Faye Walter's fitness goal was simple: she wanted to become the person who was active and enjoyed working out. Faye began following Beachbody's 80 Day Obsession program, and not only did she lose 23 pounds over the course of 80 days, but she also saw a decrease in her anxiety and stress levels - and she credits 80 Day Obsession with changing her outlook on life. Continue reading for her full story.
POPSUGAR: What made you embark on your weight-loss journey?
Faye Walter: It wasn't about weight loss for me. I've always wanted to be someone who worked out and lived an active lifestyle, but I never had the drive to start, partially because I didn't think I could. When I began this journey, I was dating a man who worked in fitness. He never once pushed me to change, but he helped me realize that I could do anything I wanted, fitness and otherwise.
PS: How much weight have you lost to date and how long did it take?
FW: I lost 23.5 pounds from Jan. 15 to April 15 and have since maintained that weight.
PS: How did you lose the weight? Did you follow a specific diet or do a specific workout?
FW: Both - 80 Day Obsession is a Beachbody program with a meal plan and workout videos. The nutrition was portion controlled and timed around my workout block, while the workouts combined weight training and cardio using dumbbells, resistance loops, and strength slides.
PS: What do you like about the 80 Day Obsession program?
FW: Everything! If I have to choose one thing I liked best, it's that each video is different. I've done video workout programs before, and they get stale after you've done the same thing and heard the same joke every Monday for three weeks in a row. With 80 Day Obsession, there are 80 different videos, which means 80 different workouts, never the same jokes, and you get to watch the cast improve along with you.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
- Breakfast: I'll have a protein, vegetable, and a carb - usually scrambled eggs with spinach and wheat toast.
- Pre-workout: Greek yogurt and berries.
- Post-workout: Fruit (usually half a banana or an apple) and a muscle recovery drink.
- Lunch: A protein, vegatables, and a carb (BLT with turkey bacon is a favorite of mine).
- Snack: A healthy fat (usually almonds or string cheese), vegetables (baby carrots), and a fruit (grapes).
- Dinner: A lean protein, vegetables, and a carb. I also try to find a way to incorporate a seed, an oil-based dressing, or olives. I get most creative with dinners because I repeat a lot of my other meals throughout the week.
PS: Do you count calories? Why or why not?
FW: I do not count calories. Nutrition doesn't need to be complicated and counting calories is complicated to me. The color-coded portion control system used with 80 Day Obsession is simple! In fact, I don't even touch the physical containers anymore because I can eyeball my portion sizes now that I'm used to it.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
FW: This is silly, but my first nonscale victory came the first time I lifted myself up to sit on a counter and was shocked at how easy it was. I didn't even have to wiggle! Also, consistently upping my weights throughout the program was a huge victory. I started with five- and eight-pound weights and now I use 15-, 20-, 25-, and even 35-pound weights! Another victory was going from a size eight to a size two (and seeing my abs for the first time since college).
PS: What has been the most challenging aspect about your weight-loss journey? How did you overcome it?
FW: In the middle of the 80 Days, the man I mentioned earlier and I stopped dating. I was devastated. The old Faye would have given up and retreated to a dark corner of her bedroom with a tub of ice cream and sad music. Instead, I pushed harder. I used the workouts to release my frustrations. I now have a new mentality about life and that helped me be able to let it go.
PS: What keeps you motivated?
FW: That mentality I mentioned. It is honestly the best result of my journey so far. My body looks and feels better, yes, but my mind has changed, too. I have more focus, less stress and anxiety, and an overall better attitude.
It turns out, treating your body well does wonders for your mind.
It turns out, treating your body well does wonders for your mind. I've also had numerous women (and men) tell me that I've inspired them to start a journey of their own after watching my progress on Instagram.
PS: What's your next fitness goal?
FW: I want to try CrossFit. Those athletes amaze me. They do things that I never thought I could even attempt, but I've surprised myself so far, so why not try?
PS: Do you have any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
FW: My first tip is don't wait to start. If you're thinking about doing something, do it. My second tip is to find something you enjoy and can incorporate into your lifestyle. Exercise shouldn't be torture and nutrition shouldn't be overwhelming. My final tip is to let your motivation be inward. Think about how you feel, not how you look! That's what will keep you going during the hard times.
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