OUR STORY OF THE MONTH

Before	After

Before	After

I have tried a lot of weight loss programs on and off over the years, successfully losing weight but never reaching my goal and never maintaining the loss - always gaining a little extra when the weight returned. I would start a diet on a Monday and crash and burn by Friday. I would get more and more depressed as the dress sizes in my wardrobe would increase and decrease constantly and before I knew it I would have a range of clothes from 18 to 24. Every day there was an excuse – I’m too tired, I’m too busy, I’m too depressed…I can’t. Every year I got bigger and bigger and would just block out as much hurt and pain I felt over my situation as I could. I cannot begin to tell you of the frustration I have felt over the years losing and gaining weight continually. I remember telling a health care professional once that I was so confused as I knew what to do to lose the weight and that I was an intelligent person and understood the concept but could never just stick to it.

One day I came across a book in my local second hand book store. I remember at the time the book, which was crammed amongst the hundreds of books on the shelf seemed to jump out at me with its bright red spine screaming “Can’t Lose Weight? YOU COULD HAVE SYNDROME X”. I remember Insulin Resistance being referred to as Syndrome X whilst I was researching on the Internet so I picked up the book written by Dr Sandra Cabot. Standing in the book store reading the Introduction in the book I remember feeling excited about the prospect that this person may actually know what she was talking about. Even more exciting for me was that the Doctor was based in Camden, which was an easy 2 to 3 hour drive from my home. I bought the book and took it home devouring it from front to back in no time at all. The information was life changing for me. Every chapter seemed to have an answer to my situation and I can’t tell you the amount of times I said to myself “Oh my goodness, she is talking about me here”.

I wasted no time in starting the Syndrome X Diet and making an appointment to see Dr Cabot. At my appointment the Doctor refined my eating program and suggested natural supplements that my body would be lacking after all these years of abuse to help me lose weight. She also told me straight up that if I were to continue to eat in this destructive manner that I was heading for (if not already had) a multitude of health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease

I asked her at the time if there was anyone in my area that she could refer me to, to help me lose weight and she suggested I see Wendy Perkins at the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Support Centre in Ulladulla. By the time I saw Wendy I had lost 4 kilos and felt that this time maybe I would succeed. I felt so comfortable with Wendy and was impressed with her vast knowledge and experience with people with addiction. In the past I felt helpless when I craved certain foods and felt addicted to anything sugary. I felt like a junkie who couldn’t calm down until she had her ‘fix’. It was a helpless feeling – one that is hard to explain because society recognises alcohol and drug addiction but you hardly hear of food addiction in the same vein.

At times I felt despair, hopelessness, depressed, fatigued, lacked confidence and felt that I had no control over my emotions or eating habits. I have always tried to look on the bright side and would say to myself that I was lucky I had a loving family, a beautiful home, a job and that I should be thankful for my good fortune. I constantly felt guilty about my lack of control and I had this nagging feeling that something was missing in my life.

With an understanding of how certain foods were hindering my weight loss I was now learning from Wendy how my mind was also holding me back. I had to turn my thinking around. No more negative thoughts about what I can’t do and more positive thoughts about what I can and will do. I needed to visualise myself at my goal weight. Imagine myself fit, healthy and happy. It really does work and it must reflect from inside out as people are starting to comment.

In addition to my new lifestyle and, perhaps most importantly, I have learned to enjoy exercise. I’m not talking about the gym here, just plain old walking to start with – just getting off my ass and moving! First it was walking on flat ground. Soon I was climbing hills and making sure there were a few in my routine. Exercising is also great for mental health and I marvelled at how good I would feel after pushing myself a little further each day. I really was approaching this weight loss with all the help I could get – mind, body and spirit.

There is a bounce in my step now and I am embracing this new healthy lifestyle. Wendy’s counselling over the months has helped me become a happier person who is finally taking control and I know that this time I will reach my goal and stay that way forever. No ifs, no ‘butts’. I now totally believe in the power of the mind and positive thinking. This was and still is a very important part of my journey to being a healthy and happy human being. When I face a stressful situation now, I take steps to avoid relying on food as my comfort. My mindset has completely changed and I can’t stress how important that is when facing any battle. It not only has helped me ‘release’ this weight, it has helped me take up an exercise regime and face other challenges in my life.

I wish I had met Dr. Cabot and Wendy Perkins years ago and gained control of my life as I feel I have missed out on so much by hiding behind this weight problem. But like I said, I try to look on the bright side. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I’ve travelled this long, exhausting road for a purpose. I no longer sweat the small stuff. I appreciate the little things. I feel calmer mentally and stronger physically. I still have another 16-20 kilos to release and can’t wait to reach my goal so much so that I can feel myself running towards it.

My mantra as I pound the pavement on my walks is “I am strong, I am healthy, I can do it!” And when I walk or jog that extra mile at the end of a particularly hard slog I have a mental picture in my head of throwing my arms in the air as if I am crossing the finishing line of a marathon and I dance a sing “well done!”

Angela Hollen
Ulladulla
February 2008

A FEW WORDS FROM HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Barbara Cameron sats:

Having attended a number of seminars many years ago in Sydney given by Dr Sandra Cabot, I was well aware of her passion for women’s health. So, having fought the battle of the bulge for many, many years, I followed Dr Cabot's weight loss program.  I know I have finally found a weight loss program which suits me. 

Of course we have all over the years been subjected to high carbohydrate diets due to the concentration on low fat diets. These have only achieved for me, a yo-yo dieting effect over a period of approximately 26 years. Yes, I’ve tried them all - Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, diets delivered to your door - you name it! But they always left me hungry and always looking for food especially late afternoon. Invariably when the weight dropped, I would regain weight, plus some extra, due to my constant hunger/cravings.

Last December, when my local Bribie Island - Healthy Life store advertised the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss program with attached personal support (just what I definitely needed), I decided to take the plunge and give it a go.  Their wonderful consultants (with great enthusiasm and compassion) convinced me that  the program would finally curb my hunger and give me a lifelong way of eating.

Wonders of wonders, it did! I lost 16 kilos over 5 months, did not feel deprived and finally was able to buy and look good again in clothes I’d had to avoid for years. Not only that, but the benefit to my bilateral knee replacements was understandably enormous and my cholesterol levels (which were borderline) dropped dramatically. I’m feeling good about myself, am fit and healthy, what more could I ask? I still use the Syndrome X Slimming Powder for delightful smoothie breakfasts as well as when I have hunger pangs.

What better proof could I have to keep me in an eating program which I will enjoy for the rest of my life.

Yes, I have succeeded due to the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss program and the wonderful staff at Healthy Life – Bribie Island.

Sincerely
Barbara Cameron.

Frank V says:

My name is Frank. I recently noticed that my sister had lost alot of weight. I asked her what she was doing and she recommended that I go and see Pia, a weight loss consultant, at Rostrevor Chemmart Pharmacy, SA.

I joined 12 weeks ago and have lost 13 kilos. I found it very easy to follow the program and went in each week for my weigh-in.  It has really helped and encouraged me to lose my weight.  And I am still going strong and on track towards my goal weight of 90 kilos.

Frank V.

Manuel Herrera says:

After being diagnosed with a high levels of sugar, and told I was borderline diabetic, I attended Dr Cabot's Camden Weight Loss Support Centre in January, 2007 to seek advice on the best diet to follow to help lower my sugar levels and to reduce my body weight.

Dr Cabot advised me to follow the Syndrome X program and recommended reading some of her books such as "Can't Lose Weight? You Could Have Syndrome X".  I was also supplied with a personalised and fully detailed diet to help improve my symptoms above.  By following this eating plan, I found that one can lose weight, lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes and avoid sugar cravings without feeling hungry.  All this was complemented with a moderate level of physical exercise consisting mainly of a 30 minute daily walk before breakfast.

I found right from the beginning that the 'diet' was easy to follow and that by eating fruit, vegetables and protein, I didn't  need to buy special foods.  I could just get everything I needed at the supermarket.  I avoided processed foods and deep fried foods and limited my dairies and wheat.  In just 6 short months, I have reduced my body weight from 89kgs to 76kgs.  More importantly, I have found more energy and my blood sugar levels are well within normal reference ranges.  I have significantly reduced my abdominal bulge and feel and look years younger.  I have also learned the correct types of foods to eat, and what sort to avoid, so that I can maintain my weight and other parameters under control.

Manuel Herrera.

Karla Hamilton says:

Dear Victoria,

I am a mother of two kids and moved to Queensland at the start of the year with my husband's new job.  I thought it would be a great time for a new start with a healthy eating plan.  I found the Sandra Cabot's program at my local Pharmacy.  I talked to a lady named Kelly and was keen to start straight away.  I joined up and got Dr Cabot's book - "Can't Lose Weight? You Could Have Syndrome X" which I found very interesting.  I loved the recipes in the back of the book and so did my family.  I use the Synd X protein shakes when I don't have time to make a meal. It's been great.

I started at 88kgs - now I'm 77kgs.  I have lost 53 cm all over.  I'm feeling heaps better, have more energy, sleep better, play netball better, am more of an active mum, not as tired, not as cranky and my family feels better too.  I have only got 7 more kgs to go until my ideal weight, which I know I can do.  This is the longest ever that I have stuck with healthy eating and I have no worries about sticking to it.  (Yes, with just a little treat every now and then).

I would love to thank Kelly from Redland Bay Pharmacy who has helped me with this.  I still see Kelly once a week now.  Kelly is unreal.  She has helped me stay positive and has been very supportive.  She has given me some real good tips.  Kelly knows how much I appreciate her help but I would love it if you could send her a book as a thank you too.

Thank you for letting me share this great program with you.  I hope you like the photo.

Karla Hamilton

Lucy De Pretis says:

My name is Lucy. I walked into the Rostrevor Chemmart Pharmacy 6 weeks ago and asked about Dr Cabot's Weight Loss Program.  I am so glad I did it, it changed my way of eating, now a lot healthier, and a lot more food.

I was surprised at how easy it was to follow and - I have not only lost weight - but also the inches are coming off. I feel and look so much better. I still have a long way to go but with the help from the consultants at Rostrevor Pharmacy, I know I can reach my goal and keep my weight down. All you have to do is eat more natural food and add a little exercise too.

Lucy De Pretis

Les Orchard from Bribie Island, QLD says:

Les Orchard has written to Dr Sandra Cabot to express his gratitude and thanks to the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Consultant's at Healthy life, Bribie Island, Queensland. He says below:

My name is Les Orchard and I am writing to express my thanks to the Dr Sandra Cabot's Weight Loss Consultants - They have change my life!

Both ladies - Christine Simpson and Leanda Weynton, your representatives and consultants at The Healthy Life Natural Health Food Store on Bribie Island - have been highly professional, compassionate, caring and supportive of me over the past twelve weeks as they encouraged me to continue with your weight loss support program.

I can say that I have just been to my doctor and the results are staggering.

• my hypertension has been reversed and I have now normalized blood pressure
• my previous prostate tests had revealed dangerous levels and I am now within a healthy normal range
• my cholesterol level is down from 8.5 to 4.5

With the caring support given by both ladies I have had my life changed for the absolute better and would recommend your program to everyone, including men, whom may have trouble confronting their health issues.

Once again, thank for helping change my life.

WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS STORIES

Olga Innamorati says:

I originally saw the sign advertising Dr Sandra Cabot’s 12 week Weight Loss Plan outside Rostrevor Chemmart Pharmacy, Rostrevor in Adelaide.

Upon seeing the sign, I decided to enquire within and found the staff to be very helpful. I was introduced to Pia who gave me all the information regarding the program and has been following me with weekly consults. These weekly consults have helped immensely in encouraging me to continue with the program.

I have found the program very easy to follow and have also found that I am always satisfied. I no longer suffer with cravings for bread, sweets and biscuits the way I use to. All the recipes from Dr Sandra’s cook book are delicious and easy to follow and the whole family benefits from it. I have also found that when I have needed more information, Pia has been more than willing to help me out and research the answers for me.

I am currently on my seventh week of the weight loss plan and have lost seven kilos (going from 85.9kg to 78.9kg). I have also found improvements in my overall health. I originally had a blood test before starting the program which showed high sugar levels, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These values are all back to normal now which I am very happy about.

The program has given me a new lease on life as I no longer feel bloated and have enormous amount of energy compared to before.

In the past I have tried many diets but had always become bored with them. Weighing food can be tiresome and small portions left me hungry. I also found that the food was often tasteless because condiments could not be used and that I was left unsatisfied.

Thank goodness I have finally found a program that works which does not make me feel like I am dieting and leaves me feeling satisfied.

Yours sincerely,

Olga Innamorati

Neil Simpson from Healthy Life Bribie Island, QLD says:

"Since opening our Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Support Centre last November, our Weight Loss Detectives have been able to assist our valued customers to take control of their weight, while also attracting hundreds of new clients to our store who are keen to get healthier.

It is very satisfying to be able to offer a genuinely healthy nutrition based program which not only helps to manage weight but also allows consumers to understand just how their body works - something that many have never questioned.

The Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Diary is a great way to get clients more involved and focussed on their weight loss journey - a journey which will see us offering them assistance all the way".

Neil Simpson,

Healthy Life Bribie Island, QLD

Gloria Kowalski says:

I have always respected Dr Cabot's principles to natural therapies and use to attend her lectures thirty years ago in Brisbane, Queensland.

My husband saw an advertisement about Dr Cabot’s Weight Loss Challenge program at the local health food shop, Stockland Mall, so I decided to see what it was all about.

I began the WLC program, visiting the girls at Healthy Life Caloundra, and found it very easy as I had the help of the girls along the way. I have now lost 6 kgs – not too bad over Christmas and New Year?

I included walking and extra water into my daily routine of the Syndrome X eating plan and supplements. I learned to lose the chips and swap for vegetables or salad instead. I left off creamy cheesy sauces and substituted oil for water. I found this tip helped me a lot – Don’t let yourself be hungry, eat an apple or orange.

Gloria Kowalski

Caloundra QLD.

Katrina Patterson says:

Dr Cabot. I wanted to write and tell you about my weight loss journey so far. Six months after having my first baby, in May, 2006, I decided that I wanted to lose a few kilos and gain more energy to keep up with the busy demands of being a mum.

I owe a huge thanks to Wendy Byrne who has given me clear and well informed advice on how to change my eating habits and the way I think about food.

I now exercise on average 3 times a week with yoga, or by walking, and can honestly say that I have not felt this good in years! In just three and half months I have lost 11cm from my waist, 6cm from my hips, 3cm from my thighs and 8kg in total.

I am so committed to continuing to eat this way. I enjoy a variety of “good” foods and look forward to losing even more weight.

Thank you again Wendy for showing me how simple it really is. All I needed was that bit of motivation to realise that I can achieve this.

Your advice, support and guidance have helped me so much on my journey so far.

Katrina Patterson.

Anita Ryzsawa says:

Anita Ryzsawa has been on the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Program for about 9 weeks and is proud that she has lost 7kgs.  Anita says, what appealed to her most about the program was that it provided an individual assessment of her health, addressed several personal health issues and has made eating healthier food a lot easier.  She adds further, that she does not have time to attend meetings so instead calls in to Amcal Pharmacy, Clare, South Australia, to be weighed and can always ask Tim Siv and his staff if she has any questions.  Amcal Clare pharmacist, Tim Siv, believes Dr Sandra Cabot's Weight Loss Program is the most health conscious program in the market because it focuses on lifestyle changes rather than quick fix solutions.

Anita now feels in full control and she is excitied that she has taken responsibility for her eating habits.  Anita says:  I feel wonderful since joining the program and amazed at how much energy I have.  This is an easy way to lose weight and hopefully retain my ideal weight.

The educational Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Program helps participants learn new eating habits and sets goal weights.  Initially, Anita recorded everything she ate in her weight loss diary and counted the calories in her food and now feels more confident to make better choices about her eating. 

Merrie from Penrith Organic Health Foods, NSW says:

From Victoria Herrera PR & Logistics Manager - Weight Loss Support Centres who has provided us with Merrie's happy weight loss story.

Merrie is the owner of Penrith Organic Health Foods, in Penrith NSW, and always believed that she knew exactly what she had to eat to stay healthy. Unfortunately, this ‘healthy eating’ helped her to balloon to 99kgs, causing her to feel tired and made it much more difficult for her to really enjoy life.

Many diets were embarked upon with always the same result – initial weight loss, which made Merrie feel motivated and keen to follow the diet regime, followed by weight gain and so Merrie would give up. Nothing really worked and the yo-yo dieting became depressing.

Merrie’s husband was very supportive and loving – he believed she was beautiful and he loved her no matter what shape she was in. However, Merrie on the other hand, did not enjoy her shape and desperately wanted to do something about it.

Enter Dr Sandra Cabot and her Body Shaping Diet Book and Body Type Weight Loss Supplements.  Dr Cabot recognises that there are four different body types;  Android, Thyroid, Gynaeoid and Lymphatic.  Each of the body types have unique hormonal and metabolic characteristics. Some body types put on weight easily and are more prone to cellulite and/or the gaining of weight in specific areas.  Each body type has it's own metabolic and hormonal imbalance, so it assisted Merrie to balance her metabolism for her body type, by taking a body type weight loss supplement, combined with the right food for her body type.

Putting Dr Cabot’s extensive research into practice was very easy for Merrie. By reading Dr Cabot's The Body Shaping Diet Book, she discovered her body type and learned which types of foods to eat, as well as those she should best avoid. Merrie included her body type supplement before each meal, Glucemic Balance to help reduce sugar cravings and Livatone Plus to assist with fat burning and support of liver function.  She also included Dr Cabot's Synd -X Slimming Protein Powder (blended with berries and oat or almond milk) for morning or afternoon tea if she was feeling hungry.

In the twelve months since starting Dr Cabot’s diet, Merrie has lost 25kgs and is delighted with her new shape. Her husband is also very happy – although he had to work overtime to pay for the whole new wardrobe she needed!

Seeing Merrie’s success first hand, her daughter and sister joined her on Dr Cabot's diet and they have gone on to lose 23kg and 15kg respectively.

If you have any questions regarding Weight Loss Support Centres, or you would like to become a Dr Cabot WLSC, please call Victoria Herrera (02) 4655 8855 or email to victoriah@healthdirection.com.a