If I’m honest, before joining the Ciccone Weight Loss Program, I made several attempts to diet. I dislike using the term “diet” because I used it lightly and was fully aware that I was not committed and didn’t have the discipline and self-control required to see results. In 2018, I tried Keto and was successful at losing weight but quickly gained it all back, and then some! I then tried Weight Watchers and Noom, and with both programs, I failed to implement them 100% and within a short time span stopped. I knew the next time I attempted to lose weight I had to try something different. I couldn’t keep living with the aches and pains or continue to see the scale increase over time.
Then one day, when my scale showed the same weight I was when I was 9-months pregnant with my oldest son, it became clear that a change was needed. When I was pregnant, my doctor told me I was overweight. It was the heaviest I had ever been, but I was growing a human! Now, twenty-four years later, what was my excuse!? I kept telling myself, “Welcome to my 40’s.” It’s what I’ve heard all my life about growing older and experiencing a slower metabolism, and now that was happening to me! I started to blame my age for my expanding waistline.
Not only were the scale numbers increasing every year, but so were my aches and pains. I began experiencing frequent headaches, upper and lower back pain, joint pain, inflammation, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach pains, mild skin acne, loss of energy, and a loss of interest in the things I enjoyed the most. That’s when I began to seek alternative ways to relieve my back pain and decided to visit a chiropractor.
In my search for a chiropractor, I focused on finding an office that also offered Wellness Care. I knew my weight was a contributor to my upper back pain. I kept praying for coaches and experts in nutrition that could provide me with the guidance needed to make the lifestyle changes to improve my health.
A friend referred me to Ciccone Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center. I went in for a few chiropractic appointments and noticed improvements, but I also knew I had to address my nutrition. While in for a back adjustment, I heard about a new program offered as a special to patients. I inquired with Malory and the doctor and signed up for a free 10-minute informational call with the program director. It sounded great, and I felt it was something I could possibly do, but I still doubted myself. I feared failing and kept thinking maybe this program wasn’t for me. I did not want to fail and feel the same way I did after Keto, WW, and Noom. I gave myself every excuse for not trying, but then my husband made a remark that made me reevaluate. He said, “Either you invest in your health OR in doctor visits, medications, and health insurance.” That’s when it clicked. My choice was to remain the same and be miserable or take the chance and prove to myself that I could do it. I had to believe in myself and pull through the negative thoughts of what if’s. Deep down I knew I had it in me. That’s when I signed up for the 90-day program.
I’m so glad I did! It was time to reclaim my health and be an active parent and grandparent. I want to leave a legacy of health and nutrition for my children and grandchildren. I want them to choose food for nourishment and with purpose. I want to feel healthier and have the vitality to spend more time with my family. Throughout my health journey, my family has been amazing and very supportive. My children have witnessed the progress I’ve made, and my husband and kids have also implemented some healthy food habits of their own. They know that I’m committed to future health and it is something I’m dedicated to for the long run.
The changes I made will be long-term because this program has taught me that investing in my health is an investment I cannot afford to NOT make. I’ve been able to reset my body from poor eating patterns and take control of what I eat. I learned which whole foods my body needs, and am more open to exploring new food choices than ever before. My dad would say, “You are what you eat!” That never felt good when I was eating a muffin, but now it feels amazing to know that “I am all the foods that I am choosing now.” This program has also inspired me to think of food differently. I am no longer intimidated to prepare certain meats, shop at the seafood counter, shop in the natural food section, or prepare recipes that require new foods to try. I have a different perspective on food and its purpose. I regained my self-confidence both mentally and physically. I have a new relationship with food and have reestablished self-control. I now experience lots of clean energy, better sleep, and clear skin. I no longer suffer from aches and pains, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or inflammation!
This program has truly been life-changing for me, and I’m so glad I took action. We simply need to remember that food’s purpose is to strengthen us and give us the energy we need every day. I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity to learn something new with this program, and because of that, I successfully lost weight in a healthy and natural way.
I’ve lost 35 lbs and counting in 90 days
Pant sizes from 10/12 to 4/6
Dress 8/10 to 4/6
Large clothing to S/M
Don’t waste another moment with self-doubt. Invest in yourself today!
—Yeydi Jimenez