Meeting Military Fitness Standards – Andé Bergmann’s Transformation
Despite having a solid workout routine and being in the military, Andé struggled to make any progress towards her weight loss and body composition goals. Like many people out there, ourselves included, she discovered that exercise alone will not transform your body. The way your body looks, feels and performs is directly correlated to your nutrition. Andé’s nutrition wasn’t “bad” per se – although she was definitely guilty of not eating enough – but it wasn’t balanced either. As soon as that changed, so did her body.
When did you start Flexible Eating & how did you get started?
I started Flexible eating in May of 2017 when one of my coaches recommended that I look up Jason’s Flexible Eating group on Facebook. I started with the Beginner Macro video, did all the math to calculate my macros and then got a double check shortly after. Once I had the numbers it just made so much sense. My first month was fantastic and it just got better from there. In the past year I have made slow and steady progress towards my goal.
What prompted you to get started?
I had been trying so hard at CrossFit and went 3-4 days a week but I wasn’t seeing any real progress in how I looked or my weight on the scale. Because I’m in the military my job is dependent on me weighing in at a certain weight. I was way over that weight and that really stressed me out. I had heard of tracking macros and flexible eating but I couldn’t quite get my head around the concept. I didn’t understand how it worked or why it worked. Own Your Eating stepped in and provided the missing link.
How much weight have you lost?
Just over 20lbs and several inches.
What other changes have you noticed in your body or in general?
Wow so many changes! All for the better. I measure each month and track the losses in my hips and arms, I have had to replace all my jeans since I am down two sizes! I can now perform strict bodyweight exercises and gymnastics movements since I don’t have so much weight to move – Toes to Bar are a favorite of mine. I sleep better, I feel better and can’t imagine living my life any other way. A year ago I was worried that I wouldn’t make my weigh-in for work (being in the military), even just wearing my shorts and t-shirt. This year I weighed in wearing my normal uniform – boots, pants and blouse! And I made weight easily! ? That was a huge victory for me.
What has been your biggest obstacle that you have overcome or are working on?
When I am stressed I revert to my starvation ways. It is a measure of control for me to not eat when I am stressed about work. Now I bring snacks when it is going to be a long hard day. I make sure that I eat a bigger breakfast so that when things get dicey I have at least eaten something. I make sure that getting something to eat becomes a priority. All of this is making it better since I am not crashing with low blood sugar and gorging on something terrible later in the day which really helps to reduce my overall stress.
What’s the one thing you previously would have deprived yourself of on a diet that you now get to enjoy guilt-free?
Rice. I know it sounds crazy but I love rice! I eat it at breakfast now and that makes me so happy. Though equally as fascinating to me is what I don’t crave anymore, like sugar in my coffee. I used to like my coffee so sweet, now I take it with just a tablespoon of milk and no sugar.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone that is just getting started?
If you want to change your life, live happily and fulfilled, take the first step and see what Own Your Eating can do for you. You have nothing to lose except that extra weight that is holding you back. They made meeting the military fitness standards easy and stress for me. Whatever your goal, just go for it and be patient because you will get a little better every day!
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