“No more diabetes medications for me!”

Every year, Penny Kovacs looked forward to browsing the local antiques fair with her husband. But this year, her knee pain forced her to stop every 10 minutes, and she suddenly felt as old as the items around her. That’s when she knew: I have to find a way to lose the weight.

In addition to antiques, Penny spent a lifetime collecting diet disappointments and diagnoses like diabetes. There was also a knee replacement in her future. She already needed steroid injections every six months just to function.

Then Penny tried Whole30, focusing on whole food ingredients rich in umami flavor. She instantly felt satisfied—and shed 6 pounds and 12 inches that month. “It was a breeze,” she says. “I went from excruciating knee pain to zero pain!”

Penny initially found inspiration at IHeartUmami.com and started developing her own unique recipes. She enjoyed spicy chicken salad, savory soup and meatballs with tomato sauce. She also seasoned meals with coconut aminos. “The best part: I was never hungry between meals!”

She loved the taste and the results. Her blood pressure plunged from 140/90 to 116/74, and her rosacea improved by 70%. “My doctor even officially took me off my diabetes and cholesterol medications!”

Penny—who inspires people on Instagram as @pennysprimal—adds, “The list of non-scale victories is insane!” She explains, “My husband has always said he loves me by the pound but now he tells me, ‘I have to come up with a new line’ because I’m getting smaller by the day!”