“I decided to join Merit because, as everyone does, I felt like it was time to do something about my health. I chose Merit based on their faces (they are super friendly) and the fact it truly seemed as though I could get a personalized plan. When I started at the beginning of June, I was 182 pounds and my son was just about to turn two years old. My number one word for Merit is accountability. The ladies hold me accountable with my food journal, my weigh-ins, and my goals. But what's different is that I FEEL accountable to them. Since I see them once a week, I feel like I can't let them down. This leads to me knowing that I can't let myself down; which in turn makes my mind and body feel good. This is different because I am not just a patient to them, I am a person. Stephanie and Veronica know what is going on in my life; my ups, my downs, and all my triggers. Having someone that is on my side, during my journey, so personalized, helps more than you think. I feel, if anything, the grace that the ladies at Merit have given me, has been the most helpful in my journey. We as a society are so hard on ourselves, and what's worse, we are our worst critic. I feel like weeks where I only lost .5 pounds I would become upset, but then Stephanie would remind me where I started and how much I had lost all together. They are truly in your corner, being the positive inspiration that you need until you feel comfortable doing it by yourself. For some people, it just takes a few months, and others longer, but they are always there for you. In under four months I reached my lowest weight, I got down to 148! Since then, my family and I found out we are expecting. So now, Merit is in my corner with Linnie making sure that I am eating healthy and Stephanie making sure I move my body during this pregnancy. They will also be here for me after the baby gets here. I don't think there is a stage of life where you couldn't start with Merit.”