Flexible Dieting Success Story

Q: Why did you decide to join No Bull Nutrition?

I was at the point in my fitness journey that I knew I needed to take my nutritional intake seriously. I was proud of the fact that I had already lost 20lbs on my own due to more time in the gym, and a friend of mine recommended Stephanie’s No Bull Nutrition services. It was the information I needed at the time, and I figured I had nothing to lose [but more weight].

Q: Was there anything about the program that surprised you?

Other than it actually works? Just kidding. I had the fortunate privilege of seeing my friend’s transformation before I started the program myself, so that aspect didn’t surprise me. What initially surprised me was that once I started the program, and was eating every 2 hours, that I was constantly hungry. How could I be hungry again after all that food!?!? It was weird, but cool, in a science-y sort of way. It abated, thankfully! Also, I began seeing results in about 2 weeks, and it was about that time that my energy levels went through the roof!

Q: How have you managed to stay on track while balancing your work and social life?

In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. All the planning and cooking stressed me out. I had never planned my meals this meticulously. My partner doesn’t do the program with me, (I’m Trying!!) but he’s supportive and encouraging. The app MyFitnessPal really is a life-saver for this program, but mentally, I’ve given myself the ability to “cheat” every once in a while, meaning I’ll eat something and not track it. It’s been tougher during the holiday season, so on the days where it’s a normal day, I stay on track 100% and allow myself some leniency on the holiday party days. One or two “off” days won’t undo weeks of progress. This took time for me to comprehend (mentally).

Q: How has your performance in the gym (or outside of the gym) been affected by flexible dieting, if at all?

I eat to perform, I think is the saying. Again, the science-y thing about the program made me more aware of what I eat and when I eat it in relation to my workout. With this knowledge, my performance is enhanced because I’m consuming the right macros before/after a workout. Now, I have gobs of energy during a workout whereas before I was depleted long before my workout was complete.

Q: What has been the biggest change you have made in your lifestyle and/or relationship with food?

Awareness that food is fuel, and not something to do because I’m bored. I like that with flexible dieting I can factor in small treats without sacrificing an entire day’s efforts. Another thing that changed for me was awareness of proper food sizes. That alone was illuminating.

Q: What advice do you have for other people considering joining No Bull Nutrition?

Give yourself a full month to get the hang of it, and don’t beat yourself up if you can’t eat everything, or if you go over. The first two weeks will be tough. Like, hands down tough. Stick with it. It’s worth the effort. My other advice is to eat heavier foods earlier in the day versus later, and to eat every 2-2.5 hours in the beginning. When your macros get lower, then switch to every 3 hours. But before then, the amount of food to eat in the beginning is substantial. Don’t find yourself eating a pouch of tuna at 9pm because you didn’t plan the day right. That was me in the beginning! Obviously, do what works best for you, but switching a few things around made a difference for me.

Q: What has been the greatest reward for you, and the greatest struggle since you started with No Bull Nutrition? How have you managed to overcome?

The greatest reward is putting myself and my health first. I never thought I’d see this type of definition 16 weeks in. I’m smaller and fitter than I was before pregnancy (initial goal) and now I’m determined to see just how cut and defined my body composition will allow (current goal).

The greatest struggle is in defending my greatest reward. Let me explain:

The greatest struggle may seem odd in that now that I’m slim and cut is that others (family and coworkers) feel like that have an ownership in my body. Be prepared for people to flat-out be nosy. It’s a double-edged sword. I get compliments as much as I get the “concerned” comments. Am I sick? Am I anorexic? Am I bulimic? I would laugh if those issues weren’t valid issues many people suffer from. For the most part, I know they are coming from a place of genuine concern, so I explain what I’m doing and oftentimes the amount of food I’m consuming in one day, and sometimes at the end of the day I shake my head at all of it. So I’m now telling everyone I’m getting into competition shape and they’re like, “Cool” and leave it at that.