Katie Collins and I met over a year ago! She is the most amazing wife, mother (of two precious boys), and friend! How she finds time to do it all—I will never know! She has committed to changing her lifestyle over the past year by exercising 2 days a week at TransFit, running, walking and doing yoga and has seen great changes physically, mentally and emotionally! She has lowered her body weight significantly but primarily has decreased body fat multiple percentage points! Katie always has a positive attitude in the TransFit studio and in every workout she trys to push herself to the next level! Her hard-working attitude and determination is contagious and inspiring to all who are around her!! Katie is a real life example that hard work, sweat, and dedication really do pay off!! Congratulations Katie- so proud of you- continue to reach your goals!!!
Two years ago, my family began building our new home in Bishop & everyone had new changes ahead of them. I wanted a healthier lifestyle for myself & my family to be one of those changes. I knew of Caroline & her successful & inspirational fitness program & I finally had the opportunity to join TransFit!
So, 14 months ago & 20 pounds heavier, I began my journey towards healthier choices. Working on one thing at a time, initially, my goal was to get back on a consistent weekly exercise program. Finding motivation to exercise is not an issue with me, it is making the time during the day. 2-3 days of strength training, 2-3 days of cardio training & 1-2 days of yoga/toning is what I decided to schedule. With my kids in school, my motivation, & Caroline's accountability, that change was an easy adjustment.
After several months of a consistent exercise routine with not much change in my body composition, I knew my nutrition needed to be more of my focus. WILL POWER is my biggest enemy. Caroline's tips about portion control & more thought into meal planning was the turning point. Once I began taking the extra time to plan our weekly meals, then I made better decisions for myself & my family. As an added bonus, our eating out habits decreased, our household produced less trash, our grocery store trips & bills decreased, & we were having ENJOYABLE family meals together AT HOME!
My most recent accomplishment was, again, inspired by Caroline.
She offered me an entry 5 DAYS PRIOR to the Chick-fil-A half marathon. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read her text. My first thought was "REALLY! Who just up & decides they can go for a 13-mile run without training?!?" I've always had 3-4 months to prepare my body &, more importantly, my mind! So, after initially declining her offer, the thought kept eating at me. I knew I had the endurance & the strength & I decided that I was going to be "THAT GIRL" who decides to go run a little 13-mile race! I didn't finish with a PR or anything, but I felt good afterwards & was so glad I decided to run!
I still have a ways to go to reach more goals I've set for myself, but I'm beginning to see changes in how my clothes fit, I'm receiving compliments on how I look, I feel good & most importantly, to me, the healthy choices I'm making are automatic some days. Previously, I had to think about when I was going to fit in exercise or what my lunch would be for the day. Now, because I'm getting used to a routine & I have healthy choices readily available; I don't have to think so much!
Nutrition & food choices are still a daily battle for me. But, I can honestly say I am more conscience about the foods I am eating & realizing just one bad choice doesn't have to snowball into bad choices for the rest of the day or continue on all week.
I'm trying to incorporate more vegetables into my diet and I am not very creative, nor do I really enjoy being in the kitchen cooking for long periods of time. So, when I find easy, quick, healthy, recipes I stick with them. I will say my children haven't gotten on board with these side items, but my husband has, so that's a start!
I have truly enjoyed my weekly workouts with Caroline, but meeting & working out with all her amazing & inspiring clients makes it that much better. So, THANK YOU ALL FOR helping me with my journey, as well!!!!
Thank you Katie! You decided on a lifestyle change and stuck to that decision amidst all the things going on in your life!
Here is a recipe that has Katie and her whole family enjoys! Check it out below:
Blueberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts
Olive oil for coating, plus 1 tbsp.
Good quality sea salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
4 oz. Greek-style yogurt (can substitute plain yogurt)
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh lavender leaves (can substitute herbes de Provence)
1 small apple, peeled and chopped
½ red onion, finely diced (you can leave out if necessary)
1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and dried
¼ cup roasted chopped almonds
Spinach for serving
Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat the skin on the chicken breasts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes, or until no pink remains. Cool. In a small bowl, whisk the 1 tbsp. of the olive oil, yogurt, vinegar, lavender, 1 tsp. of the salt, and 1 tsp. of the black pepper. Add the apple and stir to prevent browning. Add the onion, blueberries, and almonds; mix well. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts and discard (or freeze for use in making stock). Separate the chicken and shred or cut into 1-inch pieces. Add the chicken to the yogurt-blueberry mixture; stir gently to combine. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce or spinach or in a whole wheat pita.
Blessings,
Caroline
