Welcome to 2017. What will this ‘New Year’ look like to you? As we find ourselves already facing a new year, I ask you to really think about what you would really like to change about yourself.
I meet with women on daily basis who describe feelings of weakness, frustration and embarrassment due to ongoing joint pain, fatigue, bloating, weight gain and general frustration about health. As many of you know, the TLC™: Total Lifestyle by Couri program was designed by Dr. Michele Couri to help women overcome these signs and symptoms and uncover the joy and passion for life they have been missing.
We are all different. No one diet, exercise plan or medical care should be duplicated. Welcome to personalized medicine. At the Couri Center we believe that every woman has the ability to feel better and make positive changes to her own health. We strive to provide you with the tools, knowledge and motivation you need to make LIFE LASTING changes. Let us help you. Don’t let 2017 be exactly like last year. Make this the year the year you decide to take control of your health, your weight and your life.
I encourage you to read and learn about Rita. Rita finished the TLC™ program in November 2016. Her journey is quite different that anything we have shared before. Rita was generally healthy when she started the program, but was frustrated that the few concerns and symptoms she had were not being seriously addressed by her family physician. Throughout the program Rita was able to uncover a newer, healthier, symptomatic-free and much lighter person than she knew existed. The best part is Rita’s one word answer for “if the new you could talk to the old you, what would you say,” IT’S EASY.
When you first thought about the TLC program, what was your motivation?
I wanted to address not only my weight, but also some other issues like increasing cholesterol levels, decreasing energy levels, food cravings and digestive issues. My family doctor’s response was to treat each symptom individually, usually with a medication. I wanted to take an approach that looked at the big picture and didn’t jump to medication as the solution.
In one word, how would you describe the way you felt on a regular basis before TLC™? Frustrated.
Before the program, did you think you had a choice about feeling this way or did you think: “this is just the way it is?” I knew there had to be a solution other than medication. And I knew that some of the symptoms had to be connected, and required an integrative approach. I wasn’t sure what that meant for sure, but I knew I didn’t want to continue down the path I was on. And I knew I wanted to stay in the best health possible as I aged, and avoid medications as much as possible.
Prior to beginning the program, what were your expectations? Were they different after finishing the program? I was excited about the integrative approach in the TLC™ program. I wasn’t sure what that meant, exactly, or how it was going to work. I felt like it was my “final” option. If it didn’t work, I didn’t know what I would do. At the end of the program, I know that I have control over my health and how to maintain the results I achieved. My expectations now are to do everything within my control to remain healthy and active.
What are some of the most valuable things you have learned during the TLC™ program? The most amazing thing I learned is that this is far easier than I ever expected. The weight and inches virtually fell off, and I never felt hungry or deprived. Food cravings and digestive issues are gone. Learning a simple eating plan is key.
We all know change in hard. Was it worth it? It is definitely worth it. I not only lost weight and inches, but I am stronger and more physically fit. I am doing things now I never thought I could do.
If the “new you” could talk to the “old you” what is the conversation you would have? I would say to keep it simple. I tried different eating plans, including going vegan. They were complicated, involved tracking calories, and generally not sustainable. Following the eating plan in TLC™ is simple and easy. Just eat real food.
Other than weight loss, what other improvements or change in symptoms have you experienced? I lost 30 pounds and 12 inches, and went from a size 16 to a loose size 12. I am much more toned. My digestive issues are gone, and I feel energetic. I don’t crave food any more, but I do crave working out at the gym every day. It feels good to be healthy.
Did you see improvements in your labs? Do you feel more secure in your health? My labs definitely improved. The before and after labs give a great detailed overview of health. I saw improvements in all areas. As I approached age 65, I was really becoming aware of the consequences of poor health. I observed people losing mobility and strength due to poor lifestyle choices. My goal is to do everything within my control to remain healthy and active as I age, and I believe I now have the tools to do that.
How do you feel about your future? Do you have any concerns about maintaining the changes you have made? I feel very optimistic about my future. I know I am doing my part in maintaining my health. I know that I always have to be aware of what I am eating and make good choices. There are a lot of social situations where good food options aren’t always available. But I have learned how to navigate those. I just made it through Thanksgiving holiday, and it was easier than I thought!
Knowing the New Year is upon us, if you were recommending the TLC™ program to a total stranger, what would you say? I would say that this is a great program that looks at all aspects of health and then provides a plan that is easy to follow. I was glad I did the 12-week program, as I feel it gave me time to implement the changes and make those sustainable habits.
Let us help you rediscover yourself in 2017. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the TLC™: Total Lifestyle by Couri program I encourage you to call the office and schedule a free consultation. We look forward to making this New Year your best year yet!
Leslie Rusch-Bayer