Esther: Her New Life
My decision to start “The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss” began July 13, 2016. I weighed 257 and was having considerable knee pain which hindered my ability to travel.
After looking at my X-rays, my doctor informed me that my knees were almost bone on bone but he could not even refer me to orthopedics for possible knee replacements until I lost 70 pounds! Losing that much weight seemed insurmountable!
Fortunately, a dear friend had given me a copy of Dr. McDougall’s book “The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss” at that time and I read it. I was desperate since I did not want to continue using pain medication and wanted to have a choice in having knee replacements, if necessary, so I could continue to travel.
I made the big decision to follow Dr. McDougall’s Program. My body was going to be my own laboratory and I’d put the book to the test. I believed that if I followed it completely, I would know that it was responsible for any improvements in my health.
It didn’t seem like it was any time at all before I started losing inches on my knees and after just a few weeks, I was off my pain medications.
Travel did not hinder me from keeping my commitment. We love to take cruises and I learned that I could have steel cut oatmeal (yes, I did have to ask for it) and fresh fruit for breakfast, a big salad with balsamic vinegar for lunch and discovered that the cruise line had a special menu for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free guests which gave me some options. Most of the time I just asked for a salad, a sweet potato, a side of broccoli and a cup of fresh berries for dessert.
I proved to myself that under any circumstances, I could enjoy the benefits of eating this way. I have lost 96 pounds as of March, 2018 (size 24 to 14) and have lost 5 inches off each knee. 
I do not have any pain in my knees and do not need knee replacements. I no longer take medication for high cholesterol, pain or sleeping pills and have reduced my thyroid meds twice. I have lowered my blood sugar and am no longer pre-diabetic. I have not had a day of constipation since starting this program. My blood pressure is now normal. And as an added benefit, my vision has improved twice in the past year! My energy level is high and I want to spread the good news to everyone.
I do not have any pain in my knees and do not need knee replacements. I no longer take medication for high cholesterol, pain or sleeping pills and have reduced my thyroid meds twice. I have lowered my blood sugar and am no longer pre-diabetic. I have not had a day of constipation since starting this program. My blood pressure is now normal. And as an added benefit, my vision has improved twice in the past year! My energy level is high and I want to spread the good news to everyone.
I have a new passion for telling anyone who will listen about the benefits of eating this way. On one of our cruises, I was invited to tell my story to some of the Tai Chi students. It was recorded and put on YouTube as “Esther Loveridge’s Drastic Weight Loss Secret”. The ladies in the pool at the gym even talked me into starting a Facebook group. This allows me to easily share stories of my journey and refer people to Dr. McDougall’s program.
My husband initially said “I could never eat like you” but he now follows a diet of no animal or dairy products. Life is good.
I am so thankful for Dr. McDougall for “saving my life” and the ripple effect it is having on my family and friends.
By the way, I am 74 years old and have learned that it is not too late to restore my body to good health.
Esther
