About six months ago, something happened that completely changed the course of my health journey. I was at work when I ran into one of our vendors — someone I hadn't seen in years. She was so excited to see me, giving me a big hug and all the warm greetings. And then... she asked that question.
"Are you pregnant?"
Cue internal panic. I instinctively ran my hand down my (very flat) stomach and awkwardly said, "No?" I was mortified. As a mom of two, I know better than anyone that you just don’t ask a woman that question. Ever.
I wasn’t obese — not by any means — but I was definitely carrying around an extra 15–20 pounds compared to my pre-kids weight. It wasn’t for lack of trying, either. Like so many women in their early 40s (hello, perimenopause), those pounds just wouldn’t budge, no matter what I did.
That moment was the wake-up call I needed. I decided right then and there that it was time to take my health seriously.
Finding Functional Medicine and Taking the First Step
A few days later, I came across an Instagram ad for Tiffany Sears, a Functional Medicine Practitioner who specializes in hormone balance and weight management. She was local, she seemed approachable, and honestly, I just felt like she could help. I booked a free call, took a deep breath, and made the investment to work with her.
Up until that point, I had tried every diet imaginable. Keto, intermittent fasting, juice cleanses... you name it, I tried it. But deep down, I knew this wasn’t just about food — it had to be hormonal.
Tiffany ran a full blood panel, a DUTCH test, and a gut health test. The results were eye-opening:
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Sluggish thyroid
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Estrogen dominance
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Pre-diabetic markers
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Sky-high cortisol levels
No wonder I was feeling stuck. No wonder the weight wouldn't budge. It wasn’t just about willpower or discipline — it was about healing my body from the inside out.
What I Changed
Tiffany put me on a four-month plan that started November 1st — yes, right before the holidays (perfect timing, right?). The first step:
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Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free for 30 days
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Minimal alcohol
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A personalized supplement plan
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Bi-weekly virtual check-ins
At first, it sounded impossible. No cheese boards at holiday parties? No festive cocktails? But something amazing happened:
After 30 days, I had lost 5 pounds.
My belly was noticeably flatter.
My cravings disappeared.
The bread basket at dinner? No longer tempting. That need for sweets after meals? Gone.
By the end of the four months, I had lost 12 pounds — and more importantly, my health markers improved dramatically.
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My thyroid function bounced back.
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My estrogen levels balanced out.
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My pre-diabetic risk decreased.
I'm still working with Tiffany, now focusing on improving my A1C, continuing my weight loss, and building muscle by increasing my protein intake.
Small Changes That Made a Huge Difference
Here are a few habits I adopted that have truly stuck:
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Never drinking coffee on an empty stomach. I always start my day with a Truvani protein shake (i add this collagen) or eggs.
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Skipping the bread basket when eating out. I stay mostly gluten-free, but still allow myself pizza and pasta occasionally — no guilt.
- Adding electrolytes to my water — total game-changer for hydration and energy.
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Strength training 3 days a week and aiming for 6,000 steps a day. I love Jamie Gillooly’s live-stream workouts!
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Castor oil packs over my liver or abdomen 3–4 times a week to support detox and digestion.
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Dry brushing before showers — a simple ritual I actually look forward to now.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m so grateful I took that first step. Investing in my health has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — and now my husband is starting his own journey with Tiffany to tackle his inflammation issues.
I’m sharing all of this because I never want to gatekeep information that could help someone else. If you're feeling stuck like I was, if you’ve tried "everything" and nothing works — maybe it’s time to dig deeper.
You can check out Tiffany Sears on Instagram @tiffanysearshealth. This post isn't sponsored. Feel free to message me with questions.
Here’s to putting ourselves first. 💛 You deserve to feel your best.