"I think I could write a book about how this program has changed my life."
Alexis's Progress
Before
Before
3 Months
3 Months
What has happened so far on the program?
So far I have lost between 13-15lbs and 3% body fat (I notice that when my weight goes up it means I’m building muscle, because if I give it a week or so, my body will lean out again. It’s a nice roller coaster to be on). I have gotten much stronger and have increased my lifts by 20-50 pounds depending on what it is (bigger lifts= more weight i.e. I was squatting the bar and now I add 25lbs of plates on each side on there). I stay in the 6-8 rep range.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
I was nervous that counting my macros was going to be too complicated and too time consuming. I believed what I was seeing and reading, I just didn’t quite believe in myself.
I’ve tried crossfit, paleo, long distance running, eating “clean”, etc. At the end of all of that I weighed more than I ever had in my life.
What do you like most about the program?
I think I could write a book about how this program has changed my life. I’ve always been an emotional eater and now I have control over my eating habits. My stomach doesn’t hurt all the time anymore, I always feel full, and I never feel deprived. Of course I spend some time planning and tracking, but it’s gotten easier now that I’m more familiar with what I like to eat regularly and what fits my macros. There is always the inner dieter in me that thinks I’m eating too much, but I work hard to trust the process and I’m always rewarded.
The other thing I love about this program is that it’s the first thing I’ve ever tried where I don’t feel pressure to meet a certain goal in an unrealistic amount of time, which means that if I have an off day, I don’t beat myself up about it. This is now my life style and I know that if I stick to it more often than not, I’ll have the results I want. I’m also constantly learning and getting better at the whole process.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
I’ve always loved lifting. Quite honestly I’ve had a hard time feeling bad that I’m not eating clean enough or spending enough time in the gym. These are old thought processes that die-hard. I’m in and out of the gym in less than an hour while I watch other people in there before I get there and still there well after I leave. Work smarter as Mike would say!
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
I’m more confident; my pants aren’t painful to wear because they actually fit again (a little loose now actually), like I said my stomach doesn’t constantly hurt. My digestion is better, I definitely have more energy, and I’m happier. My mental health has improved.
I’m a therapist so when I started this program, I took a survey that we give to our clients about mental health and I scored lower than a lot of them. At that point I knew I needed to do something. I can’t say enough good things about this program and how it’s helped me regain my life. It’s also allowed me the strength and confidence to pursue the life I’ve always wanted to live. Never settle!
It’s also important for me to note that I have high social anxiety so right off the bat I knew my barrier was going to be just walking in to the gym. For the first month/month and a half I did not lift a weight because I would have panic attacks just thinking about going to the gym. I would do some HIIT sessions at home or in my office, but during that time my exercising was not consistent. I stuck to my nutrition goals though, so I was still able to see some progress. Now I still have panic attacks going to the gym, but I push through because I know it will go away once I start lifting.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Of course, trust the process and don’t let the scale push you around! Counting macros gets easier, so give yourself a break if you’re not perfect right off the bat. Trying this and sticking to it is the best thing I’ve ever done.
My favourite thing I’ve had someone say to me during this process was “How are you so skinny? You’re always eating.” Haha!
