Reno Moms Blog is starting a new series of posts featuring two local nutrition coaches and NPC bikini fitness competitors, Gwen Sedler and Jen Boscovich. We have five RMB contributors that have signed up to make a lifestyle change through the consultation of these nutrition and fitness experts. Follow along as our contributors share their trials, tribulations and triumphs through the process.
We asked the participating contributors, “Why did you accept this challenge, and what do you hope to get out of it?” Here are their responses.
I used to eat clean about 80 percent of the time but over the last few years I’ve found myself simply eating whatever is ‘easy.’ Sometimes this means stopping for take-out on my way home from work. Sometimes it means eating a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs with the kids. I don’t feel good when I eat this way and need to get back on track, which is why I’m giving Gwen and Jen’s program a try.
I’m a textbook yo-yo dieter. I’ll get on a kick and lose 20 lbs. only to gain it all back (and then some). This opportunity is coming at the perfect time, because I need to start over from scratch and make a true lifestyle change. I know it will be hard, but I’m excited, and to be doing it alongside friends is the icing on the (rice) cake!
I haven’t been happy with my weight nor confident in my appearance for well over 9 years. After I had my first child, I lost all the baby weight and then some. I was also a stay-at-home Mom and exercised daily, making it a priority to go for runs with the baby in the jogger, to the gym, etc. Two years later, I went back to work, and I no longer made exercising a priority. After babies number 2 and 3, I never got back to my ideal weight. I exercised. I ate OK. But if there was a yummy dessert, I’d have it. When I was packing my children’s lunches, I’d snack on whatever I was packing for them. I finished their dinner plates at night, eating their scraps (and extra calories). And I kept making excuses: after vacation, I’d start eating better. After our guests left, I’d eat better. After a stressful workload, I’d eat better. I always pushed it out and got to a weight that was truly embarrassing to me.
When I saw this opportunity to join Gwen and Jen, I was really excited. I felt if I had to “report back” I’d have an accountability which would make me stay on track. And I’ve always wanted help from a nutritionist to make sure I was making accurate choices. But the most exciting element came from getting to embark on this journey with friends. I love my Reno Moms Blog friends and being able to experience this together: to support one another, to share ideas, challenges, and recipes, to kibitz about missing wine or difficult situations, and to peer pressure one another…I knew this would really keep me honest and motivated!
I was really nervous to get started. I heard from one of our mamas who had to meet with Gwen and Jen earlier that we weren’t allowed sugar, fruit, alcohol, or gluten. I honestly didn’t think I could do it. I loooove fruit. And I love wine. In fact, in my job, many of my work meetings occur after hours over a glass of wine. How could I do this?
But after meeting with Gwen and Jen, the fear was replaced with empowerment, eagerness, and excitement. These two know what they’re doing and they have so many tips and tricks for getting through things like missing sugar or how to handle social situations where you’re expected to eat/drink. They were so motivational – and totally beautiful (which yeah, is intimidating…but they’re so nice and likable, they became one of the gals and totally approachable). I loved the customized calorie/portion/food plan and while I’m still nervous if I can do it, I’m going strong. Granted, it’s only been two days, but I WANT to do this and I have Gwen/Jen and an amazing group of Mamas that will help me stick to it!
Yesterday, I honestly looked at my food thinking, “I can’t eat all of this.” I had turkey, green beans, and potato for a morning snack. That felt weird, as I normally grab an apple. But I ate it all. And I kept eating and enjoying everything.
April Garcia
I am absolutely ecstatic that this week I am beginning a clean eating program with Jen & Gwen. I have been working for the last year on eating better, but I have hit a plateau. I was looking for an expert that has walked the walk to help me get to the next level. I researched different options and when I heard about this dynamic duo—I knew they were the perfect solution. After sitting down with both of them, I feel great about the chance to get into the best shape of my life.
I have already learned so much about clean eating from these ladies, and it was obvious they knew just how to help people achieve their goals. My plan is to follow their guidance, lose a little extra weight, and become more fit than I was before kids, office jobs, and all the other things that can get in the way of taking care of our health. Let’s Do This!