Before & After Pictures
 2003 |
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 2009 |
 2012 |
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I married the love of my life in 1995. Paul joined the Air Force in 1998. We had our first son in 2000 and our second in 2002. Being a military wife and mother of two boys with special needs, I found myself stressed out and overwhelmed.
Food was my answer for everything. My journey to health and happiness has been long and tedious. I’ve tried many quick-fixes throughout my life, losing and gaining the same countless pounds. I was an emotional eater, suffered from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and was addicted to sweets. Weight gain and hormonal imbalance is very common in women suffering from PCOS. I suffered from migraines and mood swings. I couldn’t walk up and down stairs without getting winded. After having two children, I found myself at my heaviest weight of 190 pounds. This was a lot for my 5’3” frame to hold. Looking back, I remember thinking, “I hide my weight well and surely I don’t look THAT heavy.” Then, I looked at pictures and saw what other people saw. I was obese, out of shape, and needed help. Even though I looked happy on the outside, inside I was miserable. I remember being tired and worn out. I finally got to the point where I knew I needed to “eat to live, not live to eat.” I needed to start focusing on health and not the number on the scale. I realized that in order to be active and live life to the fullest I had to rethink the foods I was putting into my body. I wanted to become a good role model for my children. My goal became to GET HEALTHY. I also learned that true health comes from not only the food I put into my body, but also from what the Institute for Integrative Nutrition calls "Primary Food". Primary Food is comprised of healthy relationships, regular physical activity, a fulfilling career and a spiritual practice. I am ecstatic to report that I no longer experience the cravings and emotional eating of my past. I no longer get migraines. I no longer have PCOS, and I am truly happy. I now spend my energy on living rather than obsessing over what foods I should be avoiding. I believe you can live the healthy, vibrant life you desire and deserve by making simple, positive changes, one step at a time.  |