As silly as it seems to me now, I initially felt too intimidated to hire Brian and Donna for nutrition counseling. I can still remember the first time I saw them. It was several years ago at a bodybuilding show. I was sitting in the audience and they were onstage doing the show introductions. I knew of their reputation but I’d never seen them before. I was really impressed by how good they looked and how professional they sounded but I managed to give myself 3 excuses why their services were not for me. I told myself:

• Looking like they did must take super-human discipline (which I didn’t think I had).
• Their advice must be time consuming or unreasonably complicated.
• It would cost more than I could afford.

Needless to say, I felt a bit out of my league. Besides, I was already making an attempt to eat healthy and to incorporate cardio and weight training into my life. However, lack of consistency and lack of understanding about the total effect the foods I ate had on my body left me frustrated and short of my goals.

I was 38 when I realized that my weight was on a slow but steady incline despite my best efforts. I was close to 170 lbs. and 35% body fat. I can recall the day that I decided enough was enough. I was at the mall trying on size 9s and they were too tight. That had never happened before. The notion of buying size 11 had me close to tears because I realized size 13 was sure to follow. I decided then and there to be proactive and treat my weight gain as if it were an emergency. I knew that I needed help if I was going to make a real change.

In January of 2003, with my husband’s encouragement, I decided to enter a bodybuilding contest. The idea of stepping on stage at a contest seemed terrifying but I knew that having a concrete goal would help me stay focused. I didn’t consider myself to be an athlete so I decided I should get the best advice available. Rumor had it that Brian and Donna were the best so I decided to hire them. That turned out to be the smartest decision of my life.

Brian and Donna put me at ease right from the start. They told me not only would I meet my goals but I would step onstage with complete confidence. All I had to do was trust them and listen to their advice. They turned out to be the most down-to-earth, helpful people imaginable. Their guidance was easy to follow and they gave me the support I needed to stay disciplined. And I was pleasantly surprised to find out their fee for an entire month cost far less than a typical evening out. I also learned that I didn’t have to be an athlete to benefit from their expertise. The vast majority of their clients are everyday people who want to lose or even gain weight for health reasons or for a special occasion (such as a wedding or holiday).

They gave me the tools I needed to succeed and I never could have imagined the success that would follow. I not only met my goal but exceeded it. At the June 2003 contest, I was less than 6% body fat and I weighed 117 lbs. I had no idea what the effect of proper nutrition would have on my body. The process of watching my body transform was one of the most empowering accomplishments in my life. The best part was – it wasn’t that difficult. Yes, it took discipline but the process itself was healthy and quite simple. I ate whole foods and I listened to their advice every step of the way.

I stepped on stage at the age of 40 looking better than I had in my whole life. Reaching my goal left me with a whole new confidence that has transpired to every aspect of my life. Suddenly, I was an inspiration to family, friends and co-workers. What a great feeling. And now, at the age of 42, my body is only getting better. I didn’t think that was possible. I just wish I could reach those of you who think your case is hopeless or that maybe you’ve tried everything already. You are wrong – you haven’t tried Brian and Donna. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am an ordinary person so if I can do it - so can you.

Brian and Donna have given me the knowledge and resources to stay fit for the rest of my life. I think they are life changers and I would even go as far to call them life savers. The more I get to know them, the more I appreciate what they have done for me and for thousands of others just like me. I am so proud to call them my trainers and even more proud to call them my friends. I consider them to be the best-kept secret around.

I still get advice from Brian and Donna because I have a new love in my life – competitive bodybuilding. I competed again in 2004 and placed 2nd in ladies masters and 3rd in ladies heavy weight at the provincial level. I plan to compete at Nationals in September 2005.

Affectionately Yours,

Lori Trudgeon

New Woman!