“In March of this year, I turned 40. This was a turning point for me, in that this would be the year when I finally got healthy. I have tried it all – Atkins, Weight Watchers, near starvations diets, cutting out meat, cutting out fat – you name it. I was tired and listless all the time, never had energy for anything. I had lost 30+ pounds 2 years before, but 22 pounds had managed to creep their way back onto me. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just wasn’t sure which way to go.
So, I took advantage of Craig’s free 50 minute initial consult and as I am skeptical by nature, I decided that before I would spend a penny, I would grill him about his philosophies and practices. We met at his office and I began my questioning.
Craig came across as a gentle, knowledgeable practitioner, who is all about getting back to basics – no smoke and mirrors with him. He made no outrageous promises, just that if we worked together he would do his best to educate me on how to get back to being healthy, and that the weight loss would come naturally. We would address what foods were my weaknesses and how to detox from them, especially sugar, and also straighten out my digestive issues as well. This sounded exactly like what I had been looking for. So, my husband and I discussed this next step, and decided it was a good one. We put our trust in Craig and began our journey…
As we eliminated the processed foods and began making better choices, we began to feel better. I had energy that I had not had in years, maybe ever. I was able to get out and walk/run more because of this extra energy. My digestive issues started to wane, which naturally made me feel better. My mood was better than ever, and even the texture of my skin began to improve! And of course, with all of these changes came the weight loss. Oh, how I had been looking forward to that! As the weeks went on, I was dropping weight, clothes were getting loose, and people were noticing – ‘You look GREAT!! What are you doing?”’ And I would tell them all, ‘It is all because of my Nutritional Therapist, Craig Fear.’ And then of course I would need an hour to explain everything he taught me!
Not only has he changed the way I think about food, he has fueled a fire in me, a desire to learn much, much more. I find myself looking for articles about different things related to food, where it comes from, what it does to the body, and how eating the way our forefathers ate is proving to be the solution to all our dietary problems. As a nurse, I am having constant debates with the dietitian at work about what I am doing as opposed to everything she had been taught. I am walking talking proof that everything Craig has taught me is working, and no one can deny that. I took a leap of faith and put myself in Craig’s hands, and I will never be the same. Not only has he changed the way I feel physically, he has changed my outlook on how food affects so many aspects of our lives. I am a new woman, inside and out, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you, Craig, for helping to heal myself and make me the best me I can be – I will be forever grateful.”
- Mary Jo Kaye, Chicopee, MA
“I would like to thank Craig Fear for helping me remove sugar from my diet quickly and painlessly! I have been a real sugar addict my whole life (I’m now 54,) and although I have known that it would be a good thing to stop eating it, I never felt really motivated enough to do so until I read Craig’s blog posts that explained how bad sugar really is for our bodies. After reading them, I really just felt, “Okay, enough of this. Let’s do it!” I did a consult with Craig – including the health questionnaires – and he did an excellent job of explaining how to eat so that I could retrain my body to use fat and protein for energy instead of sugar. Then he helped me come up with a clear, easy-to follow eating plan that would get me off sugar. And I did it! I cut the sugar out cold turkey, and also stayed away from all but whole grains. I found the transition very smooth, and within a couple of days my sugar cravings were gone. I immediately noticed that I felt more energetic and just more alert and clearer. I am a meditator, and my meditation improved immediately. It was wonderful! That was 4 1/2 months ago, and I have found it very easy to stay away from sugar – I feel so great without it that I don’t crave it at all and it’s not a struggle to avoid it. I have a bowl of chocolate kisses available for my clients, and I have not touched any of them myself in months. Anyone who knows me realizes what miraculous transformation this is for me! I had never thought I would be able to get off sugar, but now I’ve done it, thanks to Craig’s guidance. I feel healthier and also have a great feeling of accomplishment for freeing myself of this life-long attachment to sweets! Thank you Craig!”
- Susan Downing, Easthampton, MA
“I went to Pioneer Valley Nutritional Therapy after 6 months of working with a personal trainer and going to the gym 5-6 days a week, as well as eating a low fat, ‘healthy’ diet, while not seeing significant results in weight loss or muscle definition. I was also experiencing intense food cravings, particularly for sweets and caffeine, as well as struggling with portion control and constant snacking.
After an in-depth analysis of my diet, eating habits, digestion and lifestyle, Craig recommended a program with an emphasis on good fats and protein, minimal carbohydrates, as well as a few supplements specifically recommended for my individual health status.
I immediately noticed I had more energy without the chronic dips and spikes I had experience previously. Adding fat to my diet allowed my to feel satiated longer, and my cravings for sweets vanished overnight. My hair and nails were stronger, and my skin was clear of blemishes. Best of all, the excess weight seemed to literally melt away. Even without strenuous exercise, I lost 4 lbs in the first week and 3 in the next. Over the course of the program I lost a total of 10.5 lbs, and over 2″ in my waist and hips.
I’ve continued with the food plan even after the completion of the program – it has become a way of life for me. I have never felt better, and besides the thought required for meal-planning, never experienced a more effortless weight loss program. I couldn’t more highly recommend Pioneer Valley Nutritional Therapy to anyone who’s struggled with weight loss, cravings, and healthy eating in general.”
- Hannah Gyovai, Northampton, MA
“I’ve worked with Craig several times over the past year, and I’ve been highly impressed with his knowledge and his ability to motivate and keep me focused on making better nutritional choices. Craig has an incredible breadth of knowledge around nutrition and weight loss, and has helped me to lose almost 20 pounds. When following his program and guidelines, the weight came off easily and quickly. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and I’m sure we will continue to work together in the future!”
- Mindi Palmer Fried, Easthampton, MA
“I was in real trouble with my diabetes until I entered Craig’s program. I was on a low fat diet that was recommended for a diabetic and I was becoming more and more dependent on medication. My weight just kept increasing and I couldn’t get things under control. Craig took the time to sit with me and not only assess my individual needs but also to educate me about food, where it comes from and how important it is to make healthier choices. It’s turned out to be the best thing I could’ve done for myself. My weight and blood sugar are now under control and I feel great. I am also happy to now be part of a local meat CSA that raises their animals ethically and sustainably. The cost for all of this was off set with the expenses of eating out, eating junk and the personal toll on my health. In the end it was the same for my budget and much better for my health”.
- Bill Pollock, Chicopee, MA
“After years of pain, fatigue, and frustration with doctors, I decided to see a nutritional therapist. I called Craig to make an appointment and he sent me some forms to fill out before my initial consultation. Once at his office, Craig went over the results of the forms and helped me understand what I was doing wrong with my diet and how my diet was contributing to my symptoms. He determined what supplements I should start taking and laid out a very clear plan. After two weeks I couldn’t believe how much better I felt. I have so much more energy and no more pain.
Months later, I am still adhering to Craig’s recommendations. At age 43, I recently ran my fastest half-marathon and felt really strong. Next, I’m taking on a 20 mile race and most likely a marathon. I had such a great experience with Craig that I made an appointment for my brother. I strongly recommend Craig because he really listens and cares about his clients.”
- Christine King, East Longmeadow, MA
“I went to meet Craig a few months ago because I was interested in his opinion on my diet. I told him I was also looking for help with insomnia. Craig noticed I was taking a prescription antacid and he talked with me in depth about healthy digestion.
I wasn’t prepared for the scope of good advice that he gave me. In essence, Craig told me to watch all the sugar I was eating – in juice, yogurt and in cereal. He also suggested I cut starches out of my diet because these foods convert to sugar in the body. Slowly, I began to look at the labels on products and make better choices.
The end result of just one meeting with Craig is that I developed a healthier diet that allowed me to stop taking both the over the counter sleep medication and the prescription antacid as well. I feel great and I now sleep like a baby.”
- Janice Beetle-Godleski, Easthampton, MA
