Want to lose weight, but worried about it trying to fit in planning meals during a busy time at work, the holidays, travel or with kids?
I want to share a story with you of a Run Fuel member named Erin, who shared with me when we started that stress and exhaustion have led to a 20 pound weight gain. Although she felt very knowledgeable about performance fueling and nutrition, she struggled with eating healthier and cravings for sweets & caffeine in her day-to-day to keep her energy up.
Runner, Teacher and Mom to Teens Relying on Caffeine for Energy
Erin is both a teacher and mom to teenagers with busy sports schedules, sometimes keeping her out of the house til past 8 PM. She admitted that sometimes she is so stressed or tired that she just caves and makes poor food choices. Putting one more thing on her plate (aka Run Fuel) seemed daunting but she was really wanting to lose the 20 pounds and have more energy for her 4-5 runs per week and 3-4 strength training sessions.
What Erin Changed To Lose Weight While Running & Working Full Time
Erin started Run Fuel and worked her way through the Run Fuel 4 Step Process, first creating awareness around her current habits and areas of weakness and strength. Then, she learned how to fill her plate at each meal to support her weight loss goals, and started to prioritize her dinners instead of pushing them off til she was stressed and tired after her kids practice. She didn’t feel deprived or starved – in fact she felt more energized because she was eating the healthy carbs she needs to support her running.
Erin only lost 3 pounds in the first 3 weeks, but she trusted the process, even as work started to get really busy AND she was constantly being tempted by treats in the break room during Teacher Appreciation week! By week 4 she had lost 7 pounds and reported “clothes fitting better and runs feeling stronger”. By the end of the full program, 8 weeks, Erin lost an incredible 13 pounds and said she’s feeling stronger and faster on her runs and has better endurance too. 
A Solid Plan and Accountability Helped Her Avoid Yo-Yo Dieting
When I asked what helped her stay accountable, despite the stress and insane schedule, she responded that my weekly check ins helped and “I’m still using the fueling journal. Having that accountability is very helpful. I had one week that I did not use it due to a busy schedule. When I’m not using it I’m still thinking through what to eat and what I’ve had that day.”
Erin did all of this without counting calories, without eating plain chicken breast and green beans every night and on average, she had 2 Big Smiles per week, including Easter, Mothers Day and Memorial Day holidays (Big Smiles are treats – so you can still enjoy wine at girls night or pizza night with your family if you want!).
Yes, Erin had to put in the work to make changes, but it was worth it. She’s feeling optimistic about reaching her longer term goal of 20 pounds (with the support in my ongoing community Run Fueled & Faster) and is excited for where she’s headed with her running progress.
Join Run Fuel to Lose Weight as a Runner in a Healthy & Sustainable Way
Ready to have more energy and start your next training cycle fitter, lighter & knowing exactly what to do to fuel your runs and maintain your weight? Join Run Fuel Now (3 payments for the full program, stay longer for more support if desired).
Once you join, you’re not thrown right in -we take baby steps so you can fit it into your busy life and do this the right way.
You start with Step 1 where you’ll do a self analysis and learn your specific areas of growth. prepare & I’ll even provide your first week’s meal plan and grocery list, if you want it (or teach you to make your own based on your tastes and preferences). You’ll also get a warm welcome for me and I’m there to answer any questions!
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