Lizzie's Story

Before attending Dr. Fuhrman's Whole Foods Immersion, I was depressed, constipated (emotionally and physically), my knees hurt, and I got out of breath easily. After a couple days of detoxing, I felt miserable and exhausted. On the sixth day of the Immersion I had a sudden realization that has kept me sticking to the program ever since; I hadn't had a single suicidal thought for a few days. This was big for me. I have had suicidal thoughts since before I can remember, since I was a child. There have been times over the past year that I've eaten processed cane sugar and always have a "depression hangover" soon after.

Going into that week long Dr. Fuhrman Immersion Program I thought I ate healthy. I didn't even think I was that overweight because I am the smallest in my family. I used to think moderation is key.  But to me, moderation meant limiting sugar to a pastry in the morning and ice cream at night, every day. I've since learned that there's no moderation when it comes to addiction. For me, any cane sugar is too much cane sugar. I've learned to be happy with dates and a little bit of maple syrup or honey now and then. It took about six months of following the Nutritarian program before I could walk down the cookie and candy aisle without feeling like I was missing out on something. It doesn't bother me anymore.

My 50 pound weight loss has been awesome! Being "regular" is something I really appreciate, and being able to do athletic things like run and bike has helped make my life more enjoyable. However, knowing that my depression is gone has been the biggest reward of the Nutritarian. plan.

I don't have a lot of "before" photos because I never really allowed any to be taken, unless it was only from the shoulders up. Now, I love having my photo taken. My brain is taking time to adjust to what I actually look like, so it's good for me to see photos of myself these days.

I went 100 percent on the Nutritarian plan while losing my first 30 pounds, and now I am doing about 90 percent. When I indulge in non-Nutritarian food, it is always mindful and never because of a craving, impulse, or emotional eating. I've influenced lots of people close to me. I have two friends that have each lost over 30 pounds on the program. My mom has lost 30 pounds and my step-mom lost 45 pounds so far. A big motivator for me to stay on track is being an example to my family. There is a lot of obesity and depression in my family along with their awful side effects: diabetes, strokes, heart disease. My biological mom has been hooked on diets her whole life. Her weight was always fluctuating (before Dr. Fuhrman) and she's had knee surgery. My biological dad has diabetes and had three strokes by the time he was 50. While I can't change the habits of others, I can be an example that change is possible.

Following the Nutritarian program for the rest of life is going to be awesome. I'm only 24 years old so I have a lot to look forward to. My biggest goals in life are to be happy, kind, and live to 100.