From: Mark K.

Sent: August 22, 2007
To: Michelle Stewart
Subject: The Greatest!

I will never forget the day, January 31, 2007 when my doctor told me I was headed for a train wreck.  He told me that if I did not lose weight and start to exercise, I would be having a serious issue with either heart attack, stroke, diabetes--none of the options were pleasant.  So now what do I do.  I have eaten like a horse my whole life and did not have a clue how to eat correctly.  Called up Holy Cross and they set me up with Michelle Stewart.  We went to see Michelle, both anxious  (My partner came with me, as he does a lot of the cooking).  To make a long story short, Michelle made a very stressful time--fun, entertaining, informative and effective--when I started this journey, I weighed 254 and I now bounce around 215.  I have lost 16% of my body weight thanks to Michelle's guidance and encouragement, and the fact I haul my butt out of bed every morning and walk for an hour.  My long term goal is to get to 200, but I was nervous about getting through summer and vacation without gaining any weight back, and I succeeded.  Now I work on the last 15. 

Michelle taught us how to shop, cook and eat in pretty easy to remember ways.  She had charts and lists for us that I have found very helpful.  She had many tips but I think one of her most effective tips was this---there is no way you are going to be able to follow all of the rules; if you try you will fail, so follow as many as you can.  Changing every single one of our eating habits is hard--so the rule about eating early would have been just too much.  So we still eat later than we should, but we are eating asparagus, salad and meat at 9 instead of a heaping bowl of spaghetti and garlic bread! 

I feel much better.  I only have one chin now.  People actually notice that I have lost weight which is a great feeling.  My blood pressure is way down, my cholesterol is down--I am sleeping better.  I have not bought new clothes yet, as I still want to lose that last bit--besides, after having clothes fit tight for so many years, it is fun to have them baggy for a change.   

I feel I will be able to eat this way for the rest of my life.  I still get the munchies--but Michelle was able to guide me towards snacks which are good for you.  The old me would have had no problem eating half a bag of cookies (on top of a bowl of ice cream)--now I am thrilled when I have a peach, or an apple and a piece of cheese as my afternoon snack.   

Michelle and I have emailed back and forth, when I have specific questions.  I find that helpful.  When you are ready (or even if you are not!) to make the diet change, give Michelle a call.  You will be glad you did.

Mark K.

May 5, 2007

Dear Michelle:

I would be remiss if I did not write to tell you how much I appreciate all the information that you mailed me in March. Frank and I often talk about our meeting with you. We were pretty confused and desperate for guidance. You were right there to guide me. "My Guardian Angel" I am very grateful for that. You give so much more than anyone could expect and I thank you..

Now how am I doing? The good news is that urine protein number is coming down; After dropping to a concerning weight, I am eating more and finally back to my desired weight. I am still working on Fluids. After many tests they are still not sure of the cause of my other concerns. My gut feeling is that it relates to another area.

I hope that you and your husband are enjoying a wonderful New Year; that you are both in good health and happy.

Sincere thanks,

Maria J.