21 Day Fix Results: Cancer Survivor and Mom of Two Loses 50 Pounds, Wins $500
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Stephanie is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Stephanie Bumgarner, age 35 from Clarksburg, MD, lost 50 lbs. in 10 months with 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME. She entered her results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won $1,500!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was made fun of as a little girl, because I was always taller and heavier than every other girl in my class. It was terrible to grow up like that. Because of the grief this caused, I suffered from depression at a young age and had very low self-esteem. I never thought I would amount to anything, because I was viewed as fat and ugly. I had tried every diet in the past, and even taught aerobics for five years. But somehow the weight always found me, and I would be right back at square one. In 2009, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and my whole world stopped.3 Because of my fear from this, I turned to food for comfort, and ended up gaining a ton of weight. When I delivered my second daughter, I was a whopping 100 pounds heavier than the day I met my husband in 2008. I felt awful, desperate, sad, and I had no hope. I couldn’t walk up the stairs holding my baby without my knees hurting, and getting winded and dizzy. It was terrible.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My kids and my husband inspired me to change my life. I had no energy to play with my girls. I always wanted to nap. I never wanted to go out, because of the anxiety it caused for me to be around other people (for fear they were judging me). I just felt plain awful. I was so desperate, and knew that I didn’t have a choice but to start. I just couldn’t motivate myself to begin. I had been approached by several Coaches for over a year, but I just wasn’t ready to take the leap. Then, one day, an old friend I used to sing with contacted me, and asked if I wanted to join a Challenge Group with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology. I didn’t want to, but I knew I had to. I was skeptical. I thought Shakeology was a gimmick and I didn’t have confidence in my ability to commit. But, knowing I was accountable to a group, I started. And well… the rest is history.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
The greatest challenge I faced before beginning Beachbody was being diagnosed with cancer.3 To me, I thought immediately that it was a death sentence. I fell into such deep depression that it literally ran my life. I ate horribly, never exercised, and all I could think of was what would happen if my daughter grew up without a mommy. Starting 21 Day Fix and Shakeology changed my life drastically. Not only did it give me more energy, but it made me realize all the great things I was doing for my health.2 Not to mention all the horrible ways I was living before. Eating clean, drinking my Shakeology, and exercising every day has made me happier, healthier, and no longer fearful of living. And because of all of those things, I am a better mom and wife. I am forever grateful for this journey.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I work full-time; I have two daughters that are four and one; I have a husband that is a police officer that works unconventional hours; and I commute to and from work about three hours every single day. I used all of these things as excuses as to why I couldn’t find time to work out or the energy I needed to focus on eating healthy. 21 days was so simple that I didn’t have to make excuses. The eating plan was easy, as well as working out for 30 minutes a day. It was totally doable with my crazy schedule.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
When I had my second daughter, I was a whopping 250 pounds. I lost a little bit of weight from nursing and having to be on a strict allergen-free diet during. But I was not making the right choices, and still felt awful and sluggish all the time. I began my transformation with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology on October 12, 2014. In the first round of 21 Day Fix, though, I did not do the workouts, because I needed to convince myself I could do it. So, I focused on the eating program for the first 21 days and then began the workouts in November. From mid-October to mid-January, I lost 31 pounds on the program. As soon as 21 Day Fix EXTREME came out, I began that and did that from February-July (with a few BOD workouts here and there from other programs). The results have been amazing!
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I am happier and healthier. I have more energy and a completely different view on life. I actually love my life. I have educated myself on clean eating and all the benefits of it. I am helping others do the same. Not only do I weigh less, but my depression is under control for the first time in 15 years. I am extremely grateful to Beachbody for all of this!
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The group gave me accountability, and helped me to voice my frustrations in a group of understanding, like-minded individuals.
How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
She has been extremely supportive the entire time with phone calls, emails, and messages. She’s just always been there for me to reach out to when needed.
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 increased my energy and improved my depression! Not to mention, it’s delicious!2
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.
3Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before starting any fitness program or nutrition product.
2These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.