Testimonials and celebrations from some of SLN'S shining clients & students
I’ve lost 50 pounds since we started working together! I am continuing to follow the tips and suggestions that you gave me, and it is working wonderfully. I’ve gone down 4-5 pants sizes and 2 shirt sizes. I’ve been tracking my measurements since mid-September, and I’ve lost 5 inches off my waist!
Just as good as all of the weight loss, I am seeing other positive changes in my health. My blood pressure was not high to begin with (it was typically about 120/65) but last time I went to the doctor, it was 102/60. I continue to run at least three days a week, also squeezing in some walking when I get a chance. I ran 8 miles this past Saturday, and I’ve done three races so far. I’m setting new running goals for myself and I’m amazed by the progress – I can run a 9 minute mile!
Thanks so much for all of your help and advice, it really got me on the right track and has kept me going. I look back at my notes I took while we were talking when I need to tweak my diet a bit. My brother asked me for your contact information. I've encouraged him to call you! Thanks again! -- Karen H., Chardon, OH
Working with Bernadette has changed my life! I eat and exercise differently as the result of our work together, of course, but that work has given me new insights into many other aspects of my life, from how I feed my family to how I can apply my endurance training to make my work more productive. Before working with Bernadette, I grappled with sugar cravings and guilty feelings about giving in to them. During the course of my program, I learned to identify alternatives to the sugary foods, but more importantly, to let go of the guilt I carried about them. Bernadette did a great job of helping me appreciate my successes and to think about our work together from a big-picture point of view. Working with Bernadette has led me to think of myself as a committed athlete. Growing up, I was the kid with her head buried in a book, so embracing my athleticism has been fun and energizing. Since our work began, I’ve taken up distance running, tennis, and yoga.
Our work together has also affected my family in positive ways. For example, my running training inspired my 10-year-old daughter to race a 5K with me. Finally, my cooking now regularly includes more vegetables and I’ve learned to experiment with—and enjoy—new foods. -- Allison K., Montclair
"Life in my kitchen, before studying with Bernadette, was b-o-r-i-n-g. I prepared the same old dishes, feeling uninspired and with my mind on other things. Since working with her, everything has changed: I'm actually having fun with food! Not only do I enjoy applying the variety of techniques that she taught me, I have total confidence that I can easily whip up something delicious and nutritious in a matter of minutes, with whatever I have on hand. A wonderful feeling! Also, my family raves about the new dishes and friends constantly ask me for my recipes.
Bernadette supports your goals, encourages you step by step in the process of learning new skills and informs you by researching wonderful recipes that suit your needs. She does all of this with a delicious sense of humor, professionalism and fun: she's a 'total package.' Thank you, thank you!" -- K. H., Maplewood
"I had a wonderful experience working with Bernadette. She helped me to first realize and then analyze the various lifestyle and health challenges that I faced. Together, we worked on implementing techniques suitable to my hectic lifestyle and bit by bit, she inspired me with the confidence that I could achieve my goals. Her broad spectrum of knowledge and experience in the holistic health field allowed her to draw from various modalities to help me tackle my obstacles. I also learned to take care of myself emotionally and spiritually through my work with Bernadette. Her encouragement and positivity encourages my success to this day. My greatest challenges were always making myself and my own interests a priority. I could see ways to help others, but was always baffled when it came to helping myself. I struggled with weight. Although I knew about healthy eating, I never implemented it correctly into my lifestyle. Now, I have strategies for living a healthier and more well-rounded life in which my needs for health and wellness are made priority. I still have a hectic, unpredictable life, but now how to make a situation work for me." -- H.L., Hillside
"Bernadette helped in so many ways. I learned so much about myself and about primary food, which was key for me. Bernadette has a wealth of information to share. She helped eliminate dietary confusion and got me back in the kitchen. She provided delicious and easy recipes and offered creative ideas to maintain my energy throughout the day. Talking with Bernadette helped me clarify my goals and set them into motion: maintaining a healthy weight based on a vegetarian diet, eliminating cravings, making time for exercise, and improving digestion. Bernadette gave me the tools to achieve my goals and helped me discover how to improve other areas of my life. If you are looking for overall wellness and balance in your life, I recommend Bernadette to guide you on your journey." --J.T., Millburn
"Bernadette is a very insightful, intuitive counselor and a true joy. Working with her, I've learned how to make the connections between food, emotions and every aspect of living that I never thought to equate before. Prior to our work together, I didn't know how to make healthy food choices for myself, and I was hesitant to try new things and cook differently. Now, I feel a lot lighter, healthier, have more energy -- and it shows, because people tell me how fantastic I look! I've learned how to prepare and enjoy a whole variety of different, healthy foods, and I find myself craving more nourishing foods. The breathing techniques I learned help me stay calm and focused as I balance the demands of school, work and friends. Life is great!" --L. B., Newark
"I just wanted to thank you for the two fabulous classes, whole grains and last night's 'seaweed' class. Both were phenomenal! The food was all delicious and very easy to make. And I love that you are very creative and flexible about what goes into the dishes. My only disappointment was that the other participants liked the kanten dish--I was hoping to eat the entire pan myself. As I said in class, these two classes totally exceeded my expectations--I was truly blown away." – N. G., South Orange
"Bernadette encouraged me to explore how my job, relationships, exercise, spiritual life, moods and diet all play a critical part in my "fuel." I’ve discovered so many healthy options! That’s truly important to me and it's REALLY altered my life in a positive way." M. M., Summit