Meet Reada Kessler – she’s not just the familiar voice on WTOP Radio, she’s a REAL EMP client and we couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations Reada! Your commitment to good health and wellness is an inspiration to so many.
What brought you to EMP? Was there one particular event that finally brought you to the breaking point?
I got to the point where I just didn’t like myself. I was tired of feeling defeated and unhappy. I was also scared that at my age, it was too late but then I saw Beverly Fox’s success on the program and thought “what do I have to lose?”
What were you most skeptical of when you first contacted EMP180?
Everything! I’ve done SO MANY weight loss programs and managed to gain the weight back and then some EACH AND EVERY time. It’s a sad cycle to keep going though. I had a particularly bad experience with a program that provided your food for you so that was probably where most of my skepticism came from when starting EMP 180.
What was your mindset as you were going through the program?
Determined is the best way to describe it. I was determined not to fail and to make it work.
Briefly describe your experience with EMP180.
My experience has been nothing short of AMAZING. It isn’t a diet – it’s a change of lifestyle. I changed my way of eating and once I got the hang of it, everything clicked. That and Vanessa’s guidance and support made a world of difference for me. I truly believe my weight loss journey is different this time and I’ve been given the tools to make sure I do not gain the weight back.
What would you like to say to the people who supported you through your weight loss journey? What would you say to your doubters?
I’m lucky to have a great support system. Those closest to me have been cheering me on from the beginning and now, with my success, are starting to follow my lead in changing some habits. My co-workers are the best and have taken an interest in my journey as well. If I have doubters, I wasn’t aware of them. I will say that most of my doubters before the weight loss were my doctors. So many of them were pushing me to have weight loss surgery because “at my age”, I probably wouldn’t be able to lose the weight. WRONG.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone considering undertaking the EMP program?
DO IT. If you are serious about making a change, EMP gives you all the tools you need for success.
What are the top 3 things that you can attribute to your success?
1. My mindset. In the end, it is the choices I make that determine if I’m going to succeed.
2. My coach. Vanessa has been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning, even when I wasn’t sure I could do it, she certainly believed in me. As time went on, she helped me navigate things like holidays and celebrations so I would still see results without feeling left out or deprived. She is always teaching me things to help me on my journey.
3. The education. I now know how certain foods affect me – what works and what doesn’t. It’s different for everyone for sure but I know what works for me as opposed to just following a list of what to eat and when.
Do you feel equipped to face the invariable challenges you’ll face in maintaining at/near your ideal weight?
For the first time ever, I can say yes. Not only do I feel equipped to maintain the loss once I reach my personal goal, I know that when/if I start to struggle, I can always reach out and Vanessa/EMP 180 will be there to help. That is so important.
What strategies did EMP180 help you manifest that you feel confident will help you avoid “backsliding”?
The main one would be the concept of counting macros and having balance in what you’re eating when it comes to protein, carbs and fat.
Why would you suggest others choose the personalized nutrition-based program that EMP180 offers?
Why wouldn’t I? I’m living proof that it works. It’s not a magic solution – nothing is. The education you gain while changing your eating habits is the key. Plus you aren’t on your own once you’ve lost the weight. The lifetime coaching means you have somewhere to turn if you start to struggle or backslide or just need some extra support.
Not sure where to start?
Come into EMP180 to begin your weight loss journey. In addition to planning meals and snacks, we can help you explore the reasons behind over-eating and teach you how to manage difficult social occasions. Let’s work on establishing healthy habits that work for you and your lifestyle!
You naturally want to lose weight as fast as possible. But weight loss is only part of the battle. Once you drop pounds, you want to keep it off to preserve your new physique and support your long-term health.
At EMP 180° Weight Loss™, our specialists help people living in and around Vienna, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, lose weight at a safe, sustainable rate. Plus, the staff teaches you how to keep those pounds from creeping back on. A safe rate of weight loss varies from person to person, depending on your age, starting size, and your weight loss goals.
What does research show?
Research suggests that losing weight gradually and steadily using sustainable, habit-changing techniques results in the most success. In the first few weeks that you embark on the meal planning and behavioral changes coached by EMP Weight Loss, you may lose weight quickly. People who are obese may drop three to 10 pounds in the first week.* Then as the healthy eating plan continues, weight loss should taper off to just 1-2 pounds per week. On the other hand, people who start out with less weight to lose may shed lower amounts initially, like several pounds in a week, then a half pound or a pound each week thereafter.
The quick drop at the beginning is a nice way to begin, but don’t be discouraged when your weight loss is smaller as you go along. The slower rate of loss is evidence that you’re making small, consistent changes that support a healthy weight for the rest of your life. At EMP Weight Loss, these changes include learning how to navigate the grocery store, plan meals, prepare delicious recipes, make good restaurant choices, and avoid extreme hunger that causes binging.
What is healthy versus unhealthy weight loss?
Unhealthy weight loss is unsustainable. It involves severe deprivation or extreme exercise that you couldn’t keep up for more than a few days, or at most, weeks. The number on the scale might drop quickly with such strategies, but the weight inevitably creeps back on, and you might end up even heavier because you haven’t identified your triggers. It’s important to understand why the weight gain occurred in the first place.
If you’re a petite woman, and settle into a half pound per week loss, that’s probably normal for your body, and you’re getting healthier with each ounce you lose. If you’re changing behaviors, performing exercise you can stick with, and making smart food choices, you’re on the right track.
What influences the ultimate rate of loss?
If you’re following the dietary, physical activity, and behavioral recommendations of our counselors at EMP Weight Loss, you’ll lose weight. Ultimately, the things that determine how fast you drop the weight include:
How much you have to lose: If you have 100 or more pounds to lose, you’ll likely lose at a faster rate than someone who is trying to drop their last 10 or 20 pounds.
How significant the changes are for you: If you subsist on highly-processed, high carb, and sodium-laden foods, changing to a whole foods plan can lead to a dramatic drop in pounds the first couple of weeks due to loss of water weight. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and add even a small amount of physical activity, you’ll lose weight faster at first, too.
How much time you have to commit to weight loss: At EMP Weight Loss, we want to help make losing weight a sustainable process for you. It takes time to exercise and prepare healthy foods, so while these steps are well worth it in the long run, you’ll need to fit them into your lifestyle. Your commitment to the weight loss program delivers results to last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey to a healthier, slimmer you, call our office to set up your consultation.
*Individual results may vary.
Not sure where to start?
Come into EMP180 to begin your weight loss journey. In addition to planning meals and snacks, we can help you explore the reasons behind over-eating and teach you how to manage difficult social occasions. Let’s work on establishing healthy habits that work for you and your lifestyle!
At EMP 180° we offer a personalized approach to nutrition and weight loss. We support you throughout your weight loss journey, giving you the tools to lose the weight and EMPowering you to keep it off—forever.
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