Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a teacher in upstate NY. I live with my partner, Mara, who is also a SU member. We have two dogs, three cats, and a chinchilla!
What did your life look like before Stronger U?
Before joining SU, we would often go out to eat— order the appetizers, entree, and dessert! I did not exercise— and had no desire or energy to do so. Nights consisted of couch sitting and TV watching.
What does your life look like now?
I now ENJOY cooking (prior to SU I couldn’t even boil water), making meals, learning about food and moving my body! Since joining SU I have run several half marathons and am currently training for my third full (first in person since last years’ were moved to virtual runs). I still love all the sweet treats and desserts but have learned how to work them in and balance the rest of my day.
Where did you hear about Stronger U?
Coach Jess on Facebook.
Why do you think Stronger U worked so well for you compared to other programs or diets?
Nothing was off-limits; my chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and cupcakes were NEVER taken from me, which means I never craved them or missed having them. I also did not have to reintroduce them and worry about regaining weight because I already knew how to make them a part of my healthy new lifestyle! I am also a HUGE rule follower- so having the accountability of a coach and checking in with her weekly kept me in check. Finally, having a coach to teach me how to LIVE in maintenance and build-out of a cut was PARAMOUNT!
What was something you regularly ate while on Stronger U that people wouldn’t expect you to eat on a diet?
Chocolate— I have some form of chocolate DAILY!
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
100+
How many inches did you lose off your waist?
15.25”— Waist went from 40.5 to 25.25!
Did you have any favorite non-scale victories to share?
Soooo, so many! First would be the fact that my progress and success inspired so many family members and friends! My partner lost 130 pounds herself! <3
Has Stronger U improved your overall quality of life?
A BAJILLION times YES! I didn’t even know how unhealthy and unfit I truly was and what a chore it was to just live day to day. Everything is just much easier now, I am less stressed, and sleeping well!
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what advice would you give them before beginning their journey?
Do it- you deserve to focus on YOU! Time will pass whether you are doing the right thing/making the right decisions- so you might as well stack the deck in your favor!
Would you like to give a shoutout to your coach, SU staff member, or community member?
I LOVED working with Jess for a year and a half and then again last summer during marathon training. This summer I am lucky enough to work with Karen to fuel for my marathon that I will RUN WITH Coach Jess. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about this opportunity! Of course, I will ALWAYS thank Mike for following his dream of making better lives. The entire SU FB Community is so inspiring and I have made so many like-minded new friends!
there anything you would like to add about your journey?
Journey is a great word because goals and expectations are continually changing, evolving, and growing. None of this new life of mine would have ever happened without SU! I am forever indebted.
