It wasn't until I wanted to become pregnant that I finally decided to do something about my weight. I was at my all-time high, and my doctor told me that being more than 100 lbs. overweight was throwing my hormones out of whack and contributing to my inability to get pregnant. She referred me to HMR, and I immediately started on the Decision-Free diet. HMR felt different from other weight loss programs from the very first day. I was thrilled to have a Health Educator and a room full of classmates who understood my struggles and could encourage and guide me through the program. I loved that the HMR program focused on what I could eat instead of all the things I couldn't. This virtually eliminated the feelings of deprivation I'd experienced with every other weight loss program. I saw results right away, losing thirty pounds in the first month! This success was extremely motivating, as was the praise I was receiving from everyone around me.

After eight months, I'd lost 100 lbs. and even better, I became pregnant! I gave birth to my twins nine months later, and returned to HMR five months after they were born, having maintained my 100 lb. weight loss. This time, I tried the Healthy Solutions diet, adding unlimited fruits and vegetables to my HMR products. Within a year, I'd lost another 60 lbs.!

Since my 160 lb. weight loss, I've been in the maintenance phase of the program, maintaining my weight and attending weekly classes. I enjoy seeing fellow classmates who are also keeping off weight, and we spend our time together sharing recipes and strategies for success. It is this camaraderie and support that makes HMR unique, and also makes classes fun and informative, not burdensome.

Now that I am a busy mom to two active six year olds, it is so important for me to maintain my healthy eating habits and be a good role model for them. I love that while many of their friends are grabbing lunch at fast food restaurants, my children are home enjoying dishes full of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. When we went to their six year old check up and the pediatrician asked what my daughter's favorite food was, she happily exclaimed, “broccoli”! I was so proud!

I will be forever grateful to HMR for not only aiding in my weight loss, but for giving me the best gift imaginable—the ability to have two healthy, happy, flourishing children. I feel confident that I will be able to keep my weight off long-term because HMR has given me the tools to do so. When I started the program in 2002, I never imagined I'd be able to accomplish so much. Each week, when I come to class, I am reminded that anything is possible.