Spotlight on Success: Chrissanth Gross

At 63, Chrissanth felt her fate was sealed inside “fat pants” after all her usual weight maintenance tactics were no longer doing the trick. A chance encounter at the start of the year helped her take the leap and achieve her goals—and it wound up being a lot easier and far more fun than she expected.

What drove you want to make a healthy change in your life?

I was at a New Year’s Eve party decked out in newly acquired “fat pants” for my expanding gut, and I wound up chatting with an acquaintance about my stalemate with weight gain. That’s when they gave me your name. Up until then, I was almost resigned to becoming a plump grandma—without the grandchildren.

Had you tried other strategies to lose weight before?

 Everything I had employed over the years to address health issues and maintain my weight were no longer working for me. I found my 63-year-old body could not tolerate another nine-day Isagenix cleanse, Atkins, one-meal-a-day diet, or the over-the-top online coaching program that was heavy on recipes and exercise regimes.

What were your initial impressions when we first began working together?

It was so nice to meet with you because you really listened and met me where I was at. You gave me some manageable weight loss goals and showed me how—as a vegetarian with dairy sensitivities—I could make better food choices and get the protein I needed. I came away feeling that I was already healthy and that my goals were achievable.

What was the biggest hurdle you faced while working towards your goals?

I discovered that the most important part of the work was keeping a food log. At first, I was a bit embarrassed because I realized that my log didn’t look like it belonged to someone who was serious about achieving their goals. When I made the decision to employ your concepts, I quickly started to feel better and I did not have sugar cravings.

How long before you saw some positive change?

 It took about a month before I got the needle moving in the right direction. I tracked exercise and my weight in my food log. I was surprised to see that I actually enjoyed taking care of myself! Whereas before I had trouble regulating my food intake, now I felt satisfied with a measured amount. As the numbers on the scale continued to fall, I began to feel better which made me want to stick to the healthy habits I had worked to establish. When that positive loop formed, it strengthened every day thereafter. You provided me with the north star that I could rely on.

How has your life, your health, and your mindset changed since you have reached your goals?

My joints hurt less, I no longer have heart palpitations when I lay down at night, my head is clearer without as much alcohol, and I don’t have sugar cravings. When I finally met my goal, I felt triumphant—especially because I had a formal occasion to dress for, and I could fit into dresses I had not been able to wear for five years.

What would you tell others who may be considering working with me?

That you are so accessible and helpful. You gave me a manageable path in which I could have confidence, knowing that if I stuck to it, I’d not only achieve my goals but maintain them, too. I know for certain you’d provide that same individualized attention and path to success for others.