Success stories
Elizabeth, 29
Programme Coordinator, Glasgow
Before
I originally came to see Sonnda because I wanted to improve my general health and mental wellbeing and to get a better understanding of how to eat to support both. I wanted to address digestive issues (uncomfortable bloating and IBS that worsened around my period), anxiety that was making me feel so physically unwell (extreme fatigue that sometimes completely knocked me out, brain fog, muscle aches), and risk of type 2 diabetes, which runs in my family.
I also wanted to lose some weight, particularly around my lower belly. But I really didn’t want weight loss to be ‘the’ goal or even a primary consideration, more just a side effect of improving my overall health.
I knew I consumed too much sugar – I was addicted to it☹️ – and that I probably needed to reduce my intake.
During
Sonnda is very personable, and I felt like she really listened and tailored her approach to me specifically.
After
The results have been incremental, subtle day to day, but overall there is a world of difference. Last week, I felt really fatigued – I was stressed out and still not completely back to normal after a chest infection and course of antibiotics. I realised that’s the first time I’ve felt like that since the start of the year. That used to be my normal! Wow. Feeling those symptoms resurge really highlighted not just *how much* they’ve decreased, but almost completely disappeared
I have more energy. I sleep better (despite a noisy neighbour moving in during our time working together!). I can focus more effectively. I find myself responding to things more productively rather than reacting anxiously. My mood is more consistent. My PMS symptoms have lessened. And although not gone altogether, my bloating has decreased.
I’ve lost 4kg and 7cm off my waist, bringing my BMI more solidly into the healthy range (I was 24.9 before, 25+ being overweight) and my waist-to-hip ratio down from moderate to low risk. All without any restriction, calorie tracking, or even regular measurements – this happened more or less naturally without me having to try, just by making small sustainable changes.
I also have a wealth of knowledge now. I didn’t feel I had much foundational knowledge or positive role models for making healthy nutritional decisions. I now feel confident about this, more in tune with my body, and able to understand the connection between what and how I eat and how I feel.
The sessions were never about telling me what to do, but giving me the tools to support my own goals. I’ve also discovered lots of delicious new foods – a definite perk!
Andrew, 43
Finance Director, Glasgow
Before
My doctor advised me to go on a ketogenic diet as a treatment for ME/CFS, which I’ve suffered from for 30 years, but I was put off as I didn’t have the first idea how to go about it. To complicate matters, I’m lactose-intolerant, gluten-free and an incredibly fussy eater (I don’t eat fish, eggs or any meat except chicken and beef), so I was really worried that if I went ketogenic there’d be nothing left for me to eat.
During
I couldn’t have been more wrong! Not only did Sonnda show me how to go keto taking all those restrictions into account, my diet is healthier and more diverse than it’s ever been. I really enjoy my food, and I don’t spend loads of time in the kitchen either – never been my strong point! She made the whole process simple and not something to be daunted by. I now have a tool kit full of different meals that keep me in ketosis and cover all my nutritional needs.
After
My main issues were cognitive impairment (brain fog) and physical aches. About 2-3 weeks in, I noticed the brain fog lifting and a marked decrease in muscle soreness. I’ve been following a ketogenic diet for just over 2 years now and my health and quality of life are the best they’ve been in many years. As an added bonus, I’ve lost weight and am much trimmer around the middle.
Without Sonnda’s professional help, food plans and encouragement, I think I would have struggled to keep to the diet. All tailor-made to my (very fussy) requirements. In fact, I doubt I would ever have managed to get into nutritional ketosis at all! Sonnda has made a massive difference to my quality of life by allowing me to follow a ketogenic safely.
Denise, 45
Head of Web Design, Amsterdam
Before
After I had my son, I’d gained some weight around my belly and couldn’t fit comfortably into my clothes. I’d heard about the ketogenic diet from some colleagues and friends who’d lost weight easily lose weight on it, experienced better mental clarity and in some cases improved health conditions. It seemed like the ideal solution, so I did some research online and tried to adapt my eating habits. After a while, I just wasn’t seeing the results I’d hoped for and had doubts I was doing it correctly. That’s when I decided I needed expert advice and contacted Sonnda.
During
Sonnda gathered all my body metrics and goals and came up with a detailed plan. She also asked me to keep a food diary for a couple of weeks so she could see exactly what I was eating. Right away, she was able to pinpoint where I was going wrong and why I wasn’t seeing results.
After
Once I implemented the changes Sonnda suggested, I started to lose weight. Within 4 months I lost 8kg, meeting my target, and I’m now back into my pre-baby wardrobe – FINALLY!
I feel much better too: more focused, less stressed, sleeping better, and my dentist was amazed by the improvement in my gum health. Ever since having my little boy, I've been troubled by bleeding, inflamed gums. At my last dental check-up, he couldn’t get over the reduction in my scores (a clear sign of lower inflammation in my body). Lower scores mean lower risk of gum disease, great news not just for my teeth but my overall health, since it’s linked with serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and even dementia. When I set out to lose the baby weight, I’d no idea the changes Sonnda recommended would have such a powerful impact on my health.
Ultimately, I’ve made sustainable lifestyle changes. Some may view the keto diet as restrictive, but Sonnda's version is anything but. She provided me with tips on a variety of delicious foods that make my diet varied and interesting while keeping me feeling satiated. I don’t believe I’d have managed to change my lifestyle if I’d relied on the information I found online. I attribute my success to the expert advice and support Sonnda gave me.