Carrie G., a mother of four loses 47 Pounds with 21 Day Fix and 3-Day Refresh. She entered her results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for October 29th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I started Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix and Shakeology, my confidence and self-esteem were at an all-time low. I had my fourth child two years ago. It seemed no matter how hard I worked out or how determined I was to stick to a diet, I couldn’t lose the weight. It was affecting all aspects of my life. I was tired all the time. I was hungry and irritable. I snapped at the kids and my husband. Many of my relationships were suffering, because I felt so poorly about myself. The little energy I had was totally devoted to my husband and kids’ needs. I was constantly turning to convenience and fast food for comfort and ease.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
When I started back in July, my 40th birthday was staring me down — only three months away. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wanted to do something for myself. I wanted to be a better mom, wife, daughter, and friend, not the cranky, insecure person I had become. I had always thought that by my 40th birthday, I would have my weight under control. But here it was, fast approaching, and I was still holding on to the baby weight from the baby who was a toddler now. I watched a friend on Facebook, my Coach Kate Brockmeyer, invite people to Challenge Groups. I was inspired watching her document her 21 Day Fix and 3-Day Refresh journey. When she documented her 3-Day Refresh on video and posted daily, I thought, “Maybe I could do that!” I eagerly ordered the 3-Day Refresh and 21 Day Fix.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
I kept losing and gaining the same five pounds. I would limit calories all morning, and do lots of cardio at the gym, and by 3 PM, I would crash and binge on high fat and sugary baked goods. The 3-Day Refresh opened my eyes to how much sugar I was taking in. I noticed that at the end of the day, I was left hungry and tired, even though I was consuming thousands of calories some days. I was also doing tons of cardio with no results. When I started doing the 30-minute workouts, I realized I could increase my metabolism and not be so exhausted and hungry after a workout. The 21 Day Fix really was key for me to realize that I was eating the wrong foods. Even when I was eating the right things, I wasn’t eating enough! I started eating more protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. It really was more food than I was hungry for, because it was the rightfoods. Finally, Shakeology was my answer to my afternoon sweet fix, so I didn’t binge on high sugar and fatty foods. I had energy and was filled up.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I loved the portion control and simple, clean eating meal plan. Clean eating had intimidated me in the past, and the 21 Day Fix was so straightforward. The plan laid out so many food options that were quick and easy. I also found Autumn Calabrese on YouTube, and all her tips and recipes there were really helpful. I now use things like coconut oil and almond milk. I was always nervous to try these in the past, because I didn’t know how to use them. In addition, I had never done a protein or meal replacement. I honestly was expecting not to like it, but I love it. It is just the sweet treat that I need each day. It keeps me on track and full for hours. Plus, I know I am getting the nutrition I need. It feels like I am indulging in something I shouldn’t!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I lost 47 pounds, went from a size 14 to a size two/four, and gained strength I didn’t know I had. I never pushed myself to do real push-ups, and now I can do five sets of 20. I was thrilled that I set a goal to lose 28 pounds by my 40th birthday, and I not only achieved that, but surpassed it. There is no feeling like achieving your goals. I am most proud of the lifestyle changes I have made, not just for me, but for my family!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I have more confidence than ever before, because I set a goal and achieved it. I am a better mother to my four kids and a better wife, because I have more confidence and energy. I am setting the example I always wanted for my kids — the importance of taking care of yourself, and how doing something for yourself each day makes it so you can do more for others. I no longer look to my husband to build me up, but build myself up from within. I am a happier, healthier person overall with more to give. Most importantly, I had let my weight hold me back in the past from trying new things. I let it affect my confidence in other interests I have, such as decorating and fashion. Now I know the sky is the limit, and I won’t let insecurities hold me back from achieving my goals. Finally, I harnessed my passion for Beachbody and to help others to become a Coach. I love helping others on their health and fitness journey. I have totally changed my mindset about my weight, and am able to focus on being healthy and happy.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I joined a Challenge Group that was in progress. I loved all the recipe ideas, meal plans, and motivation to stay on track. I knew people were “watching,” because I was keeping up with their progress. It was very motivating knowing I was being held accountable.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
Kate was there for every question I had. She cheered on even my small successes. She has made me feel like I am her only client, and that she is truly invested in my success. She encouraged me to share my journey and become a Beachbody Coach, so I can help others who were in the same place as me when I started. I count her as a true friend. I love her positive energy and suggestions on overcoming obstacles. She was the one who encouraged me to submit my results to the Beachbody Challenge.

How did a Beachbody supplement, nutritional product, or program (such as Shakeology or Beachbody Ultimate Reset) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, or digestion/regularity?
Shakeology has helped me stay on track. I used to crash in the afternoons when my kids would get home from school. I would turn to baked goods, granola bars, and handfuls of trail mix to give me the energy to get through homework and carpool. I was exhausted and hungry every afternoon. Now I have my Vegan Chocolate Shakeology. I look forward to it more than any other meal of the day. It fills me up, and gives me the energy I need to be present for the busiest time of my day. In addition, I used to have problems with regularity. No longer! My stomach issues and things related to that are great!

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.

*Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.