Member Testimonial: Jasmine Redmond

I just wanna say I am so proud of pushing through the 40-day challenge. It was definitely a challenge and I've learned a lot about myself and my habits, and know I've grown as a person.

A few things I've learned:

The "all or nothing perspective" has been what has kept me back from my fitness journey. Having a calorie dense meal/not being in a calorie deficit for one day doesn't mean I should give up for the rest of the week. If I am consistently in a sustainable calorie deficit, overtime I will lose weight. Weight loss / fitness isn't linear. I've had days where I feel amazing and surprise myself with my strength. And I've had days where I can't lift 1/2 my normal amount. One day does not define your overall journey.
It's a marathon, not a race. Carbs are ok. Fat is ok.

Food is fuel. I can still maintain a calorie deficit while eating McDonald's, but I wont necessarily feel great. It's all about finding what fuels my body best. But it's also ok to enjoy take out in moderation.
The scale isnt your friend. It provides one small parameter when there are so many parameters involved in health and fitness. The scale basically plateaued during the last 2 weeks of my journey. But during the journey, I've also noticed such a change in my relationship with food and alcohol, I did my first ever push up!!! (Becca witnessed this), and finally was able to use the rowing machine properly without my gut getting in the way (if you know, you know).
I was genuinely surprised with how much food I was actually able to eat while being in a deficit. But I also know that not every day will be a "deficit", and I am 100% ok with that.

Shout out to all of the plant based folks out there. I was plant based for a few years and really struggled with eating enough protein and keeping on track. It isn't easy but you guys pushed through and that's super admirable..
I am very appreciative of everyone on this team. After years of yo-yo dieting and hating the gym, I'm really excited to have found a community where I feel supported and seen, and genuinely feel optimistic for the future.