Hello Healthi family, Coach Ashley here!
Welcome to the Healthi Interview Series where I’ll be interviewing Healthi Members on their weight loss journeys. If you are looking for more inspiration, motivation, maybe some real-life experiences of people and their weight loss journeys, look no further!
I’ll be chatting with Healthi members and coaches to bring some insight and fresh perspective on what it takes to lose weight and keep it off. In these interviews, members will get to share details about their journeys, goals, motivation, food choices, exercises, and more!
I hope these interviews bring you inspiration and motivation to help you in your journey! Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or you’re looking for new strategies to stay on track, there are many effective and sustainable ways to achieve your goals. With the help of your supportive Healthi Coaches and Members, and a commitment to healthy habits, you can reach your weight loss goals and live a happier, Healthi-er life.
Today, we’re chatting with Healthi member Summer! Welcome!
First, please introduce yourself! Tell us a little bit about you, your journey so far, and the Healthi plan you chose.
Summer: I am a wife and mother who loves quiet mornings with a hot cup of coffee. I joined Healthi in November 2019 after committing to doing whatever it took to lose weight for the last time. I had already lost a little weight on another program but had plateaued for several months. I was drawn to Healthi’s plan options and the ability to use calories and macros. I spent the next two years experimenting with different eating styles and Healthi plans while reading a lot of books and taking courses to learn as much as I could about nutrition and how the body works. During those two years, I lost a little over 90 pounds. I have spent the last 16 months in maintenance while obtaining my weight loss and nutrition coaching certifications. Recently I decided to lose a little more weight while I continue to work on building lean muscle. I chose Calorie Command because it allows me the greatest amount of food choice flexibility which is important for me in maintaining my balanced, healthy eating pattern.
What motivated you to start your weight loss journey?
Summer: I was in a period of my life where I felt like I had lost total control of everything. I knew there were a lot of things in life that I couldn’t control but I could control my eating and lifestyle. I wanted to live a happy and healthy life for my own well-being as well as enjoy and support my family.
How do you stay motivated to continue your weight loss journey?
Summer: My health and energy have dramatically improved over my weight loss journey. I feel so much better and enjoy living life so much more now that I am motivated to never go back to the life I had before.
Have you tried losing weight before? If so, what worked for you and what didn’t work?
Summer: I have been on and off a diet for over 30 years. Weight Watchers, Richard Simmon’s Deal-a-Meal, The Flat Belly Diet, and Low-carb/Keto, are just a few of the diets I tried. I feel like I learned a lot from all the different diets, but being in a slight calorie deficit, eating a diet composed of mostly whole foods, and maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle has proved very successful for me.
What’s your favorite healthy snack to munch on when you’re feeling peckish?
Summer: I love a good apple sprinkled with Tajin and a hard boiled egg.
Have you incorporated exercise into your weight loss plan? If so, what types of exercise do you enjoy?
Summer: Maintaining daily activity plays a role in my healthy lifestyle. I try to move as much as possible during the day and incorporate planned daily activity. I take daily walks with our dog and do 5 to 6 days of resistance training.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles to losing weight, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Summer: I think for many of us the biggest obstacles are mindset and consistency. Working to ensure you are maintaining positive self-talk and building a pattern of healthy habits are key to reaching your goals.
How do you plan to maintain your weight loss once you reach your goal?
Summer: I am a firm believer in losing weight the way you want to live. So, I plan on continuing the healthy habits I have built including making the same healthy and balanced eating choices I make today.
If you could only eat one type of fruit for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Summer: Blueberries. They are filled with antioxidants and taste amazing even with savory dishes.
What’s the most creative way you’ve found to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet?
Summer: Breakfast! I try to include a vegetable in every breakfast. My favorite breakfast is grilled chicken breast and Brussels sprouts drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is your favorite way to celebrate a weight loss milestone, and why?
Summer: I love to celebrate my weight loss milestones with a fun, family activity like playing a new board game, taking a hike, or exploring a new place. It allows me to celebrate my wellness in a way that reinforces my healthy habits.
I absolutely love how you celebrate, Summer! Thanks so much for the wonderful tips!
