Raving Fans

It is our pleasure to introduce you to Sandy. She is pictured here with Ellen on a beautiful Sunday morning when she completed the goal she set for herself of completing a half marathon. If you are not sure what that means, Sandy walked 13 miles that day!

Sandy is not a life long athlete. She is a business owner who wears a lot of hats throughout the day. She is a very busy woman who was smart enough to recognize that her most valuable asset was her health. She was not happy with the way she was looking and feeling and she made up her mind that she was going to do something about it. Her results have been amazing. At her last doctor visit, her physician was so surprised; he thought he had pulled the wrong chart!

We could spend a lot of time talking about how much fun we had working with Sandy, but we thought you would prefer hearing her own words.

Let me start off by sending you a great BIG THANK YOU for everything!!!  I surely could not have made all these significant changes without you!!

As you know, I was experiencing several health problems that included high cholesterol, rising blood sugar levels along with digestive issues such as food sensitivities, constant bloating and a severe bout of diverticulitis that resulted in a colon resection (a very intense surgical procedure.)  Besides that I was having that troublesome weight loss problem which every woman experiences during our lovely menopause phase!!!!!  It was at this time that I decided to find help and find help I did with you and your program.

I have tried many many other programs hoping to find the answer…I tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, 6weekbody.com along with a long list of others. I spent hours at Barnes and Noble trying to find any book that would help. I then remembered my dear friend had mentioned your program to me several months ago but for whatever reason, I didn’t contact you until recently and I am so happy that it did!!  She mentioned that your name was Back To Basic Wellness and I thought what a perfect name….exactly what I need!!

If you remember, I was little reluctant to start …I wanted to wait and be sure that I would have a few weeks of clear sailing so that nothing would get in my way and you both responded by saying that there is never a perfect time so I said ok, jumped on board and started on Labor Day of all times….a time for the good old American Hot Dog!!!!

Well, here I am 3 months later and feeling like a brand new person!!!  I have an abundant amount of energy, sleep like a rock now, and more importantly my cholesterol and blood sugar numbers have both dropped 10 percent. My doctor even asked if he was looking at my blood results or someone else’s!!!  I have lost weight as well as inches and in fact someone just said I look like a lost 20 lbs…now how great is that!!  Oh yes, let us not forget that I completed walking a half marathon (13 miles) thanks to your suggestion of setting a goal!!!

But let me be clear…none of this would have happened without your constant SUPPORT, GUDANCE and KNOWLEDGE!!!!!.  Your knowledge of the human body interacting with our food choices is INVALUABLE!!!  The weekly menus, daily emails (love them) and phone coaching sessions are just great…..all three combined make for a truly wonderful successful experience!!  I feel incredibly confident that with everything I have learned from both of you I can now continue on a healthy successful journey!!

Thank you again from the bottom of my healthy heart!!!!!

Sandy

 

We met Robert when we introduced ourselves to Ringwood, NJ with a Get Fit Challenge. He started there and has continued the journey. This is what he had to say:

First let me honestly say this program was not what I was expecting. I figured I was gonna show up get my blood pressure taken and get weighed and then not hear from or see anyone again until the end.

I also was a skeptic coming in thinking this was going to be a bit of food mumbo jumbo so to speak.

I was pleasantly surprised at how down to earth and honest you guys were and how well thought out and sensible this program is.

Before the program I guess I would best describe how I felt as listless, weak, and depressed. Most days I didn’t feel like I had the energy/desire to get off the couch.

I must say you are quite possibly the two nicest people I have ever met. In every aspect of this program I truly felt like you cared about me and how I was doing and how to make this the best experience possible. Coming from dealing with nutritionists and doctors in the past who have their way of thinking and it’s do this and this only, it was refreshing and wonderful to meet people who truly listened to what I was going through and were always there to lend an ear, or an email

The material was quality. The recipes and food lists and suggestions from you in the emails everyday really work to create an environment of success, where you feel if you pay attention you can’t fail.

The program was much easier to follow then I anticipated. I was truly surprised at how easy I found it to give up the foods I “love”. The delicious meals you included really went a long way to easing that transition and I thank you for it.

As for the results, I am blown away. I lost much more weight then I anticipated, and I definitely have the energy to get off the couch now!! Coming in honestly I figured I would do the cleanse and lose some weight and then be right back into my old habits. Truth is I got some really good tips and came away from this program truly feeling like there are lots of things I can and will continue to do for life.

I will be honest though, I still find it a bit of a struggle when it comes to giving up foods I came to enjoy and eat so often. I will say that thanks to your teachings about listening to your body, I do notice a difference when I have strayed and eaten something not on the list. I can just feel how “off” some food makes me feel. I also notice the difference when I eat whole foods how much more satisfied I feel and that satisfaction lasts much longer then with not so good foods.

I will say that I would and have recommended your program. It was a pleasure getting to do this and meeting you.

Rob

 

We also met Laura in Ringwood. She has gone on to achieve even greater results since she wrote us this lovely email:

Before I started this program I was very tired, took pills for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, I felt like my clothes were tight, even when I had no clothes on I felt like I was wearing tight clothes, always feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

The biggest changes I have experienced is that my clothes no longer feel tight. I feel much more comfortable with myself both physically and mentally.

I looked forward each morning to my email from you. It gave me great inspiration and hope. Knowing that I had a team to go to if needed was very reassuring. It hard to go thru this alone and the support was wonderful. I felt that the coaching methods and materials were great and that the program was easy to follow. Initially I thought no way was I going to be able to get through the detox program but I was able to get through it without any problems and continue to stay 99.9% off the sugar, dairy and gluten. No one needs all the artificial stuff and dyes in the foods so that was so much easier to follow that I would have thought.

I have lost inches, the bloated feeling and overall I feel great. Friends that I haven’t seen in several weeks all comment on how much weight I have lost. Even my face has a glow about it, partially from the diet I now follow and partially no doubt from my attitude.

Laura

 

Our clients are a never ending source of inspiration and joy. As many years as we have been practicing, we are forever in awe of the human spirit and the body’s ability to heal. Some stories are too exceptional not to share.

 

When Jo came to us she suffered a great deal with acid reflux. She also had a host of other health issues. She followed our bonus week program and by the time she began the detox 1 week later, she was already feeling pretty good. She began Day 1 with her remarkable determination to stay positive, focused and happy.
By Day 2, she noticed that she didn’t have any hip pain for the first time in a long time. By Day 3, she had even less pain. Here’s what she wrote:
“I’ve had a tremendous pain on my chest for months. Doctors that have seen me couldn’t really tell me why. It was not heart related, digestive or asthma. Most recently I was told that it must be fibromyalgia and I was given the name of a rheumatologist. I have not seen her yet. I noticed when I got up this morning, no pain on either side of my chest. I waited for it, but it wasn’t there. All day I thought okay, I’m going to have it- but no! Emotionally I’m feeling like I’m on a natural high. I am feeling very alert and focused and keep telling myself that I must have been starving my body of good nutrition for years.”
Wow!
On Day 6 we got this note
“You are changing my life in such a positive way and I am very grateful to you both. My family loves this new way of eating. My son, who only eats a limited diet actually asked to try the yam patties I made tonight. He liked them and wanted to know how they were made! Thanks to you both. And yes…all the chest pain I was experiencing has left me. It’s almost hard to believe!”
At the end of her detox, she inspired us once again with more incredible results.
“Physically I feel great. I saw the pulmonologist this afternoon and my breathing was great! My oxygen levels were almost 100%! Lung function was optimum. This is the first time since 2008 when I was diagnosed with adult onset asthma, that I had that reading! Additionally we spoke about my meds and he is reducing my daily cortisteroid. He was so impressed with me. I had to tell him that it’s all about what I am eating. He couldn’t believe it! He wants to know more about your program.”
Amazing!

Jo

 

Alex is another rock star client. Here is some of what he has to say:
“I absolutely love receiving your daily morning emails.  I have created a new slogan for you, “Changing your day, one email at a time.” Your daily emails became part of my day. I feel great every time I read them. It sets the mood for my day.
It was a little challenging in the beginning as I shifted from what I was eating to this amazing list of delicious foods I didn’t even know existed. I feel great. I am more motivated, passionate, sexier, and happier…the list goes on. I am eating more (before I couldn’t finish my meals) and I am swallowing better (it is not 100%, I still have some issues with hiccups, but I can finish my meals now.)
I am spending more quality time with my family. I went for a walk with my wife, daughters and the dogs several times since I started the program. I am trying to get up earlier to read your emails, prepare my breakfast and get my day started on the right track. It feels good that I took some action and found you guys. I can see and feel that it really works!
Thank you so much for everything and don’t forget: CHANGING MY DAY, ONE EMAIL AT A TIME. Love you guys!!

Alex

 

Lynn’s teenage daughter was diagnosed with Celiac. They wanted to support her in every way possible, so the whole family started our program. This is what she had to say after a few weeks:
“All is well here…I am on track..not anxious at all..very calm actually. Been busy accomplishing chores around the house, improving the feng shui, cleaning out lots of old things..feeling very energetic and pretty focused. Although my Celiac blood work was negative I have basically eliminated all gluten and have lost weight and feel much better. Who would’ve “thunk it”??
Erin is doing beautifully!! I am so proud of her. The “transformation” you spoke of is happening. She is working out 2x’s a week..very committed to getting in shape. She looks wonderful. Her body is changing as she is losing weight and inches. She has become noticeably more independent and social (I am amazed at how this has all happened with dietary changes,) I’m a believer. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.”

Lynn

 

Our program helped Cindi with her allergies:
“Thanks for the detox program. I am feeling great. I am really enjoying the journey. I think this is helping with my allergies. I have no runny nose or itchy eyes. Amazing what the body does when it’s fed food it doesn’t have to fight against. Have a great day!”

Cindi

 

Our program helped Terri lose weight and lower her cholesterol:
“I’ve never felt better mentally or physically. Even though I’ve been eating quite health consciously for the past few years, I still had some preconceived notions about what was good for me. My goal is to eat healthy foods BUT they must also taste delicious. Not only are these dishes that I’m cooking appealing to my discerning taste buds, but my kids are “stealing” my leftovers! I even lost 10 lbs. without trying…AND I am never hungry. Since changing my eating habits, my cholesterol has dropped 10 points, my HDL (the good cholesterol) has jumped 9 points and the LDL has decreased by 18 points.
Besides the food component, there was also the mental aspect of what self-care means. I became aware that I can’t have healthy relationships with others (which is what life is all about) if I don’t care for and love myself. I learned to nurture myself, which led to improved attitude and a happier state of mind. When you know that you are doing all that you can do to improve and take care of yourself, you can’t help but feel good about yourself. It’s now a wonderful life.”

Terri

 

Our program helped Chris calm a difficult situation:
“My mother-in-law has come to live with us. She has been diagnosed with dementia, bipolar and schizophrenia. She had a couple of episodes at my house and I noticed that she was living on cereal, caffeine and diet herbal tea. I put my foot down and demanded she eat what I’ve been cooking. The outcome has been incredible. She’s calmer and more focused. I couldn’t be happier. I believe that she can see that a good diet has an effect on her mental stability. It proves that with an adjusted diet and proper meds she can live a calmer life.
It gave me such confidence in your program that it’s become my bible for life. Do I cheat? Hell yes! But not much and I am happier than I’ve ever been. Thank you!”

Chris

 

Read what happened in Dana’s life:
I wanted to take a minute to tell you both how much my life has changed this year…..The single most important thing when I think of myself and 2011 is meeting the both of you! You both have made such a positive impact on me as a person! It took me 34 years to understand my body and how it works and I owe it all to the both of you! I can’t even explain how awesome it feels when you hit that “aha” moment by participating in your programs and it all makes sense! Being healthy is the best gift I could give myself and my family…and the 45 plus pounds that I lost along the way was a bonus! I am grateful for the warm, compassionate care you have given me and look forward to many more of your programs in 2012!

Sincerely, Dana

 

Susana wrote to share her victory with us also:
Lovely ladies,
Before detox I went to Macys to buy Women’s 14 clothes because the regular 14 was toooo small.
Today I went to Macys and bought 3 pairs of size 12 pants.
2 years ago my daughter gave me a lovely raincoat, size Large. It wouldn’t come close to closing. I stored it under my bed.
Today I dragged it out and it fit, closing all buttons and tying the belt, perfectly.
At Monday morning’s network breakfast meeting, I had several members ask me if I lost weight – they said even my face looked different. One gentleman (you gotta love men) said my new hairdo was nice. (They try God bless them).
They asked me how I did it  ……You are my heroes

Susana

 

Joan wrote to tell us about her victory with the sugar devil:
“I couldn’t imagine a time when I would be able to have desserts in my kitchen and have no desire to eat them. I occasionally allow myself to have a sweet treat if I know the ingredients are high quality. I find that I am satisfied with a small amount and never feel triggered to eat more. After many years of futile dieting, I lost 45 lbs. and I did not need to white knuckle my way to get there. The BEST part is-it’s one year later and l haven’t gained back a single pound!”

Joan

 

Donna saw the results in her productivity:
I have seen remarkable improvements as a direct result of working with Kathy and Ellen. As a business owner, I have a crazy schedule and there just never seems to be enough time in the day. Even worse, I was shot by 3 PM each day- so I pretty much “lost” 2 hours a day. Within weeks of working with Back to Basic Wellness I gained those hours back. I have improved my personal productivity by at least 25%….and I feel GREAT!
Donna M

 

Monique tied it all together when she wrote:
I think everyone wants to be healthy and feel good but sometimes we just don’t know where to begin.  Kathy and Ellen are great because they help you put all the pieces together. They optimize what you are doing right and help you fix what you aren’t doing as well, regardless of where you are in the “holistic spectrum”.  From exercise routines, eating habits, cooking/meal planning, food shopping-they help you achieve a balanced sense of self.  I have…and continuously recommend Back to Basic Wellness to friends and family members.
Monique

 

I am a 31 year old business man (manager of Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa) in a worn body of an NCAA collegiate wrestler. Dieting has never been an issue for me. In fact, dieting has always been part of my life. So, when I was met with the challenge of detoxing for two weeks with Back to Basic Wellness, I thought to myself, “This will be a breeze. Count me in!”

Through this healthy detox, I learned how to eat right! I learned how to prepare food and eat ALL day without feeling zapped of energy, unfocused, or depleted of nutrients. I am very active , so this was important to me. The way Back to Basic Wellness helped me was to tell me allllll the food I CAN eat. There’s nothing worse than doing a diet and being told all the things you CAN’T EAT! Back to Basic Wellness takes the high road and truly supports their clients through the transition from poor eating to healthy living!

So here I am, Israel Cronk. I began the detox at 212 lbs. I dropped to 193 lbs after the two week detox. Now, almost two months later I fluctuate between 194-196 lbs. This longevity of the effects of this detox are only possible through the good eating habits Back to Basic Wellness has taught me. THANKS BACK TO BACK TO BASIC WELLNESS!

Israel

 

Kathy and Ellen are two incredible women who have taught me more about Nutritional healing than I ever learned in medical school. They have not only provided me with the skills on how to choose healthy foods but more importantly how to make and cook them quickly and deliciously. It is so empowering to know how to prepare greens, grains, shakes, muffins and gluten free/wheat free alternatives for myself and my family. Before Kathy and Ellen I would not have known where to begin. They make it easy and fun!

Back to Basic Wellness nourishes your body and soul.This has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Healthy body health mind,
Dr Lisa Higgins Ridgewood, NJ

 

I have seen remarkable improvements as a direct result of working with Kathy and Ellen. As a business owner, I have a crazy schedule and there just never seems to be enough time in the day. Even worse, I was shot by 3 PM each day- so I pretty much “lost” 2 hours a day. Within weeks of working with Back to Basic Wellness I gained those hours back. I have improved my personal productivity by at least 25%….and GREAT!

Donna M Montclair, NJ

 

This past 1½ years have been the most successful of my 13+ years in business…I owe much of that to Kathy and Ellen who have helped me optimize my routine, eating habits, exercise regimen, supplements, etc. This has resulted in better health, focus, energy, overall wellness—and business results. I continuously recommend Back to Basic Wellness to friends, fellow entrepreneurs and family members.

Monique de Maio
Founder & CMO
onDemandCMO Inc

 

I’ve never felt better mentally or physically. Even though I’ve been eating quite health consciously for the past few years, I still had many preconceived notions about what was good for me. My goal is to eat healthy foods, BUT they must also taste delicious. Not only are these new dishes that I’m cooking appealing to my discerning taste buds, but my kids are “stealing” my leftovers! I even lost 10 lbs without trying… AND I’m never hungry. Since changing my eating habits,my cholesterol has dropped 10 points, my HDL (the good cholesterol) has jumped 9 points and the LDL has decreased by 18 points.

Besides the food component, there was also the mental aspect of what self-care means. I became aware that I can’t have healthy relationships with others (which are what life is all about) if I don’t take care for and love myself. I learned to nurture myself, which led to improved attitude, a happier state of mind. When you know you’re doing all that you can do to improve and take care of yourself, you can’t help but feel good about yourself. It’s now a wonderful life!

Terri Luberger Pa.

 

I don’t do change easily. Kathy and Ellen introduced me to many new foods (veggies and grains I had never heard of before). I did lead a sheltered food life. I have more energy than ever, I have never felt better mentally or physically, even lost weight and the kicker is I am satisfied with everything I am eating and not hungry. My husband Frank loves to try all the new dishes I am cooking, my kids want to know why I waited till they were grown and out on their own before doing this. Without their help none of this would of been possible for me on my own. This is only a small part of the changes they have made in my life.

Mary Murphy Butler, NJ

 

I feel great… I wish the detox was longer. Its challenging at times, but you just have to stay focused…. I definitely feel like I want to stick to a more plant based diet. I can’t wait to find out about the program you had said was a follow-up to this…..I tell everyone I know about this….I really love the support through the program….I love knowing that if I need something, you both are there. It’s not like the diet you keep putting off until tomorrow… and speaking of diet, I like that this is a way of living…I wasn’t a junk food eater before, but now I feel like I have more choices….Is there a way to get even more recipes? Yours are great and I thank you for them…

Thank you! Dana

 

Thanks for the detox program. I am feeling great. I am really enjoying the journey. I think this is helping w/ my allergies. No runny nose or itchy eyes. Amazing what the body does when it’s fed food it doesn’t have to fight against. Have a great night or should I say great day!

Cindi

Here I am up at 6:26!? This is the better me! Walked the dogs, made the bed, and am about to do my zumba class. I started this when I began your program and have not missed a day.

I can’t thank you ladies enough for what you have done for me. I’m coming back to myself, and finding that I really am grateful for everyday, my health, better being and for getting the push I needed from you!

Chela