“I am off insulin! I am also off my blood pressure medication and have lost more than 50 lbs. I feel much more in control of my eating and we spend less money on food because I waste less and we don’t eat out as much because I prefer my own cooking. Just gluten and refined sugar free.  Simple but not easy (at first.)”  — Kay S., Union, Maine, Nov ‘09

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“Hey Holly,
Three years ago I joined TOPS and lost 28 lbs in 5 months, then starting sliding. I mostly lived on Lean Cuisine though. I re-joined TOPS the week before (your) group in Rockland started and have not eaten any Lean Cuisines or packaged “diet food”. I’m embracing everything you’re teaching (maybe not the amaranth so much..) and not following any diet plan at all. Once I stopped eating sugar I lost 2 pounds that week and another 1 1/2 this week. So far I have dropped 9 lbs since we started. My real goal is to be healthy and losing weight is a happy side effect. Thank you!”

S.P., Rockland, April,’09

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“I am a 62-year-old male who went from being physically active and an avid exercise buff to becoming an “avoid-exercise-at-all-costs”, “munch-on-candy-bars” couch potato.   I gained 65 pounds.   When I attempted to return to exer-cise, every visit to the gym resulted in new sprains, aches, and pains.   I be-came addicted to a steady diet of fast food, hard liquor, and sugar-laced pas-tries.

My health declined.   In short order I suffered from five different ailments and was popping seven different prescription drugs.

My body was in bad shape.   My mental faculties were clouded and my thinking sluggish.   And my cure for these ailments  ⎯  namely, more sweets, junk food, and candy  ⎯  pushed my health into more of a tail spin.

A sports trainer suggested that I needed to reform my nutritional habits and lifestyle as well as my exercise habits.   He recommended that I spend time with Holly Noonan.   And off I went.

Mind you, I viewed most “nutritionists” as fanatics, cultists and neo-hippies who could literally swoon over cookies made of pine mulch and fish innards.   That wasn’t me!

But Holly corrected that misconception fast!   She proved to be knowledge-able, well-read, fact-based, a good educator, and anything but an extremist.

Holly shared a number of books and nutritional studies with me, and opened my eyes to the dangerous mistakes I had been making nutrition-wise.   She educated me.   She tempted me into trying new grains and vegetables.   And she helped me make some important changes in the ways I fuel my body.

Today, my “ache-and-pain” incidents are pretty much zero.   I have lost 22 pounds thus far  ⎯  without, I must add, going on diets or deprivation.   And my metal state is much better, too.

So I am highly pleased with the counseling I had from Holly.   I am also con-fident that Holly can help you!   If you’d like more information about my experience, ask Holly for my phone number.   I’d be pleased to vouch for Holly’s skillful counseling first hand. ”

Jim Schlagheck, Lincolnville, March, ‘09

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“Holly, your participation in (our event)– and the passionate and steady voice & energy you hold for “health” was quite amazing. My own experience, now having listened to you on a number of occasions… is that not only do you know your facts– but you present it in such a palateable and inspiring way. Just wanted to say once again: thank you, thank you.

– Anon, Rockland, November, ‘08

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“Holly I am so thankful that I found you. I believe the saying “when the
student is ready the teacher appears”. I knew immediately your program was
the right one for me, what I didn’t know at the time was that it would
literally change my life. With a history of eating disorders, and all the
baggage that brings; body image, self-esteem and self care or lack of it I
honestly never thought I’d find a way out of the mess. Well, you my dear
have shown me the way after decades of being lost. I am learning so much
and appreciate your intuitive style, humor and the compassion you show me.
To be able to look at food as a life force, and not the enemy is truly a
miracle! I am lighter in body and spirit and for that I am eternally
grateful. My hope is that everyone that needs this kind of help will find
you.”

–RJ, Rockland, Sept ‘08

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“I had a great time at your tour of Graves. All the information you have given me so far has helped a great deal. Especially the idea of transitional foods. That takes away the anxiety of trying to quit certain things cold turkey. I find it much more fun and interesting to introduce new foods one at a time. I am able to really focus on it and create a sort of celebration around that introduction. And the reminder to listen to my body on a deeper level than I have been…to really be true to what works and what doesn’t for my body (and mind) without applying the societal norms of what equals a balanced diet. In short, thank you so much! You are fabulous at what you do and the environment you create for your clients in which to learn. I am so grateful for that. “

– Anonymous, Rockland, July ‘08

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“I joined Holly’s group being one of the few people in the room with only a mainstream and basic knowledge of organic foods and nourishing food sources. For many years I have equated health food with unseemly, hairy people who eat pebbles and twigs with a wooden spoon. I have been reluctant to join their ranks.

I have struggled with food issues all of my life, from being a borderline-anorexic teenage bulimic to an adult workaholic making food decisions based on either 1) losing weight quickly or 2) eating something on the go in a busy, hectic lifestyle (for the most part living alone through most of my 20’s). Recently becoming a mother of two and responsible for the food choices for my family of four brought me to Holly, and my knowledge of her was directly influenced by a free class she gave which got me excited about the topic. I decided then and there to join her group. Clearly, you need not wear hemp underwear to enjoy the benefits of unrefined oils.

Not only does Holly talk the talk, but she walks the walk as well. She is obviously passionate about food and about her profession and she has a the listening skills any good counselor should have. She is incredibly non-judgmental, and her interest in you stems from a sincere wish to make your life happier and healthier. Holly knows what she is talking about, but if on a rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer to something, she’ll admit it. And she will make it her task to find out about it and get back to you, not only succeding in answering your question, but adding it to her own broad base of knowledge as well.”

–A. S. R., Camden, May 2008

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“I’ve lost some weight even though I’m eating as much as I want. I have more energy. I quit coffee! I stopped eating cheese and those annoying rashes went away. I’m not craving carbs. My repertoire of foods has expanded to include new vegetables, rye, more protein, coconut oil and I’m enjoying cooking for myself and being conscious of preparing well-balanced meals for every meal.”

–P.M., May 2008

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“I really trust that you have sifted through a lot of information and have abundant wisdom to share. You steer clear of dogmatism and stay curious. You are willing to let the group go on a useful tangent and then you help us return to the theme at hand. You make the class multi-faceted with some “cooking” (mochi), some tasting, some discussing, some guided meditations. You’re fun, sassy, and vulnerable.”

–Jenna Labbé Watson

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To read testimonials (pdf) about my Sugar Blues Workshop, Click Here.

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“So here is a little summary of the little changes I have made since I have
been working with you -

I am off the coffee
I am off the diet coke
I am off the hypertension meds
I am off the antidepressant meds
I am hooked on vinegar.
I am craving kale
I am not craving sweets/ or binging on chocolate.
I love the dense whole grain rye bread with cashew butter
I am cooking much more -
After doing a deep cleansing on my pantry
And my fridge, and my belly,
(I’m) Sleeping better with happy dreams
Much less anxiety.

Thank you for my new life!”

– Anonymous, Camden, January 2008

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“Working with Holly is an energizing, exciting & enlightening dance.
She has an ocean of knowledge, a fabulous sense of humor, and
incredible intuition that make her the best kind of teacher. The
work we do together is very interactive, truly a dance, in which I am
circling back to remember what nurtures my authentic self. It takes
a very gifted teacher to lead in this way ; Holly is following a most
powerful calling.”

– Sea Chauvin, Belfast, December 2007 ____________________________________________________________________

“What a great program this has been! You have provided me with so
many useful tools for improving my well being – both physically and
mentally. I have never felt judged or pressured, only encouraged and
reassured. I am so grateful for your guidance, friendship, and
wisdom and will miss our sessions together. The experience has truly
been a gift. Thank you!”

– L.C., Camden, December 2007

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“I think you are terrific! You are insightful, intuitive, and a well informed counselor.

Nutrition counseling comes easily for you since you yourself have had to examine your own life and health. Mind and body work together to prolong our lives, and you taught me a great deal about habits, cravings, maintenance, and weight control. You are about proper diet as a life style; manageability and creativity with food as sustenance. I always felt hopeful and happier after visiting you. You are a lovely addition to my life for which I thank you.

I hope you do well in all your endeavors, Holly.”

– J.M. , Northport, December 2007

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“Holly acted as nutrition coach, cheerleader, teacher and guide for me over a period of several months. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude created a framework in which I was able to reflect on my eating in the context of living a joyful and healthy life. I especially appreciate the new holistic information I received on foods and metabolism, hormonal balance and the affect of foods and eating habits on my work and emotional and mental well-being. I loved the many treats Holly bestowed upon me – from quinoa to agave syrup to a sprouting jar – they all helped to shake loose old habits and move me along in my quest to eat well.

In addition to the information and helpful handouts, questionnaires and foods, Holly brought an abundance of curiosity and thoughtfulness to her work with me. Patient, non-judgmental, and good humored, she graciously welcomed me in my uneven journey every time we met and offered strong words of support in person and via email. She followed up on meetings with additional information, loaned me cookbooks and cd’s, and checked in spontaneously. Her website is a treasure trove too! Holly was generous and thoughtful throughout our work together. I continue to hear her voice when making food and other self-care decisions, and continue to change my eating habits for complete health, months after our last meeting.”

– Barbara Egan, Montville, December 2007

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“I worked with Holly for the past six months, and although I knew quite a bit about nutrition and vegetarian cooking, I learned even more from her. Through various methods, she discovered what kinds of foods would be best for me; she worked with me on my food issues; and she provided caring and support. I found her tours of Fresh off the Farm and Hannaford Supermarket fascinating. I learned so much from every aspect of our time together.”

–Micki White, Camden, December 2007

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“Prior to working with Holly, I had thought I was pretty knowledgeable about
nutrition and whole foods. However, knowing that I can always learn more, I
decided to work with Holly to enhance my knowledge for my own personal
health and to improve my nutritional counseling with my patients. After 12
weeks of Holly’s program I emerged feeling incredible respect for her
knowledge and approach to working with the complex world of nutrition, body
image and self esteem. Not only was her knowledge impressive but her
enthusiasm and encouragement to make change was incredible. As a result, I
have made some deep changes in my approach to nutrition and have more
confidence in counseling my patients about nutrition. In addition to a
great hour of self care she gave me fun gifts to encourage me to try new
grains and greens, I got lots of handouts to refer back to and access to a
great library of resources. I have referred a number of patients to her who
need a more intensive approach to nutrition. I strongly encourage anyone
who really wants to make a change in how food affects his or her life, to
consider making the commitment of spending 12 weeks with Holly.”

–Jennifer Bell, FNP, Hope Health, Camden –October, 2007

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“I’ve experienced a tremendous sense of support, comfort and understanding from Holly — more so with anyone I’ve worked with. From that I’ve experienced more confidence in myself, which therefore has begun to lead me down the road of health and wellness… a road I’ve travelled before, but not permanently. Holly– you’ve helped me build my foundation and build it so that it is strong and will last. You have an incredible gift. My foundation and clear understanding of who I am– be it my strength or my struggles– will (and is) leading me to a permanent place of energy, health and wellness.”

–H.S., Camden– July ‘07

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“When I was recently diagnosed with early osteoporosis, my doctor recommended I go to Holly for nutritional counseling. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was drawn to Holly on the first, complimentary, visit.

When Holly suggested touring Fresh off the Farm, I almost didn’t attend, thinking that I knew so much about vegetarian foods from my years of Macrobiotic eating. But to my amazement, the 1 1/2 hour tour was too brief! I never knew there were so many fascinating nooks and crannies and products at Fresh off the Farm. Holly is a font of fascinating and worthwhile information.

Having eaten Macrobiotic foods for ten years, and then returning to my junk foods for the past ten years, my weight had yo-yo’d up and down about 30 pounds several times. I needed help breaking away from my diet-binge pattern as well as discovering the underlying reasons for these seemingly insane actions.

I am in the middle of my sessions with Holly and have received invaluable nutritional counseling, lifestyle counseling, support, and understanding. I feel so fortunate to have Holly’s help.”

–M.W., Camden, July ‘07