Congrats to our amazing #TransformationTuesday star, Rachel Hartman! Pictures are one thing, but her mindset and lifestyle change is the most impressive!
How long have you been coming to Nutrish Mish? What made you start?
I first started coming to Nutrish Mish in February of 2018. I remember the reason I first started coming to Nutrish Mish was because I had been recommended for bariatric surgery. I was so desperate to try to lose the weight on my own before making such a life altering and permanent decision because in my heart I knew surgery was not a great option for me. I came across the Groupon for Nutrish Mish and vowed to give it a chance; now, a year later, I could not be happier with my decision to come here and the results I’ve achieved from doing so.
What has been the biggest transformation you have seen in yourself?
Honestly, I feel as though my entire being has transformed. I’ve lost 70 pounds coming to Nutrish Mish, I am no longer pre-diabetic, and I did not have to get bariatric surgery. I know going from a size XXL to a M/L is huge change but I am so proud of the woman I am today and the choices I have been able to implement to get myself here. I genuinely feel happier, confident, and I’ve fallen back in love with myself. I’m more engaged socially then I have been in a long time and feel like my entire mindset has changed. I went from the woman who “could never do that ‘diet stuff’” or “could never wear something like that” to a woman who truly believes she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to (that just happens to also look great while doing it).
What made this time different then other times you have tried to get healthier or lose weight?
Having a nutritionist who genuinely understands me and my needs changed the whole ball game for me. Nutrish Mish was able to help me to develop small changes in myself over a period of time so I really never felt like I was limiting myself or preventing myself from eating things I like and enjoy. There have been weeks I struggled with my eating and a lot of time was put into helping me understand ‘why’ instead of shaming me. I really appreciated that my entire plan was revolved just around my needs and wasn’t a cookie cutter program. I had medical needs such as pre-diabetes and learned that eating a lot of carbs isn’t a great option for me which I never knew before. Things like this made it possible for me to follow the best ‘diet’ depending on my particular situation, medical needs, etc. which was something I had never before experienced.
What advice would you have for someone just starting with Nutrish Mish?
WRITE IT DOWN! If it touched your lips write it in your log so YOU and your nutritionist can help you figure out why as well as find really great alternatives that fit your cravings. It also helps on the weeks where maybe you gained a pound or didn’t lose any weights to see where maybe it’s possible to skip the soda (my personal weak point in the beginning). Seeing the food written down really makes a difference because I still look at it sometimes and think, “Okay Rachel that was a little excessive, let’s try to do better.”
BE PATIENT & KIND WITH YOURSELF! It’s okay to have weeks where you don’t lose weight, heck even if you gain weight one week that’s okay too. During this process I really learned to be patient and forgiving with myself. It’s okay to treat yourself once in a while and not shame yourself for it. As long as you stay the course you can lose weight – don’t give up on yourself.
BE HONEST! I found being honest with my nutritionist to be very helpful. Tell them where you’re struggling, what’s giving you a hard time, foods you feel you can’t live without, underlying medical conditions that may cause a need for your diet to be tweaked; it’s all important and will really make a difference in seeing results. Plus, it’s really nice to feel like you have someone who genuinely just supports you and wants to see you succeed.
Favorite NM Recipe/Product?
Immunity, I’m really really obsessed with Immunity. I have one scoop every morning with water in a shaker bottle and honestly it’s been life changing. I used to get sick very frequently especially because I work in a field where I’m constantly surrounded by other people’s germs and I have to say (knock on wood) I haven’t been sick nearly as often as I was before. If I could scream from the rooftops for everyone to drink immunity, I would. Plus, its orange flavored so immunity is a perfect complement to my morning (almost like having orange juice).
Anything else you would like to add:
I’m so grateful for Nutrish Mish. I would not have been able to lose 70 pounds without the help of Richael. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and holding my hand through this entire process (even the times I very much cheated).
