I was a Dietitian for 20 Years and THIS is the only Weight Loss Program I’ve EVER Recommended …and how I lost 45 pounds

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As a former Registered Dietitian and lifelong heavier person, I have A LOT to say in this review of what I know to be the best online weight loss program out there. In fact, it’s the only weight loss program I have EVER recommended in over 20 years as a nutritionist! I’ve wanted to write this Gina Livy Method Weight Loss Program review for years because I believe so strongly that this program has integrity and it works. (by Robin)

I lost 45 pounds with the Livy Method. And I did it in the healthiest way. It was the mentally and physically healthiest I ever felt. (This changed when I was diagnosed with cancer shortly after, but that’s another story…)

You’re likely wondering: how did a Registered Dietitian get that overweight? Aren’t dietitians supposed to know everything and eat and look perfect? This is an assumption that has plagued me my entire life.

Here’s a brief look at my weight journey:

• I come from heavy people.
  • Genetically I am built to build muscle easily and hold onto energy efficiently. I gain weight with little effort. This would have been a life saving blessing centuries ago – my people could survive any famine! But now, that genetic make up means gaining weight is extremely easy and losing is hard.
• Like many moms I gained weight with each pregnancy.
  • With each one I lost some, but kept a few pounds, mostly due to the impact of the stress and lack of sleep that comes with parenting and other life stuff beyond my control.
• I blew out my knee from stupidly running on it through pain that was screaming at me to stop. Plus, I had chronic back issues.
  • These injuries dramatically limited my movement.
• Covid stress and lockdowns were really hard on me (you too?).
  • I think I took the 19 part of Covid-19 to be a weight GAIN goal. 🤦‍♀️
• Can I blame Ed just a little?
  • My husband loves people with food. It is one of his beautiful, heartful gifts. When I feel low (see: all the stressors above plus more) he shows up with homemade milkshakes, cookies, ice cream +++. It’s tough to resist.
  • Also, the man is muscular and active and can eat like a teenager with a tapeworm. So being around him a lot (which I love) leads to me eating the same – only I’ve got the natural metabolism of a hibernating bear.
• After Covid risks lessened, and I had knee surgery, I was left with a lot of extra weight.

As an RD I knew all the things about weight gain and loss, but I still struggled to do all the things required. That is until I found the Livy Method!

(In full transparency, this last year of cancer and cancer treatments, like months of chemo + surgery + radiation, have led to me putting on weight again. This is 100% expected and totally understandable. My body and mind have been through the worst stressors possible. But I have complete confidence that following the Livy Method again, once my body has recovered, will ensure I’m a healthy weight again.)

How Does the Livy Method Work?

• The Livy Method works by systematically teaching you how to reconnect with your body.
  • Over 91 days you will focus on treating yourself and your body well.
  • Over time, through consistency and weekly tweaks to the food plan, you and your body will work together to get you feeling and being healthy again.
• The Livy Method meal plan is nutritious and helps your body feel safe enough to let go.
  • At the same time it’s realistic, you’ll learn how to incorporate treat foods. like alcohol and desserts, without guilt or shame.
• The Livy Method addresses the multifactorial truth of weight.
  • Stress, sleep, movement, nutrition and social factors.
• The Livy method has built in support.
  • You are not alone, you have guidance every day and every step of the way.
• It’s not a quick fix that will ultimately fail you.
  • The Livy method prioritizes maintenance. There’s even education and on-going support for keeping the weight off once you’ve lost it.

What’s So Great About The Livy Method?

• It’s Science-based:
  • The first place I went went I heard about the Livy method was here: Livy Method Science Guide.
  • Without geeking out I will summarize simply: the science is solid.
• The Guest Experts:
  • They are across the board knowledgeable, professional and engaging.
  • I never miss segments with my three favourites (affectionally referred to as the BOD squad):
    • Dr. Beverley David, Clinical Psychologist
    • Dr. Olinca Trejo, Naturopath
    • Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, Learning Strategist
  • You can listen to all the past guest expert segments on the The Livy Method Podcast.
• It’s really Affordable!
  • Currently it costs less than $100 for the 91-day program. (Plus, You can sign up here with a $5 off coupon)
  • That’s in Canadian Dollars – so if you’re in the US it would cost you about $70 or so.
• The App:
  • The app alone is worth the price. It is beautifully designed – and I don’t say that lightly. I am super picky about user experience with apps.
  • It guides you through every day of the program and has everything you need exactly when you need it. Every day there’s a check in video from Gina that outlines what you’re focusing on – and likely how you’re feeling that day and how to show up for yourself.
  • Recording your intake/activity/goals has been shown time and time again in studies to help you change your behaviour. 100% reccomended.
• The physical books:
  • If you’re not an app user you can pick up The Livy Method: Weight Loss Program Guide and/or program Tracking Journal version
• The Community Support:
  • There is an active Facebook group of other people in the current program. The vast, vast majority are there to cheer each other on – which is seriously refreshing for any Facebook group. Trolls are not tolerated and are booted – but they don’t seem to rear their heads too often.
  • This aspect is not something I’ve used personally, I spend too much time online with the blog to want to spend more in the group. But I can see how many people get so much out of this aspect.

How You Can Follow The Livy Method

1. The Best Way:
   • join the group and
   • follow it with the app each day
2. the Cheapest way:
   • get the book and
   • follow along with the podcasts
   • BUT, while I can understand that budget is different for everyone, you will have the best experience by joining a live program. At least join for your first round and then decide how you want to continue, if you need more rounds to reach your goal.
3. If you’re interested, but a group doesn’t start soon:
   • The 91 day program runs three times a year, starting in January, April and September.
   • If you’re keen to get started, but the group is weeks away, I’d suggest you:
     • get the book and possibly the journal
     • follow along with the podcasts.

My Concerns with the Livy Method are Few, But Here They Are:

• Gina has a big personality and is unapologetically herself. I think that’s great and I like her a lot. She’s smart, has a compassionate heart and integrity.
  • Just be aware that she uses some salty language. She drops F-bombs often on her podcast and social media. Personally, I’m not too bothered. But I imagine others could be a bit turned off. Sometimes I’m concerned that her swearing dilutes the respect she and her program deserve. When I tell anyone about the program I usually give them a heads up. I hope this isn’t a dealbreaker for you.
• On occasion Gina has made some broad statements that are a bit concerning.
  • For example, one time on the podcast she answered a member’s question along the lines of: “I have breast cancer, can I follow the program?”. Her answer was “yes, of course”. But the answer is much more nuanced than that. Trying to lose weight while being treated for breast cancer is, generally speaking, not a good idea. At the very least this is a question for that woman’s oncology team to address.
  • HOWEVER, in recent months she has been a lot more intentional about encouraging people to consult with their health care providers when they have medical conditions or concerns.
• Some of the support is provided through a private Facebook group. And that’s great if you’re into Facebook.
  • If you’re trying to limit your exposure to Facebook, like I am, this could be a small issue.
  • BUT, the app is very thorough and provides 95% of what the program offers. I rarely need to click over to FB.
  • If you didn’t use the Facebook Support Group the only parts you’d be missing are the connections with other program members and asking questions of the program specialists. So, no major problem there for me. (I wish they’d develop their own community group within the app, but I totally get that this is a massive, expensive undertaking.)

My Bottom-line Gina Livy Method Weight Loss Program Review:

• It’s the best program out there.
• By following the Livy Method program you are likely to become the healthiest you’ve ever been, not just physically but also mentally.
• There is a calmness around food and choices that you can cultivate that will give you peace. And if you’ve been struggling with your weight for years, you likely need that peace to really live your best life.
• And, by treating your body, mind and heart so well, the weight comes off in the best possible way.

Have you got any questions? Please feel free to ask me below!

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