I have struggled with weight management my entire life, my mom and I were always trying a new diet to lose weight and always gained it back. In 2014, my mom went on the program and started seeing amazing results so she convinced me to join the program too. I lost weight so quickly I was shocked, the plan was not difficult and I was so happy to find I stopped getting heartburn every day and had more energy. Toward the end of my weight loss journey I started feeling more confident and strayed away from the plan, stopped seeing my coach and picked up where I left off with very bad habits. I was shocked how quickly the weight came back, 2 years later I was even heavier than I started at in 2014.  I did not want to go out, be in photos, did not want to be seen because I was so embarrassed. I was tired all the time and that is when I knew I had to get back on the program again. Over the last year, I have lost 100 pounds and over 50 inches and I am now even smaller than the first time I did the program. Working with Christine has been amazing, she is not afraid to kick your butt if you are screwing up which we all need sometimes and she always has a few weight loss tips to give me. People are so shocked when they see me, they say, “I could never do what you did” but anyone can. I just think you have to be ready. In September I went wedding dress shopping and was so shocked, I could fit into the sample dresses (and some were even too large). My sister cried when she saw me in my dress because she said she had never seen me look like that before. Even silly things are easier now like finding a seat on the subway. Now I am just focused on not gaining it back this time, which is my biggest fear. Looking forward to an amazing year in a smaller size and working on maintaining my new weight.

Before I met Christine and began my journey with Ideal Protein, I felt that it was a hopeless cause for me to try to lose weight. I had been on many diets and fads to quickly drop the pounds, only to gain not only the weight that I lost, but additional weight as well. I felt that I would fail at whatever I attempted. I did not even want to look in the mirror anymore. My hairdresser, who is also a client of Ideal 4 Life, referred me to Christine. I was in such Dark place that I could not stand to look at myself. I lacked self-confidence. The moment I spoke to Christine on the phone I knew that she was the person for me and that this program was a way of life, it was a lifestyle change. With Christine as my coach, I must say she is always, and I mean always available to speak to, guide, and reinforce staying on protocol. I can honestly say I have been on many weight loss programs and I have never experienced the level of support I constantly receive from Christine. I have never encountered anyone in my life with the dedication that she portrays because she truly is there to help people. My journey is not going to end with being a specific weight because it is a new mindset. She truly understands the way people think about food and the changes that need to be made to not go back to dealing with food whether it was eating for emotional reasons or for comfort, boredom or just plain mindless eating. Therefore, I say bravo to Ideal Protein for coming up with a very doable program! Christine’s knowledge and support by far has been there every step of the way for me. The person I was when I first met her in February 2016 is no longer here. I think differently about making healthy choices. Do I have moment where I need guidance? Absolutely, but that is life and learning is a never-ending process. Christine continues to be there every step of the way!