About a year ago I noticed that my eyesight was changing. I delayed having my eyes checked during the pandemic's shelter in place order. When I finally had my vision checked, I was told that I should contact my doctor immediately because my eyesight had changed dramatically, and that could be a sign of a significant health issue. My doctor had my blood tested and I was diagnosed as being "pre-diabetic." I was in shock because I had been regularly exercising by dancing, hiking or biking every day, had been eating a strict plant-based diet, and had been doing intermittent fasting. I was aware I was about 20 pounds overweight, and was trying to lose the extra pounds, but did not believe I had unhealthy eating habits. My health insurance provider gave me a video to watch with basic information like don't drink sodas or eat junk food. But, I felt there must be a different issue for me because I have not eaten white, refined sugar in 25 years, and don't eat junk food. My insurance provider told me that they would not refer me to a nutritionist until I was diagnosed with diabetes. I decided that I wasn't going to wait for that to happen, and sought support on my own from Cassale at Marin Weight Loss and Wellness Center who is a knowledgeable, wise and caring teacher and supporter. That was the best decision ever for my health and wellbeing.

I discovered that even though I don't drink alcohol and I don't eat sugar, gluten or dairy, when I started eating a plant based diet, I started taking in more carbs than my body could handle. Cassale and Dr. Gail encouraged me to make a few basic changes in my diet that resulted in my losing the last 20 pounds. They provided support as I learned just how many calories and grams of fat, carb and protein I need to maintain a healthy weight. Within 60 days, my blood tests were back to normal and I was no longer diagnosed as being pre-diabetic. I can't thank MWWC enough for helping me!

Many times in my life I have lost weight, but I have never been able to keep the weight off. Marin Weight Loss and Wellness Center helped me to find an approach that works for me involving planning meals ahead that meet my nutritional needs. They taught me how to use an app that helps me track my progress. Now I eat a variety of tasty foods that bring me much pleasure. I can honestly say that my meals now are much more delicious than any I used to have. Rather than avoiding the problem, I understand my nutritional needs and what foods (and food combinations) help me feel nourished. I have embraced improving my relationship with food. Rather than seeing myself in a battle with food, I am using food as medicine to nourish me.

Food and my relationship to eating are complicated topics. More than simply nutritional sustenance, food is at the centerpiece of my familial and cultural traditions. Serving food provides an occasion for bonding with my friends and family, and can act as an expression of my individuality and my love for others. Food is both fuel and medicine for my body, mind, heart and soul. I try to be conscious of everything I eat by having a balanced and healthy diet. I am grateful to Marin Weight Loss and Wellness Center for helping me to avoid a serious health issue and for teaching me how to have a healthy relationship with delicious food that meets my nutritional needs.