This week the Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining on Krissy Warren — who worked with Dr. Jessica Bachman.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Krissy Warren
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 was born and raised in the Catskills and still live here. I have nieces and nephews (no kids of my own). I am a 5th-grade teacher at the same elementary school I attended.
What led you to join Stronger U?
I had gone to the doctor the day after Christmas (not recommended) and the scale was the highest it had ever been- I knew I needed to make a change. I went to high school with Jess Bachman. Through Facebook, I saw her posts about being a client and then a coach. I sent her some emails, stalked the website and Facebook page looking at transformations, and then finally pulled the trigger in the middle of January.
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
In high school, I was successful at losing some weight through exercise and being better about what I was eating. I’ve always been a picky eater (there are a few types of meat and veggies I actually eat). After college, I stopped exercising and started eating whatever I wanted again. I dieted one other time a few years ago, lost 20 pounds when I was strict with myself but put it back on (and then LOTS more) when I became more lax. SU really seems to be the place for me. I can eat foods I enjoy eating while being more mindful about those foods. I’m also a self-proclaimed rule follower— so when my coach gives me macros, I stick to them, going above or below would not be following the rules!
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 continues to work for me because of the flexibility to eat what I enjoy while setting limits. Also, it allowed me the opportunity to feel confident within my own skin simply by getting my nutrition under wraps before having to (or wanting to) add in exercise. I exercise because I actually want to now, not because I have to.
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
Before Stronger U, dinners out were often and usually consisted of an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I never checked nutrition labels or serving sizes. Holidays, vacations, family gatherings were all food centered. If I wanted something I had it— and didn’t give up other foods to enjoy it.
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
Now, my eating is much more controlled. I’ve memorized the weight and macros of many staple foods. I am aware of exactly what’s going in my body. If I want a special treat, I plan it in and am aware that may mean giving up something else for that day.
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?
I am not training for anything particular at the moment (but a half marathon is in the back of my mind). Over the summer I really began to enjoy running. I try to run 3 times a week and have worked my way up to 7 miles straight. I also use Les Mills On Demand about three days a week in my basement. I enjoy the BodyPump and CXWORX programs. Before Stronger U none of that would have been getting done. I continue to amaze myself when I have a little extra time and my first thought is to go for a run rather than find something to watch on TV.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
I am currently down 90 pounds with SU (and Jess)— and still going strong!
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
My waist is 15 inches smaller— yay!
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
1) After dropping 60 pounds I felt more motivated to actually get up and move! I’ve started running, which I never even dreamed of!
2) I was not worried about fitting on roller coasters with my nieces and nephews.
3) Buying clothes in a size I’ve never worn in my life.
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
I’m more comfortable in my own skin and don’t feel self-conscious when I leave the house. Prior to SU, I was constantly layering clothes trying to hide myself. While I still enjoy wearing scarves (and they are the only articles of clothing I own from pre-SU that still fit… hahaha), I don’t feel the need to hide behind them anymore.
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
You signed up for SU for a reason, remember your goal and stick to the plan. It becomes second nature and you really will not give that (insert high macro food) you walked by in the break room a second thought!
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
Do it! Be prepared for the work if you want the results! Anything worth having is worth working for! This will be the last stop on the diet train… because this program gets you results. I’ve had several friends join and it’s great checking in with them and all of us supporting each other! I also let everyone I talk to about the program know about the awesome SU family you become a part of through the FB Members page. The SU Community is AMAZING and I thank every one of you in it for helping me on my journey!
