This is Joan Hunt’s story of how she successfully lost 30lbs.
Joan is a mom of 5-year old twin girls, Executive Director of Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, a local non-profit organization.
Inspired and impressed by Joanie’s transformation, I’ve been asking Joanie if we could share her story for awhile and she said when she hits her goal of 30lb weight loss she’d share.
About a week ago with a big smile on her face, she looks at me and says, “I’m ready.
- Can you share a little about your weight/fat loss journey? (Your a busy mom of 2, where we’re you, what were you unhappy with, what prompted the change, how did you approach it?)
Joanie:
When I didn’t want to get in pictures with my girls anymore I knew something had to change.
One of the most frustrating things for me was that I’ve always known how to eat healthy and I love exercising, I just couldn’t find a way to balance it with my other responsibilities without feeling guilty or selfish.
This may seem silly but the moment that I committed to my health and fitness journey was February 3rd, 2022 when I got a small tattoo of a barbell on my forearm.
This serves as a daily reminder to me that I’m committing to my health, fitness and balance.
I initially started with my fitness and trying to get back in shape and it wasn’t until early in 2023 that I really made significant changes to my nutrition.
I’ve tried weight loss programs before and haven’t been consistent but I’ve found that a combination of counting macros, increasing protein and staying in a calorie deficit is really supporting my weight/fat loss journey. I’m down 30 lbs from February 2022.
2. What specifically were you struggling with when it came to nutrition?
Joanie:
Consistency. I could do well for a while and then one thing might happen that would send me into a downward spiral of unhealthy eating and it might take me weeks/months to recommit.
3. What specific things helped you achieve success?
Counting macros, increasing protein and tracking have helped me so much in remaining accountable and consistent.
I still indulge here and there but I bounce right back which I was not able to do before.
This is a huge step for me!
Also, consistency in my meals.
I eat a lot of the same things everyday. I enjoy them, I can track them easily, they’re high in protein and they keep me full. Finding those staples has been transformational for me.
Railroad has obviously been a HUGE part of my success! Being consistent in the gym 4+ days a week and noticing the improvements in my fitness overall continues to inspire me to keep working hard outside of the gym as well.
4. How is life different for you now? What do you feel, notice and/or experience?
Joanie:
I have so much more energy all the time!
I’m happier, a better mother, friend, sister, partner, co-worker etc.
Being 5″10′ sometimes it’s hard to notice the weight difference because it distributes differently (maybe?) but I definitely feel 30 lbs lighter and am inspired to keep pushing.
I also feel strong which I love and I talked to my girls often about loving our bodies and working on being strong and eating the right things that nourish us vs. any kind of weight loss/body shaming language etc.
5. What would you say to someone who is where you were?
Joanie:
1. Don’t feel guilty or selfish for putting your health and wellness first. To me my physical well-being is directly connected to my mental well-being and I’m a much better person when I’m able to be physically active and eat well.
2. You don’t need to feel hungry to lose weight/fat. Finding the foods you love that are protein-rich, keep you full and support muscle development will support your goals.
3. I know we hear this all the time but CONSISTENCY. Consistency with exercise and nutrition. You don’t have to be perfect all the time but about 90/10 is where I like to be.
Inspired?
Me too.
If you need help when it comes to nutrition or training – book a free consultation to talk to one of our Coaches. We’d love to help!
