Shelly’s Story: Fitting into THAT pair of jeans again!
Ten months ago, Shelly, a vibrant stay-at-home mom, reached out to me with a desire for lasting change. Standing at 5'3", she was determined to shed fat, build lean muscle, and revitalize her relationship with food. Like many, she had navigated the frustrating cycle of fad diets, most recently Optavia, which left her feeling restricted and trapped in a yo-yo pattern. She longed for a sustainable lifestyle built on whole, nutritious foods, one that would deliver lasting weight management and improved energy.
Shelly's lifestyle, filled with the demands of young children, a traveling husband, and a love for enjoying life's simple pleasures like a glass of wine or a local brewery, presented unique challenges. She recognized a tendency to overindulge in sugary and processed foods, especially after drinks, and struggled with the aftermath of restricting her favorite foods. She sought a balanced approach, one that allowed her to enjoy meals without the discomfort of bloating.
Initially, Optavia (this plan greatly reduced her daily calories, which does not support long-term fat loss) had helped Shelly temporarily drop from 135 lbs to 118 lbs, but she plateaued.
This is a common issue with restrictive diets: severe calorie reduction often leads to muscle loss, which in turn slows metabolism. Shelly was a dedicated exerciser, regularly using her Peloton bike and participating in boot camps, but lacked a consistent strength training routine.
Our work together began with a focus on metabolic priming. I explained the importance of reversing the effects of yo-yo dieting, which often results in significant muscle loss and a sluggish metabolism. Rebuilding metabolic efficiency required a shift towards eating more of the right foods, while prioritizing high-quality protein and protein supplements. We started her on a reverse diet, to start adapting her metabolism to where it should be by increasing her daily caloric intake.
We emphasized the importance of tracking progress through photos and measurements. Often, especially for clients close to their ideal weight, the scale may not reflect the significant changes in body composition. Shelly committed to building balanced meals, prioritizing protein, and incorporating consistent strength training.
While the scale and measurements showed modest changes, Shelly's transformation was profound.
We set a tangible goal: fitting back into a cherished pair of capris from her pre-motherhood days. Over the past ten months, she achieved this goal! We started with small, healthy habits, focusing on habit stacking and small changes. Her consistency with her All Day Coach supplement stack (Super Greens, Energy & Focus and BCCAs provides the morning foundation necessary to build daily momentum!)
More importantly, her relationship with food has blossomed. Food guilt has diminished, her energy levels have soared, and her healthy habits have positively impacted her family. Her son now enjoys salads for dinner, a testament to Shelly's commitment to leading by example.
Having an accountability coach to support and encourage you makes all the difference:
“I need hear and think the “positive “ because sometimes life can be so tough! I tend to focus on the negative- what I need to do, what didn’t get done, doctor bills, ugh! But the good almost always out way the bad! I need to wake up positive and think what I get to do, not what I have to do. Getting up at 5am on a Saturday for hockey stinks, BUT I get to get up today and watch my kids play the sport they love! I am so thankful I get to enjoy this part of my life! “
Shelly's journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable wellness is about more than just numbers on a scale. It's about building a healthy relationship with food, embracing strength, and creating a lifestyle that nourishes both body and soul. Shelly's dedication and willingness to change have empowered her to achieve the body she deserves and, more importantly, a life filled with vitality and joy.