Darlene McKinstry

Certified BodyMind Nutritionist

I have struggled with my weight most of my adult life, topping the scale at 250lbs. The years that I was overweight really took a toll on my emotional and physical well being. I didn't have energy and I was depressed. The depression made me gain weight and gaining weight made me depressed, it was such a vicious cycle. I managed to lose some weight and 3 years ago, at 230lbs, I made a routine trip to the doctor because my asthma was worsening. I was told that I was in the beginning stages of emphysema and the only chance I had to counteract this was to lose some weight by exercising and improving my diet.

Having never exercised I knew I would need support so I found a personal trainer and started working out with him 3 times per week. I saw tremendous results in my level of fitness, my clothes were all too big, but the pounds were either coming off very slowly or not coming off at all. Having a love for the outdoors and looking to kick it up a notch (and hopefully shock my body into dropping some weight) I found myself at Soldiers of Fitness. In the first month I lost only 2 lbs but I also lost 2 dress sizes! I was completely enjoying the challenge and was developing a love for exercise. I came away from each one of the workouts feeling stronger, accomplished and healthier but over the next 6 months I had not lost a single pound. I spoke with Instructor Quian about my plateau and he told me about Lars at Body Mind Nutrition. Going in for that complimentary session completely changed my life. I was so excited to find out that the foods I thought to be "taboo", the foods that I had deprived myself of for months, were exactly the foods that I needed to be eating if I wanted to lose weight and keep it off. I lost 8lbs in my first month and have gone on to lose (to date) a total of 35lbs and my body fat decreased from 17% to 9% and I went from a size 12 to size 6! And, as if that wasn't enough, the healthy choices that were made took away the layer of fat that surrounded my lungs and I went from using 3 inhalers 4 times/day to using 1 inhaler 1 time/day (as a preventative measure only).

As a heavy person, there was always a part of me that said if I could only lose this weight, I could move on, I could accomplish other things in my life. I wanted to be in control and to prove to myself that I cared enough to make healthy living a part of my life not only for me but for my children too. Now that I not only reached but exceeded my fitness and weight loss goals, I am finally free to move on and to focus on other things. The amazing results I found through my work with Lars at Body Mind Nutrition motivated me to go through the certification courses and become a Body Mind Nutrition Coach so that I could help others to reach and surpass their goals.

I truly look forward to being a part of helping you accomplish your goals and dreams! Experiencing BodyMind Nutrition will be one of the most amazing things you will do for yourself, and will truly last the rest of your life!

Email us to schedule an appointment or complimentary nutritional session.