Denise knows what it means to work hard and keep going no matter what.
Counting macros did not come effortlessly to Denise – she had to work hard to figure it out. She didn’t give up, and since finding her stride in hitting her numbers, Denise’s consistency has been #goals! She hits her macros 6 to 7 out of 7 days every single week.
Denise’s weight likes to stay the same for weeks before finally dropping 3-6 lbs after 4-5 weeks of consistency. It’s easy (or at least, easier) to stay motivated when you hit your numbers every day and the scale trends down each week in response to your effort. It is HARD to stay diligent and consistent when week after week you hit your numbers and that scale stays the same (or even fluctuates up), no matter how on point you are with your diet, water, exercise, steps and sleep.
And yet, it’s so important! It may feel like you’re in a plateau, but every day of hitting your numbers, of doing the work to “just keep digging,” you get closer and closer to striking gold. If you give up instead of continuing, you’ll never know how close you were to breaking through.
Denise is the perfect example of pushing through the frustration and staying the course even when it seems like nothing is happening. Because of that, she continues to reap the benefits of change.
When did your weight loss journey begin?
I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life. I’ve probably tried every diet out there but in December 2018 I sat down on the floor cross legged with the kids and it hurt so bad I could only sit there for a minute. It was embarrassing. At that time something clicked, and I told myself I have to do something about this. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to walk by the time I was 60. So I began working out at the gym. I thought that would do the trick, but I didn’t lose any weight. I did feel stronger though. In April of 2019 I met a trainer at the gym that told me about Marcos. I decided to try it on my own. I started counting Marcos just by using an app. I lost 14 pounds fast and was super excited. But then it stopped and nothing I did would make the scale move (no one told me you had to adjust your Marcos), so in June of 2019 I started researching macro coaches and that’s when I found Stay Fit Mom!
You have been so consistent and steady throughout this process. What keeps you going?
I think what keeps me going is the fear of going back to where I was. I feel so good right now and can do so many things that I haven’t been able to do in years. I fear if I stop, I will go back to where I was and that is scary to me.
How has your macro journey impacted other areas of your life besides just needing a new wardrobe?
We have owed a boat for the last 12 years and everyone tubes and wake boards but me. I was always more comfortable being the flag girl but since I’ve lost this weight I’ve started tubing again! I never used to be able to ride the rides at Knott’s Berry Farm because I didn’t fit in the seats, they would pinch me, and it hurt. I no longer have that problem. Losing the weight has given me so much more confidence.
I’ve never been one to do things on my own. I’ve always needed a friend but last October when I saw there was going to be a Marco’s retreat in February I signed up. For the first time in my life I went somewhere by myself! I got on an airplane, flew to Vegas, and spent a weekend with a bunch of wonder woman I didn’t know. The old me would never have done that!
Have the habits you’ve picked up since counting macros rubbed off on your family? What do they think about it?
My husband does all the cooking, and he is a great trooper trying new recipes. I sit down every Sunday and plan a menu. I go to the store, buy all the stuff, leave the menu and the recipes on the counter, and when I get home from the gym after work dinner is always ready. He eats all the food I eat and is super supportive. My son goes to college in Idaho and he is always wanting me to send him the recipe’s. So, it really is a family affair.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome when it comes to sticking to the plan?
My biggest challenge has been wine. I love a good glass of wine (I live in wine country after all) and at the start of my journey I allowed myself to have one or two glasses on the weekends. I did notice the scale would be down on Friday and up on Monday. I finally thought, I’m doing all this hard work on the weekdays and ruining it on the weekends, so I gave up my wine. I now have a sparkling water drink in a wine glass when my husband has a glass and I feel like I’m having a drink also. I don’t even miss it anymore!
What keeps you signing up for coaching over and over again?
I love my coach and the support I get from her. I’m not where I want to be yet, I still feel I need help. I like the accountability and support a coach gives you.
You’ve made drastic changes to your health in the last year. Where do you see it paying off?
My ankles where always swollen before I lost weight and now they’re not! I was taking 2 blood pressure pills a day and now my blood pressure is normal and I don’t need to take it anymore. I don’t have the aches and pains from carrying all that extra weight.
Any advice for anyone considering trying to count their macros?
It works if you plan and stick to it. It’s great because you can eat anything as long as you plan it into your day. When I tell my friends about macros, they say it seems so hard, but I love the challenge of trying to piece everything together. I’m not going to lie, it was hard the first month, but if you stick with it and plan the night before it actually is a lot of fun. I’ve been amazed at how people’s bodies change so much by counting macros. The support at SFM is so wonderful not only from the coaches but from the other members. Everyone is always cheering you on.
Thanks Denise!
Whenever I am annoyed with my journey, whenever I am frustrated with the scale, I think of Denise, and her diligence in hitting her numbers no matter what inspires me to keep going. – Coach Jamie
Join our Macro Nutrition Coaching Program today!
No Comments