“I Can’t Believe that I Can Actually Wear a Size 0 or 2!”

Meet Traci E. She lost 28 lbs with a hybrid of Beachbody programs, such as 21 Day Fix, P90X3, and 21 Day Fix EXTREME. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for May 16th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before starting my journey with Beachbody, I was on a yo-yo regarding weight. I work full time as a teacher, have a 10 year old daughter who is involved in a ton of activities, a husband and aging parents. I am really busy and had lost myself in taking care of everyone else, neglecting my health and well being. I had grown sedentary, was not into a healthy pattern of diet and exercise. I was frustrated and felt very negative about my body and appearance and was somewhat ashamed that I had let myself get to that point.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I attended a friends wedding and saw the photos of myself and thought I really needed to make a change. I wanted to feel better, look better, be healthier and set a good example for my daughter and my students. I wanted to do something for myself. There was a nutrition challenge in my hometown that encouraged participants to change one nutritional habit for a month. I knew in the past when I had tracked calories I did a better job of food choices. At this same time, I saw Sarah’s (my Coach) post on Facebook about the 21 Day Fix and how it really changed her life. I spoke with her about the program and what it involved and thought “why not?” So that is when I signed up for the Challenge Group and bought the program. I really had no idea what a life changing decision that would turn into.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
Maintaining any type of regular physical activity and healthy diet. I chose the 21 Day Fix because it seemed easy, included 30 minute workouts, and an eating plan that seemed simple to follow. I started to get up earlier in the morning to get my workout in and found the eating plan of the 21 Day Fix to be simple to follow. I have also realized that slipping back to old habits will only yield the same results as before. I have worked very hard to look at this as a lifestyle change and not a diet.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
The initial appeal was the 30 minute workouts and a simple eating plan. I really enjoyed the workouts and knew that I had 30 minutes a day to devote to myself. I really liked the container system, it made sense to me and not only helped you manage your dietary intake, but it taught you how to control portions and the types of food you consume.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I began this journey on April 14, 2014. I did 3 consecutive rounds of the 21 Day Fix. I later created a hybrid workout of Beachbody programs and added walking and running to the calendar. In September, I took on P90X3 and completed that full schedule (lean), along with the Elite block at the end. At that point the 21 Day Fix EXTREME was released which I purchased and just finished my first round of that workout. I am most proud of my continued devotion to my workouts and eating. I get up at 4:25 am every weekday to get my workout in. I am really excited about the dramatic results I have seen since starting. This is the most fit I have ever been (which says something considering I was a 3 sport athlete in high school). I can’t believe that I can actually wear a size 0 or 2!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Obviously people have noticed my transformation. I am more energetic, and feel better about myself. I am proud of my dedication and know that this time my results are permanent. I see my before pictures and know that I never want to go back to that place. I feel like I am a good example for my daughter and for my students, friends and family. I feel strong and healthy!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The accountability of the Challenge Groups was very instrumental in my success. Being able to see that others were experiencing the challenges that I was facing really helped me get through the times I felt like quitting. I never wanted to admit failure so it kept me on track toward my goals. The group was also a safe place to share about missteps and successes. I would not have felt comfortable just publishing about my workouts and food in a totally public setting. I really liked the safety net the Challenge Groups provide. I have made some new friends as a result of being in the challenge group and enjoy the interaction with like minded people.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
Sarah is a great Coach. She was always very encouraging, present in our challenge groups and just an overall great leader. She is passionate about her coaching and was always there to answer questions and offer motivation. I also appreciated her participating in the programs along with us and showing us that even our coach has a bad day every now and then!

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology has been great! It was like a treat everyday. I think it helped curb some of the cravings for sweets that I had in the past. It tastes good, gives me energy and has been an important part of my journey. It was a way to get a lot of nutrition in a low number of calories. I would like to think that it has been my hard work and dedication that has been the most critical component of my success, but Shakeology has been a part of it as well.

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.