Today I want to introduce you to one the most wonderful most consistent women I know.  Yvonne’s attended boot camp a little over a year and has made considerable health improvements.  In addition, she has made a concerted effort to change her diet the most important part of health.  We sometimes have to trick her into stepping outside her comfort zone but she always handles it like a trooper.  This is Yvonne’s fitness story!

 

How long have you been exercising consistently?

I started seriously about a year ago.  Before that it was sporadic at best.

 

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?

There we several factors.  My job is sedentary but very stressful.  I was going through a lot of upheaval in my life and was diagnosed with diabetes and knew I had to do something if I didn’t want the complications associated with diabetes.

 

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I am down 2 sizes since I started this journey.  I’m also much stronger.  I remember when I started at ERF and we would do battle ropes I’d have to stop because my arms would give out.  That doesn’t happen anymore.  HA.

 

What all do you do to stay active?

For me it’s hard in the winter but I still try to walk a little over a mile every day.  When the weather is good I work in the garden and mow my yard.  Yes, I use a push mower.  It’s fun.

 

What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?

My biggest barrier is winter.  I hate being cold.  So, it makes it a challenge to stay active.  The best way that I overcome is to get into a routine.  If I don’t walk I feel as if I missed something. Of course coming to ERF helps a lot.

 

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself   physically and mentally?    

I have a lot more energy.  I can get more done without feeling I need to take a break.

 

How would you classify your current eating habits?

I think my eating habits are good.  I’m a label reader.  I know carbs and sugar are my enemies so I make an effort to watch those very closely.

 

Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?

I try to do a modified diabetic diet very little bad carbs and lots of vegetables and nuts.  When I say modified I mean I might eat a hamburger once in a while, but I will get a small hamburger take one of the buns off because I might want to eat 5 fries.  That way I still feel I’ve had a burger and fries but keep my blood sugar under control. It’s not for everyone but it works for me.

 

Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?

I love fruit specially Mangoes.

 

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?

I’d say try to be consistent for at least 3 weeks.  That’s how long it takes to establish a pattern. After that that time I think you’ll feel a change and be motivated to continue.

 

I want to thank Yvonne for sharing her story with all of us.  She makes three great points everyone can use in their health journey.  Number one, when confronted with a health issue that can be treated with lifestyle the choice is yours to take action and take control of your health.  Number two, learn to read food labels and keep those carbs to a minimum.  Last, set a goal to stay consistent with any lifestyle change for a minimum of three weeks, chances are you will see physical and mental changes that will motivate you to stay with it.  If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes the best thing you can do is educate yourself and take action through exercise and diet.  You can do it. I promise!

 

 

Today I want to introduce you to an awesome lady named Keri.  Over the past 6-8 months I’ve really seen Keri take off from a physical standpoint.  She’s no longer afraid of weights and is more than willing to try heavier lifting and is seeing great results.  In addition, she’s embraced healthy eating which is the real key to losing fat and inches and keeping it off.  The last thing I see that’s critical to success is a strong social support system and Keri definitely has that.  This is Keri’s fitness story!

How long have you been exercising consistently?

I have been exercising somewhat consistently for about a year. 

What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?

What influenced my decision to be more dedicated was seeing pictures of myself and not liking what I saw and knowing I could do better and better and more healthy. 

How much weight/inches/jean sizes have you lost?  Or/and how much stronger are you?

I have lost 17.5 pounds since Jan 12. Not sure about inches.  I lost a whole size in my pants.  I’m wearing pants that have been hanging in my closet for 3 years. 

What all do you do to stay active?

I stay active by going to boot camp 3-4 times a week. It’s easier and more fun to exercise with friends and family. I walk sometimes with my daughter and like to ride bikes with my family. 

What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?

My biggest barriers to being active is finding the time and other family commitments.

Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself physically and mentally?

The biggest change I’ve seen in myself is how my clothes fit and how much easier it is to jump on the box and do rows.

How would you classify your current eating habits?

My current eating habits are very good. I’m motivated and in a good mind set to eat healthy. Nothing taste as good as skinnier feels.

Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?

Specific diet:  stay away from fast foods and soft drinks. Lots of fish and water. And fruit smoothies for breakfast instead of donuts. 

Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?

Go to healthy food: Fish . Sliced almonds for a snack. 

Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?

Advice for someone:  do it with friends. Exercise is more fun with others. Someone else holds you accountable and when you don’t feel like going they will encourage you to go. Set small goals for yourself. Look at old pics that you don’t feel you look your best.  Once you start feeling lighter and stronger it is so easy to stay motivated. I want to exercise more and eat better every day because I know I can do it. 

I want to thank Keri for sharing her story and congratulate her on the progress she’s made and continues to make.  Keri provides us with three important tips for success.  Number one, having an exercise buddy is invaluable because of the accountability factor.  Keri and Taylor hold each other accountable to show up.  Number two, diet is important.  Lose the fast food and soda, just making those two changes alone will go a long way toward the big overarching goal.  Keri said it best “Nothing taste as good as skinnier feels.”  Number three; don’t worry about the scale measure success with how your clothes fit and how much strength you’re gaining.  My hope is that everyone reading this uses it as motivation to continue fighting the fight.