From Setbacks to Success: Andria's Journey to Lasting Health

Imagine being miles from home, in a foreign country, and realizing that none of the stores carry your size. This humbling moment sparked a journey of self-discovery and transformation for one of our clients, leading her to Brooktree Consulting. She didn’t initially see herself as overweight—just “thick”—but this experience was the wake-up call that changed everything.

In this candid interview, our client shares the ups and downs of her journey with Brooktree, from redefining her relationship with food to facing the all-too-common holiday indulgences that set back progress. She learned that weight loss isn’t just about following a diet or hitting the gym; it’s a holistic, 24/7 commitment to health.

What Sparked the Change?

My “light bulb” moment came during a business trip to a remote country. When my luggage went missing, I was left with only the clothes I wore on the plane. I spent hours visiting store after store, only to be told repeatedly that they had nothing in my size. Eventually, a kind colleague suggested we try the outskirts of town, where larger sizes were more common, but I politely declined. By pure luck, I found a stretchy dress just as the stores were closing. It wasn’t business attire by any stretch, but it was better than sweats.

I’d always thought of myself as “thick,” not overweight, but this experience opened my eyes. I realized that for my health and confidence, I needed to make a change.

A Lifelong Struggle with Weight

Though I haven’t always been overweight, I’ve spent most of my adult life managing extra pounds. The “freshman 15” turned into a gradual climb. After college, I managed to lose the weight but gained it back in grad school. Since then, the weight has been tough to keep off.

Navigating the Challenges

This journey has been both rewarding and challenging. I realized early on that success directly correlates with consistency—there’s no “sort of” following the plan. If I stray, even just a bit, I see it in my results. Last year, I made the mistake of indulging over the holidays. I figured a cookie here, a helping of mac and cheese there wouldn’t hurt, but it took me four months to regain my momentum. I learned the hard way that small detours can delay big progress.

Redefining My Eating Habits

Before Brooktree, my eating was sporadic. I’d skip meals and often ate out at restaurants that weren’t the healthiest. With Brooktree, I switched to six meals a day, three full meals and three snacks, with a focus on lean proteins and veggies. Social eating was a big temptation for me, but I learned to pull back from outings that revolved around food. Now, I’m mostly plant-based and have cut out dairy and meat, with a major focus on keeping my protein intake high.

Progress and Goals: A Journey, Not a Destination

While I’m not yet fully satisfied, I’m thrilled with the progress. My energy levels are higher, and I’m now attuned to my body’s signals. I love how I feel now, and while the journey continues, I know I’m on the right path. 

Weight Loss Lessons

I used to think weight loss was just about exercise, but it’s so much more. I’ve learned it’s a full-time commitment. You can’t live a healthy lifestyle only when it’s convenient; it’s a lifetime choice. Every small decision—whether to take the stairs or skip that late night out—counts toward the bigger goal.

Advice for Others

My advice is simple: commit for yourself. You have to want a healthier life, not because others say so, but because you truly want it. And while it’s not always easy, every small step forward makes a difference.

Support and Encouragement

Throughout this journey, my family and friends have been my biggest cheerleaders. They keep me accountable, and sometimes they’re the first to remind me to put down the cookie! I’ve been fortunate to avoid negativity and instead receive encouragement that helps me stay motivated.

Past Attempts vs. Success with Brooktree

I’ve tried losing weight before. I joined programs like Weight Watchers, which worked wonders for others but didn’t resonate with me. I also tried the classic “eat less, exercise more” approach, which left me frustrated. Brooktree changed the game. With Kurt’s plan, I eat more than ever, follow a structured workout, and still see results.

Why Brooktree?

I came across Brooktree on Facebook after seeing friends engage with their posts. I was drawn to the transformations, seeing people who looked like me in their “before” pictures. After a year of following Brooktree online, I finally reached out to Kurt.

A Real, Sometimes Tough Journey

My experience with Brooktree hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. Kurt’s tough, but he’s fair, and he knows how to get results. I don’t always listen, and I’ve learned the hard way that shortcuts don’t work. But with Kurt’s guidance, I’m making progress, and I know I’m on the right track.

Online Coaching: The Perfect Fit for My Life

For someone with a busy schedule, online coaching is a perfect fit. It gives me flexibility while still holding me accountable. Brooktree’s support system and structured plans make it easier to follow through, and I see results every time I stick to the plan.

This journey with Brooktree has taught me that health isn’t a destination; it’s a lifestyle. And for anyone considering a healthier path, I can only say this: trust the process, make a commitment, and watch yourself transform in ways you never thought possible.