Testimonials from Clients

I began looking for health coaching

when my food sensitivity related problems began to feel like they were an accepted part of my life,

and I felt like I was having trouble making any progress in getting better.

My goals were to reduce my food sensitivity issues to various foods,

decrease the GERD I was experiencing in relation to those sensitivities,

and to be able to eat whichever whole foods I wanted without fear of them causing me any trouble.

Lorilee helped me to reach these goals by doing background research on what might be causing these problems,

and then providing a methodical plan to achieve them with a diet-based plan.

Since I did my health coaching, I've reduced a significant decrease in food sensitivities and GERD,

and the situation no longer feels hopeless.

Lorilee is very passionate about both her holistic health program/philosophy, and in applying it

to patients' lives in order to help them work through whatever issues they have,

and I would recommend her to anyone who needs a better understanding of how to use diet to improve their help,

or to anyone who has trouble following through with their own personal goals,

as Lorilee will help to keep you on track and focused.

It was a great program, and I'm glad that I did it!

~ Tristan

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I sought out a health coach

because I had eaten plant-based, whole foods in the past and knew how good I could feel.

But I was struggling to take action and change the poor habits I had developed. My goals for the

program were to lose weight, increase my energy, and to explore my relationship with food to understand

why I continued to struggle with my weight.

I needed accountability and support, and with Lorilee, I got even more than I expected.

Lorilee was able to help me work towards these goals through nutrition education and giving me pointers

on how to prep and cook efficiently (I'm now an Instant Pot convert!)

She also helped me identify and practice new ways of managing my reactions to stress, which has been a

game changer in terms of how I prioritize and approach day-to-day life. A large component of

this has involved taking up a meditation practice

which has given me insights into my relationship with food, and helped me

strengthen my resolve. Rather than using willpower, I'm in touch with my deepest

motivations for getting -- and staying -- healthy. I have Lorilee to thank for showing me this path.

Since starting the program, I've lost 40 pounds, run a half-marathon, and have WAY more energy

for keeping up with my five-year-old, and for juggling work and family life.

I look forward to my calls with Lorilee. She is able to find the humor and lightness

in anything. She is kind, supportive, and fun. She is a wonderful guide and mentor to

have on this journey. I would absolutely recommend Lorilee (and I have) to anyone looking to make changes to improve their health and live their best life.

~ Marisa Palmer

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When I first came to Lorilee,

I thought I knew all the things I could about my diet, what I was doing wrong and right and that I just

needed someone to hold me accountable. Well, I found out in my first session that wasn't true. I left the first

session with new ideas for intermittent fasting and walking meditations that had not been on my

radar before. These two new tools kickstarted my health journey.

Over the next six months, my journey with Lorilee reinvigorated my body and spirit

and I feel like my life is moving in a wonderful, strong direction.

I have lost 20 pounds, and

I have created new routines to maintain new habits and perspectives,

on both a physical and a spiritual level.

Lorilee is an amazing coach and mentor with a contagious energy and spirit.

She gently encourages you towards new ideas and activities but never forces anything on you.

Her knowledge of nutrition, mindfulness and general health is boundless.

Witnessing Lorilee's health and vigor with her own family

has also been inspiring as an example to strive towards.

I feel grateful to have carved out this time for myself and to have

created these new habits and perspectives.

I will carry all these new learnings around with me for the rest of my life.

I highly encourage anyone ready to make a change in their life

to reach out to Lorilee without hesitation and get started today.

Your will not regret it.

~ Kate Jamieson

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Finding help with my chronic insomnia

was the goal upon starting my program with Lorilee.

Prior to the help that Lorilee gave me through hypnotherapy, I had struggled with little to no sleep most every night. Sleep aides didn't work for me. It was taking a toll on my life.

Lorilee was able to help me work toward reaching my goal to sleep once again

by her kind and helpful guidance.

The biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning my program with Lorilee has been that

now I can relax when I go to bed and not let my thoughts stray to sad events in my life.

The most significant change I have noticed has been that

I am now getting good sleep for six to nine hours most every night.

I would describe Lorilee as a God-send.

From the first moment I met her she was so kind and easy to talk to.

It felt like I was working with a very dear friend.

I would recommend Lorilee to

anyone having any kind of struggles that hypnosis could help with.

~ Sandy

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Lorilee

Having been an educator for 22 years, I have never really envisioned myself needing or even being open to coaching, always having been in the role of a 'coach.' I thought I was relatively fit, ate relatively healthily, and - in general - lived a relatively good life.

Then I met Lorilee.

We met for our initial meeting, where we discussed my life up to that point, and where I saw my life headed after that point. Usually I'm a pretty tough sell on change until I see the evidence supporting a purported point or change. Lorilee not only had the evidentiary material, but she brought all that material into a salient, strongly-constructed point, then showed me how that point informed what needed to be done - in other words, what changes would need to be made to make my life better.

After our initial meeting, I made the decision (now a very informed one) to work with Lorilee for six months - not an easy decision from both financial and maintaining-the-status-quo perspectives. As a teacher, I know the importance of being a life-long learner, along with the flexibility in recognizing when something needs to be done differently, but I didn't really understand that importance. After all, if the adage of doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results, is insanity, then I was definitely becoming a candidate!

Lorilee and I had such an awesome journey through changes, doing things differently, and seeing the world (not only my own, but everyone's world) with a fresh perspective. With our work on breathing, meditation, diet, mindfulness, communication along with so many other facets (in retrospect, surprisingly all connected and not as disparate as it might seem reading this list), I find my life to be so much richer and more deeply connected to the world around me. Yes, connected even to Madison's beltline traffic... I find that I am a better and more mindful cook, tennis player, Artist, educator, son, father, significant other, and appreciator of life in general.

If you haven't thought about being coached, start thinking. If you haven't started your coaching yet, there is no time to lose. If you are struggling - whether you are working with your coach or not - you are not alone. As someone who was deeply mired in the struggles, having Lorilee along to help understand, meet and overcome those struggles is, and was, truly a blessing. You won't regret allowing Lorilee to share your world; both of you making it a stronger and better place to be in.

~ Jeffery W. Johnson (JJ)

(JJ is in the above picture on the left of Liz)

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When I first met Lorilee,

I did not necessarily think I needed any help with my health and wellness goals.

I ate "pretty well" and I was a fitness instructor. But the more I got to know Lorilee and her philosophy of coaching,

the more I wanted to work with her.

When I first started my coaching with Lorilee i wanted to transition to a plant-based, whole food diet. I wanted to have the energy that Lorilee had throughout my own lifetime! I was also taking anti-depressants and sleeping pills when we first started our sessions. I knew from trying to go off of these addictive medications in the past, that they had a strong hold on me. I wanted to be free of them. There were also a number of other issues...joint pain, poor digestions, interrupted sleep, IBS, cravings, depression, and anxiety...that I knew could be solved through changing my diet and relationship with food, but I didn't know how.

Lorilee helped me work toward these goals by tackling them at a pace I was comfortable with. I decided that I would start transitioning to a plant-based, whole food diet by tackling one meal in my day at a time. I started with breakfast, then when I was comfortable with that, added lunches, and then finally dinners. Lorilee was very helpful with suggestions for tools that made food prep so much easier. She also shared a plethora of recipes and cookbooks. With Lorilee's help, I was also able to slowly taper off the medications to try to lessen any withdrawal effects. Add daily meditation was also a huge part of this shift away from medication and toward a whole-food plant-based diet.

The most significant change I've noticed is my relationship with food and my own body is much more positive than it had been in the past. In my early 20s, I suffered from anorexia, and even though I fought my way back from that illness, my relationship with food and my body was never quite the same. By changing my diet, and adding meditation to my life, I have been able to repair my relationship with food and with myself. This, in turn, has improved my relationship with the Love of my Life who also worked with Lorilee to make positive changes in his life. My work with Lorilee has spilled ove into all areas of my life. I have better relationships with friends and coworkers and I feel more fulfilled in every aspect of my life.

I would describe Lorilee as a smart, driven and deeply caring person who, after listening carefully, will tailor a program to meet your goals. And if you don't know exactly what your goals are yet, that's OK, too! She will help you define what goals are important to you. I would recommend Lorilee to anyone who wants to make a positive change in their life. She will help you take a holistic approach to improving your life!

~Elizabeth Joy Donnelly

(Liz is at the center of the photo above between JJ and Lorilee)

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To my coach, Lorilee,

My experiences with you were wonderful.

I honestly don't think I could have taken the step to change

over to a plant-based diet without your support and encouragement!

My top three goals upon starting the 6-month program were:

Lose weight

Eat healthy

Just love my body

Lorilee was able to help me work toward these goals by:

Meeting with me regularly and holding me accountable for the goals I wanted to reach.

Her knowledge made me confident that I was taking the right steps on this journey to healthy eating.

Any questions or concerns I brought to Lorilee, she would take the time to research her responses

to make sure she was giving me accurate and helpful information.

The biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning the program has been:

The weight loss!

I am wearing several sizes smaller than when I started.

That has been amazing for my ego, self-confidence, and overall outlook on my body.

I am not at my goal weight, but I am well on my way, and I feel like I can get there.

The most significant overall change I have noticed has been:

The way I feel!

I feel like I have so much more energy than before.

I feel invigorated after I eat, and ready to take on new challenges.

I remember before, after eating a big meal, I would feel sluggish and tired.

This whole experience has been completely life-changing!

I would describe Lorilee as:

A compassionate and caring coach.

All along our journey, I felt like she truly wanted to see me succeed.

She was so encouraging, and

I always left our sessions feeling like I was making great progress and making a difference.

I would recommend Lorilee to:

Anyone who is ready to take on a new way of health living.

The plant-based diet is truly life-changing, and

Lorilee is the coach to help people start (and continue on!) this journey.

Lorilee--I want to tell you - our coaching sessions were the backbone of my success. I truly do not think I could have done this without the compassion, support, and encouragement that you showed me each and every time we met. I am so, so glad that I took the time to have that first session with you.

~ Amber Ibarra

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My top three goals upon starting my 6-month program were
to feel comfortable in my own skin,
weight control, and
to move more toward plant-based eating.
The first two goals I’ve been working on for quite awhile, and I knew that moving toward more plant-based eating would be something that would be healthy for me to do.

I began the coaching process not knowing Lorilee at all, but we quickly warmed to one another,
and I found I looked forward to each of our calls.
That was mainly because Lorilee encouraged me to look beyond the barriers that I had put up for myself,
to see “what might be possible.”
I began to realize that by opening my mind to a more mindful approach to my life…everything from how I relax, to when to relax, to worries about one thing and another…
I could begin to let go of the resistance I held to try new approaches.
Those ways of resisting had been with me a long time, and from time to time, I still struggle with them, but the thing is that now I am aware when I am doing it.
This makes all the difference.
I can now remember, “Oh yes; I know this feeling well,”
and with Lorilee’s support, I’ve been able to create spaces within my consciousness that allow me to examine my own behavior and understand ways to change when I decide change is necessary to my well-being.
It’s all very exciting, really.

The biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning the program with Lorilee has been that
I have radically changed my diet for the better.
I wouldn’t have believed how radiant and content I feel when I take care of my nutrition first.
What a revelation!
I will likely always struggle with my weight, however Lorilee has exposed me to real solutions that work and that I have been able to utilize to feel in control of my weight even during taxing and stressful times.
The most significant overall change I have noticed has been that I have been 100% plant-based for nine months now, and I was able to lose 14 pounds fairly painlessly by eating delicious foods
that really excited my pallet.
I have tools in my life now to manage my weight that work.
I am no longer addicted to coffee, something I could not manage without,
and have seen improvements in my sleep,
which truly has increased my overall well being.

Lorilee is a caring, energetic guide who will walk with you providing unending encouragement and mentorship on your journey to increased health and self-compassion.
I trust the work she does, and the knowledge that she shares is absolutely valuable.

I would recommend Lorilee to any person wanting to move toward a plant-based way of eating or anyone needing a sane approach to weight management. I also recommend Lorilee to anyone looking to make changes
but is stuck in not knowing how to activate the change.

Lorilee, thank you for enlightening me to the wonderful world of plant-based foods and living.
I was always curious but only could see the reasons why it was impossible.
With you as my teacher, I was able to easily move into this new way of living.
I will take this lesson forward with me
and be open to the possible.

~Chamie Link

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I found out about Lorilee quite accidentally when talking to a friend about my interest in plant-based diets and the work of T. Colin Campbell. My friend mentioned that Lorilee had taken Dr. Campbell's online course. I checked out her website, was impressed with her credentials, and made an appointment for a free evaluation. After meeting Lorilee, I made the decision on the spot to enroll in her 12-meeting program. I trusted her as an enthusiastic teacher, student and practitioner of plant-based eating. I'm very happy with the results of that decision.

Our 12 meetings transpired over a period of about six months during which I have definitely evolved into a more discerning and able plant-based eater, at home and away. However, this journey was not a straight line; it was wavering at times as I was also trying to incorporate other healthy actions and changes in my life situation into regular habits and a feeling of ease. I really appreciated that Lorilee could understand this and be encouraging towards all my efforts. Thus, my exercise practice and meditation practice have taken a regularity that hadn't been there before this coaching. We even delved a bit into Feng Shui as I had recently moved and was needing to focus my energy on making my new place beautiful and harmonious.

I think that the regularity of meeting with Lorilee helped me to feel accountable to myself and maintain continuity in my consciousness of what I was trying to do. One key element for me was connecting with the experts that Lorilee has studied with personally, through their books, websites, YouTube, and Lorilee's anecdotal reports. For me, knowing the science is motivating. Doing it is another thing! And Lorilee was avery helpful in listening to what I needed in the way of help to the point of fixing food for me from her kitchen. Yum, yum. Through her, I have also found cookbooks that have lovely pictures of the healthy concoctions that I want to eat.

Although the progress has been uneven at times, I know that it has been steady and will continue to be because I have stuck to it. I don't think I would have been so faithful to this commitment had I not had the clarifying guidance and support from Lorilee. Many thanks for her commitment and enthusiasm for this work.
Lorilee is definitely a trustworthy guide who walks the talk.

~ Phyllis Lobdell

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I have always been a tiny person. I only weighed 86 pounds when I graduated from High School. I only gained 15 pounds with two pregnancies which produced healthy 7 lb 6 1/2 oz babies! So I think you get the picture. Plus, we have always had an organic garden and I cook each day. Not much processed foods at all and I even made my own baby food for our kids. I thought I was doing a good job as a mom and taking care of myself as a woman.

I have always been very physically fit, working out almost daily with aerobics, power walking, swimming, etc. In my mid-50's I started putting weight on. Not much at first and I always thought I could deal with it. Then I hit my 60's and the weight kept piling on. I tried everything to lose weight and did not move the scale 1 pound!

I was up to 128 when I talked with my high school buddy, Lori Hamann. She told me about her plant based diet which got me very interested to see if this could work for me. I started doing my own thing that same day after our first conversation. I didn't want to wait another day to give this 100% of my effort. By the time I signed the contract and paid the fee, I had already lost a bit of weight.

Each 2 week FaceTime conversation with Lori was enlightening, informative and motivating! I could not believe the change in my body, weight, sleeping and skin. Everything improved! This was so very motivating that I tried harder and harder each 2 weeks and I never went up in weight once as I reported my progress to Lori.

My goal was to lose 12 pounds by the end of my 6 months with Lori. I actually lost 16 pounds and have maintained that for months beyond. I am 67 years old and now weigh 112!!! I have enjoyed trying new recipes, switching to different products instead of dairy. I don't miss or crave any meat, eggs, dairy or even caffeine!

My success is based on being into the program 100%. No cheating what so ever. But, the best thing was, it was so motivating, why cheat ? The food is tasty, nutritious and Wonderful! It worked for me and I think it could work for anyone. Lori was a wonderful guide and teacher through this process, only giving me the information I needed, when I needed it. Not judging or trying to drive her views down my throat.

People ask me all the time about my diet and I tell them about my plant based diet. The first thing they say is, "Oh, I can't give up my coffee or ice cream" or "I have to have a cheese burger" Ok then.....just stay the way you are and keep hoping some fairy godmother will come along and wave a magic wand over you to make you healthy! Sorry, it doesn't work like that.

My next goal is to get back some muscle tone in my body by weight training. [Lori does this daily] I thought if I could do this with my weight, I can also make a commitment with weight training.

This experience has been effortless, tasty, motivating and SUCCESSFUL!!!!
If I could do this,
with Lori's guidance,
YOU CAN TOO!!!

~Joye Moon

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I have known Lori, as a friend, for many years.
I contacted her this past spring during a rage I was experiencing after an abusive interaction with some of my family members. Lori suggested we create a plan for developing more positive responses to family turmoil, develop a more compassionate communication style, and find opportunities within my community that can provide pleasure,
delight, and FUN. Lori got right to work finding me resources (books, articles, experts on emotions and non-violent communication). She read thoroughly everything she sent me so that we could discuss during our monthly phone conversations. I truly believe, that given my emotional state, I could never have identified or found these
resources nor been able to process them without her guidance. I have learned SO much and have developed new skills for understanding my emotions, for reacting to unpleasant interactions with others, and for identifying safe
and nurturing environments. I have really benefitted from having this relationship with Lori
these past months and would recommend that others contact her with their own needs and wishes
for improving their lives.

~ Patti Rotini

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My top three goals of my 6-month program were: moving toward incorporating more fruits and vegetables and lessening the amount of animal products in my diet, exercising 3 times per week: yoga and walking,
and drinking more water.

My coach was able to help me work towards my goals by being a consistent presence of support, encouragement and someone who radiates compassion for my being.

The biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning my program has been: an inexplicable understanding that what I eat matters, and that truth follows me everywhere. When I go out to eat, I think more carefully about what I am putting in my body. Everywhere I go, I go with more intention and thoughtfulness for myself. I also learned that convenience is not usually the healthiest thing for you and that it is worth your time and energy--to make time--to eat well and be well, that making food and thinking about food has to do with food as a [mindful] process, from buying it at the grocery store or the farmer's market, to coming home, putting on music, lighting a candle (my favorite way to cook), and enjoying the quiet loving labor of making a meal that will serve you well. It is truly a lifestyle change.

I would describe my coach as: AWESOME! INSPIRING! I HOPE TO BE AS KNOWLEDGABLE AND INFORMED AND INTENTIONAL AND PASSIONATE AS HER ONE DAY. She's pretty great ;-) I am so grateful for her help and encouragement. There are many things I feel I have accomplished over the past six months.

With Lori, I have transformed the way I connect my mind, body, and heart together as inherently interlocking and reflective of one another. Another major accomplishment is that I developed a way of thinking that is so permanent--even in the times when I sway from them for a couple days or weeks--that it is now engrained in a real, visceral and permanent way that what I eat matters and therefore I matter, and that the connection between the two of them are in constant dialogue and conversation. I know that for however long I may sway, I return to eating healthy and getting my life back into a happier balance because this is a part of the truth that I live now.

And once you know a truth, it will return again and again to you.Lastly, a major accomplishment for me was reaching out and asking for a health coach in the first place. By doing so, I sent a message to myself that I needed guidance and that I deserve to have a support system that uplifts my best self. I hold onto that as another truth in my life, and I will continue to make way for a solid support system for myself in the way of food and health.

~ Hatheway Rawlinson

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My top three goals upon starting the 6-month program were to learn about alternatives to meat protein, learn how to eat more veggies, and how to get through the holidays. My biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning the program has been learning more about greens and the effects of certain foods on my body.

The most significant change I have noticed has been eating more mindfully, even when I am not eating well!

I would describe Lori as supportive, encouraging, helpful.

Lori is a great coach even at times when I haven't been willing to make changes that I thought I could, but that doesn't mean I haven't learned things as Lori was always there to support my efforts and remind me that being perfect is not the goal.

~ Mary Connor

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My top three goals upon starting the 6-month program were:

develop a more efficient, productive exercise program,

tune up my healthy eating, and

begin a meditation practice.

My coach was able to help me work toward these goals by:

always being positive and sharing energy,

Providing in-depth knowledge and suggestions on how to address goals,

really listening to me and summarizing the essence of my desires and frustrations.

The biggest tangible change I have noticed since beginning the program as been:

my life's "timetable" is better organized in order to be able to do the things I want--time for exercise and time for cooking;

I'm better at setting limits at work so I can have my personal time;

my weight is lowering;

incorporating "stress reducers" in my life time for meditation.

The most significant over all change I have noticed has been:

I'm happier and proud of myself for defining goals and making positive progress in meeting them;

I just feel better about myself--making healthy commitments and following through.

I would describe my coach as:

The most "full of energy" person that I know . . .

and extremely committed to guiding others to an improved health level.

I would recommend my coach to:

anyone with the desire to improve their "health lifestyle;"

anyone who has "fitness desires" but is struggling to figure out how to address their issues.

Lori can provide great insights!

Lori's newsletters are very enlightening and extremely helpful.

Although I don't always find the time to immediately read them,

I always find the time to go back to catch up when I can.

~ Samantha Roffe