Christie’s journey to health, guided by hope

For Christie Moon, joining the Mayo Clinic Diet was not just about losing weight; it was about prevention. With a family history of heart disease and diabetes, Christie was determined to begin a lifestyle centred on health and wellness. Today, she has lost 60 pounds and is feeling energized and more confident than ever before.

Facing her family medical history

“My mother suffered two heart attacks, and my father is a type 2 diabetic,” Christie explained. “Losing weight has always been a struggle for me, but considering my family history, it was more about living a long and healthy life.” She shared how, despite having lost most of her pregnancy weight years ago, she still had more to lose. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

“I gained over 40 pounds during the pandemic,” Christie stated. “Staying at home and living a sedentary lifestyle fueled my poor eating habits. Soon, I was buying bigger clothes and not feeling good about myself. I remember a very important conversation with my husband, when I shared that I no longer wanted to look anyone in the eyes because I felt so insecure due to my weight gain.”

Her wake-up call to change

In February 2025 at a doctor’s appointment, Christie was asked to step on the scale. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said. “I weighed 207 pounds! Seeing that number did it for me.” 

Christie started her weight loss journey in February 2025.

Soon after this discovery, blood work revealed that Christie’s cholesterol levels were elevated. “Knowing my cholesterol was high made this all too real for me. I was only nine years away from the age my mom had her first heart attack. It was time to get serious and do something.”

Christie started her journey to a renewed lifestyle in February 2025. “I didn’t think twice about joining the Mayo Clinic Diet,” she stated. “For me, it was all about learning the fundamentals of changing my eating habits and learning new behaviors. I needed to master that first. About one month after establishing a healthy eating routine, I added the GLP-1 factor to help me the rest of the way. I’ve tried many other weight-loss plans in the past, but none of them gave me the education and tools I needed to succeed.”

With a starting weight of 207 pounds, Christie began (and stayed at) a low dose of a GLP-1. “The medication definitely helps reduce your appetite, but it’s crucially important to maintain the positive eating habits and behaviors,” she stated. “It’s all about routine and making smart decisions about what healthy foods and snacks to eat.” Christie enjoys a mostly plant-based diet and adds in fish, chicken and turkey. She admitted that while ‘junk food’ has been eliminated from her diet, she will occasionally treat herself to a few French fries (her favorite), and of course, her mom’s Christmas cookies!

Christie explained how losing weight is about more than the foods you choose to eat. Exercise plays a significant role as well. “I started lifting weights at home and using resistance bands,” she explained.

“I even bought other exercise equipment to help me stay consistent with my workouts. Now, I have less anxiety and feel more confident. I’m even accepting of compliments. It’s motivating me to want to get out and do more.”

Christie before losing weight with the Mayo Clinic Diet

Tools that helped her succeed

As a professional behavioral counselor, Christie understands how having the proper tools and support are critical to success. “I love using the Tracker and Habit optimizer,” she said excitedly. “The weekly weigh-ins allow me to see my progress and definitely keep me motivated and accountable. And from a support standpoint, the Facebook Community is a wonderful space for sharing. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in this.”

A loving support system

“I have the best support system,” Christie said happily. “Not only is my husband, Aaron, and son, Simon, by my side, but my siblings and parents (who just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary), friends, and coworkers are all there to keep me motivated. Support is vital to success.”

Reaching her goal

In October 2025, Christie reached her weight-loss goal of 60 pounds. “It was the first time I took ‘before and after pictures’ of myself,” she said proudly. “I was floored when I saw the difference in my body, face, and smile.”

Christie used the Mayo Clinic Diet Habit Optimizer to improve her habits.

Christie discontinued the GLP-1 medication after seven months and has maintained her weight loss ever since. “The key is to practice mindful eating and have gratitude for each day,” she said. “The Mayo Clinic Diet is easy. There’s always something healthy to eat.”

Celebrating her off-scale victories

In addition to her improved cholesterol levels, Christie is excited to share that she is now wearing sizes 4 or 6 (down from a size 14).

“I love my new clothes. I can’t believe that’s me in the mirror,” she said emotionally. “I finally realized that it’s okay to brag about my accomplishments. For the first time in my life, I told people how much I weighed. That was big for me.”

Continuing to encourage others

When asked what advice she would give others who are about to begin their journey to wellness, Christie replied, “If I can make a difference in someone’s life, I’m all in. Throughout my career, I’ve told my patients: Changing your behavior is part of the road to recovery. You have to take things one day at a time. It’s the same for weight loss. Don’t listen to the doubts in your mind. Listen to the hope in your heart.”

Christie went from size 14 to sizes 4-6 in under a year

Inspired by Christie? Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Diet and how science-backed nutrition, habit-building tools, and a supportive community can help you improve your health and build lasting lifestyle change.