My story of finding a healthier lifestyle has been a journey that has taken many years. I am a high school music teacher and have taught in public schools for nearly 20 years. About five years ago, I started having unexplained dizzy spells. Most were infrequent and mild. Then, things changed and the dizzy spells became extremely powerful and were happening daily. Some were powerful enough that the most I could do was lay in bed and watch the ceiling and room spin around me. Other spells became so powerful that I would lose all sense of balance and simply collapse to the floor. I became fearful of driving and even teaching. Then, my hearing began to fade. I started getting severe “ringing” in my head to the point that it was hard to hear real sounds. I spent two years seeking medical advice from doctors, ear-nose-throat specialists, and even university testing. I had brain scans, blood work, and ever form of test possible. Over this two year period, I was taking anti-vert medications well beyond the recommended dosage just to be able to walk a straight line during the work day. I had a hard time functioning as a music teacher as I was not able to hear ANY lower pitched tones and the ringing in my ears made it hard to even hear students asking questions.

The combination of all these issues, along with a high weight gain, was extremely mentally draining on me and my well-being.

After two years of dealing with all of this, and on the edge of making a career change, I had a friend tell me about an article they had read in a health magazine about the effects that artificial sweeteners (specifically the product Aspartame) could have on people. All of the symptoms listed were very similar to my own. I discovered that I was, on a daily basis, using a lot of products with this sweetener in them. I was a drinker of diet sodas and flavored waters on a regular basis (as my weight had gone to 316 pounds and I was trying get that under control). I immediately stopped using all products with artificial sweeteners and refused to use anything with that particular product as an ingredient.

Almost IMMEDIATELY, my health changed. The dizzy spells stopped almost instantly and I have never had a single spell since the day I stopped using sweeteners. Coincidentally, my hearing came back over a period of several months.

In addition to cutting all artificial sweeteners, I began researching and spending time really paying attention to what items were going into the food that I ate. Months ago, I began trying to eat a highly organic diet and really forcing myself to pay attention to my health. Additionally, I began to have the energy to exercise and get into better shape. Since I decided to change my eating habits to completely avoid artificial ingredients, I have lost 80 pounds and I have gone from 316 pounds to 235 in the past year. I am working towards a long term goal of around 210 pounds.

I truly appreciate the mixed boxes of fruits and veggies that B&B offers and it saves me a lot of time shopping around trying to find organic produce (which very few stores in our area offer). I have been extremely impressed with the quality of the food that I have received and will continue to use your service. I have also been promoting healthy eating habits to my children, family and friends.

If anyone would like more information on the symptoms or conditions that I faced for nearly two years, or if you know of anyone facing similar issues, feel free to contact me for advice!