First off, I want to thank you for inspiring us those who participated in the the fitness challenge. When I first see your transformation pictures on Instagram I couldn't believe that was possible. I was following many other fitness girls on IG and almost no one posted their transformation so for most of us who doesn't know better, we'd think it's genetic and that it is not possible for us to achieve that type of body. Except for you. You have been so true about your own fitness journey and it has a great inspiration to me because now I know it is possible.:) I have been able to motivate and push myself through this challenge from that inspiration. About my own 6 weeks fitness journey, where do I start *#-o d'oh!. It was definitely tough, I did a little research on how to calculate my own macro and started from there. Then I used that along with your designed meal and workout plan. As an student, I hardly cook because my mom does all the cooking. But going on this diet meant I had to prepare my own food. For me, that was probably much harder than the workout part. I followed your meal plan the first 3 weeks but after that, as 3rd year engineering student and doing 16 units per quarter, I just couldn't have the time to prepare your suggested yummy meals. Therefore, I ended up eating baked chicken, tilapia, salad, veggies, brown rice, sweet potatoes everyday*:P tongue. I realized what was my aim and seeing change on my body helped me craving for unhealthy and bad food for my diet. Then finals came during the 5th week and I pretty much had no time to workout. Even that, I tried to squeeze at much time as possible to stop by the gym at school. Or on days I didn't have school, I made sure I did body circuits at home. Because I didn't do as much workout as I should, I allowed myself no cheat meal the last 3 weeks. In my workout routines, I did exactly what you suggested and love every workout routine, except HIIT*:D big grin. I am not so much of a HIIT type i guess but I understand that's probably the best way to lose body fat so I still pushed myself to do it. One of the perks living in California is the beach so I usually run on the shore for my HIIT when I have the time to go there. My favorites are weight training days. Leg days have been the best. Besides following the workout plan, I always have an abs session after or before every workout. I love doing abs, but never seem to show any progress when I tried working out before. Through this challenge, I finally understand why I did not see change. It was because I did not eat right. My abs started to show after 17 days into the challenge so since then, I've never missed an ab workout; I do it consistently 4 times a week. In terms of what I could have done better, that would probably be HIIT. I did 2 times of HIIT a week when I know I could have done 3 to burn more body fat. I am working on it to find way to enjoy doing HIIT more often. Today was the last day of the challenge so I allowed myself a couple slides of pizza*:) happy. But this is only the beginning, I continue to prepare my healthy meals with the right amount of carbs, protein and fat taken into account. I continue to workout using your workout plan and build a better glute, legs and especially abs. I never enjoyed the gym and healthy meals this way until I started the challenge so thank you Lauren. I really couldn't ask for a better kick start in my own fitness journey. Initial weight: 109 lbs Current weight: 104.5 lbs
Kate L
Here are my before and after photos. If you do want to share them, please just crop out my face. These pics were all taken after I woke up, so I am not picture ready lol. I want to say thank you so much for doing this challenge. I have been in a slump, not knowing what to do different, or what I was doing wrong in my own fitness routines / diet. But now I feel like I know so much more, and as time goes by my body will only get better! I know I might not win this challenge, but I have to say that I am so happy with my before and after results! I keep looking at the photos and am amazed by the changes I see. I even put on a pair of my pants the other day and my luv handles aren't there anymore!!!! I can even see some definition in my ab area!!!! I never thought that was possible I am a LOT stronger than I have ever been too which feels amazing!!! I know the changes are not drastic, but they are a step forward in the right direction, and I am so grateful for your help and guidance along the way to help me get a step closer to where I want to be! As you know, I did not feel good a few days out of the challenge, but it didn't stop me from sticking to my exercise and diet. I am not saying that I have not cheated along the way, because I definitely did.... But when I did cheat, it was half of whatever I would have normally ate before this challenge started. I also stop eating at least half way through my meal now if I go out to eat. I haven't gotten that gross full feeling from overeating in a long time... So I am very proud of that! The hardest part of this challenge for me was doing cardio all the time. Being a fitness instructor on top of doing an hour of weight training with another 30 min to an hour extra of HIIT can be very draining on top of my other job! The diet was extremely hard for me as well... On the plus side though, I discovered that I really enjoy eating more vegetarian friendly meals now. I got tired of chicken really quick, and meat in general started to kind of bother me for some reason, so I tried some new brands and vegetarian patties in place of the meat for the meat I didn't want to touch anymore! Needless to say that was a shockingly nice surprise and the diet became a way more enjoyable for me as well! I'm not going to lie... I honestly was not sure I could make it through this challenge a few times and I am sure I could have done a lot better during my cardio sessions and of course my diet. But no matter what, if I got caught in a funk, I kept going, and I know for a fact that my diet has been much better ever since this challenge started. I eat smaller, healthier, and more consistently thanks to you and I know I am not going to stop here either.. You have helped me find a new lifestyle in food and fitness! Like I said, I know I have a ways to go yet, but I am so incredibly happy and can not thank you enough for everything you have done and continue to do for all of us looking to better ourselves!
Shannon S
aw results after the first week which really motivated me to keep going. It was encouraging (and addictive!) to see results so fast. I feel a lot more strong and confident - in and out of the gym.
Melanie G
Only lost 9.5 lbs but look at them gains!
Nikki A