Summer 2010

When my daughter was told by her Pediatrician that her BMI was a little too high at 9 we knew we had to do something to help her. In our hearts we knew that Sophie had a little belly but as parents you are not always sure if that is “normal” at that age. You are given tools when they are babies but once they pass their 2 year old check-up you are sort of on your own. We were feeding Sophie all the right things, having family dinners every night, buying nature made foods and she was playing sports. We were concerned that a Nutritionist would send the wrong message and cause other issues, so we took this matter very seriously in our research. When we found the California Center for Healthy Living we thought we were dreaming. It seemed like it had all the right tools and people to assist us--but of course we had to see for ourselves. At our first meeting with Dr. Rosen, we knew that this would be the right place for Sophie and for our family. Dr. Rosen had a way that was so reassuring and trustworthy. She was able to get to Sophie’s level immediately and connect with her right away. This began our journey--one that we will always look back on fondly and positively.

After our first sessions with the Fitness Instructor, Food Consultant, and Psychologist, Sophie was already starting to feel better about herself. She had less anxiety in general and started to express her own desire to make a change. Fueled by the confidence the CCHL group gave us as her parents, we relaxed, knowing that we were doing the right things as her parents. Consequently, Sophie became determined to make a change for her own health. There was never a discussion about “weight” or “fat”. The meetings with each of the CCHL Specialists were centered on living a healthy life style. Dr. Rosen gave Sara lists of goals to set up for her; ones that fit her age and her lifestyle. We no longer had to be the “food police”, and she was then able to make the choices on her own.

In just 3 months time Sophie has become a different child. She is standing tall, she is feeling good about herself, she is smiling more, and she is exercising because she likes to and wants to stay healthy. She has grown taller and leaner and she mostly has found a new found self confidence. My husband and I believe that if there is a problem, you find a solution and nip it in the bud. You realize you need help when your child comes to you at 9 and tells you that her thighs are too wide. Today Sophie is proud of her legs, but mostly she is proud of herself and the tools she has learned to live by. I wish there was a way I could change the way society puts pressure on us to be perfect and look perfect--- but since I can’t, I am sure glad there is a wonderful place like CCHL. We are so grateful to Dr. Rosen and her staff for taking their dream and turning it into a reality one kid at a time.

Beth S.

My daughters have always had food issues (love carbs, but not into protein) and have been at the high end of the charts for weight since they were babies. This year, when both girls went over 100% in weight on the growth charts, our pediatrician suggested we consult with Dr. Elaine Rosen from California Center for Healthy Living (CCHL). Dr. Rosen is a pediatrician who specializes in nutrition and weight issues – and the CCHL team includes a dietician, a therapist, a chef, and a fitness instructor.

I couldn’t have been happier with how the girls were treated. There was no shame or guilt or talk of “bad foods.” I didn’t feel judged as a bad mommy either! It is not focused on dieting and losing weight, but being healthier---and it’s working! Our girls have been looking at food in terms of a balanced plate and they feel GREAT about themselves! Mealtimes aren’t nearly as stressful anymore. If you are tired of policing your child’s food intake and are worried about his or her health or body image, I highly recommend seeing Dr. Rosen to get the process started!

Sarah B.

Age 18

I was a stubborn teen who has had a very hard time eating healthy. Thanks to CCHL I am on the right path to living a healthy lifestyle. My parents brought me to CCHL in June of 2010, and I was very pessimistic. I refused to participate with the program at first. I am a vegetarian, and I thought it would be difficult because I am such a picky eater with many self imposed restrictions. I was wrong. I told the team about my restrictions and they created and maintained a program that I could follow, without compromising my personal needs. In the beginning of the program I hated exercising and refused to “eat healthy.” It took a couple months for me to finally get with the program. CCHL taught me many things about eating and living a healthy life, but most importantly, they helped me establish a much more optimistic view of my future prospects.

Now I am getting up early before school and riding a stationary bike. Who would have ever thought I would get up and exercise of my own desire? I actually look forward to waking up to exercise and listen to my music. It gives me energy for the rest of the day. Everyone at CCHL is so positive and encouraging. They truly have changed my attitude and made me more aware of my health. They continue to help motivate me to try my best everyday to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Things that are taught through the CCHL program are things that I will take with me next year when I attend college and throughout the rest of my life. I have a long way to go to reach my goals, but at least I have the tools to succeed and I’m optimistic about my future.

Thanks CCHL!!

Talia S.

mother of Maya, age 14.

Dr. Rosen and her team at California Center for Healthy Living have been a godsend to us. They really listened to each member of the family, and immediately identified the challenges that we were facing and presented solutions we could live with. With a few minor changes to our eating habits, we saw immediate success. Our 14 year old daughter lost almost 10 pounds in the first month working with Dr. Rosen. We have changed our whole vocabulary when talking about food. Instead of talking about "diets", we talk about "balance" and health.

Everyone we dealt with at CCHL was professional and knowledgeable, and dealt with us with sensitivity and empathy. The changes in my daughter have been dramatic. More than anything, she feels better about herself and dances around the kitchen.

Thank you, Dr. Rosen and the team of CCHL!

Debbie S.