Rocket man: Dan’s full throttle success

Ali’s program was amazing.  Hands down the best investment I’ve ever made in myself.  And I’m someone who invests a lot in myself.  The program was full of fun, discovery and friendship, and by the end, I found myself feeling the happiest I’ve felt in tens years and the most in control of my emotions and energy ever.

I lost more than 10 lbs and got back down to my high school weight as an unintended (but much appreciated!) side effect of our focus on getting my digestive, energy and mood issues under control.

Ali also helped me see how nutrition and health fit together with my long term goals and with the things I value in day to day life. Now I’m rocketing forward towards my goals while also enjoying the simple pleasures of each day more than I ever have. ~ Dan S., Washington, D.C.

It’s time to stop hiding and start living

I am on vacation this week and have a testimonial in place of a blog entry. It’s from a former client Sera. She’s wicked smart, focused and fearless, although she didn’t always know that until life tested her with a Desmoid tumor. She took the challenge, is recovering spectacularly and is now running to help others who have Desmoid tumors in the upcoming Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR).

Her story is below. I know marketing gurus tell you testimonials are only supposed to be a formuliac paragraph, but if you’ve ever struggled with your weight, body or food, you can learn so much from Sera’s story. She’s a fiesty young woman who makes you believe people are kind, honest and trying to be their best. I didn’t edit a thing. It’s all straight from the heart, and a very big and courageous one at that.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” ~ Benamin Disraeli

There are many people who’ve come in and out of my life in the 27 years, but  very few have touched me like Ali. I still am not sure how Ali came into my life or how I was so fortunate to gain such a valuable friend, but I know one thing for sure – I will forever live a better, stronger, happier life because of her influence.

When I first met Ali I had no idea that she would become such an influence on me. I would venture to guess that many would not know what kind of caring, knowledgeable and charismatic person lives inside that 5’4”, petite frame.

After our first consultation I knew I had met someone that understood me – finally! Someone could speak to my innermost fears and help me answer questions that I had spent 27 years hiding from. I remember leaving our first meeting so light and free with so much hope, something I had not had in a long time when it came to my body.

I reached out to Ali because I had a tormented relationship with food and my body and I was so tired from it. I had spent 27 years starving myself, binging, purging, over-exercising, winning and losing my every day battle with food and my body. I knew I had to stop this battle, but I had no idea where to start.

I was skeptical when I first met Ali. It’s true she was a jolt of light and inspiration that I needed in my life, but she asked me to do things I had been utterly opposed to for years of my life: drink whole milk (no way: skim = slim), get off artificial sweeteners (and just how am I supposed to drink my coffee??), try new vegetables (hello, I eat so many fruits and veggies – how could you possibly show me anything new)? I did not follow  every idea she gave me right away and it took weeks (and months) for some things to sit well with me.

But that’s the special thing about Ali – I have never met a more patient, yet politely persistent, ‘I know what I am talking about and can give you more info if you want it’ individual then Ali. During the process of working through some very difficult patterns in my life, that I learned were the foundation of these eating problems, Ali unwearyingly sat on the sidelines and was my coach, interjecting just the right cheers when I needed a push, but letting me blaze my own path to set myself free. With Ali’s encouragement, wisdom and patience I have set myself free.

I have become a new, courageous individual that not only has a positive relationship with food, but I have become a woman with a little more hope, a little more faith and a lot more patience. Ali came into my life to help me transform my relationship with food, but she did so much more than that. Sure, she got me drinking whole milk, preaching to others when they use artificial sweeteners (you would really put that in your body?!), picking up kale and bok choy every time I go to Whole Foods (yes – there are many, many greens and veggies I knew nothing about), but more importantly Ali showed me how to trust myself, be patient with my body instead of torturing myself, be aware and accepting of life and the “mistakes” I make or challenges I face and learn from them.

I never anticipated how important the lessons she taught me would impact my life and how quickly I would reap the benefits. Several months after I started working with Ali and began to break down the walls I had so meticulously built around food and my body image a routine doctors appointment turned my world upside down when I found out that I had a tumor in my abdominal wall.

For a girl that lived and breathed, nutrition and exercise and how I looked, the news of this tumor and the accompanying surgery that I would need to go through to have it removed was the biggest, darkest nightmare I had faced in my life. Thank my lucky stars that I had Ali as a part of my support system during this process.

Her faith, hope, support, nutritional and meditative advice through the diagnosis, surgery, and recovery were nothing short of amazing. From pre-surgery meditations, to post surgery healing recipes and to recovery chats of confidence (not to mention a heroic realization during this whole process that I had a horrible gluten intolerance) Ali was a friend, mentor, health coach and ray of light. I may never figure out how she came in my life and how she joined me on my journey at just the right time, but I will forever be changed because she was a part of it.

Thank you Ali, for being you, for always having hope, for sticking by me when I wanted to give up and for believing I had a beautiful, promising future waiting for me – you were right and I am forever grateful. ~Sera S. Philadelphia, PA

To donate for the research on Desmoid tumors and help support Sera during the PDR, click here: www.active.com/donate/sera_dtrf

It’s Not All About the Food

Here’s a recent client testimonial. This is an inspiring example of the tie between what feeds us in our life like relationships, career, and spirituality and it’s connection with food. I must acknowledge KT and her adventurous spirit for really living life on purpose. We can all learn from her about finding what feeds our soul.

I decided to have an initial consultation with Ali because I was feeling over-stressed, overweight, and generally unhappy with my lifestyle.  I had a history of disordered and emotional eating and I was tired of “yo-yo” dieting.  I wanted to understand how my food choices were affecting my body, my moods and my stress-levels.

In the beginning of our work together, Ali and I talked a lot about the incorporating ‘whole’ foods into my diet.  We worked on phasing out the processed foods and introducing more nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, whole grains and lean proteins.  It was not long before I realized that I felt better and had a lot more energy!  Plus, I discovered my love for cooking!  I got a lot of great recipes from Ali and I found that preparing fresh meals at home tasted so much better!

In addition, I dramatically reduced my caffeine intake.  I had gotten into the habit of having three to four cups of coffee and/or soda a day, but once I cut that out, I noticed that my moods and cravings were much more stabilized.  A year later, I feel much better physically and I know that I will continue with these healthy habits for many years to come.

One issue in particular that I have always struggled with is emotional eating.  Prior to working with Ali, I thought that my emotional tie to food was a weakness or a lack of willpower.  With her integrative approach, Ali helped me realize that my emotional eating was triggered by a lack of ‘nourishment’ from other aspects of my life.  With Ali’s help, I focused my attention on activities and people that give me joy and inspire me.  By making a conscious decision to incorporate exercise, massage, meditation and quality time with friends and family into my life, I found that I did not need more food because I was already ‘full’!

In addition, I realized that my corporate job leaves me stressed-out, exhausted and personally unfulfilled at the end of the day.  Ali spent a lot of time helping me to assess jobs and careers that may better suit my needs and interests.  She helped me to assess my personal values and strengths.  In our work together, I realized that I wanted to make a career change for my overall health and well-being.  I have decided to start graduate classes this summer and I have never been happier!

After working with Ali for a year, I learned a lot about nutrition and the science behind different foods but I also learned so much more.  Ali’s approach was truly unique as she incorporated physical, emotional, and spiritual support into each of our sessions.  She is a coach, a counselor, a friend and a true inspiration to those who hope to find a healthier lifestyle!  With her support and guidance, I have found a happier, healthier me!

-KT, Philadelphia, PA

C.O’s On-the-Go Gluten Free Life: 4 Dress Size and 96 Point Cholesterol Drop!

When I first met with Ali, it was an emergency situation. At 26, my cholesterol was over 280 points, my triglycerides were out of control, and I was 40 pounds overweight. I had stomach problems, migraines, and a variety of other issues. I had seen doctor after doctor, but none could give me an explanation or relief.

Ali almost immediately recognized a pattern in my symptoms and suggested I try cutting gluten out of my diet for 2 weeks. Since I eat out for pretty much every meal every day, it was hard at first. But then I started to feel better, and I realized I had a lot of food options. After 3 months I had gone completely gluten-free, and I never felt better. I dropped 4 dress sizes and 96 points from my cholesterol with just that and some exercise. Now I don’t even go near anything with gluten and I feel great. I’m an entirely new person who looks forward to eating, buying clothes, and living a healthy life – all thanks to Ali!

~ C.O., Philadelphia, PA

Are You Settling for Mediocre Health and Don’t Even Know It?

Here is a great testimonial and incredible inspiration from one of my recent clients. The reason I love T.P’s story so much is because she refused to accept she had to live with horrible PMS symptoms. I’m talking dehabiliting, life interrupting symptoms.

She might have been skeptical at first (read her story and you’ll get a laugh!) but she was open to dreaming about possibilities. And knowing how smart T.P is, I know she’ll now be better equipped to challenge other things that might come in her path about how things “have to be”. She’s in charge now of her health and her life.

Here’s her amazing story:

When I originally started to work with Ali, all I wanted was to lose weight. What I got was a new positive relationship with food, an understanding of how important balancing all areas of your life area and an end to emotional eating & PMS symptoms…oh yeah and I lost weight. Thank you Ali, for giving me my life back!

Ali’s approach is not a diet and it’s not only about food. I learned a lifetime worth of lessons in months. In addition to learning about new foods and food combinations, my love/ hate relationship with food became one of love/ love. I now understand that cravings are not just about food and taking time for yourself is just as important as eating foods that are good for you.

I also found the answers to my emotional eating. I have always been an emotional eater, but by asking myself the right questions, I no longer let my emotions control my eating habits. What I loved about working with Ali was that she would always suggest things; she would never say, “You MUST do this.” She would say, “Let’s try this and see if it works for you.”

It was through these suggestions that I realized that I have gluten sensitivities. I discovered that gluten was wreaking havoc on my body. Since being gluten-free, I have noticed an incredible difference in how I feel and how much easier my body digests foods.

One of my biggest issues was that due to my crazy PMS symptoms, I would have 1 good week out of the month. My symptoms included: sore breasts, very drastic manic mood swings and intense cramps. These symptoms would last for 3 weeks out of every month. But I had just assumed this was my plight and there was nothing I could do about it.

Ali said that changing my way of eating would lessen these symptoms. To be completely honest, I thought Ali’s great and all, but she’s lost her mind. I mean that’s just crazy. I’m a woman! Of course I’m going to have crazy PMS symptoms. It’s just the way it is! I could not have been more wrong!

After a few months of working with Ali, my symptoms have not just lessened…they are gone! Yes, you heard me, I said GONE! I actually had to check the calendar to see when my period was coming because I had NO symptoms! This has changed my life in the most drastic way…I can actually have one now! Gone are sore breasts that lasted for 2 weeks, drastic 3 week long mood swings and intense cramps. Now every week is a symptom free week! To say that I’m downright giddy is an understatement!

Ali really works with you to come up with a way of eating & living that works with your schedule and lifestyle. She is a joy to work with!

T.P., New York City, NY

From High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure to High On Life: Sherrill’s Story

Ali has given me the greatest gift in life…me!  For the first time in my 53 years I can honestly say that I love myself.  For years I went to counselors asking for happiness and to doctors asking for health…to no avail.  Each and every time I would be given prescription drugs with side effects as an added bonus!  I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I was pre-diabetic with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  It was time to get healthy with food and Ali was my very patient teacher.

Six months ago I came to Ali asking for health and happiness and this time I received all the answers.  She taught me how to be happy in my relationships, career and spirituality; thereby, relieving my need to find solace in an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.  Ali lovingly showed me how not to sabotage my diet and life by deconstructing cravings.  This was not a diet of deprivation; it was just the opposite, more healthy foods were added to my diet.  With Ali’s knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic guidance I am now free of all medication.  Ali has empowered me with the secret to a vibrant lifestyle.

~ Sherrill Barrett, New Jersey

Michele’s Magical Aha’s

Thank you doesn’t seem adequate to convey my excitement and gratitude towards you! Working with you these last six months was more than I imagined it would be. The nutritional information was key, however I didn’t expect to learn SO MUCH about myself, my motivations, and my attitudes toward my health and food.

You are amazing and I will forever be grateful to you, my Young Yoda! I have loved our time together and look forward to working with you in the future!

Michele Giletto
Whitehall, PA

KS Loses Weight and Gains Her Strength

I was referred to Ali through my physical therapist while I was in the process of recovering from ACL surgery. I was trying to lose weight but was unsuccessful. This was frustrating as years ago, I lost 60 pounds on my own through diet and exercise. But for the past couple of years, I had hit a wall and now, unable to work out, I started to panic and get very discouraged.

The first day I met Ali I felt like I was catching up with an old friend. She was warm, understanding and just wanted to learn about ME! From this first meeting, I knew she was the person I wanted to help me learn about nutrition and how the food I was eating (or not eating) would affect my body and mind.

It was important to find someone who could work with my busy schedule, be willing to listen and work around my likes and dislikes (I have many), and accept that “I’m not perfect”, and be willing to be my cheerleader and friend when sometimes I just needed to talk.

The next couple of months Ali taught me although I wasn’t eating horribly, I was eating a lot of processed food and hardly had any fat in my diet. My body was unable to digest the food and in turn was not allowing me to lose weight. In addition, we realized that I was not eating enough to truly allow my body to thrive. Go figure! Ali’s dedication and support over the past six months has been invaluable to me as I’ve lost weight and learned to connect with what my body needs.

Additionally, I needed another ACL surgery while working with Ali. She mapped out the foods I should eat and exercises I could do to get my body/mind prepared to make a quick recovery. My surgery was two months ago and I’m feeling great.

Ali is someone I would recommend to anyone, whether you have weight to lose or want to learn how you can help yourself truly feel better through nutrition. Most importunately, Ali will become your friend and someone you can always call when you just need some extra support.

Thanks Ali –

KS, Philadelphia, PA

JL Trades in Food for Fun

Last spring, I began meeting with Ali for nutritional counseling. At the beginning of our sessions together, my main focus was to end my cravings and bring closure to an almost twenty year cycle of trying different diets/exercise programs, where I would meet with success for awhile, but then succumb to cravings – only to start the search again for a new “solution”.

By working with Ali, I began a transformation not only with my eating but also with my life. My “aha” moment came the week I worked on finding more time for myself and listing things I already love or would love to do. By taking time for myself, I have begun to cultivate new interests (singing and songwriting!) and, in general, have learned how to nourish myself without always turning to food for comfort. Some of these seemingly simple changes have been nothing short of amazing in my life: my always-hectic, frenzied schedule has become more calm, I am finding more productive ways to deal with people and have felt empowered as a result, and when I find myself facing life’s challenges I feel that I can meet these obstacles and come out on the other side stronger and better.

My stormy relationship with food has improved significantly: in fact, I find that I spend less time thinking about food and more time enjoying life! Because I am able to eliminate energy-wasting activities and thoughts at this point, I feel more relaxed, sleep better, and have more energy each day. My chronic sinusitis has subsided significantly, and my weight fluctuations have ended.

Ali is such an exceptional listener, and always has timely advice and resources that enhance whatever we’re discussing. In addition, her nonjudgmental nature makes room for open, honest conversation. I especially enjoyed the weekly goal-setting and follow-up e-mails. By revisiting goals reflectively, working on the present productively, and making subtle changes for a better future, I felt that our time together was purposeful and always moving in a positive direction.

Ali’s knowledge of mind/body health is extensive, and I would always leave our sessions feeling energized, inspired, and filled with new, exciting information. I believe that anyone working with Ali will experience success if that person is willing to be honest with him/herself, be introspective, and follow through with his/her goals! Ali certainly possesses the expertise and personality to help anyone achieve success!

~ JL, New Jersey

J.C.S Loses 10 Pounds and Gains a Life

Working with Ali at Pyour Nutrition helped me with much more than just my diet. In addition to helping me eat for chronic stomach problems, I realized that reforming my diet and losing weight was about so much more than just food, portions and calories– as was overeating. Health and happiness are about much more than being thin, but about nourishing both your body and your life. Once you learn how to do these things, your weight doesn’t matter as much anymore, although this is when you actually begin to lose weight easily.

Even though I lost those pesky extra ten pounds– which was my initial and foremost goals– it now seems like the least important benefit of the program. Through the program I gradually learned not just how to gradually add healthiness into my life, but also happiness. I realized how necessary happiness is to healthiness and weight loss—this seems so obvious to me now after working with Ali, but never did before in my many previous years of dieting. ~ J.C.S, Philadelphia