Transformation Tuesday – Melissa Russini

When did you start Flexible Eating?

I started Flexible eating January 2017. About 9 months ago.

What prompted you to get started?

I began Crossfit the September before and my usual 1200 calorie, super restrictive, mostly low carb diet wasn’t fueling my workouts. I was hungry all the time. Also I was working so hard during my workouts but I was not understanding why I wasn’t seeing any muscle definition or really any change in my body composition.

What changes have you noticed in your body?

Once I started Flexible eating I saw changes pretty quickly. I felt fueled for my workouts and I knew I was getting the nutrition I needed. I was eating more food and the right balance of foods (macros). I started to see changes in my body. My abs and arms were more defined. More recently I have seen a reduction in the dreaded cellulite, which I have had for as long as I can remember. I have maintained a size 4 in jeans, which is smallest I have ever been in my whole life. I used to believe that everyone had a body type and that we just needed to accept it. Now I know that with dedication and the right nutrition you can transform your body. I now have less fat and I definitely have more muscle. As wonderful as those changes were my performance at Crossfit also improved. I was able to more easily do bodyweight movements like pull ups and hand stand push ups. Most recently I conquered a rope climb!

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

My biggest obstacle has always been to add more variety to my diet and to not be super restrictive. I am much better and letting myself have a treat, and tracking it. But I’m still a work in progress. Often when I am super restrictive I find myself falling into old habits of binging. I think after years of being restrictive during the week and binging on the weekends it’s just a hard mindset to change. I’m working hard to stay on track over the weekends and during special occasions and to work in those yummy foods without blowing it.

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

Just get started! Figure out your numbers, Start weighing food, start tracking. Continue to enjoy the foods you love without feeling guilty. If you fall off the wagon get right back on. None of us are perfect but we can keep moving forward and working toward our goals.