Individual Client Testimonials


Cheryl,

"Thanks for your efforts to get me "on the right track". My eating habits are healthier, my weight is showing progress in the right direction and I am on a regular exercise schedule (4-5 times a week). I could not have accomplished this without your guidance. Also I am feeling more confident as I move toward retirement. While I have not specifically defined my next career challenge, your coaching on how to explore my options will be invaluable when I determine the time is right to move forward. Thank you for being so generous with your library. I look forward to your progress review with you in a few months. Thanks and all the best of luck."
Susan T. 
 
"  I am grateful for your integrity and for your gift to provide guidance from a spiritual point-of-view. I remember thinking at one of our early sessions, "This person is standing up for me, is providing a boundary for me, is loving me unconditionally, so that I can recognize these abilities in myself. I thank you for this from my open heart."

April
 
    
"I have been working with Cheryl Mirabella for three months and have found her guidance invaluable. Her approach is holistic, examining the many aspects of life which affect physical well-being. Although I went into this program simply expecting advice about providing more healthful foods for myself and my family, I have been amazed at the breadth and depth of Cheryl's guidance.

With Cheryl's guidance, we have examined not only what I eat, but how and why I eat. This approach has allowed me to begin making lifelong changes in my diet. Rather than prescribe what I should and should not eat, Cheryl has helped me pay attention to how food affects my body and how I feel before, during and after I eat. In addition, we have examined the emotions which have led me to use food as a crutch, rather than a nourishing experience. I have gained invaluable insight into my professional life, my relationships with others and my own thought processes, which has begun to liberate me from my lifelong obsession with food.

For the first time in 40 years, I am beginning to feel I have control over my eating habits because Cheryl has helped me see the relationship between food and other areas of my life. With Cheryl's expertise, I have embarked on a positive cycle of eating well, exercising and listening to my own body's needs. I have not only increased my energy level and the variety of healthy foods I eat, but I have begun to free myself from the emotional attachment with food that has controlled much of my life."
Shari B

I have been working with Cheryl for a couple of years and attribute my 50 pound weight loss to Cheryl’s skilled coaching, her in-depth knowledge of nutrition and weight loss, and her overall marvelousness.  When I met Cheryl I was a classic yo-yo dieter.  I lost weight but always gained it back …and then some.  I didn’t exercise regularly.  I didn’t have any energy.  The only vegetable I liked was broccoli smothered in garlic sauce from my local Chinese restaurant.  I worked long hours and felt I didn’t have time for lunch.  I ate most of my “meals” from the vending machine at the office.  I told myself that was o.k. because I wasn’t eating an enormous amount of calories and after all, peanut M&Ms and Snickers candy bars did have nuts – a “healthy fat”.   I was fed up with struggling to permanently lose weight.  I wanted to change for the rest of my life how I ate but I didn’t have the tools, information, or energy to make a lasting change.    
 
Cheryl started from where I was and gradually added healthy behaviors into my day. I just took my time and worked with Cheryl to let the behavior changes sink in.  I began to see the impact food choices had on my moods and stress level.  I began to learn how to cook meals that were really tasty and healthy.  I learned how to address cravings without eating empty calories.  Whenever I hit a plateau or came up with a reason why I couldn’t do “something healthy” Cheryl had other options for me to consider.  Now I have more energy and the tools to maintain a healthier lifestyle.  I thought with Cheryl’s coaching I would find out about weight loss and nutrition but I’ve found so much more.  I found out who I am, how to create more joy in my life, and the power that comes from exercising. This time I know the weight won’t come back because I’ve transformed how I look at my body and food and that is a wonderful feeling!  When I started with Cheryl I wavered whether I should spend this much money “on losing weight”, but now I realize, without a doubt, that Cheryl was the best investment I’ve ever made!   My family thinks so too. Brigid
 
     
"Cheryl's holistic approach to nutrition taught me about myself, my relationships, my relationship with food and just about every other aspect of my life.
Cheryl taught me how to eat to live, not live to eat!
Every time I am in the grocery store or attempt a new recipe and think to myself, how can I make this a better choice without sacrificing taste? I owe that frame of thinking to Cheryl.
Cheryl has taught me that I don't have to sacrifice taste to eat tasty foods.
Cheryl is one of those people who I wish I could just be around all the time. She not only made me aware of my relationship to food but has introduced me to a whole new perspective of looking at all relationships in my life."


  "Before working with Cheryl, I had tried almost everything to lose weight to no avail. Cheryl worked with me to devise a program to best meet my needs. I have since lost weight and am feeling much more energized. I used to get frequent migraines but these have decreased significantly since starting my program with Cheryl. Cheryl has also been extremely supportive in other aspects of my life such as my career and in finding activities that enrich my life. She even went so far as to walk 8 miles with me to help me in training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. I really appreciate her open mindedness and her support. " 
Wendy D

    Dear Cheryl,

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you did for me over the past six months. At a time when I was struggling with the deaths of my parents, menopause, self esteem shortfalls, and general sleep and nutritional malaise, you supported me in every imaginable way. As someone who thought she would never find a way to eat healthy food, you offered all
sorts of simple and satisfying ways for me to achieve it. I ended our program by having surprised myself on almost a weekly basis, with how easily I had learned to open myself to happiness and explore a more-healthy and enriching meal plan. It would not be an exaggeration to say that you have helped me change my life for the better. And the best part about it is that I feel the changes are all ones that I will be able to continue with as long
as they are serving me well.

I thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and the suggestions, readings, and exercises we explored together. I got more than I ever hoped I could out of our sessions, and that was very high expectations ! I would whole-heartedly recommend you to anyone who is seeking to achieve balance in one's life, be it emotional, physical, professional or nutritional. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to find out about your program and be was able to to take advantage of your holistic talents!"
Warm regards,
L. Stevens


"When I first sought Cheryl's advice, I had not felt great for a couple of years. I had no major health issue but was experiencing 4-5 colds per year which would last 2 weeks each. I also had chronic hives and various chronic joint problems. I never imagined that nutrition had anything to do with what I thought were just signs of aging.

Cheryl had me track my eating for two weeks and then explained that I was taking in too much dairy, processed sugar and caffeine. Since I'm not one for moderation, I stopped all three.

Concurrently, I sought the help of a personal trainer. I worked with him and Cheryl for about three months.

Now, one year later, I am still exercising 3-4 times each week. I have stayed off the dairy, processed sugar (although I do allow myself 1 good dessert a week) and caffeine. I feel better than I have in 20 years.

My hives are gone, my joints are stronger, I'm fit and I haven't had a cold (or any illness) in 12 months.

Cheryl taught me to balance my diet with the nutrients that my body needs. I eat 7-10 servings of fruits/vegetables each day and I eat mostly fish and chicken as meat sources. I eliminated all hydrogenated oil from my diet and
seek out organic and natural foods almost exclusively.

Cheryl is great at evaluating your own personal situation and then helping you to learn about your nutrition and to design a plan that works for you. I may get hit by a bus tomorrow but I'll sure be healthy, thanks to Cheryl."

Ron Culberson
Recovering sugar addict!


"Have you ever been at a point in your life where you felt helpless, out of control and incredibly unhappy? Last Spring, that was me.  I was extremely overweight, and after trying every diet around, I felt like nothing would ever work and that being overweight was my “life sentence.” Work had completely taken over my life, and my family was suffering. I felt I was a failure at being a mom and a wife – and I had no energy to take care of the things I needed to take care of. At the same time, I felt I was “handling everything” at work, but the reality was that work was handling me and stress had taken a huge toll on my health and most of all my happiness.
 
Over the past months, working with Cheryl Mirabella, I have come to realize many things about myself. First was that while I was going through the motions of life, I was not really living the life I wanted to live. I learned that there is no need to “go on a diet” – in fact, it was not until I gave up on that idea and just started incorporating healthy food into my everyday life that I started to have success.
 
The first step for me was getting a good night sleep. I went from sleeping 4-5 hours a night to getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. The first week was difficult, I had to force myself to stop running around and relax and go to bed. But now, going to bed by 10pm each night is just part of the routine. This allows me enough rest to get up at 5:30am and exercise before work. After eating a healthy breakfast (love those steel cut oats and blueberries!), I am energized and ready to face my day. I have also learned to plan my meals in advance and have healthy food choices ready to go.
 
The most important lesson I have learned on this journey is to put myself at the top of my priority list. At first this concept was foreign to me – it felt like I was being selfish and uncaring. With Cheryl’s coaching, I am learning that when I am healthy and happy and my life is in balance, I am able to be a better mother, wife, and career woman. I have a very demanding, high stress job, and while the workload has not changed, my approach to it has – I have learned the “power of pause” – just stop, listen and give myself time to respond in a way that works for me, and not to agree to do everything right away. I am better at saying  “no” and I am prepared to handle things like working late or traveling for my job. 
 
None of this happened overnight. In fact, there were many months when I did not lose a pound, but working slowly and with Cheryl’s caring guidance, changing one thing at a time, learning not to beat myself up when everything does not go as planned (at that is a lot of the time!), I am beginning to reclaim my life. The weight has started to come off, and more importantly I am a happier, more confident person. I am truly grateful to have a supportive family, a great group of friends, and an incredible coach in Cheryl Mirabella who continues to guide me on this amazing life journey. Less than a year ago I did not believe any of this was possible, I now know I will reach my goals – my weight goals, and my life goals!"
 
 
Maria A. Ferrante
Senior Director, Training and Development
Editorial Director, PMT magazine




Corporate Presentation Testimonials

Hi Cheryl, It is jubilation at Winston. They loved you! Here is what the HR Manager had to say:

"I wanted to tell you how absolutely pleased we were with Cheryl Mirabella's session today. She was awesome! Knowledgeable, poised, friendly, interactive - you name it, she had it. She was by far one the best speakers we've had here, and we'd love to have her again in the future."

Training Director, The Law Firm of Winston –Strawn
 
"Cheryl facilitated an 8-week nutrition and fitness course for a group of 20 employees for us this year and we received rave reviews. What we love best about her is the personal attention she was able to give--encouraging each person to contact her directly to go over their food journals/nutrition plans or to ask questions they were too embarrassed to ask in a group setting. In general, Cheryl gave clear and concise presentations with lots of examples (and even food samples!) to support what she was covering that day. And the topics ran the gamut from 'super foods' to ways meditation can help relieve stress and reduce unhealthy eating. The material she presented was current and relevant to the demographic of the group--which were late twenties/early thirties, fairly fit and savvy about nutrition already coming into the program. Cheryl managed to provide more advanced nutrition and fitness facts and tips that got everyone's attention. Highest recommendation." --Valerie, Benefits Manager

Dear Cheryl,

Many thanks to you for coming to our Women with Heart Disease Support Network meeting. Your presentation was wonderful and just what we were looking for. Everyone was very comfortable sharing thoughts and experiences. Our members were learning new skills as well as interacting and discussing among each other. Your presentation was focused on techniques which were just right for our specific challenges resulting from our heart disease diagnosis.

Life balance is hard enough for a healthy person to attain. We truly appreciate the valuable time you spent getting to know each of us and encouraging us in our journey to thrive.

Stay well,
Shannon
WomenHeart Network Coordinator


The wellness series presented by Living Whole Health was one of the best attended programs, and most highly regarded by both participants and management alike, which we have ever run at the Embassy.

The program dispelled a lot of myths and provided the motivation, resources and tools for participants to make real changes in their health and well-being.

The knowledge, approachability and communication style of the presenters was excellent and participants particularly appreciated the ability of the presenters to tailor the program and provide hints to meet their specific individual needs.

Larissa Jolly
Human Resources Manager, Policy & Programs
Embassy of Australia

Hi Cheryl,
 
I love to share great experiences and having you conduct our Wellness Workshops was certainly a great experience. The continued participation by our staff was terrific. Everyone loved how you presented truly useful information in such a positive way. Some of the most frequent comments were:
o       “Cheryl gives us practical, doable ideas.”
o       “She does not expect us to change our lives overnight.”
o       “She taught that we can make great strides through small but meaningful changes.”
 
You really taught us that we must take care of ourselves and that it is a good thing to do so!
I am definitely looking forward to new programs in the spring! “
 
Katie B.
HR Manager/ PMMI, International

Cheryl’s courses have been very well received by employees of The Motley Fool. Everyone who has participated has loved the classes and I think everyone has taken at least a few things away from them that have become part of their everyday lives.  She had people who were afraid of their kitchens cooking their own healthy meals, those who were lacking the motivation to exercise participating in a company-sponsored outdoor conditioning program and I think that all of us our eating Steel Cut Oats for breakfast and boosting our metabolisms by 25%!

 Her teaching style is very conversational.  I think that participants really feel like they can open up to her in the class and she’ll research any question that she doesn’t immediately have the answer to and respond back to the group.  The binders that she creates for the participants are a great addition/reference and I found the tour of Whole Foods much more informative and helpful than I had expected.
 Great courses!
 
Angelique K.
HR Manager, The Motley Fool


 Mirabella & Associates Nutrition & Wellness Program has been a wonderful addition to our Learning Program. We have always provided training on everyday skill development and ways to relieve life's stress', but when we incorporated the nutrition & wellness series, our employees could see how nutrition affected our day-to-day functions and productivity. Great program!!

Eunice Deras
Nuclear Energy Institute

Hi Cheryl,

Your presentation was fabulous! Your platform skills are so natural, and you are able to share information in a most comfortable manner. I also really like how you put the participants at ease and impart valuable knowledge at the same time.

Thank you again for a wonderful workshop, for the cool door prize (which I’m sure the winner will enjoy tremendously), and your generous donation to the raffle. Please contact me any time if I can be of assistance in any way.

Marta Wilson
Director of Programs
Capitol Express Network


 Cheryl and her company, Living Whole Health, have conducted wellness workshops for us each month in 2005. We have a core group of participants who have really taken her information to heart. After each session, they are eager to apply their newly gained knowledge and to share their successes or challenges. The workshops are always well organized, have plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion, and include great handouts and recipes. Our employees find the presenters inspiring, encouraging, informative, and just awesome! Our group looks forward each month to the next topic!

Cindy Marzullo
Director of Training
State Department Federal Credit Union

What Wellness Workshops Attendees had to say:

     "Great program, I have already started taking better care of my health"
 
    "I will apply everything I learned today, starting now."
 
    "The presenter was energetic, passionate and very knowledgeable about the subject"
 
    "I have signed up for all the programs"
 
     "Informative but not overwhelming"
 
     "Engaging and interesting A+"
 
    "She is a very good instructor she makes it seem so easy to do"
 
    "She is very clear and loves your input"
 
    "She was very relaxed, and knowledgeable and inspired me to get back on focus to a healthier lifestyle"

This workshop was a "5" star. Cheryl's style of teaching is very descriptive, receptive and educational. The class was wonderful thankful that she gave websites and offered her email for questions and recipes.

Cheryl's style of teaching is very informative, interactive and she is well experienced.

Cheryl is warm and welcoming. She gives a realistic view on incorporating this into life, making it okay to have "pitfall days" but can still stay on track to better wellness.

Cheryl's style of teaching is informative, numerous concepts very clearly expressed and easily understood.

She is real, down-to-earth , not preachy, real life.

Fun, informative,not boring at all, it inspired me. Love the "crowd it out" quote.

Enjoyed the class. Relaxed easy to understand. The handouts are very helpful to follow along and take notes. Look forward to next class.

It was excellent, her style is very informative and she uses the experiences of the group in her discussion

Cheryl's style of teaching is dynamic, engaging, informative. Great presenter would quickly take other programs led by Cheryl.

Outstanding-one of the very best I have learned from. Excellent




Girls Empowered Workshop Testimonials

A volunteer workshop offered to teen girls in DC Metro area

We made smoothies. We learned about whole grains, and we learned that fruits make you look younger. -- Jordan , 11

We got to make lunch and smoothies. I want to do it again. I was a grain. My stomach was glad to have healthy food. -- Armani , 11 1/2

Eat healthy foods and we made smoothies and learned about grains and we exercised and had fun. -- Briana , 11
 
I would tell people that I learned many new things. I would tell them that many of the foods that we eat are unhealthy for us. I would tell them that they need to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein. I would tell them that they need to get more active and go outside more. -- Shakiyla , 17

Today was fun. The best part was making the poster. We learned about grains and it was fun. We also learned how to eat right. --Tenena , 12

I want to do this again so much. I had so much fun. The counselors were very very nice. They are like my best friends. I made friends with the girls and they are really exciting and interesting. Armani was definitely cool. It's like she's my sister. Tenena was a very interesting person. She reminds me of my mom because my mom is loud, funny and wild like her. Thank you for creating this program. Now I know how to manage myself and the right things to eat. -- Diamond T, 12 1/2

7 Day Clean Eating Cleanse

I have to tell you, the cleanse has practically changed my life (not to sound over-dramatic or anything). First of all, I'm still eating mostly veggies and feel a wonderful change in my overall eating AND drinking (in regard to caffeine, alcohol and sugar drinks). I've discovered veggie sandwiches to die for!!!! Rick also loves them. I've dropped about 7 pounds and feel that I'm at my ideal weight, and in general, just feel really really good. Please keep me on your distribution lists for everything....

Mary Ann

Wellness Weekend Participants

    "I really enjoyed the weekend - the professionalism of the hosts and the camaraderie of the guests. I found the time to be very collegial and rejuvenating. I would definitely come back for another round. I thought the weekend was totally successful. And I have told all my friends and relatives what a great time it was; I raved about the food; I expounded on the "ideal picture"; and I told them the yoga instructor was first rate."
Thanks,
Barbara


    "Hi Cheryl. I got what I wanted out of the weekend: quiet, relaxation, rest, reflection, and I left with a sense of renewed wellness. I learned how to do Ideal Scenes and am looking forward to incorporating those into my goals. And it also got me excited about yoga again and wanting to keep that up on a more regular basis. It was a great time to get away from the noise of daily life and just be. Thanks for everything."
Kate

Cooking Class Clients

    I’ve had the pleasure of attending/participating in several of Cheryl + Lanette’s healthful cooking classes. It’s always a fun, informative, and very tasty evening. Lots of useful ideas and practical suggestions – even for someone like me who already tends to cook fairly healthfully and adventurously. These cooking classes are time and money well spent. A great big gustatory Brava to Cheryl + Lynette for showing us all how to make “good” eating really “good eating”!
Andree Dumermuth/Madison


    My husband and I attended one of Cheryl and Lanette's classes and loved it. It was a great way to spend time together as a couple and learn some good cooking ideas. The warm atmosphere and enthusiastic teachers made us want to come back.
Nothing but sunshine and love,
Mary


     Collard greens have never been so good and good for you!  I'm a very picky fish eater.......I can't eat it if it tastes fishy or "wild" at all. I also don't feel very competent cooking fish and I don't want it to smell up the house. The Orange Roughy dish you made on the stove top was wonderful: quick, pleasantly aromatic, delicious, and healthy.

These aren't just cooking classes. They educate you about good nutrition and about alternative healthy foods and where to get them locally. Of course the recipes help tremendously to answer that question, "what am I going to fix tonight?"
Rosemary
 
    I leave these classes feeling more educated and inspired about good health and nutrition; pampered because the ambiance is pleasant, the food is divine, and the people are delightful; and always wanting to register for another class in the future.
Mary Ann Rametta