Obesity and weight-related health issues are a widespread concern, affecting individuals' physical and mental well-being. However, numerous success stories demonstrate that significant positive change is achievable through dedication, lifestyle adjustments, and the right support systems. The stories of corporate Natalie and Natalie Jill highlight the transformative power of commitment, expert guidance, and a holistic approach to health and fitness.
Natalie's Journey to Health Transformation
For nearly 20 years, Natalie struggled with obesity and the complications that came with it. Chronic pain, food addiction, inactivity, depression, and anxiety were daily battles. “My lab work showed a future filled with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and poor health,” Natalie recalls. A DEXA Scan revealed 48% body fat, high visceral fat levels, and multiple health markers in the “below average” range. Though outwardly happy, Natalie often felt hopeless. “I thought I was lazy, pathetic, and incapable of change,” she says. The mental toll of her weight was as challenging as the physical symptoms.
Finding the Right Support
Natalie’s sister, Ellie, introduced her to the Elevé Vitality program. After years of hesitation, Natalie finally said yes. “Ellie was patient, and I’m so grateful she encouraged me,” says Natalie. This highlights the importance of a supportive network in initiating and sustaining lifestyle changes.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Natalie adopted a new lifestyle guided by the Elevé Vitality program and its team of medical providers. She began by focusing on her diet and mindset, following this advice: “Eat protein first, avoid carbs and sugar.” She also limited her alcohol intake. Researching the keto diet helped her find satisfying, healthy meals.
The Power of Mindset
“Mindset work was crucial,” Natalie emphasizes. “I had to reframe my self-doubt and catch myself when unhealthy thoughts crept in.” She implemented “joy days” to indulge guilt-free, followed by “consistency days” to stay on track. This demonstrates the significance of mental and emotional well-being in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
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Individualized Exercise
Natalie’s treatment plan also included individualized exercise goals. A VO2 max test revealed her optimal fat-burning heart rate. Walking 2.5 miles daily became a manageable, enjoyable routine. “I realized I didn’t have to overwork my body to be active,” she says. This underscores the importance of tailoring exercise routines to individual needs and preferences for long-term adherence.
The Role of Medication
For the first eight months, Natalie used a semaglutide injection to curb hunger and “food chatter.” The medication jumpstarted her progress, but she’s proud to have continued losing weight after stopping it six months ago. “The semaglutide was a part of the equation, but it wasn’t the answer,” she says. This acknowledges the potential benefits of medication in the short term, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term success.
Transformation and Inspiration
Natalie has lost 83 pounds and transformed her health. Her lab results, once alarming, now fall within normal limits. Her DEXA Scan metrics have improved, and her VO2 max increased from 23 to 27. She’s gone from barely walking a mile to running three miles at a time. “I see myself as active and energetic-something I never thought possible,” she says. Natalie plans to maintain her new lifestyle and inspire others. “This journey has been nothing but fabulous for me, and I never want to go back,” she says. “Invest in yourself,” Natalie urges. “Your health is priceless. This program works if you work it, and I’ll never regret a dime I spent on it.
The Value of Expert Guidance
This helped her improve her body composition, but she knew she needed expert guidance to reach the next level. When Natalie started the program, her goals were clear: Lose body fat to have more defined abs, and then increase her calorie intake to “maintenance” without regaining weight. Natalie’s favorite part of the program was Alyssa’s expert guidance and clear communication, which made her fitness journey more enjoyable. Alyssa found Natalie’s dedication inspiring. “I really don’t think she lost motivation at any point during our time together,” she said. During her 6 months of Legion body transformation coaching, Natalie . Like many, Natalie didn’t have endless hours to dedicate to fitness and was often too hard on herself.
Natalie Jill's Vision Board Success
Hit with multiple stressful life-changing events all at once, Natalie Jill began putting on weight. One day, at age 37, Natalie realized she didn't recognize herself and knew it was time to make a change. Looking back to 2007, it was a challenging time in my life. I was about to give birth, going through a divorce, and facing a demotion at work because I would soon need more home time to meet the challenges of becoming a single mom. I got depressed and ate and ate. Comfort foods like ice cream and French fries became my crutch. I was already a little overweight before I got pregnant; once I had my daughter, the 65 pounds I gained during pregnancy took up permanent residence.
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The Shock of Recognition
I remember my rock bottom very clearly. I was out walking my dog and I saw my reflection in a store window. I barely recognized the person staring back at me. That image shocked me back to reality.
Creating a Vision for Change
I walked home, put my daughter down for a nap (she was a few months old at the time), and got straight to work. I said to myself, "I can't feel like this anymore. I need to create something I can look at to make myself feel better and to encourage myself." I started leafing through magazines and clipping photos of fit, healthy, happy moms. I began attaching the images to a "vision board." But I stayed realistic-I avoided any images that were unrealistic for me. There were no tall blondes, no huge muscles. But there were lots of pictures of short brunettes, happy and in shape.
Instinctive Nutrition and Simple Workouts
With the vision board as my inspiration, I went online and read everything I could about fitness and nutrition. I found the range of different advice overwhelming, so I went with my instincts. The terms that made the most sense to me were "unprocessed" and "natural." I thought, what if I only ate things that grew? What if I just moved my body more? None of my goals were extreme. I didn't sign up for a marathon or tell myself I had to lose X amount of weight in X number of days. I simply said, if I do these good things for myself every day and keep adding more, there will be less room for the bad. I kept all my meals and snacks balanced. I included a protein, fat, and carb in everything I ate, using my hand as a measurement tool-the size of my fist for carbs, my thumb for fats, and my palm for the protein. I allowed myself unlimited vegetables and berries, and I focused on eating more and more healthy foods so there would be less room for unhealthy ones. I kept things simple with my workouts, too. I didn't feel confident enough to exercise in front of others in a gym, so I focused on using my own body as a workout tool in my own home. Our bodies are heavy; if you weigh 140 pounds, that's 140 pounds you can move and lift. I also made a rule not to weigh myself. After a few discouraging weigh-ins, I just let it go. I never had a master weight loss plan-it just evolved along with me. All the while, I kept staring at my vision board and kept my eye on the prize.
Inspiring Others
The amazing thing is that not only did my weight loss plan work for me, it's worked for thousands of others. During my journey, I posted pictures of meals I made for myself on social media and I shared my workouts with my friends. At first, I did it because it made me accountable. "Can I have that recipe?" my friends would ask. Along the way, more people started joining me. Things took off from there. What started with a few posts on social media has turned into a business that has helped thousands of people like me. When I deal directly with my clients, I always think of the person I was 7 years ago-beaten down, eating out of control.
The Power of Visualization
The crazy thing is every single vision on that original vision board has come true for me. The golf course view I cut and pasted-I'm staring at it out my window right now. The perfect husband I dreamed of-I met and married him. The happy fit mom-that's me now.
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Key Principles for Successful Weight Loss
These success stories highlight several key principles that contribute to effective and sustainable weight loss:
- Holistic Approach: Addressing both physical and mental well-being is crucial. This includes managing stress, reframing negative thoughts, and cultivating a positive mindset.
- Personalized Plans: Tailoring diet and exercise routines to individual needs, preferences, and fitness levels ensures adherence and enjoyment.
- Expert Guidance: Seeking support from medical professionals, nutritionists, and fitness coaches provides valuable knowledge, motivation, and accountability.
- Sustainable Lifestyle Changes: Focusing on long-term healthy habits rather than quick fixes leads to lasting results.
- The Power of Visualization: Creating a vision board can be a powerful tool for visualizing your goals and staying motivated on your journey.
- Supportive Network: Surrounding yourself with encouraging friends, family, or support groups can make a significant difference in your success.
- Balanced Nutrition: Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, balanced meals, and mindful eating habits is essential for weight management.
- Regular Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise into your routine, whether it's walking, running, or bodyweight exercises, can help you burn calories and improve your overall health.