SISU Transformation: Angie Volk
I have exercised my entire life, have been doing CrossFit for 8 years, and have been a member of SISU for almost 4 years. I finally decided to pull the trigger on the nutrition program after seeing all the other amazing before-and-after pictures from other members who have completed the program…and from hearing Steve and Doug from the early morning class yak about it non-stop while they are supposed to be strength training. I told Coach Christina that I was not a big “scale” person, so we made a best guess on a weight loss goal, though, I told her that what I really wanted to do was just learn how to eat again.
I am of the age where, during my impressionable years, the weight-loss fad went from low-fat to low-carb in a hot second, and I had no idea what I was supposed to be putting in my mouth. I ALSO wanted to get my mid-section whipped into shape after donating a kidney a little over a year ago (talk to me if you want to be a living organ donor, it’s easy!).
To get going on the SISU Nutrition program, I bought a personal scale and a food scale. I learned how to use the MyFitnessPal app and got great pointers from Steve and Doug on how the heck to get enough protein in my diet and how not to freak out if my weight fluctuates a bit throughout the week. And I was actually SHOCKED at how quickly the weight came off, but more importantly, how my body changed. For the first time in my entire life, I DIDN’T HAVE TO SUCK IN MY GUT! And I wasn’t hungry; I was actually able to eat way more carbs than I was eating before (but way less fat calories as I learned that I had been putting enough of those down to feed a small band of lumberjacks). It was amazing to me how that balance of macros impacted body composition. The last “light bulb moment” happened with two weeks left in the program when I got stuck just short of my goal. I decided to pull that last lever of kicking my afternoon Diet Coke habit, and 5 more pounds literally fell off. Who knew?
So I lost a total of 12 pounds in 12 weeks and 4″ off my waist (and will now gladly pay a small fortune to have all my dress clothes taken in), and I think I have at least a 2-pack going where that muffin-top used to be. But most of all, I feel EDUCATED and EMPOWERED now that I know how my eating habits impact my body. And while I may fall off the rails sometimes (I love sweets…and IPAs), especially when I travel, now I know EXACTLY what I need to do to get back on track. I would highly encourage anyone to sign up for this program. I am so glad that I did! Thank you, Coach Christina, you are the best!