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You CAN Fix Yourself with a Whole30/Paleo Type Diet

I want to share this wonderful note from a client with everyone, hoping that it will inspire others to eat better. I also want to caveat this with the fact that I put Malcolm on a lower carb version of Whole30/Paleo diet due to his type 2 diabetes, so his instructions were to limit sweet potatoes, potatoes, and fruit. Luckily, he tested his blood sugar regularly and quickly discovered that even a small sweet potato would send his blood sugar quite high, so he now has a small serving of fruit each day but doesn’t eat starchy vegetables. Prior to seeing me, his other dietitian had told him “you must be one of those people who can’t bring your blood sugar down with diet.”

You CAN Fix Yourself with a #Whole30 #Paleo Diet.

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For those unfamiliar with Whole30, the parameters are spelled out nicely in this book, but it’s basically a squeaky clean version of paleo, so he included lots of animal proteins, vegetables, nuts and seeds. He avoided alcohol, sugar, all grains and dairy. One of the reasons I feel he did such a great job (other than actually listening to my instructions and following them) is because he tested his blood sugar several times a day, so he had data on how his body reacted to meals. Data is a powerful thing! If you’re interested in learning more about how our modern diets are toxic for those with blood sugar issues, and would like to learn how to test your own, I recommend reading Wired to Eat, or you can work with me if you’d like personalized dietary guidance and surveillance.

This letter was written on March 9, 2017, about 9 weeks after he started the diet.

“Good morning Diana. As a result of our conversation yesterday, I am taking a few minutes to write a “Whole30 Testimonial” as you had requested. I am writing on behalf of Dusty and myself hopefully articulating why we undertook the program and sharing our success both physically and mentally.

Why Whole30?
1. I am 65 yrs old and developed Type 2 diabetes at age 60. I was very lucky in that the diagnosis was made well before any negative effects of diabetes had time to set in. My wife, 64 yrs old, and I have been married nearly 41 yrs and are blessed to have three remarkable grown children with equally remarkable spouses all of whom have collectively produced nine grandchildren. The most important aspects of our lives are our children and grandchildren. Given the prior statement, we recognize the critical importance of good health and the understanding that while we can’t retard aging, we can control how we age.
2. Given that I am retired and that we have more  “environmental and situational” control over what we eat, we decided to start a program that would help us alter our eatings habits and influence how we age. Eliminating certain foods and sugar from our diets would result in meaningfully lowering Blood Sugar Levels (especially for me); reduce body and joint inflammation; and most likely reduce weight. Combining a food program with exercise including weight training, aerobics and stretching we believed would be the ultimate trifecta.
3. So why Whole30? The Whole30 Plan is NOT a Diet. It is a method of treating one’s body and organs in a way that preserves and perpetuates health and healthy living. The collateral effects are meaningful. Less inflammation, improved sleeping, weight loss, enhanced self respect for how one looks – all of which all lead to controlling how we age (in my case better control of my diabetes) and feeling that we are preserving time to enjoy our children and grandchildren in a healthy state of older age.
Is the Whole30 Plan really Achievable?
1. Well before we started the program, we read the Whole30 book and recipe Book. We learned as much as we could about the effects of the plan and if it would work for us. Given that we didn’t want to start “cold turkey” on January 1st, we eased into numerous parts of the plan two weeks in advance.
2. One needs to recognize that the Whole30 Plan is all about DISCIPLINE and PLANNING. Absolutely no cheating – the only person one is cheating is oneself. No short cuts, not even the smallest straying from the plan. The discipline we learned over the 30 days was actually a discipline we will carry forward forever. Discipline doesn’t start on Day 1and end on Day 30. Discipline is as important as the foods we eat and no longer eat.
3. We found the Plan was like walking up a slightly steep hill for the first 10 days and then downhill for the next 20 days. It only gets easier and evolves from a 30 Day Plan into a way of life once one feels the effects on one’s body physically and mentally.
4. We started on January 1st and have continued our new and revised eating pattern and habits through today and will continue to do so well, well, into the future. Why wouldn’t we?
The Benefits of the Whole30 Plan!
1. We feel better today than anytime over the past ten years.
2. My BSL has meaningfully been reduced. My BSL is THE gauge of what I can eat and can’t eat. Very simple.
3. The weight loss has been a meaningful effect and will be perpetuated by what and how we eat.
4. WE FEEL GREAT ABOUT OURSELVES AND ARE PROUD OF HOW WE LOOK.
5. Very importantly, we know we are in far better physical condition to really enjoy all the activities we love for a far more meaningful time.
6. We will enjoy our children and grandchildren that much longer.
All the best to you Diana and thank you for your help and encouragement.
– Malcolm & Dusty M.
Are you ready to take the life preserver and fix your blood sugar issues? Then pick up either Whole30 or Wired to Eat, or consider booking a consult with me. And although not everyone can completely reverse their diseases through food, you lose nothing if you just give it a try – the worst case is that you spend a month eating some really delicious meals, sleeping better, looking better, and feeling better!
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I am so grateful to have found Diana.  Diana was  instrumental in helping me heal from my first Crohn’s flare.  While my gastrointerologist was helpful in diagnosing and assessing my progress, with Diana’s help I was able to heal. Diana helped me to fine tune what I was eating based on an AIP protocol,  and encouraged me to seek nutrient dense foods, optimize my sleep, and reduce stress. She offered recommendations for supplements that were appropriate for my symptoms and diagnosis.  Diana made it easy to schedule consultations, listened attentively and offered real and sustainable guidance. Within four months,  I went from having numerous ulcers to NONE.  While I still have some symptoms, I wholeheartedly attribute this amazing progress to modifying my diet and following Diana’s guidance. I cannot thank Diana enough!

Jill D.
Topsfield, MA

     At the end of my Senior year in high school, conveniently around prom and graduation, I developed severe acne on my forehead and cheeks. It was unlike anything I had experienced before and did not know what measures to take. I visited a dermatologist but did not see the results that I was looking for. The topical lotions made my skin extremely dry and the acne was getting worse, not better. In addition to my acne, I was struggling to gain weight and improve my energy levels. Being underweight most of my life, I had meet with a nutritionist several times who advised me to eat simple carbohydrates for energy and weight gain. This diet did not result in either desired results.

I visited Diana Rodgers for the first time in late summer, before leaving for college. First I kept a food diary recording what I ate, when and how I felt after eating. As a result of the test, we realized there was a pattern of fatigue after most meals and snacks.  Later we met in person to review my food diary and then did a series of tests in order to see how different parts of my body were responding to the foods I was eating. From this study, Diana designed a new diet rich in plant foods, protein and low in refined sugars, caffeine and junk food. She also recommended a series of natural supplements.

Within a month of beginning this new program,  I had gained 12 pounds and my skin had begun to quickly return to a healthy state.  Also, unlike many of my classmates, I now have much more energy than I did before. As a college student it is hard to follow a strict diet plan, so Diana tailored my plan to my lifestyle—even factoring the occasional treat!

Rachael B
Nutrition Client / New York, NY

I came to hire Diana as my nutritionist this past year. I had recently had a full medical exam with my primary physician. I was unable to get the assistance that I wanted from my primary doctor about how to make the necessary lifestyle changes I needed to regain my health. Diana had shared some of her knowledge and expertise within the field of nutrition with me in casual conversations – it made sense to work with her to make the changes to move forward towards better health.

I have been eating Paleo (with some slight modifications initially) for the past 2 months as well as taking the recommended supplements – I am so happy with the results: both physically and emotionally. I have a variety of meals I look forward to eating, an exercise routine with a variety of disciplines (yoga, Pilates, dance and walking) that I follow and suitable supplements that round out the entire experience.

Diana and I check in regularly to see how everything is going. She offers great support and encouragement. I am working with her not to create a “diet” plan, but to create a “lifestyle” plan that I can incorporate throughout my life. I have confidence in Diana’s knowledge and guidance and feel comfortable recommending her services to family and friends.

Lisa K.
Nutrition Client / Hamilton, MA

     As a CrossFit coach and someone who has always taken pride in how I take care of myself, I thought I had a good handle on my fitness and nutrition – until suddenly I didn’t. Last summer, I went through several weeks where I was generally lethargic, tired but couldn’t sleep, gaining weight, and losing interest in training, and I didn’t know why. 

     I met with Diana, who spent the time to get to know my goals, habits, and lifestlye. She quickly identified a few areas that, despite my being health-oriented, I had completely overlooked and that were sabotaging me. She made simple recommendations that I could easily incorporate into my lifestyle, and within 30 days, I was sleeping better, had more energy, and halted the weight gain. 
 
     Months later, I’m still following the recommendations from Diana and my health and fitness have really found their footing again. 
Gregory S.
Nutrition Client / Acton, MA
I really can’t put into words just how revolutionary this whole experience has been. I told Diana that I was having back pain, my sleep was awful and I just felt tired all the time, often after eating. I’m a typical late 30’s guy with a stressful job and not exactly the best eating patterns in the world. I’m into being healthy, but I didn’t realize just what that meant. I’m strong and I love to work out, but I had a lot of injuries (how much fun is it to get old?!) and didn’t have the drive I used to in younger years.
I went to Diana and she gave me a very, very simple and clear direction for my eating and diet. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say I actually prefer eating now, I’ve lost weight in only a few weeks — it’s really incredible — my sleep is better and back pain isn’t totally gone, but it’s less intense. I also just feel more alert and fresh, and I have new stamina in the gym. Diana gave me print outs, we even ate together, and she pointed me to a few Paleo blogs and books that have been total life changers. I’m very thankful for her insights and knowledge and honestly can’t thank her enough. I plan to eat like this for the rest of my life: I feel awesome!
Zachary T.
Nutrition Client / New York, NY

Thank you for introducing me to the Paleo plan! When I scheduled a consultation with you, my goals were simple:

·        Eliminate eczema

·        Sleep through the night

·        Reduce inflammation

As promised, I followed your Paleo plan to the letter, took the supplements (I’ve grown to LOVE the cod liver oil…go figure!) and changed up my exercise routine to include CrossFit. The results have been amazing!  I’m happy to report that I’m sleeping 8 – 9 uninterrupted hours per night, my eczema is nearly gone, inflammation is greatly reduced AND I’ve lost ten pounds! As a woman in her 40’s whose children are all in college, reaching the “pre-baby” weight from my 20’s was always a hope in the back of my mind. I went from a size 12 to a size 6!!! It is now my reality thanks to you!

Karen D.
Nutrition Client / Chicago, IL

I highly recommend working with Diana to anyone unsure of what path to take if they wish to dive into a career in Nutrition. Diana encouraged me to begin with a program that teaches science based protocols that allow you to assess and support your client’s health from an unbiased foundational perspective.

Speaking with Diana was a very pivotal point in my life and will never regret it. I was confused with what direction to take or where to begin. She encouraged me that the knowledge I would gain through the Nutritional Therapy Association as an NTC would empower me, therefore bringing incredible value to clients interested in addressing the root cause of their dysfunction. In addition, she helped map out what I should do after I graduated as an NTC since I want to become an RD- literally calming any fears and doubts and giving me the push needed. I realized that if she was able to do it while living a busy life, I could too! We are needed in this field that filled with noise and bad information; and Diana planted the knowledge, research and ideas to not only change my life but my family’s as well. I will be forever grateful that I made the investment to schedule an “ask me anything call” with her.

Diane Toiber

When I first met with Diana, I had been following a fairly strict Paleo/Primal diet and had lost roughly 50 pounds. I was very happy with my weight and in general my health had improved tremendously. Sleep was spot on; mood was elevated; intestinal issues subsided but I lacked energy.  When 3:00 pm would roll around I was still in need of a caffeine jolt and I could only workout for 10 – 15 minutes before becoming completely drained.  After reviewing my food log and lab tests, Diana had me increase both my carbohydrate (sweet potatoes, beets, potatoes) intake and also increase my fat intake, healthy fats of course. She also recommended certain supplements to help address some underlying issues.  My energy came soaring back and the need for the 3:00 fix disappeared.  My energy level also stays constant throughout my workouts and I’ve achieved some new lifetime personal records at the age of 46.  But here’s the crazy thing, I lost 10 more pounds.

Scott C.
Nutrition Client / Lunenburg, MA

Diana gave me the tools and the confidence to change my life!  For years I struggled to maintain a steady weight and energy level on a mostly vegetarian diet.  I finally acknowledged that for all my efforts, I just wasn’t feeling good.  Within days of implementing Diana’s suggestions, I was feeling great!  Nearly 3 months have passed; my husband and I have both lost weight, improved our performance in the gym, and enjoy cooking and eating high quality meals together.  Diana and I already have plans to discuss what changes I need to make to support my health, both pre- and post-pregnancy.  I have never felt so in charge and informed; my relationship with food has absolutely changed for the better.

Sarah G.
Nutrition Client / Long Island, NY

The shift in consumption from whole foods to highly processed foods have resulted in nutrition related disease and environmental destruction. Diana provides and excellent, easy-to-follow road map for changing our diets and regenerating the health of our families, the environment, and the planet.

Allan Savory
Founder of The Savory Institute / Author of The Grazing Revolution: A Radical Plan to Save the Earth

Diana really understands human nutrition. She is also one of the few who gets the critical link between human health and sustainable food production. I highly recommend her as a practitioner to help you with your diet and as a leader in the sustainable food movement.

Robb Wolf
New York Times Bestselling Author, The Paleo Solution

Diana is one of the few dietitians I have entrusted to give my Whole30’ers practical, effective nutrition advice. She knows how hard it is for people to change their relationship with food, and understands that connecting with her clients and readers emotionally is just as important as giving them the right dietary prescription. Diana inspires change; her knowledge, passion, and dedication to the well-being of her clients and our community is what makes her both an exceptional dietitian and a true thought leader.

Melissa Hartwig
New York Times Bestselling Author, The Whole 30 / Whole 30

Diana Rodgers is the real deal: a passionate sustainability champion, brainy Paleo nutritionist, and loving mom. She taught me firsthand how our dietary choices impact not just our health but also the workers who grow our food and the world we live in. Whenever I need the straight truth about feeding my family the right way, Diana’s the first person I contact.

Michelle Tam
New York Times Bestselling Author, Nom Nom Paleo / Nom Nom Paleo

Overcoming our societal ignorance requires hand-holding and cheerleaders. Diana is a cheerleader for a healthy future; a future with ecological, economic and emotional integrity. We cannot build a healthy future on potato chips, fast food and convenience. She inspires many people to come down out of the stands, reclaim their health, and begin playing the most exciting game – life!

Joel Salatin
Farmer / Polyface Farms

As an expert in metabolic medicine, I’ve seen first hand the diseases that our highly processed, hyper-palatable diet has inflicted on my patients. Diana’s unique approach, with real food nutrition and lifestyle changes, is not only based in evolutionary science, but it also works. I highly recommend Diana as a truly knowledgeable dietitian who can help patients recover from, and prevent, modern disease.

Michael R. Eades, M.D.
Author of the NY Times Bestselling Protein Power

Diana is an exceptional resource for anyone looking for a realistic and balanced plan to take back their health through food and lifestyle changes. She knows her science and has the unique ability to translate it to help people in an approachable, friendly way. If you’ve been failed by standard nutrition advice, I highly recommend a consult with Diana to get you on the right path.

Mark Sisson
Author of The Primal Blueprint / Founder and CEO of Primal Nutrition, Inc.

Diana Rodgers brings a wealth of experience with food—from growing it on her own farm, to preparing it in delicious and nutritious ways, to designing dietary plans to prevent and reverse disease. I can’t recommend her enough.

Chris Kresser
Author of New York Times best seller The Paleo Cure / Co-director and President of California Center for Functional Medicine

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