Learn Quick & Easy Ways To Prepare Healthy Meals

Steph is a great teacher and friend.  Not only has she helped me learn about and assist me with my weight loss. Steph has also taught me easy and quick ways to prepare healthy and great meals. Portion sizes have always been an adversary of mine and Steph always does her best to give a chin up and keep at it attitude when I would submit my daily meal log, giving great suggestions on which ways to tweak meals to best benefit me. Which almost always ended up resulting in a weight loss for the week.

Knowing what is best for a diet is in my opinion one of Steph's greatest assets. And that is what helped me the most. Anyone who takes Steph's advice and encouragement seriously will definitely lose that weight!!!! I did and so can you!

Sean is down 14 pounds and looking great!!

Sean, Age 35

Improve Your Cardiovascular Health Through Nutrition & Exercise

I have been a volunteer Fire Fighter for nearly 9 years and I was in the process of trying out for the Water Rescue team. I thought I was in ok shape and that I ate well, until one day I was running to the fire hall for a call and I had to stop and catch my breath before putting my bunker gear on. I knew then that I needed to get into better shape.

 I was very hesitant to call Steph and ask for help, because I figured there wouldn’t be any support or that I would be made to feel inadequate. I am a purchasing manager for a very large company and sit at a desk most of the day, so physical activity was Nil.  Steph took the time to find out who I was, what my eating habits were, and what my goals were. She then helped design a menu around my likes and dislikes that was easy as I have a very busy schedule (life, kids, sports). We then designed a workout routine in order to meet my goals that would fit into my very busy life.

Steph is great at giving you encouragement when you need it and the “how did you enjoy that” when you strayed away from your plan and she would encourage me to stay on track.  It helped having to be accountable to someone for everything I ate. If I had any questions Steph was available and would have the answer or find out the answer for me very quickly. Even when we were finished with our sessions, Steph would send a text to find out how things were going. I have learned how to shop, meal plan for the week as well as eat balanced meals, and snacks to provide my body with what it needs to live a healthy life. 

I now currently go to the gym everyday for between 2 – 2.5hrs working on everything from weight training, cardio, and flexibility. My family (wife, kids) have even started to join me with the healthy eating and the gym.  I would highly recommend Steph if you’re looking to learn healthy eating, get back in shape, or if you just need someone to help motivate you.

I have lost over 30lbs and I feel great! Thanks Steph!!!

Glen, Age 43

Challenge Yourself Every Day

My journey through fitness and health has literally been all over the map. I walked into dynafit as a short, fat, 14-year-old high school student, with no idea of what I wanted to accomplish, nor how to get there, and only knowing I didn’t want to look the way I looked any longer. What I didn’t know was how it would turn into a trek that some say defines me.

Fast forward over twenty years and a lot has been accomplished. From running three ultramarathons, performing two strongman events, and now a habitual yogi and general health buff, my journey has been truly remarkable. 

My activity based, fundraising efforts for charity, have been very well documented and have come with a lot of anxiety leading up to the events, and incredible small town recognition following their completion. When the dust settled after our latest charity event, carrying the back end of a car through our local Paddyfest parade, I knew it was time to get back to training FOR ME!

As a gym owner, you need to look the part. I have always had more energy then everyone else I know, but I never necessarily looked like most people expect a gym owner “should”. So, I decided it was time to lean out, and I enlisted the help from Steph of thrive Health & Wellness, and the results speak for themselves. I am the leanest and lightest I have been in my adult life. With Steph’s knowledge, guidance, and amazing tasting meal plans, along with strength coaching from Marc St Pierre of Goals Training, yoga instruction from Tam Hamilton & Charlene Hodson, pre-made meals from Life’s A Party, co-workers who support me, and lastly, a mindset that you should never stop trying to learn and improve, I am the happiest I have ever been! Not because of how I look however, but because I still have more energy then everyone else I know, I am thinking clearly, sleeping well, crushing business, giving back to my community, and most importantly, I feel I am setting a good example for my God daughter to look up to.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me along my journey. dynafit, the coaches listed above, my family, friends, strangers along the side of the road, and all the doubters who have come along and have since shut up.

Chris, Age 35

Improve Digestion & Increase Energy Through Nutrition

My eating habits have never been good. But it never bothered me.

In fact, for a long time I was one of those annoying people who could eat whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, without gaining any weight…and being six feet tall, even if I did, I figured no one would ever notice. So I never worried about my weight. I never owned a scale, and was only ever weighed at the doctor's office when I had a physical. My weight wouldn't fluctuate even a pound in one year.

But it wasn't really my weight that brought me to Stephanie Metzger; it was my health. I have always felt low energy, particularly in the morning. There were times when I would be driving the short ten minutes to work and I'd have to wonder if I would make it without pulling over for a nap. I felt bloated and had a variety of minor digestive issues over the years. I'd have mystery aches and pains and irritations that my doctor couldn't really explain. On top of all that, I have a history of heart disease and diabetes in my family. My Dad had his first of three heart attacks at 46…I will be 44 this month. It was, quite simply, time.

I met Stephanie at a wellness retreat that I signed up for only because I knew my Mom would like it. It included a half hour nutritional consult with Stephanie, from Thrive Health and Wellness. Before the half hour was up, I was confident Stephanie could help me. She offered practical suggestions and alternatives for things I enjoyed eating that were causing me problems. She was enthusiastic about her lifestyle and her enthusiasm made me believe I could change.

I bought a scale for the first time and realized I was 12 pounds heavier than what I considered to be my "normal" weight…which was probably already 10 pounds more than it should be. Stephanie taught me to really think about food; a concept, which completely flummoxed me at times. It's second nature to me now that I've had Stephanie's guidance for the last 8 weeks.

After a week of mindful eating, I noticed that the bloating was gone. Soon, I realized I'm no longer exhausted at 10am or even 2pm! Eventually I noticed the scale start to reflect my new lifestyle. To date I have dropped 20 lbs. I feel more energized and confident, and I no longer mindlessly grab two donuts in one day off the staffroom table, or devour an entire bag of chips in front of the TV. Foods I thought I couldn't do without no longer find their way into my pantry, and I'm trying new foods all the time. Stephanie was always just a text away to offer support and solutions.

If you're thinking about changing your relationship with food, stop thinking and call Stephanie today. Anyone who has ever met me will tell you that if I can do it, anyone can!

Tara, Age 43

Get The Accountability You Need To Lose Weight & Reach Your Goals

I started my journey with Steph in August 2016. I had tried losing weight on my own and using different programs with minimal success. I wasn't sure this program would work, after all nothing else had. I decided to try it anyways and learned right away just how different it is from all the others. Steph is right there beside you every step of the way. Accountability is what makes working with Steph different from the others. There were so many times I wanted to eat something I really shouldn't have and the thought of having to put it in my daily log was enough for me to walk away. There were times that I did eat the piece of cake anyways and Steph would reply with a gentle "I'm glad you enjoyed, let's get back on track today". 

Steph is always available and replies to questions quickly. She will look up menus of the restaurant you are at and give excellent suggestions.  Steph will share recipes and review any you send to her and give suggestions to make it a better option.  When you are frustrated she will encourage you to keep going and help you get where you want to be.  Steph helped me realize the number on the scale isn’t the only indicator of success, being down 3 sizes feels really good! Activity also plays a role and with Steph's encouragement I have gone from someone who could barely run for 2 minutes on the treadmill to easily running for 30! 

 If you're considering Thrive Health and Wellness don't wait any longer, you won't regret it. Steph is amazing to work with, I have lost more weight since August than I ever have, my journey isn’t over yet and with the support and tools I've received I know that I will reach my goal.

Laurie, Age 43

Lose Weight The Healthy Way

I want to start off by saying there is no magic pill, protein shake, or workout regime that is going to give you any long-term results. The most crucial part of taking the weight off is diet. You have probably heard that before, so let me say it again - DIET IS KEY. I have been on so many diets in my life from no/low-carb, to having meals delivered to my door. Of course they are strict and if you stick to them they all work, but they’re very hard to sustain. Steph’s plan is nothing like any of these. It literally is a lifestyle. I realized that because I have been yo-yoing all my life and have allowed myself to gain and lose massive amounts of weight, I have to be careful with what I eat most of the time. I have to think about what goes into my body and I have to exercise regularly to reach my goals and just as importantly, maintain the lifestyle when I do. The best part is that I didn’t even have to give up pizza or chocolate!! If you’ve ever been referred to a traditional nutritionist, you were probably handed a Canadian Food Guide and sent on your way. Steph doesn’t work that way. She is there for you every step of the way.

After having my baby, I was having an extremely hard time focusing on losing the pregnancy weight. I started looking at pre pregnancy photos and getting sad that I didn’t look the way I used to. Steph knew I was frustrated and immediately took me under her wing. She helps me tweak my eating habits to more nutritious options. I don’t have to count calories and there’s virtually no measuring. She motivates me every day to keep going. Her advice on the foods I should and shouldn’t be consuming is very helpful and I’m learning so much about food as I go. I was painfully surprised how horrible my diet was when I started recording what I consume and was given a dose of reality.

I have been on this journey since January, but allowing school and life in general get in the way, I wasn’t always sticking to my plan. Because I’m going at my own pace, I have been consistently losing or maintaining, so I know the weight that has come off is going to stay off. I have lost 23 lbs. and approximately 18”. These are permanent results! I am extremely happy with the way Steph has guided me and inspired me. Losing weight is a process and a learning curve. There’s no quick fix that lasts. This is something that if you really want it, you have to work at it and focus. I’m still on my weight loss journey and I know that I will reach my goals. I also know that Steph will be here to help me every step of    the way :) I can promise you this…you won’t be disappointed if you work with Steph!

Brigid, Age 34

Have You Hit A Plateau? Learn How To Keep Things Moving

In July 2016 after a year of being on a weight loss plateau, my trainer at Dynafit recommended I try working with Steph at Thrive Health and Wellness. The timing was perfect. I was at my wits' end trying to figure out what else to adjust in my diet. Steph met with me to discuss my concerns with an online nutrition program and to get an idea of what my goals were, my likes, dislikes and nutritional knowledge. Steph provided me comprehensive questionnaire and asked me to commit to daily food logs, weekly weigh-ins and general communication. When Steph reviewed the questionnaire, she provided me a starting point and from that point to the last day of the program she would either provide on the spot recommendations, encouragement for good choices or suggestions about what to try in the future. When I hit a wall during the program and my weight didn't move, she recommended some minor adjustments and her insight paid off. 

In July 2016 after a year of being on a weight loss plateau, my trainer at Dynafit recommended I try working with Steph at Thrive Health and Wellness. The timing was perfect. I was at my wits' end trying to figure out what else to adjust in my diet. Steph met with me to discuss my concerns with an online nutrition program and to get an idea of what my goals were, my likes, dislikes and nutritional knowledge. Steph provided me comprehensive questionnaire and asked me to commit to daily food logs, weekly weigh-ins and general communication. When Steph reviewed the questionnaire, she provided me a starting point and from that point to the last day of the program she would either provide on the spot recommendations, encouragement for good choices or suggestions about what to try in the future. When I hit a wall during the program and my weight didn't move, she recommended some minor adjustments and her insight paid off. 

As a person over the age of 50, with some chronic injuries to work around boosting my activities at the gym is not an easy alternative. Steph respected, understood and worked with me and my physical and metabolic realities. Steph helped me re-evaluate some long held beliefs about some foods and gave me a lot of cooking tips and recipes to work with so I can continue the plan into the future. I know that if I get stuck on another plateau I can reach out to Steph and we can do another session and she will always be there to answer any questions.

I am committed to a stable healthy weight. I have yo-yo dieted in the past and the hardest thing ever was to acknowledge that past and decide that I am not a yo-yo and to take ownership and get the expert help I needed to move ahead with my weight loss plan. In the 12 weeks that I worked with Steph, I lost a total of 12 pounds and 6 inches! Although the number on the scale doesn’t reflect a big weight loss, my body has completely changed and I feel fantastic!

Loretta, Age 54

Eat Healthy, Lose Weight, Improve Your Energy Levels & Boost Your Mood

Midpoint:

So for the longest time I was feeling ugh about myself. I thought that I was eating relatively healthy & I'm constantly active with what I do for a living. So I was stuck in this mindset that since I am so active, I could snack on chips & licorice whenever I wanted to because I would just burn it off later. Um, no. Wrong mindset. My clothes were starting to fit snuggly & I was starting to lack in energy. Just felt blah. I talked to a good friend of mine & she recommended that I contact Steph. So I did. And she is amazing! It's only been 5 weeks & I feel so good... different... energized... happy! Fitting into clothes that I haven't been able to wear in almost 2 years!! Steph helped to tweak my eating habits... taught me portion control... and most of all taught me that it's ok to treat yourself... live your life... in moderation. She has talked me off the junk food ledge a few times! She is always available when I need her. Thanks for giving me my life back Steph!

Final:

So, I have been trying to lose 10 lbs. for the longest time! Eating relatively healthy, I'm constantly moving in my job, and at home I'm chasing the dog or my boy... cutting the lawn... I don't sit still often... but the weight just wouldn't go & I was actually gaining. Oi. So frustrating. The harder I tried & obsessed about it, the worse it got. Until I was at my highest weight ever…and feeling awful. No energy. Not happy. I remember eating a bag of chips one day for lunch, seriously…the whole thing. I had hit rock bottom. I started researching these different weight loss programs & knowing flat out, that it would just be a temporary fix. Then I came across testimonials from people that I knew, who had worked with Steph. It was 10pm on a Sunday night & I thought now or never, I needed to do something. So I emailed Steph & immediately heard back from her. She assessed me & started working on a plan right away. It was crazy. Just like that. Here we go. It's been 11 weeks & I have dropped 4 pant sizes & have lost 16 pounds. And it was all about what I was eating & my portions... and water! I was neglectful in my water intake for sure!! There were days where I'm sure I was only drinking 4-5 cups a day... not good! Now I'm drinking 10-12 cups. I feel ah-mazing! Energized. Happy. Steph was always there when I needed her... questions about last minute dinner plans; she would research the menu & let me know my options. Or grabbing groceries & wanting to try new things, Steph would message me back right away. Right from day 1, she referred to this as a lifestyle change not a diet. And that's exactly what it is. It almost feels like starting over with food... like when you're a kid and you try new things. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut eating things that aren't so great for you but you do it because life is busy & that just works for you. But you deserve better. You deserve to feel good & be happy. If you're sick & tired of feeling meh, I highly recommend contacting Steph... It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

Tash, Age 38

Eat Well To Improve Your Athletic Performance

On May 9th, 2016 I began my lifestyle change. After finishing my freshman year at UOIT, which included me playing for the women's hockey team, I decided to change my lifestyle for the betterment of my body & overall health. As a result, I decided to work a nutritionist & lifestyle coach. This person would be Steph Metzger, the owner of Thrive Health & Wellness. At my heaviest weight I was 174 pounds. I was constantly eating fried foods, larger portions than necessary & other unhealthy foods while living in dorms. 

Once I was home, I started by telling Steph many details about myself & eating habits, which included what I would eat and wouldn't eat. Steph worked around this and gave me great suggestions. She helped me select foods that were healthier choices when grocery shopping or when eating at a restaurant. 

With the healthier food choices and the workouts assigned to me by the team’s trainer, the weight started to come off. I ended the summer at a weight of 152 pounds. Overall, my body feels better and I have a noticed improvements on the ice & off at teamwork outs. 

Steph was always very involved, supportive & helpful. She really did keep me motivated to continue with my program and has helped me change myself for the better. I strongly encourage any person wanting to make a lifestyle change to contact Steph, especially students that have to eat from a meal plan. Steph can help you to make better choices before the selections affect you like they did me.

Taylor, Age 20

Stuck In A Rut? Make A Healthy Change & Feel Better - Physically & Mentally

Contacting Steph was the best decision I ever made! I knew I was an unhealthy eater and wasn't getting the physical exercise I should have been getting. I was stuck in a routine and had a handful of bad habits, and I was not feeling good at all - both physically and mentally. I knew it was time for a change. Steph provided me with a meal and exercise plan that fit my needs completely. She was encouraging and understanding, even when I had my weak moments, and was always there for some motivation and any questions I had. With her help, she taught me a completely new side to nutrition and fitness. After three months of her program, I lost an amazing 30 lbs., and felt amazing - both physically and mentally. For anyone who is thinking about contacting her, I have some advice - do not hesitate! You will not regret it. I can't wait to work with her again ;)

Amy, Age 25

Get Daily Support To Help You Lose Weight & Improve Your Overall Health

I first decided to contact Steph in August of 2013 after hearing numerous and nothing less than glowing reviews from different people. I joined the local gym in January 2013 and had lost 29lbs on my own but felt as if my commitment was waning and I needed a change to get me to my goal.

Enter Steph...young, beautiful, in great shape (way better shape than I could ever hope to be in- a schlumpy mom of two that had let herself go) and oh so positive, almost to the point of “really, is she for real?”  I just ate a whole pizza and she’s not kicking my ass, instead she’s telling me to learn from this lesson, and to plan for bumps in the road.

The first week I was sceptical, how could tiny changes in the way I was eating ever hope to get me to my goal, it seemed impossible. 

I texted all of my doubts to Steph, (over and over and over again) and she always told me to give it time, and think positively.

The first, second, third and following Fridays completely proved me wrong.  An amazing thing happened, the weight started to come off consistently and effortlessly.  More importantly, I was learning the proper way to eat and almost overnight my insane sugar cravings disappeared and the binging went with it.

Over the 4 months that I spent with Steph she taught me way more than I could ever have hoped for, yes, the diet changes were necessary but her kind words and positive attitude made me want to do better for myself and family and slowly I started to feel better about who I was (inside and out), and no longer talked to myself in negatives. 

In the four months I spent with Steph I lost another 28lbs and am continuing to lose with my goal of being 150lbs only 5lbs away.

Another amazing thing happened while working with Steph, my newfound love of running and eating properly started to inspire my husband to also re-evaluate his way of living and what he was using to fuel his body. 

In 3 months of using Steph’s tips and suggestions Mark has lost over 35 lbs. (and still losing) and together we are running our second 5km run with plans to complete a 10km this summer.

I can’t thank Steph enough for all of her time and effort in helping me become the person that I now am, I enjoy life a little bit more, clothes shopping is no longer stressful and I know that I can plan for special occasions and realize that treats do not make me a failure but rather human and tomorrow is a new day filled with healthy choices waiting to be made.

It’s a New Year and if you’ve ever considered making changes in your lifestyle or contacting Steph now is the time to do it. Cheers!

Sara, Age 37

4 Years Later: When Steph approached me about an update I had to have her remind me how long it had actually been since working with her, it's been almost 4 years!  4 years sounds like a forever and yet the time has (like always) slipped away so quickly.  I look back upon the time since then and although a lot has changed a lot has stayed the same.  Although Steph and I no longer chat on a daily basis I have still randomly messaged her with a quick question here and there and she is always willing to help and/or offer support, and always with a positive message to keep one's motivation soaring upward.

Fast-forward 4 years...I have completed a half marathon with my next this coming May, Mark completed a half as well as a full marathon this past November and finished strong with an amazing time.  We both continue to run, and workout at the gym.  I love trying new weight programs and am currently trying to eat less wheat and sugar, which has given me more energy.

Steph's words are always in the back of mind and I have learned that everyone has to find a balance between loving themselves and doing what ever works for them, whatever that looks like.  It's not a race, it's a journey, an almost 4 year journey for me, and I never for a second doubt or regret my time with Steph.  I can't thank her enough.

Sara and Mark