The picture on the left was April 2021. I was working out 2-3 times per week at Orange Theory Fitness and mostly eating healthy (or so I thought). The picture on the right was taken last week. I have lost 15 pounds since starting with Amy in January.

I’m mostly active, but really the change has been the healthy food I am choosing to eat. My thyroid was removed in 2019 due to cancer and with a high dose of thyroid medicine originally to suppress the cancer, I had no trouble losing weight. Once the medicine was lowered, the stress of COVID hit, and my age and adjusted metabolism took hold, I was struggling with weight gain, fatigue and some joint pain.

As I continue this plant-based lifestyle, I am feeling great and my clothes fit again.

The commitments I continue to work on for my own well-being are consistently working out and learning to meditate. I’m thankful for Amy’s kindness and wisdom and the edu-Thriver group for your friendship, accountability, and cooking ideas.

– Rena, Elementary Principal