how amazing she is! She will always respond to your emails and return your phone calls, or just check in. She is 100% dedicated to you, and that's something that is hard to find these days.

- Liz P.

Carly taught us what our bodies need to be healthy and challenged me to get active. It was always exciting to see the scale go down and how proud Carly and Frank were of me. We continue to drink warm lemon water every morning and we are so much more aware of portion sizes and the ingredients of our food. I still have a ways to go but Carly gave us the foundation to live healthy, active and happy lives! Thanks Carly!

- Chrysty L.

Wow, it is nuts to see how much my body has changed. Like we said, when I first came to see you I was in pretty good shape, but then I blew up like a balloon for a while there. I was looking at the engagement party pics, and in some of them I didn't look that big--I was able to hide it with certain poses. But in others (like the attached one with the smushed arm) I look huge. Very embarrassing in retrospect!

And the wedding ones...my dress had a corseted back, so I looked extra thin, but my arms rocked on their own :)

Thanks again for the encouragement today!

- Emily C.

I first met Carly when she gave a lecture on nutrition for the endurance athlete. The irony in this is that I clearly was not an endurance athlete, but I think it was my body telling me it was time to take control of my life. Through my work with Carly, I now understand how to listen to my body, understand what it is telling me and understand the importance of balance. For the first time in my life I now know what it means to have true vitality, to wake up and be able to enjoy life as I was meant to enjoy it. While Carly takes a no nonsense approach to her work, she is perhaps one of the most genuine, compassionate and dedicated person I know. She meets her clients at a place where they are comfortable and without judgment. Having lost over 80 pounds since seeing Carly, I can honestly say that working with her has changed my life. I feel as if I have turned my body on for the first time and I am never going back. I am thankful to call her my nutritionist and honored to call her my friend.

- Anthony F.

Working with Nutritional Wisdom has been a thoroughly positive experience. Carly embodies the skills of an experienced health professional balanced with qualities you hope to find in a good friend. She's in your corner rooting for you, providing relatable and tailored advice to help maintain long-term change. Throughout 2013 I've integrated diet, health and sustainable lifestyle changes that I'll continue to refine for the rest of my life. I'm in the best shape of my life - something I'd always hoped for but didn't quite know how to achieve. I'm still very much into eating good food and don't feel like I'm "missing out" either. It's truly amazing what a focused change in diet, overall health and a bit of science can do in a relatively short amount of time.

- Dave C.

Before going to Nutritional Wisdom, I was incredibly frustrated with my weight. I ate healthy, trained intensely, and competed in speed skating and running yet I still could not seem to lose any weight. Finally I was at the point where I was willing to try anything to take the weight off and scheduled an appointment with Nutritional Wisdom. That turned out to be the best thing I could have done. Carly not only helped me address the issues that were preventing me from losing the weight I needed but she helped me find how to eat healthy specifically for my body. It's been almost 2 years since that first appointment. Since that time not only have I been able to keep my weight under control I directly contribute my weight loss as a major factor in medaling at the United States Roller Sports National Speed Skating Championships in 2012.

- Melissa P.

My name is Scott and I am a 23-year-old college student living in Austin. Before seeing Carly at Nutritional Wisdom, I was living the typical male college student life consisting of drinking more than I should and eating entirely too much fast food. I always thought I had what is referred to as a "high metabolism" and I would never gain weight. I was wrong. At 181 lbs. I was overweight and unhappy with myself.

However, the weight gained was only one of my problems. For around a year and half I was fighting a losing battle with anxiety that occurred in the form of panic attacks. These were very scary and started happening on a daily basis. Feeling like I had zero control of my life I turned to Carly for help.

Carly educated me thoroughly and quickly about nutrition and what food's role should be in my life. She gave me the knowledge to better myself starting with what I eat. In the first 10 days on Carly's program I lost 11 pounds. Throughout the program the weight continues to drop and in around 2 months I have lost a total of 22 pounds.

The anxiety is gone and my weight is better than when I was in high school playing sports. I will be forever grateful for Carly's advice on food, relationships, and life in general. She has given me control of my weight and anxiety; I am now excited about my healthy future and always enjoy talking to Carly about my success with her program.

- Scott O.

Despite popular belief, working out won't get you in shape. I followed Carly's program and exercised three days per week. I lost 30 lbs of pure fat in 6 months!

- Adam A.

My progress has been slow but steady. Every month i see improvement from the month before. I sleep better, laugh more and am even dating again... and I know this is all goes hand in hand with the things you taught me. I am finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel! I just wanted to thank you for helping me and teaching me the details on my health. I have been so inspired by you!

- Cristi C.

Carly and Nutritional Wisdom are a major reason why I made it through the weird professional rejection (by former friends) of late 2010 and early '11... Let's review the past 12 months, since pulling plug on the rejecting self-pity of the work lay-off:

-More energy - that was the whole initial goal
-Smarter about nutrition
-Feel better, more balanced
-Great blood numbers
-I am less hungry in general
-I weigh now what I weighed in 1994 
-8 pounds' less fat; slightly more muscle 
-36" waist is now 34" waist
-Confidence is back from the lows of Q4-10 and Q1/Q2-11

Thanks!

- Stuart W.

In 2010, my roommate started talking about her new awesome nutritionist, Carly. I started following some of her guidelines and experimenting with crazy items containing fat, like almond butter. I felt better. When Carly visited my running group (yes, I’m a big fat runner), her advice made more sense than any advice I had ever been given as an athlete, so I scraped together my teacher pennies and made an appointment. While I had a lot of knowledge and had already made some positive changes, Carly helped me craft a set of choices all my own, not guided by diet advice, but by my body’s own responses to the fuel I put in it. I felt terrific. Cravings did not control me. I ate for health.  I still struggled with the need for convenience and my own meager cooking skills; for an embarrassingly long time, I filled up on organic turkey slices, carrots, and hummus. On my 37th birthday, I recommitted myself to planning and eating the best meals for me…and right after that I started a job in a relative food desert…and right after that I broke my leg. That could have been the end of my healthy eating, and the start of ordering pizzas, but with the knowledge and confidence I obtained from Carly and my own studies, along with a lot of help from my friends, I began to cook my own fresh food in batches, a few times a week. I healed my leg weeks ahead of schedule, and became even more convinced of the power of good-for-you nutrition. My journey is far from over. On the surface, I am not one of Carly’s success stories. After extended periods of excellent nutrition, with very little fat loss, we concluded that nutrition isn’t my problem. Not anymore anyway. With this knowledge, I’ve selected a natural hormone therapist, and we have identified a problem and hopefully, a solution. The medication is just a tiny portion of repairing my relationship with food though; the real change began when I learned how to eat outside the boxes.

- Aimee H.

For the past year and a half I have been constantly trying to lose weight and working hard at it only to lose a couple pounds here and there. I tried everything - weight watchers, boot camps, etc but nothing seemed to work for me to really lose the weight consistently. I was frustrated and had pretty much given up and was beginning to think there was something very wrong with me. I met with Carly on the recommendation of a friend and I am so glad I did! She was so thorough in her assessment of my body type, eating habits, lifestyle, cravings, etc and she came up with a very specific weight loss plan and cleanse tailored to the types of foods my body needs, focusing on lean protein and organic vegetables and fruits. My husband decided to follow the plan with me. The cleanse wasn't easy for the first few days - we had to get rid of some major sugar and carb cravings! But after a few days we got used to it, we started feeling a lot better and our sugar cravings really subsided. I have really enjoyed eating so healthy and I plan to continue this lifestyle, especially with the results just from 10 days of this lifestyle change. I've lost 9.5 pounds in the first 10 days and my husband lost over 10! But even better, I feel like this is something we can keep up - we aren't depriving ourselves at all but are eating the foods that are best for our body and we are feeling great because of that. 

- Heather B.

I went to see Carly after finally getting tired of looking at my gut in the mirror. I had already started to eat better but was still making bad food choices. So after a friend of mine went to see her I decided to schedule time with her. She put me on a zero sugar restriction for 10 days. Being Asian it was hard for me to give up rice, but I did. I started off at 274 +/-4 lbs. after the no sugars period I was down to 268.

Carly setup a meal outline for me, since my body craves protein she recommended foods that were high in protein. So I started cooking at home again, not drinking soft drinks and switched from white to brown rice. After changing my food intake to include higher protein items I didn't need a energy drink in the mornings anymore - Before I saw Carly I was up to 2 Redbulls or Steas in the morning just to get awake, I would also eat a lot of sugary stuff like donuts or pastries. After getting on the new meal plan I no longer needed caffeine AT ALL!!

So to wrap it all up it's been 2 months since I started, and now I'm bouncing around the 250 mark. So dropping 24 pounds in 2 months ain't bad!

- Jim S.

I thought I was 'doing the right thing', being evolved, being more spiritual, by striving to be a vegetarian, vegan even. I also had about 20 lbs. that I wanted to shake, or rather; I wanted it to STOP shaking! Then I went to see Carly, and she set me straight. It turns out that with my blood type, I need to be eating completely differently than I had been. During the 1st 10 days of my new diet, make that Life-Style Change, I lost 10 lbs; YEA! I also FEEL a lot better and more energetic.

If you want REAL results and nutritional intelligence, stop following the diet you heard about at a party and go visit with Carly Pollack! You'll be glad you did!

- John F.

I just wanted to thank you so much for the time that you spent with my daughter, Jenni and I before we returned to Ohio a couple of weeks ago. I left feeling so encouraged and had a workable plan to follow. I must confess that I did enjoy the remainder of my vacation in Texas (smile) but when I hit Ohio soil, I was running!

We arrived home on Tuesday night late and I hit the ground running on Wednesday! I eliminated gluten, dairy, sugar and even caffeine from my diet and am eating 5-6 small meals. Today, one week later, I am seven pounds lighter and feel so good already! My tummy is different, flatter-firmer. My clothes even fit better! I feel good.

Thank you for taking the time to teach me how to take better care of myself. It is really making a difference. I'll stay in touch through the journey.

- Joy L.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the job you do. I went through your ten day cleanse and, just as you said immediately started shedding excess weight. I have lost 12 pounds in 3 weeks and feel great. I am continuing with the core of your program and continue to see results. I think the best part of the service you provide is the ongoing support you provide. You are always available to answer questions and provide feedback. THANK YOU CARLY!

- Chris S.

I completed the 10 day DETOX and just saw myself moving on to the next phase with no big fanfare. I started adding foods back to my diet and started to notice various cravings returning. Because of the DETOX, it was so much easier to identify the link of the cravings to my food consumption. On Thursday, I tried my Protein Drink with Organic Almond Milk and much to my surprise, I went stark raving mad and ate TWO muffins! It wasn't until my glucose levels reconfigured that I realized what had happened. The Organic Almond Milk had thrown my body so out of whack that I had satisfied my craving with more unhealthy carbs. The Diet Check Record helped me to more accurately identify the reactions to my metabolic type and ...now I know!

Thank you for providing me with such life-saving information!

I received my blood work report back from my doctor and so now I have that baseline data we talked about. I had gained 5 lbs in the Nov-Jan time period and my results reflected that. My A1c had gone from 6.7 to 6.9, my overall cholesterol had increased from 202 to 212 and my LDL from 126 to 135. I know I have much work to do. I feel certain that after dropping about 15 lbs, I will see a change in those numbers and will be able to eliminate the statin and the glucose medications my doctor has prescribed.

I am so grateful for your expertise and support.

- Judy S.

Dear Carly, I want to thank you for your help and time and giving me a better understanding of nutrition. Since my visit with you and starting the 10 day body flush I have felt more energized and satisfied without feeling hungry or deprived. I don't feel bloated or tired, and have lost 4 lbs. I am committed to continue to eat healthier. I still have a long way to go, but I am confident that I will achieve my goals of, weight loss, over all better health.

- Janie S.

I wanted to thank you again for all the differences you made in my life. When I started the lifestyle change, I was 180 lbs. Now I am 166 lbs. and I have so much energy. I have been sticking with my food program. Thank you!

- Walter D.

Carly is so knowledgeable, thorough, and enthusiastic! She spent over an hour with Claire and I at our first visit, completely assessing our eating habits and general well being. At our next appointment, Carly presented each of us with individualized recommendations/guidelines, which included book recommendations, a 10-day detoxification meal and supplement plan, post 10-day detoxification guidelines for continued maintenance, lots of sample menus, dietary educational materials, an exercise plan and even a shopping list!

This whole experience has been absolutely wonderful. During the 10-day detox period, we emailed Carly everything we ate and she gave us each daily feedback. By the end of the detox stage, Claire and I both felt fantastic. We now have way more energy and have both lost weight (9 lbs for me and 4 lbs for Claire). My late night hunger cravings are gone because I am eating foods that keep me satisfied all day long. My glucose level readings are way down as well. Carly has definitely turned my thinking around in several key areas and I am positive that I will succeed by following her advice. Claire learned so much about food combining for vegetarians and ways to eat healthy, even while living in a dorm at UT!

Thank you so much for providing this amazing service Carly. You are such a special person. You have incredible communication skills, a glowingly positive attitude, great confidence, loads of knowledge and wonderful compassion, which is why we were both so inspired by you. You gave Claire and I an awesome bonding experience and has put us on a path to greater health!

- Patty T.

This April marks my one year anniversary of living my new lifestyle. I have managed to lose 30 pounds and maintain it for an entire year! Armed with all your knowledge and the program you started me on, I have been able to live and eat healthier. Since the beginning I have learned so much and with you and Stephen to support me I was successful. Through this success, I have inspired others that I work with, and close friends to make a difference in their lifestyle. I can never thank you enough for what you have helped me with. Since changing my life, I have been able to take the education you have provided me I have been able to make healthy choices and change the way I look at food. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I am happier, healthier and most of all it shows inside and out.

- Lauren G.

I don't get constant cravings for sweets like I used to. I Don't feel the need as often for a coffee/tea to give me a boost of energy. I try and get the energy boost from a nutritious snack instead. Anyway, I know there's more I need to tell you (and many questions to ask you) when I see you next, but in the meantime I just wanted to let you know that things are going well. I'm able to stick with your plan without too much trouble and am generally a happier & healthier person because of it. So THANK YOU Carly!!

- Munira I.

I just wanted to say thank you for working with me! Even though I know we will accomplish much more in the coming months, I thought you should know how I feel. This is the thinest and healthiest I've ever been as an adult. I have the same pant size I had my senior year of high school (and I thought I was skinny then!). This is a photo from last night. I bought this dress (which I would have never bought 3 months ago) for my fiancé's law firm Christmas party. I felt amazing and confident. Thanks for everything you've done! You're turning me into an even more confident woman and I am very grateful for that!

- Jen H.

I've struggled with being "fat" all of my life. I'm 5'1'' and carry more muscle than I should. Add the fat (genetics - gotta love that), and BAM!  I have always heard that I should weigh around 105. I have ALWAYS felt awful and fat after hearing this. I wanted to tell you that you never make me feel that way. I know and understand that I need to drop some fat, but you never make me feel awful. In fact, you often make me feel normal. So, thank you. 

- Trish H.

I would really like to thank you for EVERYTHING you have taught me this year. To say that your teachings have been life altering is putting it lightly. I would not be on track to be woman that I am today and continue to want to be, had I not stepped into your office this past January. Please know that your work with me has been much much much more than just 10 pounds of weight loss. (I say just but we both know I've had to fight tooth and nail for every pound!) Thank you sincerely, your wisdom is both inspiring and life changing.

- Maria T.

Please allow me to share my story. Having received some higher-than-expected blood sugar counts with blood work through my primary care physician, I sought Diabetes Education through United Health Care. I was told they did not cover preventative education. Go figure. Therefore at several fellow employee's recommendations, I scheduled a visit with Carly Pollack.

I started this venture by keeping a Food Diary of everything going into my body. After 45 days I returned to the doctor to get results on blood lab work. My doctor actually expressed his delight with the Food Diary and stated that he wished his schedule allowed him the luxury of eating so healthy. My nurse wants me to take a part time gig as her home chef. Now to share the astonishing results I received. 

My blood pressure has dropped from an average 160-110 to 110-70. My weight has dropped from 172 to 147 over approximately 3 months' time -- I am 55 years olds and 5'10". My blood sugars have dropped. My cholesterol has dropped--my bad cholesterol (LDL) dropped while my good cholesterol (HDL) has increased. My triglycerides have really dropped. I'm told this is good??

I've now dropped four medications from my daily routine!!!! Atacand (for high blood pressure), Aciphex (Acid Reflux). Alipurinol (excess uric acid). Flurosemide (edema). This puts me on Cloud 9 - fewer drugs is jazzy and makes me want to jump for joy. So to CARLY POLLACK I say THANKS for your wisdom and guidance and setting me on the right path. You ROCK girl.

- Dave F.

I have somewhat of a story to tell you. First off it is important to tell you that it was my good fortune to have met you. Your program has made a significant difference in my blood sugar levels. A record is attached. I also took your comments about exercise seriously and have started walk/jog routine which is not as easy to follow as the diet.

Lastly, I may be able to once again rise to status of favorite husband of Sheila if I discontinue drinking. I did this for a few years when we were married and in our 20's. This was out of necessity, not enough cash, booze or baby formula and the children won out. Thank you again.

- Tom W.

Just want to tell you that I appreciated all the information and especially the motivational and spirited "I can do it" push to succeed in getting my blood sugar under control. For the first time I actually have hope in beating this Diabetes thing.

- Andrew S.

I never considered myself the kind of person who "needed" a nutritionist. I saw myself as a relatively healthy person at a weight I was ok with, and digestive and skin issues that I had settled on being a part of who I was. And then I found Lauren. 

It took me an entire year after meeting her to make an appointment, but after throwing Tums and yogurt at my digestive issues, and pills and harsh creams at my skin, I realized I needed a new approach. I was so tired of doctors listening me for 5 minutes, writing a prescription, and sending me out the door. 

In Lauren, I've found the complete opposite. My entire first session, she spent listening, and from then on, she took a personalized approach to getting me to a state of health that I didn't know existed. Not only are we on a path to finding a natural way to solve the problems I came in for, but Lauren has taught me how to think holistically about my health. 

I wake up feeling energized, I've lost weight that I did not plan on losing, and I crave foods that are good for me. Lauren approaches problems realistically, and explains the science behind her solutions. She is the ally in my health that I've been in need of for so long, and I couldn't be more excited to keep working with her.

- Greta R.

For 20+ years I have had stomach pains and GI issues, which resulted in Western doctors telling me that I needed to be on prescription drugs for the rest of my life to cover the pain. In that time and under that approach, I developed a lot of bacterial growth, gluten, dairy, soy, and egg intolerances, extremely low SIgA levels, etc. Carly's approach to actually finding out what the root of the pain was and correcting that has resulted in a much higher quality of life, much less pain, and all of my food intolerances are gone. Craziness! This was all done in a little over a year with a change in diet and addition of probiotics (not to mention all of the wisdom that she gave me). I have already reduced my Western prescription medications quite a bit and will continue to slowly get 100% off of it. Not to mention I was able to take off over 5 pounds of pure fat and add 5 pounds muscle. Thanks Carly!

- Brandon M.

Just wanted to say that I feel much better this week - decrease in bloating, and the other discomforts that I mentioned. I feel like a new person. My body responds very quickly to anything I ingest - food, medicine. I could feel the difference even on Monday when I first started with the aloe vera juice and the probiotics. Thank you so much!

- Laura P.

I'm still going and enjoying my plan very much. After a hesitant approach, and a doubtful mind I guess pure determination has pushed me do something I felt improbable. So to YOU I say THANKS for your wisdom and guidance and setting me on the right path. I'm still off the blood pressure (atacand) medicine and today I've decided to try and stop the reflux/antacid (Aciphex). I've been taking this for several years, but we'll see how that affects me. I'm still trying to find the right words to explain to myself, as well as others "the taste of fresh". It is simply wonderful. Delicious. Heavenly. I'm grateful to you and very blessed to have you enter my life and this juncture in the journey.

- Kelly T.

I've been battling with acid reflux, energy imbalance, bloating/water retention and general food intolerances for the last 10 years or so. I've been on medication to control the acid reflux, but it recently started getting worse, so I decided to meet with Carly to see if any dietary changes could help reduce my symptoms. Carly felt like my reflux and other digestive issues were due to food intolerances, so she put me on a strict gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, low-sugar diet for 2 weeks. She also identified my metabolic type as a 'protein type' so my diet plan was focused on proteins, healthy fats, vegetables and minimal amounts of healthy, unprocessed carbohydrates (fruit, quinoa, sweet potatoes, etc.).

While I felt like avoiding bread and dairy would be a challenge, Carly's sample 5-day menus provided great ideas to help me plan my shopping trips and make the right food choices. The diet turned out to be pretty easy to stick with. I found that increasing my intake of protein, vegetables and healthy fats and decreasing refined carbs/dairy reduced food cravings and hunger between meals, gave me steadier energy levels and made me feel lighter and less bloated. It also helped me feel better and improve my performance in my regular vinyasa-style yoga classes. More importantly, it significantly reduced my acid reflux issues and helped me cut back on medication.

At the end of the two weeks,I decided to continue to stick with this dairy-free, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sugar diet plan, maybe with a few exceptions here and there. Overall, my stomach is feeling much better than usual and I continue to feel lighter and more energetic than I did before.

- Betsy B.

I have struggled with my body image since childhood. I was never obese but a cute, chubby, curvy, proportionally overweight... all words used by others to define my body. I hate to admit they all got to me as well. I have tried dieting and exercise on and off for many years. However I had never shaken off using food as a safe haven for dismissing whatever was bothering me at the time. In 2015, I decided to make a change and take back control of this situation. I knew that I not only owed it to myself to make permanent change but also had to set an example for my 5-year old daughter. That's when I booked my first appointment with Carly. From the first time I met her, she won my heart and mind as a no-nonsense, compassionate and funny guide for me in this journey. This is no easy task as I have a very low threshold for bullshit and being an engineer I question everything. I liked her approach of supporting me scientifically as well as psychologically. The latter piece has been missing in my previous endeavors in losing weight. Within the detox period, I lost 9 pounds. That was not the only thing that kept me motivated though. Within a couple days of starting the detox, I noticed that my energy level increased dramatically. I am happy to report that I lost close to 50 pounds since starting to see Carly. More importantly, I am happier, healthier and more confident. I hope I am also being a good role model for my kid so she does not have to struggle with the same issues I did. Is the struggle over? Hardly... that's one thing I gained a better perspective on. You have to constantly work on your relationship with yourself. Good news is that Carly is there to help you, guide you and make you laugh during the process. I would not be exaggerating (see low threshold for bullshit) when I say Carly helped me win my life back. Thank you Carly and Nutritional Wisdom Family!

- - ZEHRA F.

Carly has been an integral part of putting and getting myself back on track after heart surgery. With her guidance both spiritually and educationally, I was able to really clarify my personal goals and understand that the universe is always supporting me. The biggest shift that occurred is the focus on really maintaining a healthy lifestyle through clean eating. I noticed profound results from my skin being more clear and vibrant, to feeling less sluggish, sleeping better, and being more positive. Carly holds you accountable, calls it like it is, and allows you to do the deep soul searching you need to do but are too afraid to. I am incredibly grateful for this experience as it has propelled me forward into a much happier and more positive place. (her pic is attached at the bottom - she's the blonde... can you edit the candle out of it?

- Brittni M.

Working with Lauren was one of the best and most fun things we did leading up to our wedding. We always looked forward to our visits and quickly realized that not only was she NOT the enemy, but she wanted to make improving our nutrition as easy and natural as possible for us. Of course it helped us look great for the wedding, but Lauren taught us how to make improved nutrition part of our lifestyle with only small adjustments to our day-to-day. The food recipes and nutrition tips were great but Lauren's support and expertise was the reason we kept coming back and why we are looking and feeling better than ever!

- Erin and James R.

After I got the thyroid test panel done at Carly’s recommendation, I went to the endocrinologist who diagnosed me with Hashimoto's and got me started on Armour. They were trying to push the Synthroid on me but I was adamant about getting Armour and I am so glad I knew enough from my sessions with Carly to stick to my guns because it has made a world of difference. 

Since I began to see Carly I feel more like myself than I have in a long, long time. I am so glad I sought her out because I've been complaining about how I felt for years and everyone, family and doctors alike, brushed it off as teenage hormones, laziness or eating too much and not moving enough. I no longer spiral into black moods, my hands and feet are warmer, my bowels are improved (no more sharp abdominal pains), I no longer grind my teeth and my thoughts are clear as a bell. I've started watching out for any hidden sources of gluten, which is in absolutely EVERYTHING, and am slowly trying to kill my caffeine addiction, which I struggle with but am gaining ground. 

My sister, after seeing my changes, went and saw a doctor in Dallas and turns out she has Hashimoto's too. We both want to say thank you for setting us on the correct path to health. I am so excited to feel like me again and am ready to get moving. You and Nutritional Wisdom are life savers!

- Laine G.

When food is your best friend and worst enemy, Lauren has helped teach me balance and care for my body. I could not imagine going through this life change with anyone else. In the last two years Lauren has given me the freedom and trust to talk truthfully about my struggles, something I would normally keep to myself. My journey is on my mind every day because of the support I have been given and the respect I have learned to give myself.

- Laurie P.

I spent the better part of my college experience in a cloud of self-loathing. I avoided mirrors and photographs at all costs. I wore baggy clothes and eventually just stopped caring about myself altogether. I had tried everything: Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, but nothing worked. One day I got on the scale and I weighed 201 pounds. I had been active and happy in high school, managing a weight of about 140 pounds. I couldn't believe I had let myself hit this point. I was completely defeated and began to feel the closest thing to depressed I have ever experienced. 

This is when my mom and I made the decision to make an appointment with Carly. As soon as I sat down and explained what was going on, Carly had an idea of what might be going on with my body. We discovered through discussion and blood work that my body chemistry, for hormonal reasons, can't handle the same food other bodies can. She took her basic nutrition program and customized it to my body mechanics, then encouraged me every step of the way. 

The best thing about my experience with Nutritional Wisdom and Carly was that I learned a different way to think about food and my body. It isn't about the labels, it's about the ingredients. I also loved Carly's no bullshit approach. No matter what you believe and how you live your life, Carly's methods about taking care of your body are applicable. The food you consume doesn't just affect your hips and thighs, it affects your mind, attitude and emotions.
After just a few weeks I didn't even care what the scale said or what I looked like in the mirror; all I knew was that I felt like a brand new person. I literally crave good food. What this program comes down to is that it isn't a program at all. It just makes sense and it's how my body was meant to operate. 

I hit my goal weight of 145 pounds last week. The number makes me excited, but what makes me more excited is how I feel about myself and how other people notice not only my body, but my smile and change in attitude. If you take care of your body it will take care of you back!

- Meagan J.

Lauren seriously rocks! I started seeing her about 12 months ago. Her guidance has completely changed my life for the better. A few years back, my health started deteriorating on me. I had shingles at least 4 different times in 3 years and sore throats constantly. However once I started seeing Lauren, I started thinking differently about what foods I used to fuel my body. Also, my overall health and energy improved dramatically. I haven’t ever had shingles again since meeting Lauren! She has provided me with the tools to create a positive change in my life, for which I am eternally grateful!

- Cindy S.

I cannot thank Carly enough for how she helped me change my body and my relationship with eating.  I was someone who worked out all the time and loved eating healthy food, but was never able to lose weight or change my size. Carly's coaching was the only thing that ever made a difference for me, and I feel healthier, stronger, and more positive than ever. Thanks, Carly!

- Ashley H.

As most of us do, I made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Since this seems to be a continuous challenge for me, I thought that I would try a different approach. If I started an exercise program, I wouldn’t have to think about the weight. After all, I was a lifetime, stagnant Weight Watcher’s member. So, I signed up for a running class. Well, I thought I was going to die after the first easy run of less than 1 mile (I swear it was 10 miles though). Some of you may know that an easy run is at a pace where you can talk and converse with other runners. How can you run and breathe, let alone talk? But, I was committed. So, I continued on. Then one day, this energetic nutritionist gave a free presentation to the new runners about nutrition 101. Sounded like something interesting. Although, in my mind I was a pro and had been down the diet path before so what could I learn? I have counted points and had a doc tell me that I just needed to push away from the table and move more. GRRRRR!

Then, Carly started discussing poop! What??? Was she talking to me? How did she know that I didn’t poop every day? I wanted to learn more about this holistic approach. So, I set up an appointment. That is all it took….I was hooked because after getting over the fact that I knew I had a brain tumor when giving up caffeine for the 1st ten days, I felt better!!! I mean, I feel GREAT! I have energy. I am not starving. My headaches are gone. My dry skin is gone and much more. It was a holistic approach for me. Folks started to notice…even Carly who said she didn’t think I was overweight. I wasn’t overweight, I was under fit nutritionally and under educated. I thought about food in the wrong way. I am 5’9” tall (although men swear I am at least 6’) and when I get a little leaner, folks think that I got a new outfit or washed my hair. I had to buy smaller clothes (DARN). Someone the other day said that I look younger now than I did 15 years ago. Another said that I look like a model. I look at food differently. I have run two ½ marathons and I poop everyday! Thank you, Carly, for teaching me how to have a lifestyle change and quit dieting! You got in my head and I love you for it! I am still learning and make mistakes as I still eat popcorn and started drinking coffee again (sorry, Carly).

- DEB H.

Brad and I have been seeing Carly and Kathryn for the last 12 months and they have changed our lives so much for the better! Each appointment we take home different information about how we can better ourselves. During our appointments we are educated on eating properly and how to create a healthy lifestyle. With this information, we feel empowered and responsible for our choices. We have created a lifestyle that I hope will continue as we grow old! Oh, and Carly is hilarious! She makes everything so lighthearted and fun during our appointments. I'm sleeping better and my clothes fit better! I think Brad can attest to the same!

- Eden B.

I'm a personal trainer at Goddess Fit in Austin. I've been in the fitness industry 30+ years and have always placed a high value on nutrition. Recently, I was looking for nutritional motivation/education to fight disease & enhance my life. I was fortunate to be highly referred to Carly.

I immediately felt Carly's expertise, passion, and love for nutrition and very quickly was motivated and the spark was lit! Carly's extensive training and lifestyle coaching skills gave me more than I was expecting and I soon met my goals! What I have learned from Carly is now a permanent part of my daily lifestyle. Thank you Carly!

- Melody L.

My progress has been slow but steady. Every month i see improvement from the month before. I sleep better, laugh more and am even dating again... and I know this is all goes hand in hand with the things you taught me. I am finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel! I just wanted to thank you for helping me and teaching me the details on my health. I have been so inspired by you!

- Cristi C.

Carly and Nutritional Wisdom are a major reason why I made it through the weird professional rejection (by former friends) of late 2010 and early '11... Let's review the past 12 months, since pulling plug on the rejecting self-pity of the work lay-off:

-More energy - that was the whole initial goal
-Smarter about nutrition
-Feel better, more balanced
-Great blood numbers
-I am less hungry in general
-I weigh now what I weighed in 1994 
-8 pounds' less fat; slightly more muscle 
-36" waist is now 34" waist
-Confidence is back from the lows of Q4-10 and Q1/Q2-11

Thanks!

- Stuart W.

Not once, or twice, but THREE times this week someone has told me I am an "inspiration" because I "radiate a look of health." My husband, (much to my initial dismay), shaved his beard and mustache this week so he could take an assessment of himself. He stated that after seeing my progress this month, and over the last year, he cannot put off healthy eating any longer. My Dad called me this morning and told me his PSA levels just came back high, and he wants to "heal himself with his diet, like I have." Holy smokes! I had to share. You are doing amazing work Carly, and I thank you for it.

- Sarah L.

You have been one of the most influential people in my life. You've opened my eyes and helped me change to be a better person. Quite honestly, the only way I was able to process and walk through some of the most difficult days of my life this past summer was because of what you have taught me over the past few years. Now moving forward your direction is helping me find my way through this BS. Who knew we'd end up here where you'd help me through such an incredibly difficult period in my life? I wish there was something more I could say than just thank you, but it's all there is. Thank you for who you are and for what you do, for making me laugh and for sharing parts of yourself that make me feel like I'm not alone. I hope you guys have a great thanksgiving and that Jordan cleans the house. 

- Catherine A.

I am so grateful I have someone on my side who is not only ridiculously knowledgable about physiology and biochemistry but also sees the big picture at a deeper, truer level.
I'm also grateful that we are ACTIVELY SOLVING the mystery of my body. I hold a clear vision of us looking at an explicit list of dietary and lifestyle factors that keep me in balance and then looking at a graph that shows a pronounced plummet in body weight and fat. And I am grateful that this moment has already manifested and is zooming toward us right now!
Thank you for all you do. And I really appreciate the help in keeping me on track.

- Justin W.

Thank you for the faith you have in me. I really am trying to do this right for myself, my children, and future grandbabies. Thank you also for being so understanding. I am very happy about my energy levels being way up, and my pains are so so much better. Thank you being so easy to communicate with, I feel very comfortable talking to you and that means a lot to me.

- Beckie F.

Before starting Carly's program, I had a seriously problematic relationship with food. To me, food was a scary thing. I fell into a pattern of under-eating, liking the way that I looked (after having issues with body image in the past, needless to say, it was unhealthy), but continuing to feel like crap (because my body was not being nourished correctly). I never got to a dangerously low weight, but I definitely didn't look healthy. Going on to a college dining plan also didn't help, because a lot of the food was pretty bad, which was just another excuse not to eat it. I fell in and out of that dangerous under-eating pattern when I was at school for the first couple of semesters, but then I met with Carly. After meeting with her for the first time, and learning my own body composition, Carly gave me a comprehensive view of which foods I should be putting into my body. I now have a much better understanding of what my body needs to stay nourished in the best way possible. The detox allowed me to feel so amazing, and showed me exactly how my body should feel. Going back to school for my last semester on the meal-plan, I was much better equipped to pick and choose the foods that were healthiest and nourishing to me. Carly has inspired me to have a great relationship with food, and has given me great techniques with the maintenance plan. I allow myself to indulge, and know when I've gone overboard, but still enjoy food and how good food makes me feel! I have lost fat and eat regular full meals a day with snacks, and just have that fear of food quelled completely. I have a great love for nourishing food now, and most importantly can enjoy how I feel in my own body! Thank you so much for giving me that Carly, it is so amazing to feel this good with myself. Thanks again Carly, you're the best!!!

- Brenna C.

Ms. Pollack's care and consideration given to my dietary issues far surpassed what I anticipated receiving. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field of study and offered a comprehensive, individualized approach toward analyzing my nutritional intake and eating habits and setting goals for me to achieve a healthier, more well-rounded diet.

As a result of following her dietary guidelines, I have discovered a gluten sensitivity. Tailoring my diet to eliminate wheat has resulted in a marked improvement of a chronic health condition I have suffered from for several years. I have also completely eliminated chronic heartburn that I've suffered from this past year. My overall health has improved markedly.

- Jen L.

A couple weeks ago I set up an appointment with Carly because I was feeling drained and was having trouble getting through the day. I would get off work and almost always go take a nap. During our consultation she made me aware that I was eating too many sweets throughout the day and not fueling my body correctly. I had also been drinking way too much coffee. I came back a few days later and Carly had prepared an easy to follow 5 day menu plan for me. It was great! I was able to eat what I wanted minus dairy and sugar for 10 days. Most importantly she laid out a fun and yummy menu and I've really had no problem without dairy and sugar in my diet. The guidelines she put in place were not rigorous and they have really helped me in making new and better food choices for myself. It's been 6 days now I don't take naps and subtly feel much better. I'm so glad Whole Foods has this program for their guests. Carly is so easy to talk to and she makes it fun which is very important. With the great food that Whole Foods provides and having a someone as skilled as Carly, this program will be so beneficial to all of Austin. I hope other Whole Foods follow suit. Thanks

- Michael S.

I'm at 2.5 days of detox and feel amazing. I don't know if it's psychological but I feel so much more energetic and alert already. In comparison the biggest change from my diet before and with the detox diet is the amount of caffeine and wine. I have had no wine but still enjoy one cup of java each morning. I have started taking time to sit down and really enjoy my cup of coffee instead of drinking on the go. I will continue to decrease the amount of coffee I have each day. The Tulsi tea you recommended is helpful in decreasing the amount of coffee I had become accustomed too. The Cran-Water has been a real treat to have in the evening instead of my usual wine fix. Thanks for your help. See you soon.

- Billie B.

Carly, you are amazing! I love that you are candid, thorough, realistic and attentive. I am especially thankful for your balanced approach. You make this lifestyle overhaul something I look forward to instead of dread. I know I have a long road ahead of me (based on years of abuse), but I am optimistic that I will find health -- and balance -- in my diet and life. I've been telling all my friends about you, and I will be in touch!

- Leslie F.

So far, so AMAZING. I know it's only been 2.3 days, but I'm certainly feeling the difference. Two seconds prior to your walk by, my friend compliments me on how rested I look! Last night's "sleepy-time" was amazing- 11 hours STRAIGHT!!! (I haven't done that since the womb.) My creative juices feel like their waking from hibernation; running to the page with ideas abound. Coincidence? I think not! Thank you thank you thank you!

- Jimmy G.

The most beneficial change (which I didn't even anticipate) is SLEEP! Since I can remember, I have always had trouble falling asleep. It used to take me at least 1/2 hour to fall asleep, even if I felt exhausted. NOW, I don't even remember when I fell asleep after I get into bed. I have got into a good routine of getting into bed at 10pm and sleeping by about 10.30pm. I don't even need to set my alarm anymore. My eyes automatically open at ~6.30am every day. I used to have to hit snooze around 4-5 times to get out of bed before 8am. But now I feel ready to face the day upon awakening, and without the desperate need for caffeine to start my day.

The added benefits of this are:

1) Reduced anxiety. That time spent tossing and turning in bed was when all the worries about the future and regrets about the past would go round and round in my head. I don't to endure those horrible, restless hours anymore. I feel much less anxious than I used to.
2) I don't have to rush around in the morning, so I start my day of calmer. This improves the time spent with my son in the morning, getting him ready for school (I don't shout at him to hurry up and get so stressed at him.....or stressed at my husband who is still sleeping in!)
3) Have more energy during the day.

I AM seeing my skin clear up (yay!!) which was one of my main goals. It's not completely solved yet, but I remember you said it could take 6 months. I am not getting breakouts as often, and when I do get the odd breakout it is not as angrily 'inflammed' and the skin heals a lot quicker. The scars (hyperpigmentation) is still there from the previous breakouts, but hopefully the damaged skin will be replaced by new skin soon. I am not spending the $100s of dollars on facials and beauty products out of desperation to fix my skin...but instead am using those $s to buy all the yummy healthy food I now eat.

One of the biggest 'lifestyle' changes for me practically has been spending more time preparing and cooking meals. It was one of the things I literally put minimal effort in my life, just because I was busy with everything else (work, child, cleaning), and 'something had to give'. I felt that in the hours spent cooking I could instead complete 3-4 other chores...therefore time/effort v. benefit didn't seem worth it. I do spend a lot more hours in the kitchen (I would say from about 3 hours a week to 15 hours a week), but I am for the first time in my life enjoying putting some effort into making food, and actually enjoying the food I make. I see it as a sort of adventure to see what I can make, within the restrictions of the diet, but still be delicious to eat (as well as healthy).

- Munira I.

Thank you for faith you have in me. I really am trying to do this right for myself, my children, and future grand babies. Thank you for being so understanding. I am very happy about my energy level way up, and my pains are so so much better. Thank you being so easy to communicate with, I feel very comfortable talking to you and that means alot to me…

- Jessica P.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for our initial appointments - I'm excited to open this new chapter in my life, and to mindfully close the one I've been stuck in for nearly 15 years. I dove right in today and feel fine without coffee, and can immediately tell a difference without wheat and dairy. I am finally doing something wonderful for myself - I've been so used to berating myself and sneaking around on my own hunger. Now I get to do something difficult but worthy, with love and real investment in the one person I've been ignoring for a really long time - my best self, the real me that has limitless potential.

- Anna C.

Thanks to your directions, Don has read the book you suggested and is now "FREE" (that's the word he uses) of cigarettes :-). He has tried quitting more than a dozen times in the past 10 years and never could get past the first 3 days. And he has been gaining weight and looks and feels so much better.

I have now lost 10 pounds by eating a much healthier diet. I'm also feeling better and finally sleeping well. You definitely made a very positive impact on the both of us. Thank you so much for your help.

- Katie P.