Introduction
: This story is about a professional woman who joins a women's health club with a very unusual approach to diet and exercise.
Women's Health Club
*****
"Welcome to Ambrosia Women's Health, Ms. Debra Stone," the tall blonde lady said as she read the prospective client's name off the sign-in sheet.
"Please, call me Debbie," the 5'5" brunette haired women dressed in a pencil skirt and professional blouse answered.
"Of course. My name is Ms. Devereaux," the tall blonde woman replied as she held out a hand to greet Debbie. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Now how did you hear about us?"
"I've seen your ads," Debbie explained. "You offer an alternative all-natural approach to women's health and fitness. Anyway, I'm intrigued. I've put on a few pounds, over the past few years. I'm 39, and I weigh almost 140 pounds, and I know it doesn't get any easier losing weight the older you get. I've tried traditional dieting and exercise, but the weight seems to keep coming back, so I'd like to try a different approach."
"Very well. How much do you know about our program?" Ms. Devereaux asked.
"I know that your club is exclusive for women, which really appeals to me," Debbie said appreciatively. "I've tried joining gyms before, but I was always intimidated by all the muscleheads there."
"Do you know anyone currently in our program?" Ms. Devereaux asked.
"There's a lady in my office. Eileen."
"Ah yes, Ms. Burch."
"Yes, she always gushes about Ambrosia. She spends her lunch hour here, and she always comes back raving about your services. And her fit body practically sells your program. She's my age, and I'd love it if I could be a size 6 again like her."
"That is excellent to hear." Ms. Devereaux agreed.
"She never quite tells us exactly what your methods are, though. Can you describe them?" Debbie inquired.
"Now, I must remind you, our methods are not traditional, and they are proprietary," Ms. Devereaux cautioned. "As such, we are very protective of our methods and techniques, so, to that end, we require everyone who joins to sign a non-disclosure agreement."
"Are your methods really that different?" Debbie asked skeptically.
"Traditional weight loss clinics and gyms, they don't nourish your soul. We take a holistic approach to diet and exercise and give our clients an experience that they crave, which is the secret to our success. We offer a very unique approach to diet and exercise, madame, that is quite a departure from our competitors. I'm sure you can understand that we need to protect our business interests."
"I-I suppose that's fair," Debbie decided.
"Here is a copy of our contract. It is a month-by-month agreement, as opposed to other clubs that require a year's commitment. The payment terms are here. If you sign right now, we can get you initiated in our program.
"I suppose, then, even if your program isn't for me, then I can quit after just a month. Is that correct?" Debbie asked.
"Absolutely, Ms. Debra. Other clubs of course require a 12 month commitment, but we are confident that you will love our program and want to stay. We've never actually had anyone quit our program unless they move out of town, so we have a nearly 100% member retention rate."
"That's crazy," Debbie gushed," but I guess, well, what do I have to lose?"
"Only a few pounds," the saleswoman smiled.
Debra laughed as she grabbed a pen and began signing the paperwork.
"So, I am almost late for work, but can I start tomorrow before work?" Debbie asked after signing all the forms.
"Perfect. We can start you with the diet program tomorrow," Ms. Devereaux explained. "Members come to our site for meals. Most come twice a day, typically for breakfast and lunch, and then they are free to eat whatever they like for dinner."
"That is perfect. I work just around the corner. I can come a little early, eat breakfast, and then come here for my lunch hour. Maybe Eileen and I can make a lunch date of it."
"Excellent. And we have an exercise regime, also." Ms. Devereaux informed her.
"I have an afterwork commitment today and tomorrow, but I could come the day after," Debbie proposed.
"You are a member of our club, and you are welcome here as often as you like," Ms. Devereaux warmly replied.
"Do I need an appointment for the diet or the exercise activities?"
"No, we always have meals or equipment available."
"Good, then I will be back tomorrow morning," Debbie confirmed.
"We look forward to it, Ms. Stone, and welcome to Ambrosia."
*****
Day 1 - Diet
"Ms. Stone, it is good to see you again," Ms. Devereaux greeted Ambrosia's newest member.
"I'm so excited to see what Ambrosia is all about," Debbie replied.
"As are we to see you start on your journey," Ms. Devereaux confirmed. "Please, follow me. I will be your guide."
"So, you have a cafeteria in the building?" Debbie inquired.
"Not exactly. We have a series of feeding stations. It's just down this hallway and then to the right."
Debbie followed her to the end of the hall where a series of doors stood before them.
"So, we have different flavors to suit your mood," Ms. Devereaux said as she waved her hand. "Vanilla. Chocolate. Mocha. Custard."
"This is healthy? It almost sounds too good to be true," Debbie exclaimed.
"You'll understand in a minute. If you would, please pick a flavor to start with, and if you don't like it, then you can always try another," Ms. Devereaux reassured her.