Client Spotlight Barbara
on Oct 21, 2024
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“Coaching Barbara has been so inspiring! When we began 1:1 together, she had already established solid consistency with her nutrition and was faithfully working out. Her goals were continued weight loss, to gain strength as she ages and to stay off of pharmaceuticals. At the age of 65, she has never once complained about ‘having to’ do all of this for her health, but instead has had an optimistic ‘I get to’ attitude that is so refreshing!
Barbara came in working with an SFM custom count, fresh off of the Bikini Bod challenge. We have made some minor tweaks to her macros here and there but overall, her journey has been about consistency + time…the magic formula for progress with anything! She has lost almost 40# by eating ~1850 calories a day, hitting her macros faithfully 7/7 days and getting her workouts! I love the way she is always looking for ways to improve her consistency and planning while also enjoying a social life and the activities she loves. She frequently says in her check-ins that she really loves macros because it doesn’t feel like a diet! I’m so excited for her progress so far, and to continue coaching her towards her goals on her journey to her healthiest self!”- Coach Laura
We typically interview our client spotlights question and answer style, but Barbara has beautifully shared her story in letter format for us all.
Table of Contents
A letter from Barbara:
Grab your party hats and get ready to celebrate, because this 65-year-old has officially retired and is embracing life like never before! After 28 wonderful years of marriage and raising our amazing 25-year-old son, I decided to turn the page on a new chapter. I hung up my para educator hat in July 2023 and gave myself six glorious months to decompress and soak up the sweet taste of freedom.
Fast forward to October—I realized it was time to focus on my health! I jumped into workouts like a kid into a ball pit, but let’s be honest: my nutrition was more of a tumble than a dive. Enter Noom! I signed up in January 2025, eager to tackle my eating habits. I lost 20 pounds, but something still felt a bit off. Then I stumbled upon Stay Fit Mom, where the idea of cooking five bowls of food caught my attention—what a fun challenge!
Then came the Bikini Bod Challenge on Facebook, and I thought, “Why not?” I signed up for the level with macro numbers, feeling equal parts excited and terrified. To my utter disbelief, I found out I wasn’t eating enough! What?! Could this really be true? I adopted my new mantra: “Trust the process.”
The first week, I was so full I thought I might pop! I kept repeating my mantra, and lo and behold, I lost weight. Suddenly, I was playing Tetris with my food—who knew nutrition could feel so fun? Nothing was off-limits as long as I hit my numbers. In fact, I even ordered a Double-Double from In-N-Out because I needed the protein. Never thought I’d say that!
During the challenge, I dropped 8 pounds—yay me! I loved this approach so much that I signed up for 1:1 coaching for the accountability. Over the next six weeks, I lost over 12 pounds and almost 15 inches. Can you believe it? I’m three months into ongoing sessions now, and I’ve shed almost 19 pounds for a grand total of over 31 pounds since April!
I’m absolutely in love with this program. I can eat anything and feel completely satisfied—no deprivation here! I’ve stopped snacking (by accident!). Never think you are too old to try macro counting. Anyone can do this.
I’m currently lifting weights three days a week, joining a bootcamp where I proudly hold the title of “Oldest Member.”
On my off days, I ride my recumbent bike for 30 minutes and walk a mile after feeding my four feral kitties (they’re quite the handful!). I also like to quilt and will start up again with the cold weather coming.
My favorite SFM meal? Bang Bang chicken, hands down! The family raves about the spaghetti casserole, and I’m obsessed with the baked tacos. And get this: my blood pressure was creeping up to the 130s/80s, but now it’s a cool 105/64, I’m getting stronger. I can actually bear crawl, jump rope and hold a plank now. My posture has improved, I’m sleeping deeper, and I’m mindful of my macros without stress.
If you are considering 1:1 coaching, I highly recommend it.
Coach Laura has been an absolute gem, full of wisdom and kindness. I look forward to our weekly check-ins and love hearing her insightful replies.
So here’s to health, happiness, and embracing every moment of this fabulous journey!
With love and laughter,
Barbara