This week our Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Kristi Andrews, who worked with Coach Robbie Farlow.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Kristi Andrews
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 am born and raised in Massachusetts where I have lived the majority of my life. I own a bakery for dogs that also offers grooming and self-serve wash! I have one dog, her name is Phoebe and she is approximately 1.5 years old. I just recently lost my beloved dog Kiki, she was 14.5 years old. My dream is to move to St. Thomas, I am hopeful I will make it there in the next 5 years.
What led you to join Stronger U?
I was at the heaviest I had ever been last November and one day I saw a post that my friend Sarah St. Pierre put on Facebook about her amazing weight loss so I reached out to Sarah to find out how she did it and she told me about Stronger U!
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
I have done so many weight loss programs: Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, 21 Day fix, Jenny Craig, counting calories, starvation, you name it! I was successful losing the weight with some of these programs but I was never successful in keeping it off because these are just diet programs. They don’t teach you the skills you need to maintain the weight loss once you have achieved it.
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?
The reason that Stronger U worked for me is because it teaches you how to eat to live and not how to live to eat! This program allows you to still enjoy your favorite foods. You may have to make some modifications but the option is still there. And, most importantly, at least for me, was the support from my coach. Robbie was an amazing support system for me, guiding me with my numbers, always being positive and he encouraged me the whole time. The lessons that I have learned from Stronger U have set me up for success and I know that this will be the first time that I will ever be successful in keeping the weight off.
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
Before Stronger U, I would food shop but then eat out dinner at least 5 times per week. I was a huge food waster and I am not proud of that! I got lazy and always had an excuse to not cook at home. Also, eating out, I wouldn’t make the smart choice, always what sounded good to me at that moment, along with some cocktails and possible a dessert!
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
I no longer waste food 🙂 I cook at home breakfast lunch and dinner. I go out to eat periodically but now I only choose restaurants where I know I can fresh vegetables, a protein source and a carb, such as a potato. Also, I hardly drink alcohol these days, maybe once every 2 months, if that.
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?
So the first 6 months, I did not exercise at all! Then, I purchased a Peloton, but I am in the minority and I actually don’t like it so I barely use it 🙁 In June I started working out with a personal trainer 1-2 times per week and that is the extent of my exercise, other than walking my dog.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
45 lbs
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
I went from a 38.5-inch waist to a 26!
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
The first and I believe most important is that I could lose weight without depriving myself. This was such a new concept to me because, in all other programs, you have to give up so many things you love which then causes you to cheat and then the weight creeps back on! Second, was that I didn’t have to exercise to lose the weight and the fat, I could do it all with nutrition. Lastly, for the first time in my life, being confident in my skin. I can’t thank you enough for this one!
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
I am a much happier person these days since I have lost the weight and changed my shape! I am more confident in myself and I no longer hate clothes shopping. Knowing I can walk into a store, pick something off the rack and not only does it fit but it looks good, that is huge!
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
I would say first and foremost that you have to want it. No one can want it for you so your mindset has to be in the right place when you start. Also, use your coach, he or she is there for you for whatever you need. Some people need their coaches more than others, but everyone here wants to see you succeed. Also, don’t feel pressure to exercise or to become a Crossfitter. I know that there are so many athletes in this group, but you don’t have to be one if that isn’t your jam!
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
Do it! By far the best experience I have ever had regarding my weight. I am so thankful that I found Stronger U through my friend and I tell everyone whenever they ask me how I did it.
