"There are no shortcuts to weight loss,” says Lori Boxer, director of Weight No More Diet Center, a privately owned weight loss service with no pills, no packaged foods or diet drinks, or sale of any products whatsoever, which she co-owns with her mother Gloria Darian, the founder of the business. “You’ve got to learn how to lose weight in a manner that most closely resembles the way you’re going to eat for the rest of your life," says Lori.
Years ago, Lori's mom, Gloria Darian, while successfully losing her own 50s
menopausal weight gain with the help of a nutritionist, felt there was something missing in the field of weight loss. She knew it was more than just understanding the science of food, it was about the emotions of weight loss. She did a lot of research, and recognized that people battling with weight - either for the first time or their whole lives - need constant support, to feel trusted, and to open themselves up and let their emotions out. They need to deal with those individuals who they know truly care about their well being, to help them plan their days, give them cooking tips and recipes ... and it always helps clients to know they’re dealing with someone who has been where they are.
“My mother opened her business over 20 years ago with the conviction that she would help others struggling with weight loss issues with a greater emphasis on the personal / individual needs of each client, on encouragement, empowerment and motivation in a warm, friendly, comfortable environment. A three time cancer survivor, she pulled through some tough times by the encouragement and affirmations of Louise Hay. My mother teaches her clients never to give up on themselves, and to not accept ‘I can’t,’ ‘I won’t,’ or ‘I’m not.’” At 75 years old, Gloria still practices the life she preaches to her clients and is actively involved in the business.
Lori joined her mother in the business nine years ago, and together they make an excellent partnership. “We complement each other well. I fully admit that while my mother has the grace and beauty, diplomacy and wisdom of age, with me … it’s what you see is what you get. I am passionate, and sometimes … well … let’s just say I’ve been told that my greatest asset is sometimes my greatest liability! But people know
I care deeply about them.”
“Not only do we call every client each week,” says Lori, “but every client who joins this program gets mine and my mother’s home and cell phone numbers. We’re available 24/7. Clients can call us with a question from a supermarket, for help with a menu at a restaurant or just for a pick-me-up, heart-to-heart to either prevent a falling off the wagon or to motivate them to get right back on the horse and ride again.”
Why has Weight No More Diet Center been a success all these years? It’s because of Gloria’s and Lori’s unique approach, sincerity, and steadfast determination to help their clients lead a healthy lifestyle. Clients are seen only in private, one-on-one, two to three times a week, and each person’s program is individualized. “People don’t come to us to learn about what’s good for them and bad for them; they already know that. They don’t need me to tell them that a piece of grilled chicken and salad is better for them than a sausage sandwich! They come to us because we’re going to teach them what, how much, and when and we’re going to give them the individual structure, guidance, discipline and accountability they need … and no one does it better than we do. Every counselor who works for us has gone through this program. Our clients and we are both works-in-progress: We teach clients how to get slim doing exactly what we all do to maintain slim.”
They also will work with clients over the phone, and to that end, a happy tale … Last year while on vacation in Acapulco, Gloria met a 60-year-old woman named Linda who lives in Buffalo, New York. Inspired by Gloria, Linda joined the program, working with Lori exclusively over the phone. By the fall of 2008 Linda lost almost 50 pounds, met the man of her life and married for the very first time, and not only returned to Acapulco last month for her honeymoon, but Gloria and her boyfriend hosted Linda and her new husband to a Valentine’s Day evening!
Currently with four offices in New York and New Jersey, Weight No More Diet Center has plans for two more this year.
