Whole 30 Success Story – Robert Tessier

9 CommentsSunday • November 6, 2011 • by cfprovidence

I joined CrossFit in late July of this year, and it has been an amazing experience for me. I have been on the web page every day since then, reading about the WOD’s,   CrossFit events, and following links to the nutrition and Paleo diet pages. Around September I started eating Paleo plus dairy, and enjoying the occasional cheat day. This worked for me, I saw weight loss and energy improvements almost immediately.  So when the Whole 30 came around and I read about Judah’s experience with it, I decided this would be a challenge I would take on for myself.  I wanted to improve my nutrition, overall health and body image.

I did not think that the Whole 30 would be that hard, I was very wrong.  I am a chef by occupation so food is a major part of my daily life, but nutrition wasn’t necessarily a factor until I started working in a hospital kitchen two years ago.  The work I’ve done there focuses on several different diet plans, and that knowledge has helped me in planning my own.  Starting off, I had eggs and vegetables for breakfast, salad with meat for lunch, and meat with several vegetables for dinner. I read the labels of everything and avoided all condiments or anything processed.  I did find there was an emotional piece to this challenge, I became grumpy in the middle of the month, often feeling unsatisfied with my meals.  But with the end in sight, I pushed on.

Throughout the month of October I had several events planned which I knew would be a challenge.  A few of my friends were planning Oktoberfest parties, and as a chef, I’m usually asked to contribute to the menu.  I ended up making a few batches of soft pretzels and spaetzle, two of my favorite carb-laden items, never getting to sample or enjoy the end product, not to mention passing up the beer for a glass of water.  All of these sacrifices became easier as I began reaping the benefits of them. I started to feel more flexible, my energy and general mood increased, and as the month went on my clothes were all falling off of me.  Neighbors, co-workers, and CrossFit members at CFP continuously commented on my progress, which helped push me along to stay with the challenge.  I really have to thank everyone at CFP for all their kindness and motivation!

As day 31 arrived I stepped on the scale for the first time in 30 days and found I had lost 19 pounds in the course of the month, making my total loss 70 pounds since joining CrossFit.

So, as the Whole 30 ends, I will continue on my modified Paleo plan, dairy in moderation well as the occasional cheat day.  On to my next goal now, pull ups with no bands!

Coaches Note:  Seeing someone transform themselves in front of you, is one of the main reasons why coaches love to coach.  To fully justify the amazing transformation, here is a picture of Robert when he was his old self.  Compare that to his new self.  Goosebumps!

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