As with most people, I can look back at some event that was the turning point for a new direction in my life.  My-life changing event was the unexpected passing of my mother in March 2011. Approaching middle age and experiencing the fragility of life in such a personal and intimate manner, I began to look at my own mortality and question how I wanted to live the rest of my life.

When my mother passed, my 5’1’’ frame was carrying over 200 pounds. I had truly been lucky up to that point in my life that I did not have any significant medical issues to speak of. But as I stared in the mirror, I asked myself what I truly wanted to look like in 10, 20, even 30 years. I didn’t want to look frumpy or feel like I had to hide my body any longer. I certainly didn’t want to endure the look from my doctor when I stepped on the scale at my routine visits. I wasn’t enjoying this life that I had come to understand was so fragile and fleeting. I was grieving, I was unhappy and I was ready for a change.

I was ready for a new life.

There are so many things in life we cannot control. I looked at my health and well-being as one of the few things for which I could actually develop a sense of control.

I soon found that once you gain control over something, even something as minuscule as what you put in your mouth the other circumstances in your life begin to take perspective.

I had lost about 20 pounds on my own but wasn’t making the type of progress I wanted. I had tried every diet plan out there and always ended up putting what I had lost back on; sometimes even with an additional 5 or 10 pounds. I had no idea how to grocery shop for the right types of food…actually, I didn’t even know what were the right types of food. I knew I needed help. I had known Alex Joseph, one of Nuviva’s founders, for many years. I finally said to him. “I’m giving in, you take over and teach me what I need to know to get this extra person worth of weight off me!”

I began the Nuviva program in August 2011 at 193 pounds. I rang in the new year in January 2012 at 126 pounds. My transformation was incredible. In the first week, I lost 9 pounds! My gains each week were more modest moving forward, a healthy 3-5 pounds. But every now and again out of nowhere I’d have a 7 pound loss in one week. The consistent results were so motivating!

My energy levels skyrocketed and I felt great. The Nuviva team was incredible; so knowledgeable and supportive. My 17-year old daughter was very supportive as well. That is until she realized not only did I weigh less than she did, but that we could also wear the same size clothing!

Now that I have gone through the Nuviva program, I only wish I had done it sooner! I believe anyone can lose weight if they really try. I’ve seen friends try the latest program and drop some weight. But after time, they gain all their weight back and then some. I believe that’s because in order to keep it off, you have to increase your education and make lifestyle changes. That is what I truly gained from Nuviva that other programs simply don’t offer; the support, realistic expectations and education I gained from Nuviva will allow me to feel and look this great for the rest of my life.

Finally, I am healthier, more confident and more energetic. Even my professional life has improved. I am increasing my sales and, in turn, commissions based on the fact that I am more outgoing and energetic at work.

I feel better about my body and am better equipped to get what I want and to face whatever is next! Thank you Nuviva for helping me find the me I always knew was there.

Connie  R.