Noreen's Story

I was always tall and thin until my late twenties. As the years went by, I started to gain weight, not paying much attention to what I was eating. Up until that point, I could eat whatever I wanted without any noticeable impact. But soon, I found myself 30 pounds heavier. I joined Weight Watchers at my mom's suggestion, and while I initially lost those 30 pounds, they quickly came back—with an extra ten. The cycle continued: I’d lose the weight and gain even more back. By my fifties, I weighed 205 pounds and felt trapped, frustrated, and demoralized.

For three years, the scale didn't budge, despite my efforts. Weight Watchers taught me a lot about portion control, self-talk, and identifying triggers, but it didn’t solve the whole puzzle. While they encourage filling half of the plate with vegetables, it was the other half—filled with sugar, salt, and oil—that sabotaged my success. This extra weight affected more than just my appearance; my blood pressure and cholesterol were elevated, and I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I realized that this journey was about more than just looking fit—I needed to be healthy on the inside too.

Then, a friend invited me to visit him for lunch at Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live Retreat. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the beauty of the retreat’s location, the vibrant communal kitchen overlooking the saltwater pool, and the open canyon views. I was equally impressed with the program: cooking and exercise classes, group support, and Dr. Fuhrman’s educational lectures. The intimate group size allowed for personalized attention, and I signed up the very next day.

Attending the retreat exceeded all my expectations. The journey wasn’t always easy—my body went through detox as it adjusted to the Nutritarian lifestyle—but the results were worth it. For the first time in three years, the scale moved, and I knew I was on the right path. This was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had, and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to attend the retreat. It will change your life!

After leaving the retreat, I stayed true to everything I learned. Within five months, I lost 62 pounds, dropping from a size 16 to a size 8. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are now all within the normal range, and I feel twenty years younger! I love experimenting with new recipes, exercising regularly, and I’m sleeping better than ever. It feels like a miracle.

The key, as Dr. Fuhrman says, is simple: “A nutrient-dense, plant-rich diet is effective for long-term weight control because you feel full and satisfied even when consuming fewer calories.” I’m forever grateful, Dr. Fuhrman, for giving me vibrant health and making my retirement years full of exciting possibilities!