E.C.
I am only a few months away from turning 50, and my perimenopause symptoms are in full swing. Over the past few years, I suddenly gained weight due to various health issues. I am 160 cm tall, and I started the program weighing around 72 kg.
I survived breast cancer in 2018, and in 2020, one of my ovaries was removed. I stopped taking Tamoxifen early because my body could not tolerate the side effects. Afterwards, I developed a rheumatic condition that has still not been diagnosed. I have been dealing with it since 2022. It affects my soft tissues and joints. My inflammation markers have always been high; my CRP level rarely went below 17. In addition, I have been struggling with insulin resistance and high triglyceride levels for the past two years.
The reason I am sharing all this is because, during the second week of the program, I underwent a comprehensive check-up as well as examinations by an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist.
When I started, my goal was to lose the 10–12 kg I had gained, lower my insulin levels and other worsening health markers, and reduce inflammation.
By the second-week measurement, I had lost 7–8 cm from my waist. The swelling in my abdomen and legs had gone down. I felt an incredible relief in my joints. I was able to wear clothes that I couldn’t fit into at the beginning of summer, and I was so happy.
I had wanted to lose the extra weight I had gained over the past two years before menopause fully took over, but I simply couldn’t manage it. On top of that, I had been taking 1000 mg of metformin and 500 mg of barberry/berberine supplements for 4–5 months.
I lost 2.5 kg on the scale. Even better, my blood tests from that week showed that my insulin level had dropped from 27 to 14, triglycerides had decreased from the 390s to 300, and the most wonderful news was that my CRP had fallen from around 17 to 8 — the first time in a long while. And I achieved this without using any of my rheumatism medication for two weeks.
In short, I want to thank you so much. This has been an incredibly beneficial experience for me, and I learned many new things. I will continue in the coming weeks as well. I hope I can reach my target weight.
Thanks to this program, I realized how little protein I had actually been consuming and learned how to create a better balance. I learned to control portions.
Because of my insulin resistance, I used to constantly want to snack after meals. I haven’t felt hungry at all; I don’t crave sweets or anything else right now. It is such a wonderful feeling of freedom.
The brain fog in my head has disappeared. I was already practicing 14-hour fasting, but in the mornings my head felt foggy, and my hands would start shaking before I ate. I no longer experience those things.
I finish dinner by 7:00–7:30 pm at the latest and have breakfast around 9:30–10:00 am. Then I have a late lunch around 3:00 pm and either keep dinner light or skip a heavy lunch and have a more substantial dinner, depending on the day.
I would also love to join your “Like a Girl” (Kız Gibi) program in the future. You have been a great support for me.
F.Ö.D.
First of all, I would like to thank you so much for including me in the group at the last minute. It was very important for me because my life has changed significantly over these past three weeks.
I had written to you before the program: my insulin resistance level was 2.9, and since we were thinking about having a baby, my doctor told me, “You need to lose weight immediately.”
At the end of this program, I had my blood tests repeated, and my insulin resistance had already decreased to 2.7. However, the biggest change that has made my life easier is that I can now comfortably manage longer periods of fasting. This was the hardest part for me.
I no longer eat anything after dinner, and I feel very comfortable with it. My bloating has significantly decreased. My quality of life has improved, and I find this lifestyle very sustainable.
I can feel that my body’s settings have changed. I no longer crave sugary foods at all. Even if they were placed in front of me, I wouldn’t want to eat them — that’s how much things have changed. 🙂
Thank you so much. You shared all your knowledge with us, and your way of explaining things is wonderful. I wish you everything your heart desires.
You have changed my life so much and helped me develop a healthier perspective. I also lost 3 kg as a bonus. 🙂
I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to transition to healthy eating but has struggled to do so, anyone who needs support, guidance, and a clear method, as well as those experiencing insulin resistance or bloating.
S.K.
What was your goal when you started this program?
My goal was to reorganize my eating habits, recognize my mistakes, and go from 55.5 kg to 52 kg.
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
Calculating macros and using the app we worked with became my actual roadmap. For the first time in my life, I used a kitchen scale and started eating with awareness of what I was consuming and how much I was eating.
I realized my mistakes:
- Vegetable and fruit consumption: Mine was exactly the opposite of what it should have been. I was eating as much fruit as I should have been eating vegetables, and as much vegetables as I should have been eating fruit.
- Meat and protein sources: I was eating almost only salmon six days a week. I realized that because salmon has a very high fat content, there was hardly any room left for other healthy fats. Now I have added chicken, meat, and a wider variety of seafood into my diet.
- Different recipes: My diet had become too repetitive. Now I try your recipes more often. I make sure to try at least one new recipe every week, and usually, it lasts me 4–5 days.
- Chocolate and wafer “treats”: After a while, these stopped being occasional treats and became part of my routine.
- Fat consumption: I was always eating nuts, 100% nut butters, and olive oil, but I struggled with eating them in the right amounts.
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
I lost 5 cm from my waist and hips and lost 2.5 kg. My cravings for sweets completely disappeared.
I feel healthier, and the foods I eat and the new recipes make me happy. Tracking my macros brought me back to a more mindful approach. Since I plan what I will eat the next day, I no longer randomly reach for unnecessary foods whenever something comes to mind.
If there is something I want to eat, I check its macro values and plan accordingly in advance. Now I feel completely at peace with my choices.
Who would you recommend this program to?
To absolutely everyone, but especially young people…
I wish this program could be taught as a subject in high schools. It could touch so many lives and prevent many future health problems among young people.
These are real, practical, and valuable skills that people can use throughout their entire lives.
Anything else you would like to add?
I personally learned so much and benefited greatly. I am so glad I joined, and I am grateful that you are here, Ms. Sema. Thank you for all your effort and dedication.
See you in the “Like a Girl” program in October…
With love.
Ö.D.W.
What was your goal when you started this program?
I started this program with the goal of improving my nutrition due to my health issues and, at the same time, getting rid of the signs of aging that had developed around my waist and back area over the past few years.
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
It helped me tremendously. Learning about macros was definitely the biggest support for me.
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
I experienced a reduction of approximately 4–5 cm in a very short time around my waist, hips, and lower abdomen.
The bloating I had been experiencing disappeared, and I felt much more comfortable in my body. In addition, my digestion-related issues, such as bloating and gas caused by my previous eating habits, have decreased to almost none.
Who would you recommend this program to?
I would recommend this program to everyone, from age 7 to 70, especially for the purpose of learning how to eat properly.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you endlessly for all your help and support.
I will continue following this nutrition plan strictly for another month and a half in order to bring my health markers back to normal levels. I believe that many of my blood values will gradually improve on their own.
From my perspective, these three weeks completely changed my understanding of nutrition. I thought I was already eating healthily, but I realized how much I still didn’t know — and how simple it actually is.
I will share all my improvements again after two months.
For now, goodbye and take care.
N.G.
What was your goal when you started this program?
I felt that I could not get myself back on track after losing control over my habits in recent months due to psychological stress.
Since I had previously joined your elimination program and benefited greatly from it, I thought that joining this program would once again help me regain balance, which is why I decided to participate.
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
Recently, I had started consuming too much alcohol and too many carbohydrates.
Right now, I no longer feel any cravings for either of them. Even if I do occasionally want them, I feel much more confident that I can enjoy a small amount and then easily return to this way of eating.
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
The most noticeable physical change was the reduction in my bloating and losing approximately one clothing size.
There are also changes I have been gradually noticing: my sleep quality has improved, and I have gained mental clarity from no longer drinking alcohol.
I used to be able to eat kilograms of fruit, but now even one small piece of fruit feels like too much. 🙂
Who would you recommend this program to?
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to eat in a healthy and balanced way.
You do not need to have a health problem or be overweight to join this program. I recommend it to anyone who wants to do something good for themselves.
And if you wish, becoming lighter and more toned are wonderful additional benefits. 🙂
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for all your efforts up until now.
At the end of these three weeks, my belief that every program you create is truly beneficial has grown even stronger.
The biggest advantage is that this is not just a “diet” program, but a way of eating that we can easily apply in our daily lives forever.
M.A.
What was your goal when you started this program?
First of all, thank you so much for the wonderful 6 cm – DKYY program.
I joined the program with the goal of losing fat and reducing my body fat percentage — something I had tried many times before but had never been successful at achieving.
I have a history of breast cancer from 2020, and because my ovaries and uterus were removed during that period, I entered menopause suddenly at the age of 47.
After chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other treatments, I gained 15 kg, and reducing my body fat percentage became essential because my tumor was estrogen-sensitive.
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
Before joining the program, I thought I had very good theoretical knowledge about intermittent fasting and that my only problem was not being able to apply it in practice.
However, I learned many things from you that I either did not know or had overlooked.
With your extensive knowledge, you explained everything beautifully and taught us how to implement these concepts in real life without making it overwhelming.
We truly learned how to fish rather than simply being given a fish. 🙂
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
I became slimmer through the program, and I feel very good.
Yesterday, I had my 6-month follow-up appointment. Thankfully, my health values were very good, and most importantly, my cholesterol level, which was measured in March, had decreased.
My doctor said, “Whatever you have been doing, keep doing it.”
I don’t have anything else to say. 🙂
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Who would you recommend this program to?
I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of age, who feels stuck in their weight-loss journey or struggles with losing fat.
With lots of love,
B.T.
What was your goal when you started this program?
My goal was to return to my previous weight.
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
So far, it has helped me very successfully. I have made it halfway toward my goal. 🙂
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
I experience fewer intense hunger episodes, fewer sugar cravings, and I have started eating in a much more mindful way.
I also gained accurate and logical information about intermittent fasting, which was an added bonus.
There were days when I was able to extend my fasting period to 14 hours twice.
From now on, I will continue intermittent fasting without forcing myself.
B.T. (continued)
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
I have started experiencing fewer episodes of intense hunger, fewer sugar cravings, and I have become much more conscious about my eating habits.
I also gained accurate and practical knowledge about intermittent fasting, which was an additional benefit.
There were days when I was able to extend my fasting window to 14 hours twice.
From now on, I will continue intermittent fasting without putting pressure on myself.
Who would you recommend this program to?
To everyone, but especially to other professionals whose field is nutrition.
I was honestly surprised — why don’t they teach people this information? Why do they only provide lists instead?
Anything else you would like to add?
For the first time in my life, I was able to follow a program without feeling hungry.
It is a truly successful program. The recipes are also delicious.
Thank you again. See you in the “Like a Girl” (Kız Gibi) program in 3–4 months. 🙂
E.F.
I spent the final week of the program in Hamburg attending a trade fair, so I wasn’t able to follow the program perfectly. However, when I returned and saw that, like after every trip, I had not gained weight, I was very happy.
I know that weight is not the only measure of success, but I can’t help it. 🙂
The reason I didn’t gain weight was because I stayed mindful. I tried to eat as much protein as possible in the mornings, and even though I had to eat sandwiches at the fair for lunch, I made sure to have protein again in the evenings.
I have been receiving homeopathic treatment for months, and I believe these two things together created a powerful combination.
At the same time, I finished Beyhan Budak’s book “Be Kind to Yourself, Beautiful Human” (Kendine İyi Davran Güzel İnsan). You may have already read it, but it was incredibly helpful during my transformation journey.
By continuing with the mindset of “Don’t give up just because things didn’t go perfectly” and “Change means two steps forward and one step back,” I was able to live without feelings of guilt — and that felt wonderful.
I hope to join the “Like a Girl” program in the future as well, but I would like to choose a period without travel.
You were truly wonderful for me. Your energy was amazing.
Thank you again so much.
E.M.
What was your goal when you started this program?
After participating in your previous 3-Step Elimination and Detox programs last year, I wanted to join this one because I thought it could become a sustainable lifestyle.
Also, I had really missed receiving your emails every morning. 🙂
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
This program taught me how to stay full and satisfied.
I experienced and continue to experience emotions and sensations that I had never felt before.
I am continuing the process in the same way; the centimeters are gradually decreasing in a healthy and sustainable way.
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
The physical change that makes me happiest is seeing it in my clothes.
My comments like, “Oh, this blouse looks so good on me!” are increasing day by day.
The biggest behavioral change has been that even when I bring my breakfast with me to work, I no longer eat it immediately when I arrive.
I listen to my body and wait until I actually feel hungry. Around 10:00–11:00, I start eating my breakfast.
I was not like this before. I would never listen to myself; I would simply open my breakfast container at 8:00, eat, and finish it without thinking.
For example, I realized that I was consuming way too much dried fruit. Dates and raisins were everywhere in my diet!
You helped me break my relationship with sugar, and that is incredibly valuable to me.
Now, if I want to treat myself with something alongside my coffee, it might be one teaspoon of 100% peanut butter, or tahini poured over 10 almonds.
So satisfying! 🙂
Who would you recommend this program to?
I think everyone should participate in this program. It deserves to reach a much wider audience.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to question what they believe they know about nutrition and discover the truths behind their habits.
Ç.K.E.
I participated in your April 2024 6 cm program.
I have been exercising for years and paying close attention to my muscle and fat ratios. I also run marathons.
Something changed last August. Even though I continued eating and exercising exactly as before, I gained 5 kg between August and April — and I continued gaining weight.
(It turns out it was due to the effects of perimenopause. I am 51 years old.)
Today, when I checked my measurements, I saw that I had achieved my best results of the last 10 years.
My weight is 56.1 kg (I started the 6 cm program at 62.8 kg), my body fat percentage is 13.87%, muscle percentage is 40.15%, protein percentage is 9.9%, and my water retention is at its lowest level ever.
Thanks to you, as someone going through perimenopause, I understood my body’s changing needs and learned what should be eaten, at what time, and how much should be consumed each day.
I managed to bring my values under control in a sustainable way without depriving myself of anything — and I believe this is the most important part.
I am truly grateful.
Of course, I was very excited about your “Like a Girl” program and immediately signed up.
I am looking forward to it with great excitement. 🙂
I.S.
Dear Ms. Sema,
I absolutely loved the 6 cm program. I have not been able to write to you for days because I was afraid I would not be able to express my feelings properly. Please forgive me.
I am 49 years old and going through menopause. I live in the UK.
For the past 4–5 years, I have tried almost everything — from Fast 800 to keto, from keto to intuitive eating, from Dr. Mindy’s approach to the Zoe program. I was so tired of the cycle of losing and regaining weight that I decided to try your program in August.
It was so incredibly good for me. The weight is coming off. The version of me who could not go a day without eating chocolate is gone, and she has been replaced by someone who eats healthily throughout the day.
The version of me who used to snack on unhealthy foods in the evenings is gone, and someone completely different has taken her place.
It feels as if you touched my life with a magic wand.
The program ended two weeks ago, but I am continuing with the same principles and I feel amazing. This is definitely a sustainable program.
The reason keto never worked for me was because I simply could not maintain it. I had high hopes for Zoe, but because it emphasized that legumes and healthy fats were beneficial, the carbohydrate intake was also quite high, and I ended up gaining weight.
In short, you have created such a wonderful program that my only regret is that I didn’t start sooner.
The content of the program, the documents, the sessions — everything was beautifully organized.
I sincerely recommend it to everyone, but especially to women going through menopause and perimenopause.
When I was starting the August program, I saw another participant’s feedback. Coincidentally, she was also in menopause and had the same weight concerns as me. I thought, “Can I do this too?” And I did.
Thank you so much for everything.
B.Y.
The main reason I joined the program was that I was struggling with irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition, I was experiencing issues such as waking up extremely hungry in the mornings, sudden hunger even shortly after meals, trembling hands, and sweating episodes.
Since these issues were common in my family, I thought they were genetic and something I simply had to live with. However, everything completely changed from the very first week.
Before the program, I could barely tolerate even the slightest pressure on my abdomen, but after the program, the pain in my intestines completely disappeared (my heart is so full :)).
I started waking up feeling comfortable and without extreme hunger. Although you only began recommending intermittent fasting from the second week, I naturally started easing into it from the very first week.
The only symptoms I experienced were fatigue and headaches during the first 1–2 days. I think your recommendation to increase salt intake and drink mineral water solved that issue.
On top of all this, I experienced weight loss that I honestly did not expect. To be honest, I never imagined I would see such a difference. 🙂
My only disappointment was having to end the program early because of a holiday.
I know you had given recommendations for situations like this, and I followed them all and learned a lot. 🙂 I also applied some of them, but I live abroad, and when I visit my family, saying “no” is almost impossible. As part of traditional Anatolian culture, they are happiest when they can feed you. 🙂
Honestly, I am not too worried about it now because I know the program works, and I will start again when I return home.
One of the best things about your programs is that you stay with us for life. 🙂
I believe this was the third program of yours that I have joined. I still apply your other two programs from time to time as well.
Thank you so much for everything you have taught us!
And of course, thank you for your patience too.
Starting my mornings with your emails every day was wonderful. 🙂
I hope to see you in another program.
Wishing you all the best. 🙂
N.K.
I had previously joined your detox program as well, so this was my second program with you, and the results of both have been amazing. 🙂
Before joining your program, I tried the ketogenic diet. I thought I was doing it correctly, but I started in April and only lost 3 kg. I could not get below 75 kg.
Also, I had developed a small “pear-shaped” belly over the past year and a half, and I could not seem to reduce it no matter what I did.
I knew I was doing something wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. (I think I was probably consuming too much cheese and almond flour-based foods.)
After this program, it became even smaller and turned into a much more manageable and cute little pear-shaped belly, and I finally saw 70 kg on the scale. 🙂
I feel very comfortable in my clothes now.
Thank you so much.
I hope that from this point forward I will not lose control and that I can continue this way.
My goal is to turn what I have learned into a lifestyle.
Thank you for all your effort and dedication. 🙂
P.A.
I especially wanted to wait a little before sharing my feedback because I wanted to see whether this would be sustainable for me in the long term.
First of all, I truly appreciated your discipline. Starting the live sessions exactly on time and finishing them within the announced duration was very positive for me.
Your positive energy during the live sessions was incredibly motivating. You never left any question unanswered. You responded to my emails very quickly.
Waiting every day and thinking, “I wonder which file she will share today?” was also a separate source of motivation.
It was a very well-prepared and beautifully organized program that clearly involved a great deal of effort.
I am going through menopause, and as you know, I have insulin resistance. I also have genetically considered high cholesterol levels, and my mother passed away due to Alzheimer’s disease.
For the past few years, I have struggled with bloating that I could not resolve no matter what I tried.
Since 2018, I have become increasingly aware of healthy nutrition. I have always maintained a certain weight. I could comfortably wear trousers that were 10–15 years old.
However, since 2020, I have not been able to solve my bloating issues. I tried everything: food intolerance tests, the FODMAP diet, gluten-free eating — you name it.
On top of that, fat accumulation around my abdomen started to appear. I gained 4 kg and could not lose it no matter what I did.
I had been studying the DKYY nutrition approach for a long time. I have read a lot about how metabolic disorders, especially insulin resistance, can create a foundation for Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the reason I joined this program may have seemed like weight loss, my actual goal was to restore the balance of my metabolism.
I was extremely happy with the program.
I did not weigh myself, and I also did not take measurements after the program ended.
I still cannot fit into my old trousers, but my bloating is gone. I can now wear clothes that used to feel extremely tight around my waist because of my belly.
I feel incredibly light. My morning energy has returned.
I can very comfortably eat two meals a day.
Your support with cookie and bread recipes was a lifesaver for me.
Knowing how these foods can be made and understanding the logic behind them completely removes that fear of, “Oh no, I had a slip-up, everything is ruined and I have to start over.”
This is definitely a sustainable program, and I know that from now on, you are always just one ENTER key away from all of us.
There is so much effort behind your work.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
May your knowledge continue to grow and expand.
I wish you everything your heart desires.
Ç.T.
What was your goal when you started this program?
At the age of 44, during a period when I was diagnosed with thyroid issues and leaky gut, I realized that the nutrition model that had worked well for me before was no longer effective.
I understood that I needed to transition to a more accurate and sustainable approach, and that I needed guidance during this process.
And of course, that guide could only be Ms. Sema, whom I had followed for years and who introduced me to the fundamental principles of gluten-free nutrition. 🙂
How did the program help you achieve your goals?
Since the program ended, I have continued eating according to the same principles, and I have had no difficulty maintaining them.
The information files and emails shared throughout the program were clearly prepared with great thought, both chronologically and in terms of content.
Ms. Sema’s simple yet comprehensive explanations helped me understand the topics easily.
Throughout this process, I never felt alone. Both Ms. Tuğçe and Ms. Sema made me feel supported.
In fact, I still feel that support continues.
What physical and behavioral changes did you notice in yourself at the end of the program?
In the past, eating healthily felt like spending hours in the kitchen.
However, my life has now been filled with new recipes that are simple, extremely delicious, and can be prepared in a short time.
My perspective on this subject has completely changed.
Physically, I also experienced a visible transformation.
I used to think it was just a myth, but after three weeks, I really did lose 6 cm from my waist. 🙂
Who would you recommend this program to?
I would recommend it to everyone.
I believe everyone should learn about proper nutrition and the relationship between a healthy body and mind before experiencing health problems or worrying about weight loss.
The information shared throughout this program, along with what I have read and watched alongside it, made me realize that if I had been taught these principles when I was young — even as a child — my life and health could have developed in a completely different direction.
Now, let us learn the right things so that we can give future generations this opportunity.
Anything else you would like to add?
I sincerely thank you and Ms. Tuğçe.
I hope to join the “Like a Girl” (Kız Gibi) program in the future as well.
Until we meet again, take good care of yourself. 🙂
H.D.
I participated in the 6 cm program in mid-August.
Over the past year, I had started accumulating fat around my belly area, and I was experiencing serious digestive issues.
My goal was simply to feel a little better and get some relief.
Later, I was also diagnosed with multiple lactose and wheat allergies, so I have been following a strict diet — but I am doing it by applying what you taught us.
I wanted to share what has happened after three months.
- The most exciting change: For the past 1.5–2 years, my menstrual cycle had shortened to 23–24 days, and this was upsetting me greatly. After changing my nutrition system, my cycle became 26 days in the first month and 27 days in the following two months. I am so happy. I hope it continues this way.
- I managed to overcome my excessive alcohol consumption habit, which had gotten quite out of control during the pandemic period. Now, I only have one glass in social settings.
- I developed an incredible awareness regarding nutrition. I always thought I was eating very healthily, but I realized that I was not getting enough protein. My fatigue has disappeared. No matter what time I wake up, I no longer feel tired.
Thank you so much.
Sending you a big hug.
