If you had told me three years ago that I would be writing this testimonial, I would have said “Never.” I have the pleasure of being a nutrition consultant for the Natty Nutrition, and also the sister Stephaney (Natty owner). Years ago, I always admired Stephaney’s discipline about food, but I was a runner and felt like I could eat whatever I wanted. I loved my daily cereal, pizza and spaghetti binges, and there was no way my eating habits would ever change. Though I had never been one to worry too much about my weight, I noticed that as I approached 30 years old my husband's and my metabolism were not what they once were. I started learning more from Stephaney about Natty meal plans, and began studying nutrition more intensely. Though I had not exactly changed my eating regimen, I was becoming able to guide others and create meal plans for them that were successful. In our home, I actually convinced my husband to go on one before I did. I created a plan for Brian and his own success was unbelievable. It was not just the physical changes I saw in Brian. He had begun what he thought was a temporary journey to improve his running times (which he did at an amazing pace). It turned into a lifestyle change.  Soon after I got pregnant I decided that I was going to change my eating habits as well. Although my friends and family knew that I had been studying nutrition and earned my AFPA certification in consulting, they still found it hard to believe that I could change my own routine; but change is what I did. I had gained 50 pounds while pregnant, and had always been afraid that my body would never go back to how it was. I had heard so many mothers say, “Once I had the baby. It all went downhill.” I feared that it was inevitable that this was going to happen to me. Six weeks after having the baby (and six weeks of living on cereal) I created a Natty Meal Plan for myself. I knew the science of it would allow me to achieve my physical goals, just from my experience of working with other clients. I did not realize I was about to embark on my own mental journey. Change was possible.

What I am most happy about is that this journey has caused me to feel differently about food. It feels different to me than “dieting” as I never went hungry on the meal plan and always felt strong. I did not have to give up things that I love, as I still get to eat pasta and cereal, but in a modified form and portion. I prefer cereal with yogurt now instead of sugary milk. Pasta is PART of my meal and not the whole thing. My body has adapted to the “clean” eating and the plan has taken away a constant battle to “eat healthy.” If I go on a 2 day cheat, (which occasionally happens), my body desires NOTHING but my meal plan and clean eating. Friends that have seen me now tell me I look better than I have before; as I am in fact stronger and 10 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight. Mostly, friends are shocked that someone with my great love for food (which I still have) could adapt to structured eating habits. I want to thank my sister for all of her support in helping me along this journey. Though she never pushed me into doing this, and never made me feel like I had to, she knew deep down that this was possible for me. I now feel even more equipped to help my clients, as not only do I still have the scientific knowledge to help them with their goals, but I can say with authenticity that I’ve gone through the mental and emotional process a well. This is what allows me to connect with them on a more personal level. The last couple of months have proven to me that everyone can make positive changes in their lives, no matter how impossible it seems at the time. I know that I can push my clients on, because if I could change, then anyone can. So if you are reading this and are thinking “Man, that’s great, I just wish I felt the same way…” my response is “Never say never…”

--Ashley Marshall