As a nutritionist practicing in midtown Manhattan, I'm often asked this question. Most of my clientele, as well as the public at large, seems to believe that the answer is, Yes. Well, I've never thought so and in the Spring of 2010 I got the chance to test my theory.
Jessica Taft, head chef and founder of New York Food Coach (nyfoodcoach.com) and I combined our skills and set out to demonstrate that healthy eating and durable weight loss could fit into anyone's lifestyle. Our original idea was to find a participant who fit our primary clientele demographic: professionals of both sexes, 30 to 50 years old, aiming to lose 15 to 30 pounds. But that all changed when we met Dennis, our videographer's assistant. When Dennis found out what the project was all about, he told us he'd been dying to drop the 20 pounds he'd gained in his last few years of college.
Dennis didn't fit our demographic to a T, but he turned out to be an even better subject, since he posed a particular challenge: we had to design a meal plan and provide easy recipes that would fit into his meager monthly food budget of $150. That's just $5.00 a day! I was thrilled to take on the challenge.
After watching this video, ask yourself again, Does it really cost more to eat healthy? This 3-part video series consists of footage from our trip to BJ's, where Dennis does all his grocery shopping once a month.
I came to Living Proof because I needed to lose weight and had met someone who recommended Lisa. I’ve lost 16 pounds and my body fat went from being in the unacceptable range of over 30% to 26%. I have gained more control over my eating habits by making much better food choices and enjoying foods with higher nutritional value.
One of the great things about Living Proof is that nutrition counseling and personal training are offered. I come in weekly to train with Jon and see Lisa every other week before or after my training session. Can’t get easier than that!
Lisa and Jon are the first nutritionist and trainer that I have ever gone to and seen significant changes and lasting results. I got my gorgeous calf muscles from coming here.
I came to Living Proof after seeing my beach pictures from a tropical vacation in March 2008. Realizing that after being super thin all my life, I have unnoticeably managed to gain about 10 pounds between college and my late 20's. And needless to say, I slowly but surely became (what I now know) a "skinny fat person".
I made my first appointment with Lisa after a friend's recommendation. I have never believed in diets, and was extremely skeptical about what she could really do for me. Despite my natural skepticism, everything that Lisa was saying after our initial meeting made sense. I started out at 116.5 pounds and 27.9% body fat, and ended at 104 pounds and 22.4 % body fat. More importantly, I never felt that I was on a diet. Lisa simply helped me alter my life style and my everyday eating habits. I discovered a new, healthier, fitter, and more confident me – just in time for beach season!
Lisa, I feel that you have prepared me well and that I now have a very sensible eating approach. In fact, you have finally helped me do what I have been trying to do for the last 25 years--eat healthy and stop yo-yoing. I continue to lose weight and feel good about that. I will return if I stray, but I feel confident that I will be able to continue on this path. Please continue to send me your emails about your Faves. Thanks for everything!
Lisa's approach is truly amazing. My results have blown my mind, I almost don't believe it. I have lost 17 lbs, and 7% body fat in less than 4 months without losing my lifestyle. I went to Lisa on the recommendation of a friend. I was feeling down about myself; I had gained some weight and was eating healthy and exercising but couldn't take it off. I was at a dead end. And then I met Lisa!
Lisa tailored a meal plan to fit what and where I like to eat and mostly one that fit an on the go single in the city. Not only have I been able to manage in my daily life, but I have had bbq's and weddings this summer that I have gone to and eaten the foods that I wanted (burgers and cake - yum!) Lisa makes it easy to understand how to budget for big events and parties so that you can enjoy when you are in the moment.
I have been able to live my life, continue to go out and have fun and look better and better every day. I honestly still in shock at how well Lisa's plan has worked for me!
Finally after all of these years of carrying around an extra 10 to 15 pounds I have a life plan that works. I have tried different diets for years; low fat, high protein and the list goes on from one to the next with no luck.
Just when I was ready to accept that for my age (53) maybe the weight wasn’t going to go anywhere, (Lisa’s) program gave me a custom plan that was easy to follow and incorporate into my current lifestyle. I am happy to say that I lost more than I planned (my goal was 10 lbs and I am now down 15 lbs). Not only have I lost it, but I have maintained it for over a year!
(Lisa) made it easy and pain free. Thank you for all of your help and encouragement.
I first came to Lisa Jubilee in the Summer of 2003, after my freshman year in college. I had gained a lot of weight, also known as the “Freshman Fifteen,” after my first year and was realizing that in spite of my exercise routine and my uneducated attempt at eating healthy it was still not working. I needed professional help and the sooner I got it, the better. I was never stick thin but I was never overweight; people would always compliment me on my curvy figure, however, after my freshman year I was uncomfortable in my own body. I had lost my curves and had gained a stomach and thighs, to name just a few.
I nervously went to Lisa’s office for my consultation and she greeted me with a warm smile. Lisa made me feel comfortable and safe, and most importantly I did not feel judged for my weight gain. We spent nearly two hours talking about my life, my routines, my eating habits and my stresses, to name just a few of the topics we covered. Armed with a new shopping list, and an eating and exercise regimen, I left Lisa’s office elated. I was taking back control of my body.
Amazingly, my new plan included foods that I loved; I never once felt deprived or hungry. It was an exciting and healthy way not only to eat but also to live. I have a notorious sweet tooth, and even that was fed and catered to. The most important lesson I learned was the art of portion control. I could eat anything and everything I wanted, as long as I thought about how much I was eating.
Through rigorous exercise and dedication to my eating regiment, I lost a significant amount of weight over that first summer alone. Going to my bi-monthly visits at Lisa’s office, I felt like I had my own personal cheerleader, who was just as invested as I was in my path towards a healthier lifestyle. Lisa always encouraged me, whether the results were good or bad, through big improvements and some set-backs. I always felt like this was a battle I could win, and I knew I had Lisa by my side to help with whatever I needed.
Her regimen became a life plan. I was never on a diet. Instead, what Lisa taught me evolved into a new lifestyle where I continue to implement her teachings and advice, even though I am now in the maintenance phase of my journey. I have lived and traveled all over the world in the few short years that I have known Lisa, and I never once felt deprived of any food. I could go to the pub in London and I could have the gelato and pasta and wine in Italy all without feeling guilty and all without gaining weight.
I am writing this nearly three years after I first marched into Lisa’s office, and I feel amazing. I lost more than twenty pounds, went down four sizes, regained my curves, and am at my lowest weight ever. I feel healthy, energized, and most importantly, I feel good about my body. I love what I see when I look in the mirror, and I know that would never have been possible without Lisa’s help.
I came to LP with a desire to continue Pilates with Allison Black while returning to dance classes. In the 21/2 years I’ve been working with Allison, I’ve noticed improved alignment plus a variety of new physical exercises I can do. At 86 years young, my abdomen and leg muscles are stronger than they were 10-15 years ago and my flexibility has dramatically improved.
Norma Doggett-Bezwick brought me to see Allison Black with a view to trying Pilates. Allison took away my candy bar and suggested that I needed strength training instead. In the few months that I’ve been training with Allison I am definitely stronger. Flab on my arms is gone. For days after a session I feel more positive. I pay more attention to my diet so that the process and Allison’s help is not wasted. I believe that I am finally going in the right direction.
I would recommend Allison and Living Proof to others. Allison is very attentive and no time is wasted during workouts. The atmosphere at Living Proof is purely professional. There’s no noise and it’s never crowded because the service is by appointment only. The environment is super clean and the soft eclectic background music is often geared towards the client’s music choice.
I have been working with Brook for 10 years and she is by far the best instructor I have ever trained with! As a former tennis teaching pro, I know when someone really knows how to teach and connect with their clients.
Brook knows my body better than anyone and no matter what aches and pains I have, she always manages to find a way for me to get %100 out of my session. Her dedication has helped me to develop a strong CORE which has enabled me to still participate in many sports at a high level without major injury! With that smile and positive attitude, she is much more than my pilates instructor, she is someone who I love very much and feel lucky to have in my life!
I heard about Living proof nutrition fitness through a friend. It was recommended that I try Pilates to help with my knee issues and it has! I’ve had such a positive experience training with Loi. My whole body has changed. My posture and stability have benefited from this experience as well.
Loi has taught me how to engage my body. Everyone should try Pilates. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn about your own body.
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Living Proof services or products: metabolic testing, private Pilates sessions, nutrition consultations, high intensity strength training sessions, even Bella and Your Body Your Life bars. With each certificate you purchase we will give you one free high intensity strength training session!
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If you're training with any one of our personal trainers, for each person you refer, you receive 4 free training sessions. Between all of your family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances, you could potentially workout for free for a year!