Katrina H’s Success Story
I had some success on a protein shake program for a while, but it was too restrictive and unrealistic for the long term. I lost 30 pounds, but it came back immediately after I stopped drinking the shakes. It did not solve my unhealthy relationship with food. Everything I put in my mouth became a source of guilt if it wasn’t the shake, and that is no way to live. I also did the keto diet, but still had inflammation and menstrual irregularity.
I began isolating myself out of fear and embarrassment. This is not me. I am a social, optimistic, confident person on my best days.
I also suffered the emotional and physical trauma of a miscarriage after trying to get pregnant for years after my daughter was born. I found myself cycling between binge eating and starving myself through depression.
The worst of my PCOS symptoms were emotional, and that says a lot considering I could grow a full beard.
My real motivation for change came when I wanted to grow my family. I wanted to be in control of my body again. I wanted to learn how to beat this so I could set an example for my daughter. I wanted to be a champion of my condition rather than a victim.
During Kym’s 30 Day Challenge and 10 Week Program, one of the biggest changes I made was that I stopped cooking so many separate options for my family. After the 30 Day Challenge, they had become used to what I was making, and more accepting and interested in it. I did keep cheese, bread, and different fruits around for them, but they have fully adjusted to sweet potatoes and zoodles instead of french fries and pasta.
The most helpful aspects of Kym’s 10 Week Program for me were the lessons. Not just hearing what rules to follow, but understanding why they were important was a huge discovery for me. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t have milk. It became that I didn’t want milk because it causes inflammation and messes with my hormones. That seems so simple, but reasoning gave me the willpower to say “no.”
Also, learning to prioritize myself and my emotional and physical health was important. The way Kym explained self-care as a habit was particularly enlightening to a depressed wife and mom. Investing love in myself gave me the energy to care more effectively about those around me, too, which feels great.
I lost 19 pounds and many inches. I felt stronger, and woke up better rested. I stopped having acid reflux. The texture of my skin improved, and I no longer had cycle related breakouts. My family and I took a trip to Disney World, and we were late for the bus to Magic Kingdom. I will remember that moment forever because I was so surprised and proud after realizing I could run to catch it!
I began ovulating on my own again and I became pregnant on the first cycle we tried after completing the challenge!
It has been a wonderful, energetic pregnancy. I did not have gestational diabetes like I did with my daughter, and attribute the program with that success as well. Actually, I have only gained 15 pounds through this pregnancy! 15-20 was recommended for my BMI by my doctor, and with my history of having gestational diabetes. He is thrilled with my food choices, and the baby is thriving! I’m due any day now!
Since doing Kym’s programs I am more positive about life in general. I believe in myself! I don’t always make the best decisions, but I do my best. I can accept and love doing my best a lot easier than beating myself up for failing and giving up. I feel inspired by my physical and emotional progress, and that makes me hopeful for the future.
My daughter and I now walk to the park rather than drive. I am less of a sideline parent. I cook five nights a week instead of ordering out, and always have healthy options and leftovers in the fridge. My relationships have improved because I don’t cancel plans. I have energy and mental clarity! When I do indulge, I don’t feel guilty about it because I know it isn’t a normal part of my life anymore.
Before finding Kym, I was always looking for a quick fix rather than understanding why I was struggling in the first place. Learning what happens when certain foods go into my body has flipped my script. I don’t eat food out of guilt or shame anymore. I eat it to nourish my body and heal my PCOS. Having this positive frame of mind is everything for long term success.
My plans after I give birth are to keep up the emotional progress I have made with my relationship to food, and continue to grow stronger and healthier. Before I became pregnant, I sized out of Lane Bryant and other plus sized stores, so I am looking forward to shopping in standard store sections again. That was such a huge milestone for me!
I still have a way to go on my journey, but I am positive and inspired by my progress. It isn’t about weight or bikinis anymore, it’s become about acquiring the confidence and having the ability to do the things that I would have shied away from in the past. I’m getting healthy for me and my family. I’m teaching them that they can rise to the challenges of their life too!
Katrina
I had some success on a protein shake program for a while, but it was too restrictive and unrealistic for the long term. I lost 30 pounds, but it came back immediately after I stopped drinking the shakes. It did not solve my unhealthy relationship with food. Everything I put in my mouth became a source of guilt if it wasn’t the shake, and that is no way to live. I also did the keto diet, but still had inflammation and menstrual irregularity.
I also suffered the emotional and physical trauma of a miscarriage after trying to get pregnant for years after my daughter was born. I found myself cycling between binge eating and starving myself through depression.
The worst of my PCOS symptoms were emotional, and that says a lot considering I could grow a full beard.
My real motivation for change came when I wanted to grow my family. I wanted to be in control of my body again. I wanted to learn how to beat this so I could set an example for my daughter. I wanted to be a champion of my condition rather than a victim.
During Kym’s 30 Day Challenge and 10 Week Program, one of the biggest changes I made was that I stopped cooking so many separate options for my family. After the 30 Day Challenge, they had become used to what I was making, and more accepting and interested in it. I did keep cheese, bread, and different fruits around for them, but they have fully adjusted to sweet potatoes and zoodles instead of french fries and pasta.
The most helpful aspects of Kym’s 10 Week Program for me were the lessons. Not just hearing what rules to follow, but understanding why they were important was a huge discovery for me. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t have milk. It became that I didn’t want milk because it causes inflammation and messes with my hormones. That seems so simple, but reasoning gave me the willpower to say “no.”
Also, learning to prioritize myself and my emotional and physical health was important. The way Kym explained self-care as a habit was particularly enlightening to a depressed wife and mom. Investing love in myself gave me the energy to care more effectively about those around me, too, which feels great.
I lost 19 pounds and many inches. I felt stronger, and woke up better rested. I stopped having acid reflux. The texture of my skin improved, and I no longer had cycle related breakouts. My family and I took a trip to Disney World, and we were late for the bus to Magic Kingdom. I will remember that moment forever because I was so surprised and proud after realizing I could run to catch it!
It has been a wonderful, energetic pregnancy. I did not have gestational diabetes like I did with my daughter, and attribute the program with that success as well. Actually, I have only gained 15 pounds through this pregnancy! 15-20 was recommended for my BMI by my doctor, and with my history of having gestational diabetes. He is thrilled with my food choices, and the baby is thriving! I’m due any day now!
Since doing Kym’s programs I am more positive about life in general. I believe in myself! I don’t always make the best decisions, but I do my best. I can accept and love doing my best a lot easier than beating myself up for failing and giving up. I feel inspired by my physical and emotional progress, and that makes me hopeful for the future.
My daughter and I now walk to the park rather than drive. I am less of a sideline parent. I cook five nights a week instead of ordering out, and always have healthy options and leftovers in the fridge. My relationships have improved because I don’t cancel plans. I have energy and mental clarity! When I do indulge, I don’t feel guilty about it because I know it isn’t a normal part of my life anymore.
Before finding Kym, I was always looking for a quick fix rather than understanding why I was struggling in the first place. Learning what happens when certain foods go into my body has flipped my script. I don’t eat food out of guilt or shame anymore. I eat it to nourish my body and heal my PCOS. Having this positive frame of mind is everything for long term success.
I still have a way to go on my journey, but I am positive and inspired by my progress. It isn’t about weight or bikinis anymore, it’s become about acquiring the confidence and having the ability to do the things that I would have shied away from in the past. I’m getting healthy for me and my family. I’m teaching them that they can rise to the challenges of their life too!
Katrina
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