Weight and waist measurements reflect changes over the sixteen weeks of the pilot. See here for details.
My husband said that he didn’t think I was on a diet—he said diets are full of deprivation and, since I wasn’t feeling deprived, I couldn’t call it a diet anymore. It does feel good not to be driven by my stomach! I feel so different in such a good way.
—Donna A., 51, Selah, WA Weight loss: 22 pounds. Decrease in waist: 5 inches
I’ve worked at the same hospital for fifteen years. I have people, two, three, five times a day coming up to me and saying, “Oh my God—you look fantastic.” Which is truly a gratifying reward that I was not looking for. I was doing this purely for myself. And many, many, many people track me down and say, “Please, share it with me. I want to learn how to do this.” Personally, I feel amazing.
—Eric F., 42, Needham, MA Weight loss: 17 pounds. Decrease in waist: 3 inches
There is more to this program than just a number on the scale. I think they should call this “the change your brain diet” because I have a totally different outlook on food, my body, my personal journey, and wellness in general. Temptations are still there but I don’t constantly feel hungry or deprived. I used to feel like there was something wrong with me, that I lacked willpower or fortitude. This program has shown me that I can do this—it has given me something very intangible that I have difficulty describing but hope others are feeling too. I feel like I can stick to this for the rest of my life.
—Lisa K., 52, Dedham, MA Weight loss: 19 pounds. Decrease in waist: 6 inches
This program has proven to me that diet does matter… a lot! I have lost this weight without exercise. I never thought I could learn to eat differently, lose weight, and actually enjoy the food I’m eating.
—Deborah W., 52, Tewksberry, MA Weight loss: 21 pounds. Decrease in waist: 4 inches
I have followed the program heart and soul. I have never ever been able to do that on a weight loss or health program before. I physically was not able to. I would cave and binge or would slowly trickle foods in and then feel bad and give up altogether. Life offers so many tasty ways to satisfy yourself—if you are not educated on what your body needs and limits are, you are eating blind!
—Dominique R., 40, St. Paul, MN Weight loss: 28 pounds. Decrease in waist: 6.5 inches
Food no longer controls every waking moment of my life. Before doing the program, I was always thinking about the next meal or snack. I never felt full or satisfied. But now, I often have to remind myself that it is time to eat again. I feel so good, so much better than I have felt in a very long time. I cannot remember the last time I looked so good—my face is defined, I have a neck again, and now I have shoulders that do not look like they belong to a football player! I look in the mirror and like what I see now.
—Angelica G., 50, Sacramento, CA Weight loss: 11.5 pounds. Decrease in waist: 3 inches
I’m very impressed with my results. The recipes taste excellent—and this is from someone who never cooks.
—Mary L., 51, Quincy, MA Weight loss: 18 pounds. Decrease in waist: 2 inches
I am wearing jeans that I have not been able to zip or button for more than two years! The difference is the 4 inches I lost from my middle! Never again will I eat that processed food! I am so motivated!
—Joyce D., 70, Roswell, GA Weight loss: 8 pounds. Decrease in waist: 4.5 inches
I chose this program because I was tired of not being able to keep up with my active lifestyle—I felt fatigued before my day started and lacked the motivation to do activities after work. Because I had such a busy schedule, I often binge ate, which would leave me feeling bloated and tired. After beginning the program, I immediately began to feel increases in energy along with restful sleep. For me, the most rewarding part of the program is being able to wake up refreshed and having the energy to conquer an eighteen-hour day. I’ve also learned to make healthy choices and listen to my body—why didn’t I do this sooner?!
—Amanda N., 28, Pepperell, MA Weight loss: 8 pounds. Decrease in waist: 5 inches
This program to me is about getting healthy. Losing weight will be a happy side effect. You can do fad diets where you lose 24 pounds in 24 days but then jump right back into old eating habits. Or you could lose a few pounds a month for a year and maintain that weight for the rest of your life while still enjoying eating.
—Matthew F., 36, Roslindale, MA Weight loss: 31 pounds. Decrease in waist: 5.5 inches
Initially, giving up sweets was hard. But the program was perfect for me because you just ate what you like, but in smarter ways. Then, when I would eat pizza, soda, or popcorn, I would feel really gross. The program helped me obtain a much healthier and smarter relationship with food. I feel more mentally clear and just happier. I would recommend this program to anybody.
—Kristin Z., 24, Dorchester, MA Weight loss: 20 pounds. Decrease in waist: n/a
Last winter was one of the most difficult I have ever experienced. I could have easily gained lots of weight from lack of exercise, carb cravings due to the cold and from being more housebound than usual. But the program has been a godsend and the easiest I have followed!
—Katherine L., 56, Stoneham, MA Weight loss: 7 pounds. Decrease in waist: 2 inches
There have been many changes, and I love them! My weight is down. My waist size is down. My energy is up. My attitude is up. And what’s really awesome about it all is that I believe that I can sustain this lifestyle. The food I have learned to prepare is delicious. I feel very sated after eating. And I am beginning to not feel deprived. This plan is really working for me (and my wife too!). I don’t want this just to be a diet that ends when I reach my ideal weight. I am more healthy than ever and I don’t want to revert to my old self. I am gaining confidence every week.
—Dan B., 45, Lehi, UT Weight loss: 15 pounds. Decrease in waist: 1 inch
I have increased energy throughout the day, especially in the late afternoon when I would usually feel sluggish and need coffee. The recipes are easy to follow and I had a really good time learning to cook all of those tasty meals. And I’ve continued losing weight after the 16-week pilot ended!
—Benjamin P., 26, Natick, MA Weight loss: 14 pounds. Decrease in waist: 2 inches
The biggest change has been my ability to make choices around food. I no longer feel victimized by food, or deprived. I look forward to ripe berries in the same way I used to think about cookies. The ability to choose food has given me freedom and has empowered me in other ways. Last year at this time, I had no hope that my body could change. But if I can do this, I can do anything.
—Kim S., 47, South Jordan, UT Weight loss: 25 pounds. Decrease in waist: 3.5 inches
Because I no longer have the “craving crazies” drowning out thoughts and physical sensations, I am able to calmly notice what’s going on with my mind and body. I know what feeling good feels like (mentally and physically), and it has less to do with a number on the scale than I expected it to. I feel hopeful—that’s huge.
—Nancy F., 64, Eden Prairie, MN Weight loss: 14.5 pounds. Decrease in waist: 7 inches
After years of hating my body—and thinking, “Oh, I don’t look that bad,” until I see myself in pictures—a guilt-free eating plan seemed awesome. As time goes on, it seems to be easier to say no to some of the foods I would overeat in the past. I have to admit, it does feel good to be able to say no and not feel deprived.
—Ruth S., 65, Stillwater, MN Weight loss: 15 pounds. Decrease in waist: 2.5 inches
I actually have found this program to be life altering, quite frankly. I went into it with a goal of weight loss, but I came out with so much more in terms of the benefits. Not only for my own health and well-being, but for my family as well.
—Lauren S., 52, North Andover, MA Weight loss: 28 pounds. Decrease in waist: 4.5 inches
I often experience a rut when it comes to food selections for meal preparations. When in those ruts, it is easy to turn to fast and unhealthy options, such as processed foods and fast foods. The recipes renewed my love of cooking. A big surprise was how much my children, ages eight and ten, enjoyed the recipes. I assumed they would turn up their noses at these new foods, but instead their palates were expanded. Another encouraging part of this process was the knowledge that if I were to derail from the program, all was not lost and I could get back on track to becoming a healthier version of myself.
—Esther K., 38, Flower Mound, TX Weight loss: 11 pounds. Decrease in waist: 3.5 inches
It’s like night and day! I used to be on antidepressants due to acute body aches, mild depression, and foggy head, and all of that has disappeared like magic! My tiredness and fibromyalgia have disappeared, and every day I wake up with a beaming smile on my face. My husband is shocked to see me not reaching out for Tylenol for my frequent headaches. What is this? I call it a miracle.
—Jyoti A., 59, Muskogee, OK Weight loss: 7 pounds. Decrease in waist: 4 inches
This program really helped me understand the connection between my cravings and my blood sugar levels. My cravings seemed to disappear and I very rarely felt hungry—which has been a challenge for me in the past, especially with how active I am with CrossFit and triathlon. I learned a lot more about how to eat to live rather than the other way around. I sleep and train better now than I ever have. The recipes were shockingly delicious!
—Amanda B., 35, Roslindale, MA Weight loss: 8 pounds. Decrease in waist: 2.5 inches