Take It Off Testimonials

I didn’t have the benefit of gaining weight later in life. I’ve always been a big girl growing up food was unconditional love. I ate when I was happy and sad. Sports seasons were even tough. When coaches handed out jerseys, skinny girls chose whatever number they wanted. But I took whatever jersey came in my size – the bigger the size, the bigger the jersey number. It was like a scarlet “A” for big girls on the field.

I couldn’t do teenage things like shop with friends, because I shopped in different stores for plus sizes. I wore a t-shirt over my bathing suit in gym class to cover my shape. For prom, I shopped alone and looked for dresses that covered my arms and made me blend in.

In college I found comfort in the buffet-dining hall. I also developed my worst habit drinking soda all day, every day. I averaged 4-5 cans a day until I began Take It Off.

In law school, new challenges emerged with a limited budget and limited time. Meals between school and work were fast food. Cooking meant boxed rice or macaroni & cheese. No protein, fruits, or vegetables because they were too expensive or would go bad before I ate them.

Before I knew it, I was 27 and 272 pounds. I knew it was now or never. So, I signed up for Take It Off, thinking I’d lose 10 or 20 pounds before I’d plateau and quit. A friend convinced me to join a gym to walk on the treadmill and gossip about work.

The biggest step was cutting out soda. Now I drink milk or water. I avoid juices and flavored coffee drinks that have as many calories as whole meals!

I record everything I eat. It helps me stay on course and lets me know how different foods affect my weight and my mood. It keeps me accountable to my Take It Off, my coach, and myself.

I’ve learned to measure portions and read labels. Unlike other diets with pre-packaged foods or “points”. Take If Off taught me how to eat in real life. I’ve developed confidence to go to restaurants or parties and eat smart. On special occasions, I go in with a plan and I adjust what I eat for the day. I even lost 4 pounds over Thanksgiving weekend!

When people ask about my diet, I tell them I’m not on a diet. I’m eating healthier. It’s different. I’ll stick with these eating habits forever. Grocery shopping is easier, as I avoid the middle aisles and stick to fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. I’ve memorized nutritional information at my favorite restaurants so I can make healthy choices. I’ve joined an organic produce delivery program to broaden my choices.

I’m not a gym rat, but I’m even exercising! I go to the gym at 5a.m. I’ve hired a personal trainer. It’s an investment in myself that I know will pay off. I’ll have fewer medical bills and need fewer medications, as I get older. My clothes are cheaper because they’re regular sizes.

I’ve already lost about 72 pounds, and I’ve gained confidence to keep working hard and lose more. It’s a small victory to ask the waiter to change a side dish from potatoes to a vegetable, and to buy water instead of soda. It’s a small victory to pull up to the gym every day. But these small victories really add up – to more confidence, happiness, and pounds lost. My advice: relish the small victories and they’ll become a big loss!

- Abbey Perkins
Seattle, WA

Pride and shame are both great motivators. Why aren’t they enough when it comes to losing weight? When my wife and I retired and moved to Holland, Michigan in 2007, I was tipping the scales at over 200 pounds. Being 5’ 8” and 75 years old I knew that there were at least thirty, maybe forty unwelcome pounds that hung around my bones. I had made honest efforts to reduce with several diet plans and while I could drop 20 or more pounds it wouldn’t stay off. During most of my life exercise and physical activity came natural for me. Growing up on a farm, participating in sports teams at school, I developed and enjoyed a pattern of health care for my body. I stayed in good shape. At age 55 I took the “test” and with pride was able to announce that my body’s health age was 42. When there were forced time outs for recouping from illness surgery I would build back up to the exercise regimen again. It was the eating habits and the “sweet-tooth” inherited from my father that kept me struggling against those unwanted extra pounds.

In 2002, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, I went through several unsuccessful surgeries in a five month period before going to Mayo Clinic where they got it right. I had three months of BCG treatment back in Lansing and have been “clear” in every check up since. I tell that story to explain my “excuse” for the discouragement and depression I was experiencing. I had turned to food for comfort. Result: during that year I gained twenty-five unwanted extra pounds. Shortly after moving to town Evergreen Commons, the “Senior Center” in Holland, got our attention and our membership. It had been a little over five years that weight gain “shame” caused me to struggle with self-anger and depression… and diets. I saw the exercise equipment at the Center a way to help me lose weight. A few months later I learned of the “Take It Off Program” offered by Evergreen. Why not put some money into the effort and become accountable to someone? And so with my wife’s support, I signed up with physical trainer Karen Draeger as my coach. It was Valentine’s week in February 2007 when I weighed in and had my measurements taken. The goal setting was to lose 25 lbs. during the twelve-week program. The motivation was the “Easter” suite I’d bought in 2002 and never worn.

I determined that I’d lose enough weight wear it to church that Easter. I did, and it still fits seven months later.

My wife changed in several ways. Eating habits became better through planning and journaling. I’m not self-conscious or ashamed of the way I look. There are continuing comments from family and friends that are congratulatory and affirming. I can bend over to tie shoes without grunting. My wife and I can do full body hugs again because my stomach is gone.

It is difficult to give advice about weight loss to others. But when someone asks I don’t hesitate to tell him or her how I did it. Everyone has to find their own inner strength for the tough choices regarding diet and exercise. For me it was “the right time” because I was ready to regain the pride I’d lost in my physical condition… and conditioning. When you can trust your “Take If Off” coach with your feelings and struggles, it helps change your wishing and trying to choosing and doing.

- Keith Laidler
Holland, MI

The Take It Off Weight Loss Program has been a life changing experience for me! I’ve lost approximately 70 pounds and several coat and pants sizes since starting the program. I thought it is important that I share my story with others so that maybe they might be inspired to loose weight.

This program was easier than I thought it would be. It suggests a common-sense approach to eating, recommends weekly exercise, and includes a coach to keep you motivated and to track your progress. So I cut back on the portions, watched the amount of fats and sugars I ate, drank plenty of water and exercised moderately-an average of about 30 to 45 minutes a day five days a week. The Take It Off Program provides a coach. My coach and I met every Saturday. She was wonderful! We checked my weight and talked about what I ate. She also talked to me about how to deal with situations- for example, how to eat at a party, and what types of food to select at a restaurant and still enjoy my meal. I occasionally ate at restaurants but I made good choices about what I ate. Most of all, my coach let me know I was doing a good job, and to continue what I was doing. A pat on the back is always a good motivator!

Another important part of the Take It Off Program is the log. A log is used to document everything you eat each day. The log lets you know how much of what types of food you can eat. Keeping track of what I ate was important how many proteins, starches, fats, vegetables, etc… At first it was a bother. It took time to write down everything. But it made me aware of everything I consumed over the course of the day. The more I became aware of what I ate, the better choices I started to make. This is what the Take It Off Program is all about-making good choices. After a few months, I didn’t need to write things down any more. I make good choices every day. This is a permanent change I have made in my way of life.

Those who hadn’t seen me in a while were in for quite a shock when they saw me after my weight loss. Comments like, “You look years younger.” and “I almost didn’t recognize you.” made me feel good about myself again. I’ve also become more physically active. I’ve recently taken up hiking, for example.

I also want to share with you the joy I get from trying on new clothes. It’s fun! I used to wear a coat size 46, shirt size 18, and pant size 38. Now I ware a coat size 40, shirt size 16, and my waist-a 32! When I put on my new clothes, I think I look nice and well dressed. I’m so proud of my self!

I think this was one of the most important things I’ve done for myself in a long, long time. I’m glad I made the choice to participate in the Take It Off Program, and to make the commitment of a healthier life style. I hope you do too!

- Nolan Harris
Merceed, CA

Its not about the finish line anymore… its about the journey.

My story is a familiar one. Here’s the deal. Once I set my mind to diet, I am great at losing weight, and then, great at gaining weight back. Why? Because hitting the goal is one achievement, and living the process of getting there, is another one altogether. So here I was, gearing up for another round of weight loss, finding a new and different program that I could commit to, and run with.

So I began Take It Off, like all the other programs in the past, very determined, but largely as a means to an end. I wanted to look great for the reunion, that family gathering, that vacation. Forward march, I was ready, game on.

So now for the journey. Okay, so fresh foods - check, all classic pyramid choices – check, controlled portions – check, water – check, exercise – check. Then I stumbled upon the unexpected, the…key the pace. In all my years of “dieting”, I would measure, count, chart, bank, and then splurge, but not necessarily pace. But this plan was different. This plan took the heat out of “meal” time, in favor of holding onto this even level of satiation. So, I found, much to my surprise, that if I ate rather frequently, according to the plan choices, I could actually manage without that all too familiar “hunger rage”, when in the past, all my best intentions were thrown to the wind. So what does this mean? It means that I could actually plan and get ahead of the hunger wave. This was terrific! I could feel the difference immediately: steadier energy, and that beloved feeling of being in control.

I could do this and take my show on the road. Out to dinner with friends, camping, traveling on vacation…anywhere. The more I branched out into real life, the more I felt that this was possible, as long as I had my master plan, I was in for the long haul!

I loved meeting weekly with my coach. The one on one relationship really felt like there was a person who was there just for me. It was not only about the weigh in, but processing how I managed my week. I exercise frequently and found that the stronger I felt, the healthier I felt, and the more determined I felt. It’s a wonderful circle of self-appreciation!
And so I kept my journal for 24 weeks on the program and lost 50 pounds!

So what’s next? Well, I felt as though I simply must share this wonderful experience with others. I became trained as the Take It Off coach at the JCC, health & fitness facility. The more enthusiastic the response, the more clients I coached. I have even coached our past 2 spokespersons! I have been coaching for the Take if Off Program for over a year, and love working with clients to achieve success. This success, I have come to learn, doesn’t always look or sound the same. I am humbled each and every day by clients who all come in from all different directions, seeking to lose weight, and gain back a better self.

Feeling a sense of control, managing choices, and becoming a healthier and stronger self – reveals the champion in us all – and if we also lose weight in the process, now that’s the prize! It can be done – and it is for life. It is entirely possible.

Its not just about the finish line anymore, its about living the process of getting there – that’s the triumph.

- Deborah Gordon
Newton, MA

I decided to participate in the Take if Off Weight Loss Program because I was frustrated with adhering to what I believed to be a well-balanced, healthy diet, and yielding less than favorable results in maintaining a healthy, and comfortable weight for my body. My desire was to not only lose 15 pounds of body fat for a leaner, fitter look, but to fuel my body more efficiently for athletic performance. (I am an amateur, competitive cyclist and group fitness instructor) The program seemed well suited for everyone especially for me, an active, endurance athlete, who requires more frequent, nutritionally sound and balanced meals. Having 2 snacks a day offered me more stable blood sugar, and eliminated most cravings and overeating that occurs when I would go too long without eating. I do not feel deprived at all. If anything, I feel like I eat more prior to starting the Take it off Program. This program offered me the flexibility in selecting a variety of nutritious whole foods. For me, that offered me a lifestyle rearranging change, rather than a calorie-restrictive, food-group banning, quick fix solution to a life-long challenge. This program is so satisfying, that it is a program that I feel that I can follow forever, without the worry of weight gain.

I have a new strategy about nutrition and how I will continue to fuel my engine by following this program FOREVER! I have lost weight, my clothes fit well, and I am more confident, because I feel great everyday. I have experienced a positive change in my perspective on life. I would describe this program as a natural approach to mood elevation and stability. I certainly have a feeling of more vitality, and do not experience the afternoon dip in energy levels. I sleep better. I no longer experience cravings for sugar. I feel full faster, so I naturally eat less, especially at dinnertime. I am no longer distracted by my body image. I am confident that this program will offer me a life long feeling optimism regarding my nutritional requirements for health and wellness. I am thrilled beyond belief that at 46 years old, I have unlocked that secret to health maintenance. The final element is finally in place.

My advice to anyone who is interested in finally saying “good-bye” to temporary results and “hello” to life long success, should commit to this program. Anyone who adheres to the simplicity of this program can only succeed both physically and mentally in his or her pursuit of health. Results are gradual, but reliable and suddenly you realize how effortless the program really is to follow.

This is the program for all who seek the truth regarding the marriage between nutrition and activity for optimal health. This program is also for all those who want to break free from the bondage of our unbalanced, poorly planned meals that leave most wondering “where have I gone wrong again?” The “Take It Off Program” is my answer to that question. One simply cannot fail, and the bonus is that you take it off for good!

- Meredith Johnsen
Oceanport, NJ

I may be a little old to have such young children; two girls age 3 and 6. I was nearing my 48th birthday and starting to look and feel considerably middle-aged. Plus, at 217 pounds and just 5 feet 11 inches, I was quickly heading from overweight to obese. My doctor was advising me to drop the pounds, get more exercise, and adjust my diet to lower my cholesterol.

However, compelling the objective facts of my physical status may have been, nothing was more compelling than the math. By the time my youngest daughter will be out of college (God and 529-plan willing) I’ll be at lest 66. If I hope to see my grandkids (and I do), I will need to stick around to well into my 70s. Boxed in by family histories of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, it is clear that I can only make it with some concerted effort and luck. The luck is beyond my control, but the lifestyle choices are my responsibility.

My wife, who also has a vested interest in seeing me live a long and healthy life, was the one who brought the Take If Off Program to my attention. At first, I was resistant, probably because it was her idea, and not mine. But eventually I came to realize that now was the time to do something. I inquired.

I have to say that I approach dieting with some skepticism. I have always understood that the hardest part of losing weight is not loosing the pounds, but changing your lifestyle so that you can keep the weight off. This program focuses on learning new life behaviors to mange your weight better.

So I started in and made rapid progress, loosing the first ten pounds by the end of the first month. In time, I began to realize that while loosing weight was not a lot fun, and I often felt deprived and missed my comfort foods, I could do it.

By the end of my 12 weeks, I had lost 20 pounds and was down to 197, exceeding my goal to get below 200 pounds. I had lost a total of five inches-three off my waist, one off my hips, and one off my chest. I looked and felt better; people noticed that I had lost weight. Plus, my cholesterol numbers were down. As an added bonus, I qualified for a preferred rate on a life insurance policy, something I would not have been able to do previously.

But by far, the biggest benefit has been my self-image, more specifically, my resolve. I know how important it is to me to see my children grow, and become happy and productive adults. But now, I also know that I am capable of doing whatever I need to do to make sure this happens, including changing ingrained and unhealthy personal behaviors. I am confident in my ability to do all that I reasonably can to stay healthy. With a little luck, I will be there to see my kids become adults, and maybe have some quality time withy my grandchildren.

It has been one month since I ended the program and has maintained my new lower weight. I still have more weight to lose, and my plan is to start dieting again, after the holidays. I would definitely recommend the Take It Off Program to anyone who, like me, is interested in learning some simple behaviors that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. Behaviors they can learn and retain for the rest of their lives.

- John Lederer
Seattle, WA