Note: This article is 3 of 3 anecdotal accounts of a former client’s personal health journeys. It represents their unique experience and is not intended as medical advice or scientific evidence.
Introduction
“In October 2019, I began my food addiction recovery and weight loss journey with Joy, and after recently rereading the post that I wrote for her website in May 2021, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Maintaining Recovery and Weight Loss
“I continue to be in remission of food addiction and disordered eating and have maintained a weight loss of well over 100 pounds. As well, improvements in the symptoms of both depression and ADHD have been sustained.
In order to remain in remission, I avoid foods that are addictive for me, including all sugar and flour products. I have found it important to eliminate all “cheat days” so that I do not return to my addiction. Each day, I eat nutritious, satisfying, and enjoyable food based on the Meal Plan that Joy designed for me, and updated as my weight normalized.
A decade ago, I could never have imagined eating this way. I can honestly say that my favourite foods are steak, squash, and Brussels sprouts with butter. I have no desire to return to eating the sugary and processed foods that I binged on in the past.”
Navigating New Health Challenges
“Joy has been an invaluable support on my health journey. She is incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and caring. I recently returned to work with Joy due to some health concerns I had been facing and she advocated for me to return to my doctor to undergo more comprehensive thyroid testing. Finally, after many years of confusing symptoms and doctors’ appointments, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Once I was diagnosed, Joy adjusted and tailored my Meal Plan to my hypothyroidism and history of obesity and food addiction. I am very grateful for Joy’s knowledge and insight. I truly have been profoundly blessed.
One of the most important first steps I took in 2019 was reaching out to Joy, as well as to a clinical counselor, and a food addiction support group. I hope my story continues to provide hope to anyone who is wondering if it is possible to be free from their addiction to food.”
~J.H., October 10, 2024
© 2025 BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd. She has a postgraduate degree in Human Nutrition, is a published mental health nutrition researcher, and has been supporting clients’ needs since 2008. Joy is licensed in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, and her areas of expertise range from routine health, chronic disease management, and digestive health to therapeutic diets. Joy is passionate about helping people feel better and believes that Nutrition is BetterByDesign©.