The transformation that this gal has gone through this summer is remarkable! I first became acquainted with Taryn when she joined my Lively Girl Nutrition challenge (which she rocked!). This summer she lost thirty pounds and dropped three dress sizes! It’s obvious that she worked her behind off between eating healthy and increasing her physical activity. The success of every single woman should be inspiration for another. I’m so happy that she was able to answer my interview questions! Great job Taryn- Cheers to many many more successes!
- We all know the hardest part of clean eating and regular exercise is when you first start out.
What initially made you motivated?
With all the stress of school and life, I never really thought twice about my body and eating habits until last semester. Towards the end of the year, I stepped on the scale and it showed 199.8. I honestly couldn’t believe I weighed almost 200 pounds, and I didn’t even really notice the almost 30 pound weight gain since high school.
- What keeps you motivated?
The post workout feeling and my Fitbit! I used to hate going to the gym, but now I’m obsessed. Even with a full day of classes and meetings, I still find a time to work out even if it is at 6am. Also, if you don’t have a Fitbit, you should get one especially if you are a competitive person! It holds me accountable to my step goal every day and it even celebrates with me when I meet it!
- How has exercising regularly and eating healthy affected you positively?
I am a much happier person when I exercise and eat healthier because I feel better about myself. Since I started eating healthy, my skin has cleared up and I have so much more energy!
- What are some of your favorite healthy snacks?
The list of my favorite healthy snacks is never ending! I absolutely love apples with peanut butter/almond butter, hardboiled eggs, avocados, peppers, and applesauce with blueberries!
- Favorite workout?
I am all about the cardio! Let’s be real, I am probably the worst runner on the planet, but I love to alternate running/ walking! I went on a lot of hikes and did hill training this summer, but the gym and campus will just have to do while I’m at school.
- Do you have any fitness goals for the future? (races, shows, competitions, etc)
My only fitness goal as of right now is to maintain my weight loss!
- What is your best advice to those wanting to make this lifestyle change?
NEVER GIVE UP and don’t let the scale define you! There will be days where you do everything right and the scale will still go up. You can’t let the scale determine your success because your body is constantly changing and muscle weighs more than fat. That was the hardest thing for me to realize.
- I’m a quote junkie, so I have to ask, what is your favorite fitness quote? Or whatever quote that describes you personally.
Fitness is not about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you used to be.
- What is your biggest struggle that you face on a regular basis to stay fit?
My biggest struggles would definitely have to be snacking and drinking! I swear I am always hungry and I don’t always make the best choices when I am busy and don’t prepare ahead of time. Being in college and finally 21, alcohol is everywhere and it is hard to limit yourself especially when you are with all of your friends.
- Favorite workout song?
Dance With Ya by Drew Baldridge! I will play this on repeat for an entire hour because you will feel the need to keep moving while it is playing!
- Favorite athlete? Why?
I don’t really have a favorite athlete, but if I had to choose I would pick JJ Watt. He is a total babe and he is from Wisconsin! But on a real note, JJ Watt is truly dedicated to everything he does. In the off season this year, he isolated himself in a cabin somewhere in Wisconsin so he could focus on getting better for the upcoming without any distractions. He is also big into charity which I admire. He started the Justin J. Watt Foundation that provides after-school opportunities for children in order for them to get involved with athletics in safe environments!