Losing 27 Pounds Won this Mom $500

Independent Beachbody Coach Shanta W. lost 27 lbs. with INSANITY MAX:30, INSANITY, and Brazil Butt Lift. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for October 11th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I was fit and athletic before I conceived my daughter in early 2013. Expecting and tired, I ate whatever and whenever I wanted (gaining over 65 pounds), all with the notion that upon birth, I’d breastfeed and lose the weight in no time. I’d heard these fantastic stories of women breastfeeding their way below their pre-pregnancy weight while consuming thousands of calories daily. Sounds fantastic, right? Right…except that didn’t happen for me. My daughter was born in October 2013. The first year of her life, my husband and I took thousands of photos of our beautiful new family. Out of those, only a handful show my full body. I mastered the art of extreme close-ups and selfies. I was angry at my body and angry at myself. I was not comfortable in my own skin. I felt shame that I’d created this perfect tiny human and was wasting time thinking negatively about my body, feeling “un-beautiful.” What kind of example could I be? My self-esteem sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I saw a co-worker (now my Coach) have tremendous success with INSANITY. Yes, weight fell off (seemingly quickly) her body, but more importantly, she was shining. She was happier, complained less, laughed more, walked taller, and did not partake in the treats brought in our office to share. That last point cannot be stressed enough. I work in an environment where pastries and the like are brought in frequently. I always participated in eating them — even if I didn’t really want them. I wanted to feel healthy, and have that kind of sunshine radiate from the inside. My greatest wish for my child is self-love. How could I expect her to live such a life when I wasn’t projecting it? I was ready for a change.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
My greatest challenge is consistency with eating. The Beachbody Challenge Groups I’ve been a member of (two this year) have forced me to be accountable. Those, coupled with my Shakeology, have been my not-so-secret weapons. I share with my team when I’m stagnate, when I’m depressed, when I want to overeat, when I’m struggling, and when I triumph (those are my favorite!). I’m so grateful to each and every one of these people. They make my life better.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I liked the intensity of INSANITY and wanted to try a program that didn’t require a bunch of time. I wanted to feel my heart pound, lungs scream, and sweat pour. INSANITY MAX:30 seemed perfect…and it was. I liked it so much, when they rolled out Beachbody On Demand, I jumped at the chance to try other programs. After 60 days, I hopped between programs of INSANITY and Brazil Butt Lift, and I especially like the Workout Du Jour. I follow Carl Daikeler on Facebook, and knowing the CEO is sweating buckets like me is inspiring.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I’m extremely proud of my weight-loss. I’ve gained muscle, leaned out, and have definition! I’m a mother of an almost two-year-old, and I have abdominal definition! Surprising still is that I’m just as proud of the mental and emotional accomplishments. I feel better about myself. I even became a Beachbody Coach, because I want to offer the assistance and personal growth I’ve found. I have faith that I’m living as a positive example for my daughter. That’s worth everything. That alone is reason enough to keep going with Beachbody.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I’m happier. Before, I’d try to talk myself into being positive. Now, I don’t have to do any mental gymnastics to convince myself of a seemingly elusive quality; I am positive. I feel excited about the future, because I know I can accomplish anything — that’s amazing.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The Challenge Groups are amazing! Without them, I think I would have quit. Here’s a perfect example: I was taking a 90-minute flight for work. I’d never not eaten at the airport or on an airplane. It was like going to the movie theater. I felt like I should be able to grab a couple bags of candy to enjoy. Once at the airport, I reached out to my Challenge Group members, and shared how I was feeling and how I was tempted. The response I received was immediate and supportive. I did not end up mindlessly eating at the airport or on a plane that flight. For me, it’s a three-legged stool. I need the Challenge Groups, Shakeology, and workout programs to be successful. All three are the solid base on which my success is built.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach (and her Coach, in turn) is outstanding. I had natural resistance — in truth, I first purchased the INSANITY MAX:30 DVDs without the Shakeology, because I was so reluctant) — and all my questions were answered, and my successes were celebrated. That kind of enthusiasm is encouraging. They’re why I want to be a Coach!

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?
I’m madly in love with Shakeology. It’s getting serious (my husband should be worried). I jest, but I do love Shakeology. I can avoid temptation if I know I have a sweet treat at home that’s not going to unravel the daily sweat session I’ve completed. It’s like having a big, fat milkshake every day, without the guilt! The fact that it’s full of ingredients that are good for me? It’s incomparable.

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.

*Shanta W. is an Independent Beachbody Coach. Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.

**Always consult with your physician before commencing any fitness program or nutritional product if you are pregnant or post-partum.