Featured Article
by Organic Liaison Member Kelli R.
Since joining Organic Liaison in June 2010, Kelli has lost nearly 50 lbs on the program and transformed her body – looking fabulous at the official Organic Liaison Grand Opening Party. Kelli shares her life-changing experience.
Before & After
As I sit down to write on the eve of my 50 pound weight loss with Organic Liaison, I think back to June of last year. I remember imagining this milestone and how reaching this point would mean that I would be only 5 pounds from my absolute weight goal.
Before becoming a member of Organic Liaison, I had previously lost 90 pounds on my own. While maintaining that accomplishment for a few years, I had settled on my success, but I still hadn’t reached my optimal healthy weight. There was so much more I needed to learn. Organic Liaison seemed to step in and provide me with all the resources for the next leg of my weight loss journey.
When my first Organic Liaison Rescue Kit arrived, I was so excited to open the box, to check out all the products. Though I felt both physically and emotionally drained that day, I was hopeful for what the Organic Liaison program had in store for me. I couldn’t fathom then how I would completely transform myself physically, mentally, and spiritually, over the next nine months. I knew I’d look and feel different, but whoa – nothing could prepare me for what I’ve done for myself.
My Own Determination
There are many components to my success with Organic Liaison, starting with my determination. I set goals, followed the program designed personally for me, and disciplined myself more than I ever have in my entire life. I gained a complete education in how to eat lean and clean – which was crucial. I honestly had no idea how to nourish myself properly before starting this program. Sure, I counted calories and exercised a few days a week, but it wasn’t effective enough.
I’m now aware of what it takes to live a healthy life, and to me, that is priceless.
Learning How to Eat
I no longer look at food as comfort food or food for fun, but as fuel for my body. Before I prepare my meals or snacks, I make the conscience effort to think, “How will this fuel me?” I no longer reach for what will taste good or be cheap, quick, and thoughtless (i.e. fast food), but rather, what will fill and fuel me properly.
Of course, food should be fun too. That’s why I try to incorporate a variety of colorful foods into my diet and serve them on cool looking dishes. I also try to make up my own organic recipes. This method of fun has been a blast – even when it turns out disastrous, because I can still get a good laugh out of it. Plus, there’s no recipe disaster that a little organic salsa or organic ketchup can’t fix. I’m a huge fan of condiments!
Getting Used to Exercise
Exercising and moving daily was difficult at first. However, I kept thinking of this moment (a milestone 50 pound weight-loss) and knew that it would all pay off. Would you believe that it got easier to move with every pound I lost? Now, I am capable of activities such as running five miles at a time and doing yoga poses I used to skip for fear of hurting myself. Granted, these achievements didn’t happen overnight, but they happened. I thank God and myself after every workout. My spirit has been rejuvenated without me even realizing it.
Personal Improvements
A lot of the personal enhancements that I’d note in my Organic Liaison Body Game journal had to do with exercising. It was an accomplishment to get through a single, solid workout, and Organic Liaison helped me learn the importance of acknowledging that.
Another personal enhancement I learned to focus on is to make someone smile every day. Happiness is contagious.
In addition, the search for balance became easier as I progressed. I never felt like I deprived myself of anything. I made healthier choices and changes. I continue to work hard every day to make the right choices or learn from the wrong ones I make. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve had slip ups through all of this, whether it be skipping a few workouts or over-indulging with some sweets. The important thing is that I was honest with myself and got back on track right away! This is one of the changes I am most proud of. In the past, I would have easily given up on myself if things suddenly went wrong. This is no longer the case.
Extra Support
In previous articles, I’ve said how grateful I am to Kirstie for developing this program. However, I’ve neglected to mention the support I’ve received from the Organic Liaison staff. Everyone I’ve needed to connect with for whatever reason has been professional, helpful, and kind to me. It was a comfort to know that if there was ever an issue with my plan or products that I’d be helped immediately.
There is one person in particular whom I have relied on the most: Deborah Klein, the Organic Liaison Health Director. She is always an email, phone call, Facebook message, or Phit away from me. Whenever I was unsure of something in my plan or had nutrition-related questions, Deborah was there in an instant to guide me. Her insight, knowledge, and genuine compassion are invaluable to me. I’m so thankful we’ve crossed paths and look forward to sharing more of my successes with her!
The Bigger Picture
There are a lot of changes that I’ve needed to embrace throughout my journey. Something I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around is the fact that so many people in my life have told me what an inspiration I am to them. This is kind of a trip seeing as though, at one point in my life, any doctor would have considered me morbidly obese. I’m constantly getting compliments left and right now, Facebook messages from friends offering congratulations or seeking advice, and countless words of praise from my loved ones. I’m always grateful, but part of me almost doesn’t want to believe it. I mean, come folks – this is the girl who used to hit the drive-thru for dinner and would polish off a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in the same night without even thinking twice about it. Like I said, I had no idea how to nourish my body – I just ate to eat. I suppose I had better get used to all this positivity because one thing is for sure: I’m never going back that unhealthy life EVER again. It’s weird. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of my reflection in a store window or parked car and legitimately have to do a double-take, because I don’t recognize this slender me. Needless to say, it’s taking time for my mind to catch up to my body.
Reminding myself why I joined Organic Liaison has also played a large part in my accomplishments. I chose to become a member of Organic Liaison after researching the products, the plan, and the mission of the company. I couldn’t find a reason not to at least give it a try. There are no pre-packaged meals or drugs involved. Organic Liaison Rescue Me is USDA approved organic and the additional supplements are natural – so there was no questing whether or not I felt safe using any products. I needed to commit to switching my foods to organic foods. This was where I held a slight reservation because I thought of how much extra money I’d need to spend. I managed to make sacrifices and stopped putting a price tag on my health. Anything I consume now is always fresh and doesn’t require a microwave. In fact, I’ve impressed myself with my new ability to cook healthy, fulfilling meals. I’ve enhanced my cooking skills and now find ways to challenge myself when preparing healthy meals for myself and for friends.
Tomorrow, I will reach the mega milestone of 50 lbs lost. This thought is both exhilarating and exhausting. I just want to get there already. But I must say, I’ve become a much more patient person since joining Organic Liaison. Every goal I’ve worked for has taken time and energy and, without a doubt, has been worth it.
Nothing was handed to me. I’ve earned every inch lost and pound shed. For the first time in my life, I have a healthy BMI and body fat content. I’ve been realistic in setting my goals and conscientious in taking care of myself. Over the past several months, I’ve sacrificed things. Instead of staying out late with friends, I’d stay in to get a good night’s sleep; instead of going to the movies on a regular basis, I’d save money to pay for two times the amount of fresh organic vegetables I’d typically eat. I’m well on my way towards becoming the version of myself that I envisioned after reading the Body Game journal for the first time.
I think I’m going to re-read it again tonight (for the 1000th time) and have sweet organic dreams.
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UPDATE: Kelly has since completed her weight loss journey. Watch her latest video from June 2011 here!
See more incredible Before/After photos in our Member Success Gallery.
A key part of the program? Organic Liaison Rescue Me Kit – learn more!
Tags: healthy diet plan, Kirstie Alley, Organic Liaison, review, testimonial, weight loss program, weight loss success
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