August 31, 2017 was my first meeting with Belinda. I was at my highest weight - 243 lbs - and my lowest emotionally. I couldn’t look in a mirror without crying or insulting myself. I hated myself.

 

In the past, I had seen two nutritionists. I lost 20 lbs with one, but was very unhappy with her and my diet. Everything I did was always wrong, she constantly told me "No." Ultimately, I gained the weight back, plus some. The second nutritionist I saw didn’t seem knowledgeable, and I was so hungry I almost passed out 3 days in. So, when I met with Belinda, I was nervous and convinced she couldn’t help me. 

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Fifteen months later, I'm down 106 lbs! Belinda taught me that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. I eat all the same things I normally would and my portion sizes are actually larger. I didn’t have to cut out bread, fajitas or my lattes. She never once told me I was doing something wrong or said "No" to me. She has always made me feel comfortable and never judged. If I needed help in any way she was right there. I actually look forward to our meetings. 

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This isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. Yes, I had to work hard. I measured and weighed all my food, which isn’t hard. I read labels and am more knowledgeable for it. I’ve worked out through migraines, tiredness and just plain laziness. I never ended a workout thinking “I wish I hadn’t done that” or “I feel terrible.” On days that I struggle it helps me to remember how I felt at my biggest, and it’s something I never want to feel again. I also tell myself “I didn’t come this far just to stay this far” and those two things have really helped me along the way. 

 

One year later, I’m healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. I no longer care what anyone thinks about me. My opinion is all that matters and I love me, jiggly bits and all!