Another deserving LG Sister takes the spotlight today. Every Friday, there is a special post featuring an LG community member who is inspiring others by sharing her real life journey with us. This week, we are taking a break from the LG Sister Spotlight game of tag we’ve been playing all summer (no worries, we will pick that up next week). Read on to meet Kristen!
LG Sister FAQ:
Name: Kristen
IG Handle: lgfitpharmgirl (I just created this fitness profile to get more involved in the LG community! Pretty excited for that!)
Age: 37
Location: Neenah, WI
Occupation: part-time pharmacist, full-time mom
Hobbies: boating, paddle board, golf, knitting (I’m a nerd!), snow skiing, soccer mom
IG Handle: lgfitpharmgirl (I just created this fitness profile to get more involved in the LG community! Pretty excited for that!)
Age: 37
Location: Neenah, WI
Occupation: part-time pharmacist, full-time mom
Hobbies: boating, paddle board, golf, knitting (I’m a nerd!), snow skiing, soccer mom
MEET KRISTEN:
How did you get started with your health and fitness journey?
For the last 10 years, my idea of staying fit was signing up for a half marathon, forcing myself through a training program, eating like crazy because I was starving from all the running, complete the race, and not lacing up my shoes until I decided to commit to another race months or years later. I ate ‘low-fat’ and non-nutrient dense foods and I thought the only way to lose weight was to count calories and live in a constant state of hunger. I haven’t ever looked ‘fit’ in my entire life.
I have two kids now (6 and 8 years old) and they (along with my husband) are the little loves of my life. They are watching me like a hawk. Last March I decided that we were going to make some changes and try to eat better and I stumbled upon the LG weight training program on Pinterest. I wanted to be a better example for my kids and I set out with the only goal of becoming the healthiest ‘me’ that I possibly could. I had absolutely no intention of having a ‘transformation story’, losing weight, losing inches, etc. I feel as this all kind of happened by accident. I have a son and a daughter and especially for the sake of my daughter, I never want her to be concerned about her weight/body image. I don’t want her to see me body shaming myself so I am very conscious of how I try to be a roll model for her.
I started with the optional beginner phase of the first weight training program because I hadn’t worked out regularly in over a year and I had never done resistance training before. I take one or two days off completely each week because I don’t workout on the days I work a 10 hours shift. I started seeing changes so quickly and by week 10 everything came together and i didn’t even recognize my own body. I am eating so SO much food but making sure that everything has protein and fat in it and that it is all as nutrient dense as possible. I try to eat 80/20 (I eat ideal 80% of the time and leave 20% for enjoying less healthy things I love so that I am never feeling deprived).
How did you get started with your health and fitness journey?
For the last 10 years, my idea of staying fit was signing up for a half marathon, forcing myself through a training program, eating like crazy because I was starving from all the running, complete the race, and not lacing up my shoes until I decided to commit to another race months or years later. I ate ‘low-fat’ and non-nutrient dense foods and I thought the only way to lose weight was to count calories and live in a constant state of hunger. I haven’t ever looked ‘fit’ in my entire life.
I have two kids now (6 and 8 years old) and they (along with my husband) are the little loves of my life. They are watching me like a hawk. Last March I decided that we were going to make some changes and try to eat better and I stumbled upon the LG weight training program on Pinterest. I wanted to be a better example for my kids and I set out with the only goal of becoming the healthiest ‘me’ that I possibly could. I had absolutely no intention of having a ‘transformation story’, losing weight, losing inches, etc. I feel as this all kind of happened by accident. I have a son and a daughter and especially for the sake of my daughter, I never want her to be concerned about her weight/body image. I don’t want her to see me body shaming myself so I am very conscious of how I try to be a roll model for her.
I started with the optional beginner phase of the first weight training program because I hadn’t worked out regularly in over a year and I had never done resistance training before. I take one or two days off completely each week because I don’t workout on the days I work a 10 hours shift. I started seeing changes so quickly and by week 10 everything came together and i didn’t even recognize my own body. I am eating so SO much food but making sure that everything has protein and fat in it and that it is all as nutrient dense as possible. I try to eat 80/20 (I eat ideal 80% of the time and leave 20% for enjoying less healthy things I love so that I am never feeling deprived).
What about weight training specifically do you love?
EVERYTHING! I love that there is a schedule to follow and I’m working different muscle groups with each workout. The length and intensity of the workouts are perfect for me. I love that I can do them in my house and that has been the perfect fit for while my kids are home from school for the summer. I feel so strong. It has improved all of my activities as well – my runs feel great, golf game improving, playing tennis and basketball with the kids, etc. And I truly love the workouts – that’s a first for me!
Okay, let’s go for some mom questions…
How do you balance both being a mom and living a healthy lifestyle?
I almost think it makes it easier because I want so badly for them to grow up with a healthy perspective on fitness and nutrition. Knowing they are watching whether I make good or bad choice with food and exercise is some serious motivation! As they are older now, they are doing the workouts right along with me… today was an LISS day so I walked while they rode their bikes along, we stopped at a park and played, then returned home. They love to plank, jump rope, and do mountain climbers right along with me. Its fun for all of us!
Do you have any tips for including your children in on healthy eating?
I’ve gone through a lot of ‘fails’ as I try new healthy recipes, so I keep a binder in the kitchen that only contains the holy grail of recipes – healthy eats that all 4 family members like!! That binder is getting pretty full which is making life much easier, then we aren’t trying new things all the time. There are some things that I always have on hand now and make weekly – energy bites, breakfast cookies, healthy muffins, overnight oats, jerky. I want to make sure there’s always a quick healthy option they can grab.
They love to make smoothies – we do that almost daily!! The recipes in the LG cookbook are some of our faves!
I also try to have us all eat the same meals. We at least usually eat the same protein and then the sides may be a little more kid friendly for them without too much effort.
How has the LG Accountability Community played a role in your success?
I am more of an #lgaccountability creeper than contributor, but I love seeing all of your workouts and recipes and meal plans you all share!! It super motivating. It’s also reassuring to know that group is there to support you if you ever find yourself in a slump. I just created a fitness account on Instagram and hope to get more involved in the community!!
I am more of an #lgaccountability creeper than contributor, but I love seeing all of your workouts and recipes and meal plans you all share!! It super motivating. It’s also reassuring to know that group is there to support you if you ever find yourself in a slump. I just created a fitness account on Instagram and hope to get more involved in the community!!
What advice would you share with a fellow LG Sister looking to get healthier and happier?
I feel pretty new to this to be giving out advice, but I would tell any LG sister to start now and focus on your health, not your appearance or size. As you become healthier and happier, you will get physical gains as a huge bonus. Do not focus on the number on the scale but on how you feel instead. Do not be hard on yourself or let yourself feel guilt associated with food… that has been extremely liberating for me.
QUICK FAVS:
Favorite Quote: Be the reason someone smiles today.
Favorite Book: Gone Girl
Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie: On Golden Pond
Favorite Vacation Spot: Copper Mountain, Colorado
Favorite healthy food: avocado, egg, and tomato on toast
Favorite Treat: healthy-ish: banana chips dipped in chocolate peanut butter or chocolate chips in coffee flavored greek yogurt
True splurge – warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and fudge
Favorite Quote: Be the reason someone smiles today.
Favorite Book: Gone Girl
Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie: On Golden Pond
Favorite Vacation Spot: Copper Mountain, Colorado
Favorite healthy food: avocado, egg, and tomato on toast
Favorite Treat: healthy-ish: banana chips dipped in chocolate peanut butter or chocolate chips in coffee flavored greek yogurt
True splurge – warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and fudge
Favorite weekend activity: Boating or golfing with my family
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