Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a 42-year-old mom of three girls. I am a military veteran of the USCG and I work from home for a solar company. I’ve been married for 13 years and we reside in sunny San Diego, CA🌞
What did your life look like before Stronger U?
I always have been active and tried what seemed like every diet under the sun! I drank wine every night and ate snacks mindlessly while enjoying my nightly cocktails. I used to wake up every night at 3 am and my sleep was horrible on top of waking up with a headache typically! I tried to eat healthily and worked out daily but just sabotaged myself every night with drinks and snacks.
What does your life look like now?
I stopped drinking alcohol the day I started with SU it was a very hard thing for me as that was my nightly routine with my husband! I now track everything I eat (most days I have peanut butter cups)! But I don’t feel guilty about eating anymore. Once my tracking has ended for the day I tell myself that is it until tomorrow and I mentally train myself to not go in the kitchen once it’s “closed”. I distract myself with a hot bath, tea, or anything that doesn’t trigger my old habits (i.e. sitting on the couch eating handfuls of something and drinking a bottle of wine).
Where did you hear about Stronger U?
I heard about SU on Facebook through the Peloton Mom’s group
Why do you think Stronger U worked so well for you compared to other programs or diets?
I think Stronger U worked for me because I was held accountable weekly by my awesome coach, I felt like I had a community of support from my coach and the Stronger U Facebook page and I wasn’t alone in the struggle of weight loss it was amazing!
What was something you regularly ate while on Stronger U that people wouldn’t expect you to eat on a diet?
Peanut butter cups, M&M’s, Birthday Cake, Ice Cream, and In N’ Out burgers and fries.
Did Stronger U have any impact on your training?
I used to run and training for half marathons before SU. The pandemic hit and I couldn’t do those outdoor runs anymore because I was homeschooling so I bought a Peloton Bike and Tread and those were influential in my training. I started lifting since starting SU which has helped a lot with the loose skin from losing 100+ pounds. I’d love to run more races once they are scheduled again here and currently I run on average 8-11 miles on the treadmill 4-5 days a week and spin 1-2 days per week with strength training 5 days a week- I love to exercise and it’s my outlet so it helps to have a positive mindset even on those mornings I don’t feel like exercising I psych myself up knowing it produces a nicer and calmer me😊
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
104 lbs
How many inches did you lose off your waist?
15 in
Did you have any favorite non-scale victories to share?
I can tie my shoes without being out of breath!
Has Stronger U improved your overall quality of life?
Yes 🙌 I don’t worry about eating “bad” things anymore if they fit into my daily macros I feel at ease and I don’t feel guilty. My mental strength has improved 💯 I don’t feel depressed or helpless anymore and my energy levels are amazing! I just wish I found SU sooner and didn’t have to struggle for all the years I did with failed diets and “magic pill” remedies.
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what advice would you give them before beginning their journey?
I would say read Atomic Habits and Chasing Cupcakes and try to shape the mental around the physical. If you set your sights on what you want you will be determined to get there.
Would you like to give a shoutout to your coach, SU staff member, or community member?
Dean Guedo- my amazing coach and Food Dad Mike Doehla have been the most positive influences for me as well as the SU Facebook community-it really does take a village!
