Success Story #97

Name: J. Alvarez
Improvement: 10+ lbs Weight Loss / 3.2% Reduction Body Fat
Time: 3 months
Program: 2017 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
The biggest challenges I faced were having the will power to eat fewer sweets. I am a sugar addict and it was really difficult to eat less sugar, baked goods, chocolate, etc... I feel like I had to retrain my brain into thinking that I did not always have to have dessert or something sweet after every dinner (and throughout the day!) Also, eating less in general, like snacking less was a challenge but also smarter snacking.

What motivated you to stay on the course?
In the beginning, it was definitely my PACU teammates. Honestly, I did not want to look like the weakest link of the team so I made more of an effort to work out consistently at home and keep up with eating better. Moreover, they were definitely on me about earning those challenge points! Haha!  I was stuck at this 15+lbs of post-baby weight and as I saw the weight coming off, even though it was maybe only a pound or two every week, it definitely kept me motivated to keep up the work. Plus my husband and I myself noticed changes in my body overall, which made me really happy and kept me motivated.

Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
I definitely started eating less overall. I cut down on sugar (but I definitely still had some!). I cut down on carbs like bread and crackers, but not so much fruit. I also started eating dinner earlier, which I think is a huge help.  Plus I started to feel better when I ate dinner earlier the next morning.

What advice could you give to others that want the same results?
Anything worth having is worth working hard for. Therefore, if you really want to transform your body and become healthier, you will have to work hard for it but it is worth it. You are worth it and you deserve to be in the best health possible! So give yourself that gift, be patient with yourself and your body and give yourself some credit!

How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
I feel like the TTC17 has jump-started my weight loss and road to becoming healthier and getting to where I want to be in terms of my body and lifestyle.  I plan to join the summer challenge and keep it up!  I want to be more active and healthier for my husband and daughter so that is my plan!