My Journey with Calibrate: Jennifer

This motivational testimonial features an academic professor who tried every program she could find to lose weight and nothing worked—until she joined Calibrate in July of 2020. Attracted to Calibrate’s evidence based curriculum, she dove in, finding success after her first year. She has since continued to transform her life, finding sustainable habits that have helped her keep off 36% of her body weight. Each year, she’s focused and unpacked a different pillar of Metabolic Health (food, exercise, sleep, emotional health). As she enters her fifth year with Calibrate, she continues to learn more from the curriculum, her accountability coach, and herself.

My Weight Loss Journey

I’ve spent many years trying to lose weight, but before joining Calibrate, nothing worked.

Before Calibrate, I tried pretty much everything I could get my hands on, including Jenny Craig, WW, Nutrisystem, Atkins, and diet pills. Though I did achieve temporary success with some of these approaches, it was always short-term. Nothing I tried helped me achieve long-lasting weight loss. Though most of these programs boasted that they were about making “lifestyle” changes, in reality, none of them were. It was never about the lifestyle and always about the food.

Many of these programs also made me feel like my weight loss was about them and not about me. There came a time when I felt like I was weighing in to give others the satisfaction that their program was working, rather than making it about me and my health. 

I became so frustrated in my journey that I considered bariatric surgery as an alternative option—while still hoping that I could find a more sustainable approach that would help me avoid this drastic solution.  

How I Found Calibrate

Calibrate came into my life at the perfect moment. While doing research on bariatric surgery and other weight loss programs, I came across Calibrate’s website. I was blown away by its integrated approach and the fact that I would have access to medical professionals throughout the program. Their messaging made it clear that this would not be a short-term fix like some of the other programs I had tried.

My Experience So Far

When I joined in July 2020, I dove into the assigned reading. I immediately appreciated that the material was thoroughly researched, straightforward, and no fluff. As an Associate Professor of Business and Economics and someone who holds a PhD, I consider myself to be a fairly intellectual woman. I remember reading “tips and tricks” from previous programs like “eat a mint if you’re feeling hungry” and desperately wanting a program that could offer more thoughtful and evidence-based information. Calibrate delivered on this front from the get-go.

During that first month, I worked with my coach to increase my awareness about existing behaviors and how little adjustments here and there could slowly build to big changes. I also appreciate how responsive every team member has been, including the clinical support staff. Whenever I reach out to the support or clinical team with a question or concern, they get back to me via the Calibrate app.

I worked hard in my  first year, but truthfully, it didn’t feel hard. The progressive pace of Calibrate’s program helps to make each pillar feel attainable. Every lesson builds upon the previous and is backed with stellar documentation and research. For that reason, I believe that Calibrate is the most intellectual weight loss program out there.

My New Day-to-Day

Everyone is surprised I’ve been a member since 2020, but when you don’t feel like you’re doing something, time just flies—that is what is so incredibly different about Calibrate. It’s the only program where I’ve never gotten diet fatigue.

As for my results, I’ve lost 36% of my body weight, and have so much more energy during the day. While I hate talking about my number, I’m very proud that I’ve kept off 80-85 pounds over  four years. I don’t want that number to be my story and define who I am. I’ve made so many changes, I consistently go to the gym, I’m not a “no carb” person, I’ve let go of a lot of shame—the progress in those areas are what define me today.

Small Wins Create Big Wins

I’ve gotten something different out of each year I’ve been a Calibrate member. While we revisit the same tools and tactics regularly, I’m 52 and it’s not easy to make long-term lifestyle changes. Reviewing the core concepts again and again at different points in my life has helped me unpack and discover new things about myself. For example, it has taken me four years to figure out why I have the most difficult time journaling. What I’ve found is that it all stems from the years of walking down the hallway with my weight loss counselor to get on the scale. I have lived with that shame for so many years. Calibrate is helping me get rid of some of that shame and damage. That is one of the most important things for me. I rarely talk to anyone anymore about weight—even with my Coach Melanie, who I have been with for so long. 

In my first year, I learned a lot about food, gaining an understanding that I don’t have to be perfect all the time—I love the 80/20 way of thinking, it is life-changing. 

My second year was all about awareness. Being aware of the interactions I had with food, exercise, sleep, and the scale. 

By my third year, I began to go deeper into my awareness of exercise and what works for me. I used to think that cardio was all I needed, now I understand that just because you’re sweating, it doesn’t mean it’s better for you—I get why strength training is important too, especially as I get older.

Now, as I start my fifth year, I’ve been discovering the major hang-ups that have been drilled in my head for so long and how to let go of them.

Uncovering the shame piece has been so powerful for me. Having extra weight is a burden for the individual, but the real burden is the shame that comes with that. I didn’t realize how much shame I carried around with me until I started to let it go, and I think it’s going to take a long time. I just haven’t had a safe space to unpack all of this stuff, and Calibrate has given me a safe space to finally do so.

A Lasting Impact

I wish I knew this version of myself more when I started. I thought I was happy and content when I started, but on this path of self-discovery, I’ve figured out my actual insecurities and where they stem from. Calibrate has given me talking points so I don’t have to talk about my weight or my weight loss.

I can shout from the rooftops how much I love Calibrate. When someone asks me whether or not I’d recommend Calibrate, I say: “If you’re looking for a short-term fix or a fat diet, this isn’t the program for you. But if you’re looking for a program that will help you change your life and way of living, Calibrate can give you the tools to achieve sustainable weight loss and a supportive mind-body-spirit mindset. It’s a journey, and it’s not all about weight.”

Four Pillars Lightning Round

Favorite food: Mashed cauliflower and filet mignon—the combination is heaven. Four years later, I still love this so much! But I’d also add that I love bulgar and quinoa now too!

Best sleep tip: I avoid screen time (especially social media) thirty minutes before bed and take melatonin gummies when needed. They help me fall asleep and give me the small sugar boost that I sometimes need at night. 

Favorite type of exercise: I love using the elliptical machine and the stair climber—they both make me feel powerful! Over the past couple years, I’ve moved to more strength training. I used to be 70/30 cardio and strength and now I’ve flipped it! I constantly have to tell myself that I’m doing strength training to help my body.

Emotional health tip: II’m really into affirmations. I have an affirmation app that I read many times a day to remind myself to believe in myself and enjoy the moment. I still do this every day for four years.

Calibrate member, Jen in 2024.

Interested in learning more about a whole-body metabolic reset? Learn more today.

*Results not typical; average Calibrate members lose 15% of their body weight in 12 months. Read more here.