I did not want to go on a "diet" because I felt it would not be sustainable. I believed that as soon as the diet was over my weight loss would be over, and I'd be back to where I started. So I met with Belinda, and instead of a diet, she helped me make a lifestyle change. She taught me how I could eat, be happy, and lose weight. Without realizing it, I was taking control of my health and my life. And I began to embrace the lifestyle that I am now leading. I never felt miserable with what I was eating. Meeting with Belinda each week was a critical part of my journey. I felt accountable to her, yet she was not critical at any time. Each week Belinda would give me new little suggestions that would appeal to me, that would help me to continue and be satisfied with what I was eating. And before long, I didn’t want those unhealthy choices anymore.  I eat out for lunch everyday and dinner at least three nights a week. And I've been able to keep that lifestyle and find the right things to eat. And lose weight.

 

After about six weeks into this, I began to go to the gym, which happened organically. I wanted to do it. Belinda suggested it, but never pushed me. I embraced it. It fueled my enthusiasm for what I was doing. I didn’t feel that this was a drudgery.  The first part of my weight loss journey was a mental decision, not physical. I had to make the decision to do this, I had to be committed. I hit my goal of 57 lbs weight loss after eight months, and I feel like I can maintain this healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life. I don’t feel like I have to do this, I want this. Some ancillary benefits that I didn't expect - I don't feel stuffed or bloated when I eat, I feel more empowered, I have increased self-respect, I can sleep better, I no longer need prednisone for my asthma, I no longer feel that film of fat coating the inside of my mouth.

 

Belinda was nurturing and supportive, helpful, reasonable, capable, and intelligent. Without her help I’m certain that I would not be where I am today. Give her a call, you’ll be glad you did. I talked to other nutritionists, but when I talked with Belinda I knew that I wanted to work with her. In fact, one nutritionist was only 2 miles from where I am, but I chose to travel 25 miles each week to see Belinda.