This week, the Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Amy Putman, who was coached by Coach Karina Verespy, RD.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Amy Putman
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 hail from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have been married to my lovely husband Steve for 10 years and together for 14. I have an amazing 9-year-old son, named Benjamin, who is a 4th grader this year. I am a CrossFit addict and love to travel. I’ll do almost anything so long as it is with family and friends. I’m a social girl.
What led you to join Stronger U?
What led me to Stronger U was seeing the success of my friend Patrice O’Dea. We have known each other for over 5 years and lived through multiple diet struggles together. We had done Paleo, Whole 30, etc to no avail. She told me that she was going to try Stronger U and that was the last thing she would do before just conceding to life in her current shape.
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
Oh goodness. What have I not done? I have been overweight since elementary school. I was on Weight Watchers in junior high with my mom and grandmother. I lost some weight there because of the support with meetings and check-ins. I don’t know why we stopped. But the weight came back. I didn’t really do much in high school or college. So the weight just crept on. I started working out at Curves but never changed my eating really. I joined a CrossFit gym and lost about 30 lbs quickly but then stalled. I tried Paleo and Whole 30 but those put me on the defensive immediately with the insane lists of foods I couldn’t eat! So I kept working out, thinking I was making good food choices but the weight never moved.
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?
I think it works because of the complex simplicity. You are following a set of numbers. But it is so much more than that. The mental changes that have come about from the support of my coach, the other coaches, and the other members are gargantuan.
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
OOOH. I was a grazer, picker, eater of my son’s leftovers kind of gal. The bowl of M&M’s or candy at the office? I grabbed some every time I walked by. Eating from the bag of whatever was nearby while cooking. Taking the last few bites of my son’s plate that he didn’t finish. Totally blind snacking in front of the tv. I always had dessert. We ate out ALL the time, be it fast food or sit down, all the time. Finally, there was wine. I was drinking a few glasses at night with dinner.
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
The sheer awareness of portion sizes. I knew most places were off. But I didn’t realize how off. Weighing my food is still an everyday thing. I love brussels sprouts! I am not a constant snacker anymore. We don’t eat out often at all, so it’s now a treat when we do. I have come to enjoy salads, and crave them. I drink around 160-200 oz of water each day, effortlessly.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
I have lost 110lbs so far. I’m not quite done yet.
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
My waist has obviously gotten smaller. But I cannot give you a direct answer because my waist is only now kinda showing itself. But I have gone from a size 24 pant to a 12/14 now.
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
1- I can see my muscles!
2- I am helping my son develop a healthy relationship with food.
3- I went after my CrossFit L1 Certification and opened my own CrossFit affiliate.
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?
A typical week before Stronger U was CrossFit 4-5x a week and the occasional yoga class. Now I still do CrossFit 4-5x a week, Yoga weekly, row 5-15k and have started running. I really don’t like running. But- it’s a mental thing. So I am training for a 5K in November. The last time I did one was in 2010. It took me 54 minutes to finish- yes 54 minutes. So I am looking forward to a sub-40-minute finish in November. #turtlecaptain
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
Oh my goodness yes! The best thing- and still a thrill when I get on a plane: is NOT HAVING TO ASK FOR A BELT EXTENDER!!! I don’t mind sitting in booths at restaurants. I can now share clothes with my 16-year-old niece. My son can wrap his arms all the way around me when he gives me a hug.
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
The very best thing is to plan your day out the night before. There is not much worse than finding out you need 60 grams of protein at 9pm because you tracked on the fly.
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
What are you waiting for? There is no perfect time except now. Do it! We will help you 🙂
