Toni, Polly, and Deanna—three members of the Skinny60® community—share how improving their gut health was the key to living their best life over 40.  

After years of failed diets and lingering post-pregnancy weight, Toni was exhausted and dragging her way through life. Within five days of starting the program, she was waking up energized and excited to tackle the day. Within two months, she’d lost 30 pounds, and had a new lease on life!   

During the pandemic, the stress of Polly’s work as a nurse led to snacking on junk food, and other habits that resulted in persistent acid reflux and joint pain. The science-based approach of Skinny60® appealed to her as a medical professional. By nourishing her body strategically and improving her digestion, she lifted her mood, lost weight, and took back control of her health.   

Deanna was also desperate to hit reset. After years of burnout, chronic constipation and inflammation, she was adamant about finding something sustainable that she could do on her own. Initially skeptical, she experienced life-changing results with the SK60® System. She lost 20 pounds, her pain and hot flashes disappeared, and she poops every day! 

Key for all three women was how Skinny60® gave them the nutrition knowledge, additional cooking skills, and confidence to make smart food choices for life—without the stress of restrictive diets or passing fads.   

Staying flexible and embracing the “Good, Better, Best, Not Perfect” philosophy of the program was a game-changer. Letting go of having to get everything right, they all came to see that lasting success isn’t about perfection—it’s about simply making the next better choice.  

TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: 

• Taking in nutrition specific for your needs now is the most effective eating strategy.  
• Better gut health is foundational for balancing hormones, and critical during menopause. 
• Nutrition education is key for making better food choices sustainable.  
• A dietitian should be an integral member of your medical team.  
• Achieving better health is about what you add more than what you take away.  
• Meeting your protein needs is a game-changer for better metabolic function.  
• Your health approach needs to adapt to your changing needs. 
• Rather than aiming for perfection, take action on the next better choice.  

ABOUT OUR GUESTS 

TONI RAYNES 

The youngest of four kids, Toni grew up in Southeast Asia before returning to Australia to live. Having spent much of her life exploring other cultures, she counts the empathy and adaptability she developed as her superpowers. Mom to two fabulous teenagers, Toni enjoys her work as an assistant director in film and TV. Committed as she is to work and home, she’s also committed to staying healthy so she can keep traveling all her life.  

POLLY DRAGO 

A nurse going on 25 years now, Polly has found fulfillment providing compassionate care to her community. She and her husband enjoy time in the kitchen cooking and eating delicious meals, many of which are SK60® recipes. Staying active, she maintains ballet barre and Pilates routines, hikes, and particularly enjoys being in nature. An avid reader and knitter, Polly also enjoys traveling and dressing up for a fancy-dress ball!  

DEANNA VANSICKEL 

With a PhD in human science, Deanna spent ten years as a psychotherapist serving marginalized populations, then transitioned to business psychology and executive coaching. For the past twenty years, she has worked guiding executives and organizations in the governmental, academic, and corporate sectors as they navigate the complex challenges of professional leadership and service. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.  

Meet Tess Masters:  

Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     

Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   

Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.  

Connect With Tess: 

Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  

Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   

Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/

Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  

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