Delaney

I had some really bad eating habits. I was super sick during both my pregnancies, so I had to learn how to eat when I was nauseous or not hungry. Those habits continued, and I completely forgot how to tell when I was actually physically hungry. I was emotional and stress eating, especially in the late evenings. My other problem was my heart condition causes low blood pressure, so not only did I need medication to raise my blood pressure but I also needed to constantly drink lots of water and eat loads of salt. Most foods with lots of salt are not very good for you, and I gravitated to everything processed and salty like chips and crackers to meet my salt needs. I was doubtful that it was possible for someone like me with all of these health problems to be able to lose weight or feel good and confident. I thought because I can't full out run, jump up and down, or lift crazy weights without passing out, it was probably impossible for me to feel fit and healthy, let alone look like it.

Before having children, I never had to do anything to stay fit. I gained a ton of weight with my first pregnancy but lost it all after pretty quickly with breastfeeding. I gained half as much in my second pregnancy and felt great, but I had an emergency c-section and a sick preemie baby in the NICU. Recovery was difficult for me, and the weight did not melt off like before. With two pregnancies back to back, I had built up a lot of bad habits about eating that were necessary to survive nausea, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, but not what my body needed anymore.

Before I had a chance to try and lose weight and get healthy, I was diagnosed with neurally mediated syncope and, later on, asthma and Irlen's Syndrome. I spent several years learning how to navigate my low blood pressure and get the right medications and dosage on board for all my different things. Throughout all of this, I was increasingly discouraged with my weight gain and, at times, panicked. My cardiologist's answer to my concern was using the as seen on TV seated bicycle pedals you get for your 90-year-old grandma to exercise with. I became extremely discouraged and genuinely believed there was nothing more I could do; this was my life now. My health complications kept me from being able to do any diet or fasting. Because of my low blood pressure, I had to be very careful about what types of exercise movements I could do without passing out. Nothing I ever came across seemed like a safe option for me.

After continuous discouragement every time I stepped on the scale and saw the number had grown, I decided to google accountability for weight loss. MyBodyTutor was the first thing to pop up and the first and only thing I clicked on. As I explored the website, I found myself laughing out loud because it was so crazy to me what I was seeing. I later told my husband if I had sat down and written out what I thought the ideal program would be for weight loss for me, this would have matched perfectly. It seemed too perfect. For example, Adam's phone number is right on the website for all to see, and you could call him up and reach him. After a few days, I mustered up the courage to call the number and see what happened. Adam answered right away, and I started my weight loss journey.

I wanted to learn how to thrive despite my past experiences and health complications. I wanted to learn how to be the best version of myself, so I could be proud and confident in myself and love and serve my family better. I deeply desired to find a way to be at peace with my health. I wanted to feel strong and confident and not like a hopeless victim of a heart condition anymore. I wanted to love myself because I know I lead by example as a mother. I can't ask anything of my children that I am unwilling to do myself. I was tired of feeling defeated.

The more I read and learned about the program I knew it was for me. I saw it could be catered to me and my specific limitations or needs based on my health history. My only hesitation was the cost. I had a real battle going on in my head because I was desperate for help and I felt like I had finally found it and that gave me immense hope. If I am being completely truthful here I also felt ashamed and frustrated with myself. I was mad that I couldn't figure out how to do this on my own. I felt weak because I needed help. It seemed unfair to my family that they were going to have to give up things to make room in the budget for me and this new expense. After visiting with my husband and some soul searching I realized that it was okay to need help. It was okay that I wanted and needed encouragement! My desire to be the best version of myself and find a way to thrive despite my health problems was good. I could not love and serve my family to the best of my abilities until I loved myself. I decided it was time to learn how to love and respect me and I knew that my family was going to support me because they wanted me to see and love myself the same way they did and who can put a price on that?

It is different in so many ways!!! MyBodyTutor teaches a lifestyle, not something to do for a period of time, and then stop. Because of the intentional personalization and thought put into each step, from choosing a coach to the personal plans made just for you I think it is pretty impossible to fail. This part was extremely important for me because I needed someone who could cater to my low blood pressure when it came to exercise and my need for salt when it came to the food I ate. I was given tools and taught to use them to recognize and properly address emotions, stress, and real hunger. Those tools are now with me for the rest of my life, which is why MyBodyTutor's success rate is so high.

My goal was to get back to my pre-babies weight, which I did, losing close to 30 pounds in total. All of my hopes were met, and so much more. I feel like I am thriving again! I am happy and confident. I feel great about my body. Yes, I still have scars and stretch marks, but they now feel like a beautiful map reminding me of where I have been and my body's strength and resilience. When I was at my heaviest, I had to stop picking up my children because I wasn't strong enough to carry them. I can now carry them around, and I never cease to be amazed at the visual when I lift my little one, thinking about how I lost as much as he weighs. I feel such confidence and peace in regard to my health. I have learned to respect my limits while still being proud of my accomplishments. I now look to food for fuel more than a band-aid or an experience, and because of that, I am enjoying different food that is much better for me. Most of all, I am proud of myself and happy to be thriving now along with my family.

If you feel hopeless because of limiting health problems or are a discouraged mom who can't get back on track after a tough pregnancy, I hope my story shows that anyone can do this with the right encouragement and support. Let MyBodyTutor be that for you and you won't regret it.