My History With Dieting and Health Concerns…
I’ve been overweight for most of life. The only times I was able to loose weight was intense workouts and very limited sugar/carbs. For most of my adult life, I have engaged in some form of extreme dieting. From Keto (no carbs, no bread, no grain, barely any fruits no junk food, barely ate, green smoothies some times twice a day as meal replacements) to Topiramate, an anti-seizure medication used for weight loss.
I noticed for three weeks I would feel great, then I would feel horrible (headaches, fatigue, mentally foggy) for up to a week.
While on “Strict Keto”, I lost 50 pounds and a ton of inches. Worked out at Orange Theory plus had trainers 4 to 5 times a week.
Then “life kicked in” My work schedule changed/ illness that required medicine. The weight came back with 30 extra pounds within 7 months. The many years of extreme dieting and nutritional deficiencies caught up with me. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Anxiety. With no known mental health issues prior, many have said burnout/adrenal fatigue etc) caused the onset. I was put of Zoloft and after two months of severe insomnia, low mood, heart racing, palpitations, and chest tightness. I called this “The Crash.”
I was sick and tired of fad diets, extremely restrictive eating just to loose the weight. I needed something for life.
I was left with hormonal issues, elevated A1C (marker for Pre-Diabetes), complications from being overweight, and lab work revealing severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies causing other health issues.
Working With Sandra…
When I came to Sandra I was at my heaviest. I detested eating more than once a day because I didn’t want to gain weight and it had the opposite effect. I tried every diet and fad that was out there. The program that she put me on worked wonders. It takes effort and disciple, but I was never hungry. No fad foods, just real foods. No calorie counting. None of that. I followed that plan even after our sessions were done. I am proud to say I am 40 pounds less than where I started.
There is no meal skipping or cutting out whole food groups at all. I would recommend anyone struggling with “what to eat” and “eating right” to see her and get on her program.
My Life Now…
I went from 290ish March 2020 (COVID lockdown) to 252 in February 2021 following what I learned while working with Sandra.
Do I still have the occasional soda, cookies..etc. Yes, but because my meals are natural and packed with nutrients, the cravings are low and I desire better foods now. I love pizza but now I eat Cauliflower pizza. I’m finding great alternatives to the things I love.
My weight loss was healthy, moderate and consistent week to week…..BUT I know these 40 something pounds ain’t coming back in Jesus Name Amen!! I thank God for connecting me with Sandra and her patience in helping me finally break my “dieting mindset”. Sandra’s coaching style and program really inspired me to finally learn HOW to eat.
To God be the Glory!
Tracey Jackson, Miami, FL
Here’s more about Tracey’s journey to a healthier her below…