AbouT BRianna
In October of 2012, I became a mom to a sweet little boy named Tye. After gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy, my weight had escalated to 245 pounds. At the time I wasn’t overly concerned about all of the weight I had gained because I was positive it would come off quickly after the baby was born. But as those of you who have children know… the first year of parenthood doesn’t leave much time for self care!
Before I knew it, Tye was turning ONE! I hadn’t exercised or watched what I ate the entire year. My knees and feet hurt from carrying around extra weight, I was always tired, and I felt disgusted and embarrassed when I would see a picture of myself or catch a glimpse of my reflection in a mirror. None of my pre-baby clothes fit me and I didn’t feel like I had the energy, time or motivation to do anything about it. I felt guilty even considering taking time away from my baby to do something for me. I had come to terms with the fact that this was the size I was going to be for the rest of my life.
But then in August of 2013, everything changed. I was standing in a grocery store check-out line with Tye and picked up a copy of People Magazine’s, “How They Lost 100lbs” issue. Inside, I found the story of a woman, who was also from Minneapolis, who hired a personal trainer the year before and lost 130 pounds. I thought - if this gym and this trainer could have such a profound impact on this woman’s life and health… then maybe they can help me, too. So I made the call. I started training two to three days per week and completely revamped my eating habits.
I started logging everything I ate and drank in MyFitness Pal. I cut out processed foods and focused on eating lean proteins, vegetables, fruit and healthy fats, and I made it a priority to drink 100-128 oz of water every day. After one month, I was down 12 pounds. Three months in, I had lost 30 pounds. Seven months after I started, I was down 60 pounds. And just before my one year anniversary at the gym, I had lost 107 pounds.
It changed my life in EVERY WAY. It changed my relationship with food and exercise. It changed the way I feel about myself. It changed the way I parent my child. It gave me the courage and confidence to leave a marriage that was no longer serving me and become a single, working mom. It introduced me to competitive powerlifting and the physical strength I found in that sport spilled over into every other area of my life. And it inspired me to become a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach and help others become the healthiest, strongest versions of themselves.
And exactly five years after I picked up the copy of People Magazine that changed my life, MY weight loss story was featured in the very same issue. It’s been quite a ride, to say the least… and I’m just getting started!
