I couldn’t help but share this incredible testimonial that my client wrote about her experiences with LEAP Mediator Release Testing for Food Sensitivities and SpectraCell Micronutrient testing. It brought tears of joy to my eyes knowing that changing basic food choices were the answer to years and years of being passed from expert to expert.

“After 7 years of fighting inflammation running it’s course throughout my body, 11 surgeries, countless doctors, lab tests, and crossing off many possibilities of issues/diseases I could possibly have, and going gluten free, I had finally reached my limit. I was run down, exhausted, completely broke, and tired of being told “I don’t know what else to tell you, try another specialist.” By the end of the 7 years I had been told I had rheumatoid arthritis, possibly diabetic, a completely fine thyroid, no rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, connective tissue disorder(s), Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, hypothyroid, chronic fatigue, and Epstein Barr. I had also had my Achilles tendon rupture and have to be replaced, a spinal cord stimulator implanted, continuous physical therapy, etc.

I spoke with one of my best friends from college who happens to be a dietitian, and she referred me to Nicole from Chews Food Wisely. When I met with Nicole, she listened to my very lengthy medical history and interjected valuable information when applicable. From there, we decided to move forward with the LEAP and MRT testing. However, the timing when I received my results coincided with when I was considered “lock-jaw” due to only having 10 degrees range of motion in my jaw (inflammation), as opposed to the average of 50 degrees that is the norm. Because of this I waited to start my elimination diet. A few months later I moved to San Antonio, got settled, and finally began my elimination diet. In the interim, I even made a trip to the Cleveland Clinic to see if the head of the Rheumatology department could help me.

The first 8 days were miserable, especially day 2 and 3. I am very hard-headed and was bound and determined not to cheat for several reasons, the main 2 being that I didn’t want to have to start fresh from the beginning again, and more importantly, I knew that I couldn’t take any more pain than I was already in daily. Since the day I started my elimination diet (September 23rd to be exact, but who is counting?!), I have noticed a considerable change in my daily life. Due to rupturing my Achilles and my other health issues my exercise has been limited over the last 5 years, and needless to say I put on quite a bit of weight.

Within the first week of being on the LEAP diet, I lost a couple of pounds, and my parents started making comments on how my pants were too big. As I went through the phases, the elimination became easier and easier, and I even started eating more foods than I normally would have (I’m a very picky eater – particularly based on texture). My new co-workers started making comments about how much will power I had to continue doing this – one of them even has similar symptoms and comments daily on how she’d rather be in pain and eat the foods she loves.

Almost 2 months later I have lost approximately 28 pounds and I have noticed my energy levels have steadily increased. My medicines have become more accurately regulated, and I am on about half of the medication I was on when I first met Nicole. My pain has decreased, and my stomach no longer hurts or stays bloated. While there are days that my body still doesn’t feel good, and still aches, they aren’t anything compared to what I’ve been through the last 7 years.

I secretly hoped this “diet” wouldn’t work, because I knew it would be difficult. Fortunately, it does work. I also have lost interest in foods that I used to find satisfying, and instead when tempted, I just think back to how miserable it felt to do anything – sit, stand, sleep, walk, lay down, you name it – it hurt.

I am still learning and will probably always have questions for Nicole, but I am extremely grateful that I have learned so much about my body, and I look forward to seeing the results of my next LEAP and MRT tests to see even more evidence of how my body is rebounding from 7 years of inflammation and inflammation related issues.

Thanks Nicole!”

erapy

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Real Food is Real(ly) Simple

Hey There, I'm Nicole!

Nicole Fennell is a functional nutrition Dietitian—and a fellow Hashimoto’s patient—who understands firsthand the challenges of living with thyroid hormone imbalances and immune system dysfunction. Her approach to managing chronic disease and stubborn symptoms focuses on building the body up with enjoyable and realistic nourishment rather than breaking it down with restrictive, unrealistic, short-term diets.

With a real-food philosophy, Nicole emphasizes the power of nutrition, movement, and peace of mind in both disease prevention and long-term health. Outside of her work, she loves staying active with her husband and three kids, lifting weights, practicing yoga, walking, cooking, enjoying good food, and spending time outdoors.

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Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion that never ends, a Hashimoto's diagnosis, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, painful PMS, or stubborn acne that just won’t quit—please know you’re not alone. At Chews Food Wisely, we’re all about connecting the dots between your never ending list of symptoms and personalized nutrition solutions that last.

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