Overall, the 90 day transformation has been truly a challenge and an enlightening experience. I learned to pay more attentions to: my body, stress from all areas of my life, discomforts I feel. I continue to work towards my long-term personal goals, try new recipes, new foods, and adapt to my surroundings when it comes to exercise. I have made great improvements towards a healthier diet, active lifestyle, and overall well-being.
I began the Be Fab – Be You program with frustration, anger, disappointment, concern, and slight optimism. I was the heaviest I have ever been in my lifetime, gross! I was frustrated and angry at myself for becoming overweight (clinically obese per my physician), which also lead to self-diagnosed mild depression.
I was disappointed that I had let myself go, became inactive, and lacked the discipline to work on my health; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was concerned for my personal health. My asthma worsened and my cholesterol increased, I was bloated, I felt tired and fatigued, I was becoming borderline diabetic, and I felt symptoms of GERD. My performance at work, with friends and family, and in life was lacking. I was in a fog, forgetful, distant and uncomfortable all the time. But there was hope and I was optimistic. I knew this was the program to kick start my life; to get me back on the wagon, feel better, and to see a light at the end of a long tunnel!
I have been athletic, active, and healthy all of my life. I went to college on a soccer scholarship and a volleyball scholarship. I ran daily, I lifted weights 3-4 times a week, I ate 3 healthy meals a day. I never once imagined myself being in a position in which I struggled to put on pants: twisting, lunging, wiggling, and sucking in my belly just to force a button to clasp. My health concerns were growing, primarily my asthma was not regulated. I found myself needing my rescue inhaler twice a day. That became an expensive health issue. I was disgusted and I needed a change.
I knew Maria through playing volleyball and hiking events she organizes for her own fun and sanity. She introduced me to the program and explained that it is more than just weight loss; it’s a complete lifestyle change for your mind, body, and spirit. This was exactly what I was looking for! I expressed my concerns for my physical ailments: asthma, increased cholesterol, weight gain, aches and pains, and overall discomfort. Maria asked if I was interested in taking a journey to improve my health and wellbeing. I was eager to say, “Yes, Absolutely!”
Before this opportunity, I ate what was quick and convenient: fast foods, comfort foods, lots of candy and snacks. I drank beer/wine/liquor 2-3 times a week, without recognizing the affects it would have on my weight. I was pumping toxins into my body! I had stopped exercising; I was unmotivated, depressed about my physical health and the limitations I saw from being unhealthy, I didn’t care, and I didn’t want to.
It was like I deserved being overweight! I couldn’t and wouldn’t find the time in my busy day to exercise, which was a subconscious way to punishing myself. Maria introduced me to a healthier way of understanding that what I was putting into my body was essentially poison and I must shoehorn in 20, 30, 60 minutes a day for myself.
The biggest eye opener was the symptomology and allergy testing using Applied Nutritional Analysis and supplements from Standard Process. It is fascinating to physically see your body react to certain foods/products/ingredients without running clinical tests; get poked with needles, and the trial and error of medications. With the results of the allergy test I was very eager to try the supplements. My primary concern was my asthma and morning allergies. I would wake up in the middle of the night have trouble breathing, tightness in my chest, and I would use my rescue inhaler and other Asthma meds to relieve my discomfort. And in the mornings I’d go through a box of tissues for allergy related sniffling and sneezing.
I have been using Standard Process’ Brocafect for bronchial and breathing issues and the Euphrasia Complex for sinus and allergy issues. In the 2 months of using these supplements I have noticed a significant difference. I breathe easier, I don’t feel pressure in my chest, and I don’t wake up sniffling and sneezing every morning. Fair warning though, these is NOT to replace any rescue inhalers or other Asthma medications, the supplements have helped me decrease the amount I use my Asthma medication.
The program is 90 days. I write this on day 50 of the 90 days. The first 45 days were the toughest for me, as 30 of those 45 days was a complete overhaul of dietary restrictions and eliminations. I was accustomed to eating processed foods, foods with hormones and steroids, foods that my body just cannot break down, foods that taste rich and delicious but are terrible to my digestive system. In those first 45 days I learned to choose greener, vibrant, more colorful fruits and veggies. I learned to choose leaner, organic, grass fed, little to no hormones, and little to no preservatives in meats. And I tried foods I have never heard of, recipes I’d never imagined. “These foods are flavorful and delicious!” I felt my body change, my taste buds changed, and I understand now the benefits I gain from certain foods.
Maria helped educate me about the nutritional values and the portion sizing of each food group. I can now physically feel my body use the nutrients I receive from healthier food options. My body rid itself of the poisons and toxins that had been stored for so long. While it was difficult to make these changes, I could see my appetite curbing, I didn’t have cravings, and the withdrawals disappeared. I often hear people compare sugar to heroin. Well they are absolutely correct, it is addictive, it is hard to digest/metabolize, and the withdrawals are painful!
I also increased my physical activity. I worked with Maria 3 times per week to develop different exercise routines, different methods of exercise, and identifying what works for me. It wasn’t easy! I have a sporadic work schedule and can’t always plan a fixed or concrete time to work-out. Maria was flexible and worked with me to develop routines when I could not work directly with her. At times she would come to me and work me to death, knowing that was the best solution for staying motivated.
I went from not working out, avoiding stairs, and a sedentary lifestyle to jogging with the dog, taking 10 min of time out of my workday to walk or stretch, and working out 3x per week. I feel stronger, I have increased my endurance, I have improved my sleeping habits, and I feel more alert, and most importantly my aches and pains have subsided. This is the course I strayed from over a year ago.
Some takeaways I had are know your body; how you sleep, how you breathe, how you eat, what times you eat, how you poop…really know your body. What limitations you have physically; where am I feeling the aches and pains, what previous injuries do I have, how far am I willing to give, what I am willing to give up, what types of sacrifices do I need to make in order for me to feel better about myself.
Goal setting; are my goals realistic? can I put deadlines on my goals? can I complete the timeline of these goals? Communicate, communicate, communicate; tell your friends and family about your goals and explain you need the support (If they truly love you they will encourage and support your efforts), communicate with the trainer-talk to them about your medical history, tell them your frustrations with the program, and discuss strategies and approaches that will encourage you to stay the course.
A major frustration I had was keeping a journal, food diary, workout log, etc. I have never kept a journal or a diary and during this program I tried my best to keep a journal, at least for the 30 day reset program. It certainly is not a habit I was able to keep. I understand the thought behind keeping track of what I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat, as well as, how and when I exercise. It just felt like I had to put one more thing on my list of To Do’s. Another frustration I had was the not feeling like I had been working towards my goals. I often felt that my work ethic was not up to par. I was juggling too many things, while I could see and feel physical changes, I mentally and emotionally continued to be frustrated. Truly what I needed was verbal praise, someone to tell me, “You’re on the right track and to keep up the good work!”
Overall, the 90 day Be Fab 0 Be Radiant Program has been truly a challenge and an enlightening experience. I learned to pay more attentions to: my body, stress from all areas of my life, discomforts I feel. I continue to work towards my long-term personal goals, try new recipes, new foods, and adapt to my surroundings when it comes to exercise. I have made great improvements towards a healthier diet, active lifestyle, and overall wellbeing. I am working towards continued weight loss, although I lost 14lbs in 50 days, I have a ways to go to achieve my goal of losing 30 lbs.
I have also increased my mental health. I am more alert, focused, take mental breaks as needed, and I am adopting time mgmt. strategies to reduce stress. Be Fab – Be You was truly a blessing. It could not have come at a better time in my life. Maria was flexible, knowledgeable, and willing to adapt to my needs.
I have shared my experience with co-workers, acquaintances, friends, and family. I will continue to be an advocate for Be Fab – Be You, because I truly believe in this program. I am back on the right track to continued long-term health!
-Sarah Lawrence
