This week our Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Colette Walsh DeVos, who worked with Coach Syndi Acampora.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Colette Walsh DeVos
Tell us a little about you in 5 sentences or less. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What are your hobbies? Anything unique about your life that you want to share?
I live in Sioux Falls, SD with my husband of 22 years. I have 3 sons- my oldest is a junior at Creighton and my twins are juniors in high school!! I am a “retired” labor and delivery nurse. I love working out, reading and going for walks.
What led you to join Stronger U?
I had been slowly gaining weight in my 40’s. I was tired all the time!! Everyone told me that it was “normal”. Stronger U was my last chance to prove to myself that it didn’t have to be my “normal”!
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
It feels like I have been on a diet off and on my entire life. Weight Watchers, Whole 30, Paleo, Eat to Perform, the cabbage soup diet, the South Beach Diet to name a few. Many were successful in the short-term, but I always seemed to slowly gain the weight back. I was never taught what to do after I lost the weight!!
It’s clear Stronger U worked for you. Why do you think Stronger U worked so well when other programs or diets may have not?
Stronger U worked for me because I was able to ask my amazing coach Syndi a million questions and her feedback helped me to understand (not trust) the process. Therefore, I was able to be successful on my own. I learned what to do after I lost the weight and that was the missing piece in all the other programs I had tried before. Spending time in maintenance with my coach was THE best money ever spent!
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
I ate all the “healthy” fat! All of it!!
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
I eat the foods I love but in the correct amounts for my personal goals.
If you exercise or train for a sport, what does a typical week look like? Did Stronger U have any impact in your decision to start exercising or training for a sport?
My entire fitness regimen has changed over the last few years. I stopped Crossfit (after hip surgery) and focused more on hypertrophy-style training. Also this summer I started running and ran my first half marathon ever. I never thought I would love running, but I am hooked.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
I lost 18 lbs initially on my “cut”. However, I’ve been able to maintain my weight in a 2-3 lbs range for almost two years. That is the real accomplishment if you ask me!!!
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
Being a pear-shaped lady, I lost a few inches off my waist but the real change was in my hips. I lost 5 inches off my hips!!
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
1. I successfully had hip surgery and rehabbed without eating my emotions and gaining all my weight back.
2. I was able to check “run a half marathon” off my bucket list a few weeks ago. I did not use my hip as an excuse not to go for it.
3. I feel more confident in my own skin. I love the person I am becoming at 47!!
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
When I started SU, I was tired and frustrated with myself. SU helped me find my happiness again. I feel healthy, strong and confident. I am a better wife, mom, and friend!
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
Please have patience!! Be an active participant in the process. Hit your macros within 5 grams daily. However, if you have an off day, don’t beat yourself up just simply get back on track the next day! Be kind to yourself!! Remember your coach is human too!
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
There will never be a perfect time to join. Just do it. Knowing that on January 1st I won’t have to start a diet is one of the most empowering feelings ever!!!
