I began the SHAPE Program in November 2017 hoping to kickstart some much needed weight loss. After having two children and putting myself last for several years, my weight had topped out at 236 pounds. I was tired, my feet hurt, my energy was non-existent and though tired, I was having trouble sleeping at night. My healthcare provider and I had danced around the subject each time she checked my blood work, and finally one day I said, “Today is the day.”
I started the following day and followed the program to a tee. I was really worried about feeling hungry and having to give up some of my comfort foods including my flavored creamer in my coffee and bagels, but knew I needed to do this for me and my family.
What I found was within 3 days, I was already feeling the positive effects of eating clean. I wasn’t waking up with headaches each morning. I did not experience any of my typical morning fog, and I was able to focus at work throughout the day in a way I had not experienced in a long time. At my first check-in, I was astounded that I had already lost several pounds! As the weeks passed, I was not feeling any sugar cravings at all, was not missing my old carb-heavy diet and the pounds continued to shed regularly week after week. I did not experience any hunger due to the clean protein-filled food I was now fueling my body with.
I continued with the SHAPE Program ultimately losing just over 50 pounds!
I am currently in Phase III. I continue to actually want to eat clean with only a couple of splurges – ones I really had to think about if I really wanted to do. My body handled it just fine, and I was able to get back on the wagon right away. I plan to continue with maintenance through the summer months, and then do the SHAPE Program once more to get me to my goal weight.
My family notices a new confidence in me and a real shift in attitude. I find I’m sleeping better, I’m more focused, my emotions are more stable, and I just generally feel GOOD for the first time in a long time. I recently had blood work done again, and I’m proud to share that each of my levels we tracked had all shown so much improvement! I’m looking forward to continuing to be healthy in the years to come and 50 pounds lighter!
I would recommend the SHAPE Program to anyone who is serious about making changes in their life.
Submitted by Serena Kumar, NP
