This week our Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Randy Stensaas, who is working with Coach Tanner Baze. Way to go, Randy!
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Randy Stensaas
Who was your Coach?
Tanner Baze
If there was one thing you could say to your Coach, what would it be?
He is always available and puts up with me.
Tell us a little about you. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I live in Lusk, WY, have 3 grown children, two of who are in Stronger U, my wife was in Stronger U but is on her own now. I like to go for walks, and drives, spend time with my family and grandkids.
What was the moment that made you decide to join Stronger U?
My oldest daughter had joined to see if it worked without exercising, and it did, and I could see she was eating a TON of food and losing weight, so the wife and I joined up in July of 2019 to give it a try and WOW, do I feel good. I was over 300 pounds my numbers don’t reflect it, but I am down 100 pounds and over 12 inches lost..and boy howdy do I feel and see and notice the difference. Before when I was overweight, there were places I could not fit or sit, now I can live my life and I’m loving it.
Is there anyone from the SU community you would like to shout out?
He’s probably tired of me shouting him out but my coach Tanner Baze. He has done a great job helping me out every step of the way.
What dieting experience did you have previous to Stronger U?
I tried all the typical diet stuff and tried to watch what I ate, but until I started with SU I did not realize what a difference learning to weigh your food made.
What were your eating habits like before joining Stronger U? Did you prep your meals? Did you eat out regularly? Did you think you were already eating healthy and in moderation?
I ate what I thought was good food. I thought I was eating in moderation, but after I started weighing it, learned I wasn’t eating in moderation at all, and now I have learned to control it. I grew up in the McDonald’s generation and I like McDonald’s. I’d eat that regularly. Now I can still eat it, I just know how to plan for it.
Why do you think Stronger U worked so well for you compared to other programs or diets?
It taught me how to eat. It is not a diet, it is a program that teaches how to eat and to understand what you eat.
What was the biggest challenge or change when you first started with Stronger U?
Eating all the food. I was astounded at how much I had to eat. When I started I was eating plates piled HIGH with food, and I’m thinking, “There is no stinking way I will lose weight eating this much.” But I did.
What was something you regularly ate while on Stronger U that people wouldn’t expect you to eat on a diet?
Bacon, eggs, and toast. I’ve had people see me eating bread and say, “I didn’t think you could eat bread”. I tell them I can eat anything I want, just have to know what it is and fit it in my numbers. I tell them this is not a DIET, because all people believe that you have to eat, either ALL CARBS or ALL PROTEIN. They have never learned to eat in balance.
What does your typical week of eating look like? How many days a week do you meal prep? Do you have certain meals you make most often?
I don’t meal prep. My wife tries and usually is successful. Me on the other hand, I try to eat a lot of the same things most days. Like fish and chicken. Oh, and I love steak
If you exercise or train for a sport, did Stronger U have any impact on your training? Or did Stronger U have an impact on your decision to start exercising or training for a sport?
I started walking for my health before SU, but after SU and I started losing weight, the walking made a big difference in me. It was easier, I walk faster and I am not winded like before.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
Since I started I have lost over 85 pounds, but that does not tell the story. I was over 305 pounds just before I started and I had managed to get down to 291 before starting SU.
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
Oh heck yeah, I was at 54.5 inches when started, now I am at 43 inches.
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
After losing the weight, I got to go skydiving with my daughter, something she did not think was ever going to happen because of my weight. The REALLY BIG one is I was diabetic, and the weight loss let me get off my pill and I am NOT diabetic anymore. And finally, pants size, from 40 to 34 and working on a 32-inch waist.
Outside of the scale, inches, and previously mentioned NSV’s, how has your life improved thanks to your time with Stronger U?
Yes, it has. I am more energetic and work about the house getting things done.
What are 3 tips, based on your experience, that you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them see success early on?
Just follow the advice of your coach. Take every day for itself, yesterday is gone, work on today. If you fall off the wagon, get back on, don’t wait.
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what advice would you give them before beginning their journey?
Don’t get disappointed at what you perceive as nothing happening, it is happening, trust it. Everyone is different, just because one person is losing every day and you’re not, don’t worry. It is working for you too. You’re learning and this process takes time.
