When I was told about the new Healthy Inspirations weight loss program earlier this year, I was skeptical to say the least, but I had been obsessing over my middle age weight gain for at least two years and I decided to give it a try.  I confess I entered the program with a fairly negative attitude and when I saw the actual plan I felt defeated before I even began.  To tell me the plan was all about rigidity, deprivation and monotony and I was very discouraged.  I told my counselor that didn’t think I could do it but was resolved to take one day at a time.  In reality, I couldn’t look beyond my next meal, as I felt overwhelmed by what I perceived as a complex and unyielding system that would be impossible to adhere to.

I did commit to “try it out”, however, and so with plan in hand I went on my first very different grocery shopping trip.  Well, surprise, surprise, I survived the first few days quite well and started getting into the swing of things.  For the next two weeks, I stayed the course, despite my gut instinct to “cut and run.”  I knew that wasn’t an option, because I felt that this might be my last chance to get control of my weight before it completely controlled me.  Besides, I was starting to drop the pounds and how can you argue with success?  By the end of the first few weeks, I realized that I wasn’t hungry and I was feeling better that I had in years.  The eating plan not longer seemed rigid, I didn’t feel deprived at all and instead of being bored, I felt challenged to adhere to the plan and be creative with my food prep. 

To make a long story shorter, it is now 22 weeks later, and I am 41 pounds lighter and feel 15 years younger!  The name “Healthy Inspirations” says it all.  I haven’t felt this ‘healthy’ or ‘inspired’ in several years.  Thank you Patty Bonafede and the staff at Healthy Inspirations in Atascadero, CA.  I am forever grateful for you patience and encouragement.

Jane Stokes

Atascadero, CA

I was stuck.  I was frustrated.  I felt bad.  My body wasn’t healthy and I wasn’t happy.

I wanted to feel successful.

The 20 pounds that I wanted to lose eluded me.  I was eating cottage cheese and fruit, chicken breasts, and cracker and cheese, yogurt---all the things I thought would take those unwanted pounds off.  I felt deprived, discouraged, and I wasn’t losing any weight!

Curves, Weight Watchers, the gym---I tried them all..

Healthy Inspirations is the program that works foe me.  The encouragement and motivation received from the counselors was only a part of what I needed.  The hours H.I. was open worked for me, the fact that grocery store foods were on the plan, (not some special drink or prepared food that was costly and not fresh) was very appealing.  Journaling what I ate, how much I ate and when I ate was tedious at first but now it is a routine that I enjoy.

“Working out” is a pleasure, not a chore.  The eating plan (not diet) gives me plenty of food, the right kind of portions.

As I began to feel better (more energy, less fatigue, clothes fit better, pride in my appearance, etc.) it was motivation to continue on the course that was laid out just for me. 

As a care provider, I wanted to set an example.  Being overweight wand unhealthy was not setting a good example.  After my weight loss goal was reached, my family, friends and acquaintances asked when I was going to stop losing weight.  I had stopped losing weight but I was still losing inches---gaining muscle, losing fat.  My posture even improved!

I have tossed all my size 14 pants and large size tops for size 9/10 pants and medium tops.  It all happened between March 1^st and July 1^st!!!  I continue to visit the gym 3 days a week (one and one half miles walking on the treadmill) and two days a week on the resistance training circuit.

I am grateful to the staff and confident that the course that has been set out for me will continue for years!!!

Cathy L. Williams

P.S. Why would I intentionally want to feel bad again!!?