Lisa

I think any woman will relate with at least one part of Lisa’s story. The “diet-hopping”, yo-yo cycle, the quick fixes…..something that reminds me too much of my own past. I am so proud of Lisa for following through, for completing her goal and for being a HUGE source of inspiration to her friends, family….and her coach.  Amazing job Lisa. I am SO proud of you!!!

“When I signed up for 4WTF I had probably tried every diet out there. I

have never been all that overweight but would constantly see the scale

go up and down 5-10 pounds. I had tried them all. From starving myself

only to binge later, pills, shakes, juice fasts even vitamin B

injections and starvation diets. Some worked for a quick fix but

somehow the weight always returned and I was on to the next diet. I

was on a path to unhealthiness. One weekend at the cottage of bad

eating would turn into weeks of binging. I don’t know how many times

my husband would hear on Sunday night, “tomorrow I am going to start

fresh!”. I was also finding it increasing harder as my children grew

to even lift them. I knew I had to do something to increase my muscle

mass.

I had watched a girlfriend complete 4WTF and heard her talk about how

great she felt about herself and how strong she felt. I never really

thought it was something I could do and it all sounded kind of scary

to me! With a lot of encouragement from my husband (he’s always been

my biggest cheerleader), I decided what do I have to lose. I have to

admit though, I was a little terrified!

The program was nicely laid out and easy to understand even for

someone that wasn’t all that familiar with weight training. I have to

admit, the food was a struggle at first. I really had to retrain my

brain. I had always had a fear of fat and had never allowed myself

things like coconut oil, almond butter or avocado. Now these are

staples in my daily diet and I can’t imagine living without! It was

more food than I’ve ever eaten and at first it was a struggle to eat

it all. I’m sure I drove the 4WTF Facebook group and Rita nuts with my

moments of doubt and questioning the amount of food I was consuming.

But everyone assured me to stick with it. Well after week 2 my body

seemed to kick in and started using the healthy “fuel” I was giving

it. I felt stronger from day 1 and that was very encouraging.

The support from the FB group and from Rita was invaluable. Any

questions I had were answered right away and reading the page everyday

and chatting with this group of women whom I had never even met kept

me going. I also had my own little support group at home cheering me

along the whole 4 weeks. On snow days the kids would come with me to

the gym counting out my reps and giving high fives!

So how do I feel???….I feel proud. Proud that I was able to complete

something that at first seemed so impossible. I learned more about

food and proper nutrition and fuelling my body with healthy proteins

carbohydrates and fats. I learned that I didn’t need to spend an hour

on an elliptical machine to achieve the results I wanted. I have a

long way to go but I feel like I’m on the right path now. I’m still

going to indulge every once in a while. Who can live without wine?!

But now I won’t let one unhealthy day turn into a week of unhealthy

eating. Probably the most important thing I’ve gained from this

program though is I now look in the mirror and I don’t start

criticizing every part of my body. I now like what I see and I get

excited that I see muscle starting to form and my butt starting to

lift!

The entire 4WTF team is amazing and they made the whole experience one

that I will always remember. Rita is the best coach and is always

there to answer questions and encourage you through the whole process.

She’s so approachable and honest and genuinely wants everyone to

succeed and be their best self. Dina is a spray tan master. She is so

sweet and I felt completely comfortable (even with nothing on!) and I

loved my tanned skin! Florencia made me feel so beautiful. I could

have sat in her chair and chatted all day. Paula made me feel so

comfortable in front of the camera. The thought of the photoshoot had

stressed me out from the beginning even wanting to skip out on it. I

am so glad I didn’t. I love my photos and will tuck them away as a

little reminder of how strong I am and how proud I am that I could do

this!

I plan to continue with everything Rita has taught me. Who knows,

maybe there will be another 4WTF in my future!”

xo Lisa Purple heart