Testimonials
“Working with MELA health changed my life in the best possible way. Before finding MELA and working with Merrill, I had low energy, was often critical of myself in photos and found myself in a constant state of wanting to lose “a few pounds.” I tried various restrictive diets and would count calories. I would skip some of my favorite foods because they were high in calories or fats. I would snack constantly when stressed, and would overly fixate on any feelings of hunger. I didn’t understand what goes into a balanced diet. I wanted a change and decided to reach out to Merrill and Lauren.
Merrill is so knowledgeable, professional and – importantly – is just a lovely person who is easy to open up to even when you first meet her. My first session with Merrill was so comprehensive. We discussed my goals, lifestyle and overall health. I wanted to lose weight, drink less socially and better understand the nutritional components of a healthful, balanced diet. She designed an entire health and wellness program that was tailored to meet my goals. I could tell that Merrill had prepared for each of our sessions, which were spaced out perfectly so that I never felt we were meeting too often but at the same time never felt unsupported. Merrill helped me to find mindfulness and balance using principles, not prohibitive food rules, which have become a part of my daily life.
Today, I can confidently say that I am at my healthiest weight. I have never had more energy or more glowing skin. I am more mindful of my alcohol intake. I know so much more about nutrition and how to structure a healthy plate and a balanced diet. I am way less fixated on food during the day – and having that extra time and mental energy is very freeing. MELA recipes have even become some of my family’s favorites. I am so grateful that I found MELA, and working with them has been a long-term investment in my health and wellness that I feel fortunate to have.”
Charlotte, 33
“I have been dieting most of my adult life. I was usually successful until I gained the weight back, and more. When I turned 60 I didn’t want to diet anymore, but I was so unhappy with the way I looked and felt. I dreaded going anywhere where I had to put on “real clothes” because my clothes were tight and I didn’t like how I looked in anything…I had had enough.
A friend recommended Lauren and I thought ok, one more diet. I met with Lauren and we didn’t talk about the scale. She talked about nutrition, recipes, my arthritis, and how to feel better from the inside out. These were foreign concepts to me. Lauren taught me how to eat differently and how to make different food choices without feeling deprived.
I’ve lost 30 pounds and my outlook on life has completely changed. I am happy to go out knowing everything in my closet fits and I look great. My arthritis has gone away, I have so much more energy and sleep better. Because I haven’t been “dieting” I’m not afraid the weight will come back. Lauren has given me so much more than weight loss. I have the tools to cook better, eat better and have the self confidence to continue on this journey forever. I am excited to live my life and couldn’t have done it without Lauren.”
Melissa, 63
“Merrill has changed the way I think and relate to food. Before seeing Merrill I was in a constant cycle of dieting and then throwing the diet out the window, but through our work together she taught me how to eat in a way that is good for my physical, mental and overall health and doesn't involve any of the restrictive dieting that I have done in the past. I actually am now eating foods that I previously believed were off limits and it feels great. I have lost 15 pounds and feel so much better about myself and health.”
Katie, 42
“Lauren has changed my life! When we started working together, I had recently gained 25 pounds. I was quite upset by this weight gain. I was unhappy with how I looked, none of my clothes fit, and I did not have the tools to be able to lose the weight in a healthy (or emotionally sound) way. Working with Lauren gave me a whole new outlook on food and health and equipped me with the tools to make healthy choices. She helped me to find the perfect balance between these things. She taught me to make healthy choices while still being able to enjoy food, alcohol, indulgences, and social events with friends. I never felt deprived but learned to better balance my choices. Since then, with Lauren's amazing help and continued encouragement, I have lost the 25 pounds, I was a glowing bride, and I am now navigating staying healthy while pregnant. I couldn't have done any of this without Lauren. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is the best cheerleader!”
Jamie, 32
“I began working with Lauren in December of 2017, and I saw immediate results from her guidance, including weight loss and a reduction in all my key blood component levels. Her direction and overall sensible and positive approach have enabled me to adjust my eating habits, without really sacrificing anything. I have lost 15 pounds, which was my desired goal, and I have maintained that level for more than two years. More importantly, at 59 years old, my energy level is as high as ever, and I feel great. Lauren really has changed my life for the better, and I would recommend her services to everyone.”
Dan, 59
When I asked a friend for a nutritionist recommendation, she referred me to Lauren, saying, "she changed my life!" Desperate for an end to the constant cycle of over-eating, guilt-tripping myself, trying a fad diet, struggling with exercise, feeling exhausted, and gaining weight, I finally decided to turn towards an expert to help me move past all the obstacles I felt I was facing. After struggling with disordered eating and fad diets for most of my adult life, I've come to not only distrust myself around food, but also doubt the advice of those around me—I always worry that it's just another prescriptive lifestyle that I won't be able to uphold.
Having worked with Lauren for 3+ months, I can say that my friend was correct—Lauren, and MELA's ethos, is a life-changer. I have always struggled with moderation, and my goal was to learn how to live a more balanced life with food and exercise. Through small (truly, small) goals and baby steps (yep, tiny steps), I... am doing that. It wasn't that hard, I didn't have to make any major shifts. Through subtle changes, I am living a life more in balance with myself and with my relationship with food (and exercise!).
It's pretty incredible to realize where I am now compared to where I started three months ago. This is not a quick fix solution or a fad diet; it is a way to collaborate with a knowledgeable (and kind and empathetic) expert who can help you live your best life without sacrificing what you love. I now have a better understanding of my body and what helps me feel my best; I've significantly changed my relationship with sugar, which I never thought I could do; and I don't alternate between extremes of over-eating and dieting—I am existing in moderation. Oh—and on top of all those successes, I've reached a healthier weight. While that was never the goal, it feels pretty great to have my physical body reflect my mental and emotional relationship with food.
Louisa, 29
“Working with Merrill has transformed my life in more ways than I can count. Through our work together, I have learned so much from about nutrition, fitness and general health. I also notice a significant reduction in the level of stress and anxiety I experience. Merrill has helped me learn how to better manage my stress through changes in my diet and lifestyle and has helped me develop a toolbox that I consistently use and can sustain throughout my life to support my health and wellbeing.”
Matthew, 48
“I am so thankful I found Lauren when I did. She is extremely knowledgeable, caring, and so fun to talk to. She not only took the time to find out about my eating habits, but also my lifestyle and health issues. As a professional cellist, she helped me customize a personalized plan to work around my schedule and travel. She taught me that good nutrition is about balance, not restriction and always had helpful advice and yummy recipes. Lauren not only helped me lose weight, but completely changed my relationship with food and brought positive changes to my life.”
Sara, 21
“Merrill was extremely helpful in explaining everything from nutrition to supplements to workout advice as I prepare to conceive. Her organizational skills are out of this world and she really puts the time in to understand your specific needs and to work with you to set realistic goals. After working with Merrill for over a month, I have never been more proud of the choices I am making…I feel better than I have felt in a long time. I highly recommend investing in yourself and working with Merrill. She will change your life.”