Name: Natalie Pyrkosz
Age: 41
Occupation: Occupational Therapist
Number of Children: 2
How did you hear about Nutritious Lolly?
Facebook advertising
What were your reasons for wanting to embark on a nutrition plan?
Liked the sound of the general health aspect rather than a fad diet plan
What were your goals and expectations?
To feel healthier, more energy/less sluggish, new recipes, lifestyle swaps.
Did you find the Plan easy to follow and understand?
Yes, I liked how it was broken down into new content every week otherwise likely I would have got info overload all at once.
Did the Plan fit around your lifestyle – work life, family life etc?
Yes, that was the big bonus as it was achievable to do.
Did you follow the recipes? If so, did you find them useful, quick and convenient?
I have loved the new recipes and liked that many ingredients are used in a few and some were things I had anyway in cupboard. I felt a bit stuck in a rut with meals and recycled same dishes all the time. The recipes are not overly complicated so they are easy to do and then continue to repeat. Very tasty and flavoursome and unlike a ‘diet’, I found I could make them for others as not obvious ‘diet’ food which can be bland. This makes the recipes flexible.
How did you find the 10-minute exercise videos and which were your favourites?
Favourites are no 2, 3 and 4. I love that they are so quick and 10 mins is achievable. I also love that I can just do them in any clothes so no hassle needing to get changed etc which often puts me off as takes up more time
What was the hardest part of the Plan?
Trying to resist sugar treats. I don’t eat processed foods anyway and cook with many of the ingredients already, but I’ve got a sweet tooth and try to resist, mainly because my will power is not good. I can’t just have a little bit, I always want more. Think this will be my downfall but will try to think of 80/20 rule and incorporate as treats.
Did you feel supported by Lolly during the process?
Yes, I tried to log into live question and answers but when couldn’t, felt the level of communication was good. When asked anything, response was quick back. I liked the pragmatic and realistic approach to the plan that Lolly got across.
Have you noticed a difference in fat loss or inch loss?
Inch loss… particularly across stomach area. Don’t weigh myself so don’t know about weight but feel leaner and clothes looser.
Has your digestive health improved?
For a time I was bit constipated although not sure why as eating lots of fruit veg/water etc. Contacted Lorraine and got advice. I now snack on dried dates and prunes which help.
Have your energy levels improved?
Yes, definitely. I notice a difference and after a weekend of not being as rigid/strict with myself I do notice I am more sluggish.
Have you noticed a difference to the quality of your sleep?
I always sleep well but don’t feel as tired during day so perhaps the quality has improved.
Did you reach your goal and how did that feel?
Main goal was to feel less sluggish and feel healthier – def achieved this!
What changes have you made to your nutrition and fitness since completing the Whole-Body Plan?
I now try to do the exercises daily or every 2 days as do feel they make a difference, keen to continue this.
I also eat a more varied diet and consider sugar content. I am more educated re high fat/good fats and therefore enjoy meals more, that I used to think of as high fat e.g. curries with full-fat coconut milk. I snack healthier and have discovered tasty salads so I don’t feel like I am restricting myself in any way. I definitely consider carbs more and have found alternatives in freekah, bulgar wheat and quinoa rather than white rice and pasta which I now realise I was eating quite a bit of.
If recommending Nutritious Lolly to friends and family, what would you say?
That it is realistic and achievable as it is a long-term lifestyle regime rather than a set ‘diet’. Also, that it is not restrictive and is straightforward to follow. I would also say at first you go to the toilet loads but your body gets used to it and calms down.
Anything else you would like to add?
I felt that the ethos of 80/20 was great as if I had a bad day/weekend when I had too many treats/drinks, that I just started over again on Monday and didn’t beat myself up. I think on any other plan, I may have given up and just resorted back to old ways but psychologically this plan makes it easy just to get back on track.
