“I want a six pack,” I said. “I want to lose weight fast,” I said. “I want to create a strict diet,” I said. Sumner just listened and said, “Ok.” But what really happened next? She taught me what I really needed to learn: how to listen to my body and respond accordingly. First things were first and priorities were re-established. I had to learn that our relationship with food can’t sit on extremes. It’s not about deprivation and it’s not about excess. It’s about balance. Sounds much easier than it really is, but with some kind words and advice, Sumner guided me in the right direction. She shed light on things I didn’t recognize and things that were, admittedly at times, a little uncomfortable to discuss. But it was important and I’m glad we did. Sumner’s directness was refreshing but not offensive. She forced me to focus, to think, and to evaluate my own well-being in a honest manner. And frankly, her lessons work. I gained more than I ever would with a six pack because I gained the knowledge to live my life without worrying about the next bite I stick in my mouth. And that, my friends, is priceless… especially since she also showed me how I can still lose weight without the harshness of a diet. All-in-all, Sumner is pure awesomeness. Thanks Sumner. – AA, 2012

I have had 14 terrific sessions with Sumner!  
I can honestly say thanks to Sumner I will be taking the word “DIET” out of my vocabulary!  I will never be counting points, calories or buying another diet book!

I am still a work in progress, but Sumner has taught me to finally have a better relationship with food and that a healthy mind is a healthy body!  I always thought I was addicted to sugar and come to find out I’m not!  I will never have to give up the foods I love!  She has taught me to love who I am today, respect my body, put myself first and never feel guilty or judge myself for eating a piece of cake.

It was not easy and there were times when I didn’t want to go and just give up, but because I signed up for the 16 week program(which I highly suggest) it has finally clicked!  I now pay more attention to my biological hunger and am making peace with food!  

Sumner reassured me every week that this is not a race and that any time I felt like I was going backwards again she would just tell me that it is just a learning experience.

Eating is now a source of pleasure and I am so very thankful that I found Sumner!  I will be turning 50 next year and am looking forward to my life free of dieting!!!

Sumner I am forever grateful!  :) ~Deanna Porter, June 2012

This last week has yielded progressively better health. My blood glucose spikes have abated significantly. None for a week now, compared to one or two a day when I started. I feel pretty good and started working out again. My weight has actually climbed five pounds. Strength and stamina steadily rising too. Surprised myself! The last time I experienced gains like this was in my 30s.

Thank you so much for all your help. The new “not-diet” is right on the money.  – Mike Pendleton, October 2011

I’ve been going to Sumner for 8 sessions now and I have enjoyed every one of them. She has helped me understand what is best for me to eat and why.  She taught me how to change my thought process about eating. And even though I was not looking to lose a large amount of weight, I feel healthier and happier than ever. I would highly recommend spending time with Sumner and letting her teach you  about how to feel and look better than ever. – Linda Haynes August 2011

Sumner was wonderful!!  She really took the time and interest in me to help me figure out what would work for me. She was so knowledgeable and explained things to me in a way I could understand them. She gave me suggestions, tools to use, and instilled a sense of self-confidence in me that helped me through a seemingly overwhelming situation. She made me feel safe and comfortable, and was always checking in with me and sending me things she felt would help me. I made great progress through my work with Sumner.

Much of my success has come from understanding what caused my dieting failures in the past. Sumner helps reprogram your mind to ” never be on a diet,” and to” take care of yourself” and to use therapeutic tools that will become inherent every time you eat. Anybody that has eaten with me in the past like my family, notices the behavioral change. Sumner provides a personal therapy, with solid nutritional assessments. I’ve lost 20 pounds, and that’s great, I know I’ll lose 65 more in the next year but the greatest part of this process for me is that it is easy, I’m not consumed with dieting, and I don’t eat compulsively anymore and never will again. I never thought this could be so simple and effective and I will continue to recommend Sumner to my friends and acquaintances. - Chris P. , San Pedro, CA

Not on a Diet helped me reach an entirely new level of fitness. As a baby boomer, there was once a thought that my best days were behind me but with Sumner’s sage dietary advice and support, my body fat is at all time low while my strength at an all time high. Take that !    John C.

“Working with Sumner Brooks has completely transformed my relationship with food and the advice I give my clients regarding nutrition. Her philosophy of Intuitive Eating is cutting edge and yields long lasting results. Sumner’s enthusiasm and passion for her job are contagious and help keep her clients stay motivated and on track. I have used Sumner’s advice to lose weight and stay energized for tough workouts.” – Dara Mazzie, Personal Trainer in Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach cities

Sumner is incredibly encouraging and uplifting, and she’s really worked WITH me. She listens and understands where I’m at, what I’m comfortable doing and where I want help and then she helps me in those areas. She gives gentle guidance and offers me new ways of thinking about what I’m eating and how I’m moving my body. She’s really been like a personal coach, helping me find the ways that are most natural to me to lose the weight and build a healthier life style. She’s made me feel positive about food for the first time in I don’t even remember.  – Abby Fichtner

As someone who has tried every diet out there, I can honestly say that my FIRST hour spent with Sumner was more beneficial than all of my prior dieting attempts combined.  I had no idea what to expect, but I went in to my first appointment with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
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