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Liz's Story: Food Freedom and Recovery

  • Jul 24
  • 3 min read


When Liz first came to Real Forking Change, she wasn't simply looking to lose weight.


After brain surgery and a long recovery, she had reached a point where she wanted more than just getting through each day. She wanted to move beyond surviving and start thriving.


She knew her body, mind, and nervous system had been through an enormous amount. Rather than chasing another quick-fix diet, her goal was to rebuild her health from the inside out.


She wanted to reduce inflammation, regain strength, improve her mobility, and create habits she could rely on for the rest of her life. She also wanted something deeper: to reconnect with her confidence and feel at home in her body again.


As someone who leads international educational and wellness experiences, Liz wanted to become the healthiest version of herself—not just for today, but for all the adventures still ahead. She dreamed of continuing to explore the world, hiking, walking pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago, and showing up fully for the people she serves.


For her, this wasn't about recovering from the past anymore. It was about creating the future.


Learning to Be Honest with Curiosity and Compassion


One of the biggest turning points during Liz's journey came through the weekly coaching conversations.


Those check-ins became a place where she could be completely honest about her struggles with overeating and the patterns she sometimes didn't even realize she was repeating. Instead of judgment, she found curiosity, compassion, and accountability.


Together, we created a personalized food plan that fit her life instead of asking her to fit into someone else's plan. Because it was designed around her needs, she never felt deprived, making it much easier to stay consistent.


That combination of support, honesty, and accountability helped Liz recognize long-standing habits, make healthier choices, and build routines she knows she can continue for years to come.


More Than Weight Loss


While Liz lost about 11 pounds and several inches during the program, those numbers tell only a small part of the story.


Her inflammation decreased. Her cravings became significantly quieter. She felt healthier, stronger, and more energetic.


Perhaps even more importantly, she finally broke free from the exhausting cycle of yo-yo dieting.


Instead of feeling like she was following another restrictive plan, she discovered a way of eating that actually felt sustainable and enjoyable.


She learned that her body thrives on protein, vegetables, and whole foods while still leaving room for foods she genuinely loves. If she chooses to indulge, she does so intentionally, without guilt or shame, and simply moves forward.


One of the biggest shifts was becoming aware of how different foods affected her. Foods that once seemed harmless often led to stronger cravings and more mental chatter around eating. That awareness gave her something she'd never really had before: a choice.


Instead of reacting automatically, she could pause and ask herself, "Is it really worth it?"


More often than not, she found herself choosing the foods that helped her feel her best.


"I never expected to feel this healthy while still enjoying my food," she says. "That's been one of the greatest gifts of this program."


Finding Food Freedom


The physical changes were significant, but the emotional transformation may have been even greater.


Liz describes feeling more confident, grounded, and at peace with herself than she had in years.


For the first time in a long time, she no longer felt like food was controlling her. Instead, she felt in control of her choices... truly free from constant obsession... she found food freedom.


That sense of freedom extended far beyond the kitchen. It influenced how she saw herself, how she moved through the world, and how she approached life.


She felt healthier.

Happier.

And more like herself again.


A Personalized Journey


Looking back, one of the things Liz appreciated most was how individualized the experience was.


Rather than being handed a generic plan, every part of the program was adapted to fit her lifestyle, making healthy habits feel realistic instead of overwhelming.

She also valued having a coach who listened without judgment and helped her discover her own insights rather than simply telling her what to do.


Even after completing the program, Liz knows she has ongoing support whenever life changes or new challenges arise.


That continued partnership gives her confidence that this isn't another temporary success.


It's a lasting way of living.


Liz's Advice


For anyone considering starting their own journey, Liz's advice is simple:


"Just go for it. Trust the journey, dig deep, and be patient with yourself. Lasting change doesn't happen overnight, but every small step adds up. The journey is absolutely worth it."



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Institute of Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach (INHC)
Sugar Detox and Addiction Coach Certification
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Disclaimer: I am a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a Sugar Detox and Addiction Coach through No Sugar Nation. I am also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, dietician, or psychotherapist. I do not diagnose, distill medical advice or dietary requirements. I offer support for clients to explore their own solutions, believing that they know themselves best, and help them put into action habit changes that support their wellbeing. It is advised to check with your medical provider before changing your nutrition plan or adding exercise.

Real Forking Change does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sexual or gender identity, or age, in admission or participation in its programs, services and activities. 

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