<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Success Stories</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/Contents/Item/Display/585</link><description>Success Stories</description><item><title>Kerry</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/kerry</link><description>&lt;p&gt;As a realtor, when Kerry reached the top of the stairs during a broker tour and was out of breath, he realized it was time to make a life-changing decision. Even though he exercised all the time, he knew he still had a problem.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He lived a life of shame. There were times where he just didn't want to go out in public because of how he looked. It affected the relationships in his life, something very important to him.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He made a goal to lose at least 100 pounds, and the choice to help him get there was The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute. Through learning about the science of weight-loss and after putting those things into practice, his life made a drastic change.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 04:18:54 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/kerry</guid></item><item><title>Susan</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/susan</link><description>&lt;p&gt;Susan's struggle with being overweight left her feeling drained and emotionally exhausted. Her highest weight had occurred years ago at 230 pounds. When she arrived at The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute, although she had lost some weight, coming in at approximately 180 pounds at 5'1", she still felt very uncomfortable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Susan didn't give up! She made the decision to move forward with The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute and adhere to the Plourd&amp;eacute; Method and now feels stronger. Previously having knee pain and issues from arthritis, she is amazed that she is now able to run when she couldn't before. It was hard just doing daily activities but now is enjoying life to the fullest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She's not done yet, she has an affirmation in her wallet to remind her of her journey thus far and the progress she still wants to make... "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do."&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 05:12:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/susan</guid></item><item><title>Chuck</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/chuck</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I've had a weight problem for most of my adult life. My health was deteriorating. I had high blood pressure and I've had thyroid issues and type-2 diabetes was a real eye opener for me. And then the worst part of all of it was when my doctor told me I was dangerously close to some coronary heart disease. I needed to make a change and I needed to make a change very quickly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I came across Dr. Plourde and his program watching television one evening and I saw his commercial. My life changed that very day. I never ate the same, I never looked at food the same. Wasn't planning on that. I didn't know I'd start immediately, but I did and I have not gone back and have no plans to do so.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;My highest&amp;nbsp;weight was 362 pounds. I learned from Dr. Plourde that was comprised of over 200 pounds of body fat. When you're coming into a program like this, so many things are coming into your head that you can't forsee or can't imagine how many areas it will affect you in your life. And while I should have probably thought of the medical side of it because that was the biggest thing, what I'm seeing every day is a reduction in your body, your shape of your body. But what was going on inside is the amazing thing. That is the true amazing part of this program, and quite frankly I never could have done this on my own. So Dr. Plourde, he's just a great guy, he's done a lot of research and very passionate about the program. I needed that support from someone who had mapped it all out and told me "Chuck, this is your road to take and I'm here with you" and as such, I've had tremendous results and could not be more pleased.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I've now been able to lose 165 pounds of body fat. It's been everything and more that I dreamed.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Oct 2017 22:09:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/chuck</guid></item><item><title>Agnes</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/agnes</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I was 55 years old starting the program and had been struggling with my weight for most of my adult life. I wanted to blame it on hormones or getting older. I was angry, embarrassed and highly disappointed that I had let myself get to this point. I tried all kinds of diets with little or no success. I was so unhappy. My weight was on my mind all day and night, then I discovered The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From the moment I walked into the office I felt very comfortable. Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; took me through a complete battery of tests and patiently explained to me precisely why I was unable to lose weight in the past and how scientifically- his program was going to solve those problems. I was amazed with the results he has had with the program and how he could help me.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I started the program and saw results my first week and every week thereafter. Over the course of my journey, I learned a great deal about weight loss and gain. I was re-educated on the effects food has on my body, my metabolism, body fat and proper exercise. Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; and the Plourde team were there with me every step of the way, I felt immensely supported. I received encouragement each week and what I most appreciated was the one to one weekly conversations discussing my progress.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This program is set up with one goal; fat loss. What sets this program apart from others is the interdisciplinary science-based approach. You really cannot fail if you follow the program. The approach is clear and doable. The food was good, easy to prepare and I never had cravings or felt I was missing out on anything. The exercise is simple enough to do and the weekly appointments were set around my schedule. I ended the program overjoyed, thrilled with the results and happy to say I have been able to maintain the results. I am very grateful to the Plourd&amp;eacute; team for their guidance and continuous encouragement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I lost 73 pounds of body fat (Almost 72% of my total body fat weight) in 8 months. I lost 7 dress sizes. I no longer think about my weight. I sleep through the night- every night and wake up right away looking forward to the day ahead. I have more energy than a teenager. I cannot thank Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; enough; he has helped me get my life back. I am forever grateful.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You too can have the same type of results, call the Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute and get started on the rest of your new life.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2016 01:18:57 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/agnes</guid></item><item><title>David</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/david</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I saw the TV commercial, went on the web and then made a phone call. It's been a life changing experience. Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; has been there for me seven days a week. His constant encouragement and support have been invaluable for me. To date, I've lost 117.0 pounds of body fat. The impact that this program has had on my life is incalculable. I'm truly happy and joyful again. My life today is COMPLETELY different.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I'm no longer held back by an inability to breathe or exercise. I hike with my wife without any hindrance. She says it's like having her best friend back and I agree!&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2016 19:23:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/david</guid></item><item><title>Brett</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/brett</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I have been considered heavy most of my life and I come from a family where obesity was prevalent. I've battled depression for much of my adult life and food became a drug of choice as a means to numb myself of emotional pain. My depression lead to self-medicating with food, which led to more weight gain, which led to more depression; clearly a downward spiral.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In an effort to improve my situation, I exercised regularly but with no substantial weight-loss.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Frustrated with my lack of progress, I reached out to Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; because I was intrigued by his science-based approach to weight loss.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Prior to my entry into the program, I was confused about nutrition. Should I follow a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet? How much protein should I eat? How much carbohydrate is appropriate? I was also confused about exercise. Should I run or should I walk? Should I weight train and how much?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; is a nutrition scientist, exercise scientist and therapist. He prescribed for me a precise regimen of nutrition and exercise based upon my body's metabolism response. Backed by lab tests, he demonstrated significant and consistent progress for me in my weight loss experience-which was very encouraging to me.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a therapist, his come along side empathic coaching style was instrumental for me. He helped me develop new ways to cope with pain in my life - congruent with the new direction I want to go. That's why this program is a real long-term solution for me and not short-term fix.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a result of this program, I've lost more than 90 pounds of body fat and have never felt better.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2016 02:48:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/brett</guid></item><item><title>Darrin</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/darrin</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I have struggled with my weight for the entirety of my adult life -for more than 30 years. My battle became more difficult with as I got older. I was the heaviest I had ever been at 252 pounds. I experienced poor sleep and acid reflux. My blood pressure and blood sugar had both become a concern. I saw the Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute commercial, made a phone call and took a leap of faith.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; told me exactly what was going to happen before it happened. His projections were spot on. The science, the personal accountability and non stop encouragement has made all the difference in the world for me. I've lost more than 73 pounds of body fat in approximately nine months. I would never have predicted this. I feel incredibly grateful to The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute staff for this life-changing experience.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Dec 2016 18:02:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/darrin</guid></item><item><title>Kathy</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/kathy</link><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;My initial nervousness was alleviated by Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute;. His calming demeanor and sound scientific method was exactly what I needed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;I lost 35 pounds of fat in the first month. It was a drop in the bucket but it was a huge drop from me! I went on to lose 154 pounds of body fat in 12 months. it was a miracle!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The program has brought joy back into my life. I no longer feel shame about my body. I can shop anywhere I want and I can do things that I couldn't do before.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;I'm LIVING MY LIFE instead of sitting on the sidelines!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2016 19:14:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/kathy</guid></item><item><title>Jim</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/jim</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I was introduced to David Plourd&amp;eacute; Nutrition Scientist Exercise Physiologist in February of 2009 when he was a guest speaker at a local charity. I learned about his scientific approach to weight loss and was intrigued by it. I went to The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute on March 6th, 2009 for an evaluation. I learned that I had over 80 lbs of fat and that a lot of my health issues (snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty breathing etc.) were all related to my growing weight problem. I have lost 71.6 lbs (90.0%) of fat and gained 7.4 lbs of muscle. At 57 years old (4.7% body fat) I&amp;rsquo;m in better shape than when I was 17 as a high school swimmer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;My Cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides and blood sugar are at optimum levels. I have never felt better than I do today. I just entered my third year with The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute and am maintaining my weight perfectly. A few things that I appreciate the most about my Plourd&amp;eacute; Experience are that I&amp;rsquo;m living a lifestyle not following a diet and the coaching of how to enjoy food but remain in a metabolically optimum state. I feel that I have internalized the scientific and physiological reasons why it&amp;rsquo;s best for me to eat the way that I do. My progress and the way that I feel have been such strong reinforcements for me- it has really helped me to sustain my progress.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you David Plourd&amp;eacute; and The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute!&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 05:17:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/jim</guid></item><item><title>Rudy</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/rudy</link><description>&lt;p&gt;I've struggled with my weight my whole life. Even as a child - I was overweight. This issue has been a source of pain that has affected every area of my life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I've lost and gained back 20 or 30 pounds several times in my life. I've never been able to get real traction in a weight-loss effort or maintain it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working with Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; and The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute team - I've achieved and maintained more than 100 pound fat weight-loss for four years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are three things that have had a significant impact on my weight-loss progress;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;First, Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; and I make decisions together based upon objective lab tests. Real numbers - no guessing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Second, seeing a therapist on a weekly basis helped me determine the underlying triggers that led to self-medicating behavior with food. I also learned new ways to cope with stress in my life that are more congruent with my new lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Third, Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; texted me every day during my treatment program. This was not only a source of accountability but just as much- a source of encouragement and reminder that I was not walking through this journey alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I feel better in every way. The emotional impact of my success is beyond words.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I would recommend anyone who is struggling with a weight problem to Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; and The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2016 02:10:20 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/rudy</guid></item><item><title>Sandy</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/sandy</link><description>&lt;p&gt;There are not words enough to express my gratitude to Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute;, Chef Sonny and The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute. At 59 years old, I can confidently say that I have been successful in so many areas of my life. One area, though, has been cause for constant worry, frustration, and even shame and anger&amp;mdash;my inability to control or lose weight.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I have tried many programs and diets throughout the last 30 plus years. I exercised, often to the point of exhaustion, worked with a trainer for more than ten years and monitored what I ate. Not only did I not lose weight, I steadily gained weight. With a family history that includes type II Diabetes and heart disease, I sought the help of my physician to find answers to my struggle-without success. In many ways my focus shifted from living my life to losing weight. My trainer, and friend, suggested that I call Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; to see if he could help me find some answers. That call, began a journey that has changed my life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the last 7 months I have been with The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute, I have lost 67.0 pounds or 74.4% of my body fat, while building 6.5 pounds of lean muscle mass. My cholesterol has dropped into a healthy range and my insulin is perfectly controlled. Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; uses a multidisciplinary, scientific approach to weight loss that combines nutrition science, exercise physiology, and the psychology of eating. He has been beside me every step of the way, encouraging me daily with text messages, meeting with me weekly to review my progress and to talk about successes and challenges, and being available to answer questions 24/7. Chef Sonny has supported me by teaching me to prepare wonderful meals that meet my nutritional needs. Together they have taken the burden of weight-loss from my shoulders and helped me to find success and peace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I encourage anyone who has struggled with weight-loss to call Dr. Plourd&amp;eacute; and to begin your own journey.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 05:21:04 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/sandy</guid></item><item><title>Mark</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/mark</link><description>&lt;p&gt;When I entered The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute program, I was 47 years old, suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was diagnosed with a fatty liver with elevated liver enzymes. I have a wife, two children and a business of which they rely on my existence. I made up my mind that I needed to engage the services of a trained professional. I visited The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute for an initial evaluation at the recommendation of a friend who was a successful client of Plourd&amp;eacute;. Through the guidance and direction of Plourd&amp;eacute;, I began seeing outstanding results. In six months, I lost a total of 101.7 lbs. of fat representing 83% less body fat. I have gone from a waist line of 42 down to a 32.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today, I no longer take any medications per the recommendation of my physician. My liver is no longer fatty and liver enzymes are in the healthy range. I recently had my annual physical and my personal physician was absolutely taken back by my success and said I did it the right way under the direction of a Nutrition Scientist/Exercise Physiologist. My energy, focus, sleep patterns have been transformed. I am eating the right foods, being critical in how the preparation of food when I dine out and more informed about health and wellness. I feel the best I have ever felt in my adult life.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 05:40:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/mark</guid></item><item><title>Scott</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/scott</link><description>&lt;p&gt;It would be tough for me to identify only one favorite part of my plourd&amp;eacute; Experience... after struggling to lose and keep weight off, numerous times, over my entire adult life... I have been totally committed, but the effectiveness and relative ease of the program has allowed me to lose 60 pounds of fat and gain 10 pounds of muscle in 3 months, so far, is certainly a big part of my highlight reel.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In that 3 months I've gone from a 41" waist to a 35" and gained a lifetime worth of knowledge on how to stay on and/or get back on track efficiently, if I find myself ever 'straying' in the future. The friendships and support bonds that have developed between me, David Plourd&amp;eacute; and the other clients I see and interact with at my plourd&amp;eacute; Institute visits are an unexpected added bonus, but make the 'club' even better!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many thanks to David Plourd&amp;eacute; and his staff for their dedication to showing the best way to reclaim better health, fitness, happiness and lifestyle!&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 03:33:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/scott</guid></item><item><title>Cindy</title><link>http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/cindy</link><description>&lt;p&gt;It is difficult to put into words what The Plourd&amp;eacute; has done for me and how it has changed my life. They have actually given my life back to me. I have spent most of my adult life as a spectator, watching others, wishing I was like them, wishing I was pretty and fit like them. The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute changed all of that for me. From the first day I walked in the door, their staff instilled a sense of confidence in me.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I had tried every diet available and nothing ever worked for me until I came to The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute. This program was a good fit for me from day one. The initial consultation was extremely thorough. Everything Plourd&amp;eacute; does is based on science. There is no guesswork. I was shocked to really see the numbers. They weren&amp;rsquo;t good. My health was at risk. Every week I left the office with a sense of accomplishment and promise.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I lost 96 pounds of fat while maintaining all of my lean mass. Not many programs can claim that! It has been five years since I began my weight loss journey and I am proud to say that I have been able to sustain my weight loss. This is a program that changes lives forever! Thank you to The Plourd&amp;eacute; Institute!&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 05:24:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theplourdeinstitute.com:80/success-story/cindy</guid></item></channel></rss>