Carolyn Lawson – 12 Week Progress

Emotional eating, guilt associated with eating foods like pancakes, tight-fitting clothes and a lack of energy in the gym lead Carolyn to finally try something different. Carolyn already had some knowledge of macros and flexible dieting but adjusting her numbers on her own wasn’t working for her. Not only was it not getting her results but it wasn’t helping her improve her relationship with food either. Now Carolyn enjoys things like birthday cake Oreos guilt-free and doesn’t feel like hiding her body in baggy clothes! Read on to find out how Carolyn has made progress in the last 12 weeks with her coach, Jen Charlesworth.

Interview with Carolyn Lawson 

When did you start Flexible Eating & how did you get started?

I have been using macro counting for a few years but was lost in my numbers. I was adjusting on my own and not knowing what was right and my weight kept going up. I finally had enough and needed the guidance to get my body where I needed and wanted it to be. I started with purchasing the 3 Months Premium Lifestyle program and I am now continuing my journey with my awesome coach, Jen Charlesworth. The weekly check-ins from my coach have helped me stay on track and if there are any weaknesses or strengths I need to share during the week, she is always right there to help me. 

What prompted you to get started?

I started with Own Your Eating not only to work on my self-image but also to help control my emotional eating. Flexible Eating has allowed me to enjoy the things I love, like birthday cake Oreos, and still lose weight. It gave me guidance as to what portion control is and how I can enjoy my Sunday Pancake Day and not feel guilty after eating it. I was not happy with the way I was performing in the box and needed to fuel my body to perform correctly. My clothes were tight, I was unhappy, and needed someone there for me to help get me on track. 

How much weight have you lost?

I have lost 11.8 pounds and still counting. Yahoo!!!?

What other changes have you noticed in your body or in general?

I have lost 5 inches around my waistline, 4 inches around my hips. My clothes are loose and I finally feel comfortable in them. I hated putting my work clothes on because they felt so tight. All I wanted to wear was sweatpants all the time. I didn’t like wearing my tank tops at the box because I was not happy with the way I looked. I wanted to be a role model for people at the box, I didn’t want to just talk the talk, I wanted to walk the walk with them. I finally feel more confident in my body, I am not hiding in baggy clothes. I am able to control my emotional eating and not turn to food as my outsource.  My performance in the box has improved significantly, especially in my gymnastics movements. 

What has been your biggest obstacle that you have overcome or are working on?

The biggest obstacle that I am working on is not beating myself up over the small things.  I had a love hate relationship with food. I loved to eat but hated myself after I ate.  Before flexible eating I would always say, just start tomorrow, just start tomorrow, and then always go back. There are times when I do have a day, where I am off track and go beyond my numbers, like when someone goes out of their way just to make me zucchini bread because they know it will make me happy. When I emailed my coach and told her, she was understanding and let me know that I am human and it is ok to have a slip up. Don’t beat myself up. I’m learning to trust the process. Knowing that I have an amazing coach there to support me makes this all so much easier and helps me to carry on. 

What’s the one thing you previously would have deprived yourself of on a diet that you now get to enjoy guilt-free? 

BIRTHDAY CAKE OREOS AND PANCAKES. My two most favorite things. Skinny cow ice cream always helps with the sweet tooth cravings as well. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone that is just getting started?

Trust the process. It works. It is amazing and you will see results like I have if you can be patient and give yourself time. Be kind to yourself and understand that setting small goals will allow you to reach your maximum potential.