KAREN, AGE 67, EASES ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS & ENDS 50 YEARS OF STRICT DIETS BY EATING MORE
Nagina Abdullah
MOLECULAR & CELL
BIOLOGY, UC BERKELEY
June 28, 2024
After half a century of Karen denying herself the foods she loved and facing relentless reminders to eat less, she craved a better solution—a sustainable approach rooted in principles, not restrictions. Fed up with the physical and emotional toll of fluctuating scales and yo-yo dieting, she was determined to break free from shame and guilt once and for all! Karen embraced a fresh approach fueled by encouragement and accountability.
“I’VE BEEN DIETING SINCE I WAS 15 YEARS OLD. WHILE I COULD LOSE WEIGHT ON ANY PROGRAM, I STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN IT. NOW WITH MENOPAUSE, THE METHODS I USED IN THE PAST NO LONGER WORK.”
Karen struggled with weight her whole life– even before she knew it was an “issue”. Her earliest memory spanned back to when she was a teenager. Karen’s mother brought her to a Weight Watchers meeting where she was assigned a weight loss goal of 15 pounds– her first introduction to restrictive dieting.
As an adult, she experimented with various diets like keto and intermittent fasting, all resulting in temporary weight loss but lacking sustainability. The programs offered strict rules and regulations instead of proactive guidance and education. Still desperate for an answer, Karen felt overwhelmed and exhausted from the endless cycle of hunger, short-term weight loss, and disappointment.
“I FEEL AWFUL AND COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED. I’VE REACHED A POINT WHERE I HAVE NO ANSWERS EVEN THOUGH I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING.”
The physical and psychological effects of carrying extra weight had taken a toll on Karen. Walking past the clothing section of a store induced anxiety and embarrassment. Severe arthritis pains disrupted sleep and joint pain interfered with daily routines. While Karen could force herself to engage with the mirror to get ready in the morning, she avoided glances for the rest of the day because her reflection had become a source of shock and sadness. Hiding behind layers of clothing and refusing to buy bigger sizes, Karen was done feeling controlled by the way her body looked and felt.
“I AM AT THE AGE AND WEIGHT THAT I NEED A PROGRAM THAT WORKS. I’M RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS.”
Karen's Online Weight Loss Coaching Results
When Karen received an email from MasalaBody during a challenging period, it felt almost like fate. Here was a promising new solution, right when she needed it most. Reaffirmed and hopeful, Karen took action and started working hard to nurture her body and regain control.
In my 8-week Slimdown Jumpstart program, Karen said goodbye to 20 pounds and by the 12-week mark, her dedication led to a total weight loss of 27 pounds! As a result of the program, Karen lost 2.5 inches from her bust, 4 inches from her waist, and is 5” slimmer around her hips!
MasalaBody helped Karen look at food differently. Together they developed a customized fat-burning framework that set off a life-changing health journey.
Karen learned how to:
- Overcome her sugar cravings.
- Plan and organize her weekly meals (in less than an hour!).
- Master portion sizes and embrace food combinations to help her body burn fat.
Karen found comfort in the personalized nutrition advice tailored to her needs and goals. She enjoyed MasalaBody's delicious and healthy recipes, especially her favorite, turkey chili. As she savored these nutritious meals, her cravings for late-night snacks and emotional dependence on sweets vanished.
“I HAVE A PLAN NOW. I NO LONGER HAVE TO WONDER WHAT TO DO.”
Karen gained a deep understanding of what to eat and when. Through education on the benefits of eating protein first and providing tasty, spicy ways to eat veggies, Karen no longer faces dilemmas in the kitchen. We customized Karen's macros to optimize fat burning in her body. By embracing a protein-more approach, she felt satisfied for longer.
“I CAN DO THIS FOREVER. THIS IS SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE, AND LIFELONG.”
Before starting the program, Karen typically began her meals with carb-heavy dishes. However, now she approaches her plate with a protein-MORE mindset that keeps her feeling full without feeling restricted. She can ease her mind knowing that carbs are merely rearranged, not eliminated.
“THESE PRINCIPLES ARE SO FOUNDATIONAL WE SHOULD LEARN THEM AS CHILDREN. EAT PROTEIN & HEALTHY FATS. HAVE CARBS, BUT EAT THEM LAST.”
Now, she embraces the core principles of the 8-Week Slimdown using many of the basic ingredients she already had at home. Trying something new can be stressful, but we supported Karen through the change with simple recipes that didn’t overcomplicate trips to the grocery store.
“I FEEL SO MUCH MORE IN CONTROL.”
Since collaborating with MasalaBody, Karen feels liberated from the grip of sugar. She has taken back control of her life. Free from the worry of criticism or being misunderstood, Karen radiates confidence and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
“I’M EXCITED TO FIND OUT HOW FAR I CAN GO USING THE TOOL BELT OF KNOWLEDGE I’VE ACQUIRED.”
If you’re struggling to take back the life you want, read more motivational weight loss success stories, and then book a call with me to develop your personalized weight loss journey in just eight weeks.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nagina Abdullah is a health coach for middle-aged women and professionals. She coaches women to boost their metabolism naturally, shed pounds and keep them off. Her work with weight loss clients led to the creation of Masala Body, an online weight loss platform that provides an easy and accessible system that helps women sustainably lose weight. She has helped over 1200 women successfully lose from 10-80 lbs and create a sustainable lifestyle change. Nagina earned her degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley. Read More…
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