I love highlighting all of your accomplishments, not because you are my clients and friends, but because some of your transformations are truly incredible!
Karin Usry was the second place winner of the Holiday Extravaganza, losing an amazing 7.12% of her starting weight! Karin, a former teammate of mine, is a competitor like no other and I knew that when she entered the contest she would be giving her all!
My name is Karin Usry. My husband, Mike and I have two kids, Ayn Parker and Brandt. Sports have been a big part of my life; however, after having kids I realized that I no longer have as much time to participate in sports or even work out. And, I am totally fine with that because I am so in love with my kiddos.
I am competitive at heart so once Caroline sent out the email about the extravaganza I knew I was all in this year. It was a great way to kick-start getting back into shape. Since I work during the day, morning and late afternoon workouts were what it took to begin this journey. I prayed that my kids would be good sleepers so that I would wake up feeling ready to go. God answered that prayer and a majority of the time I was able to go to the gym before the kids woke up.
I love to workout with short, but high intensity workouts. I don't like spending more than 45 minutes working out so I would do at different times spin class, interval weight training and running.
I also, like Amanda, used Fitness Pal to track my calories. I only did this for a couple of days until I got the feel for portion control and calories. I had my moments where I cheated but got right back to being disciplined after the meal was over. I am also a candy o'holic but shook that habit pretty quick since they are empty calories. The cheating became less and less as time went on...I realized I didn't want or need those "cheat meals."
I love to cook. At our family dinners we always have a protein, vegetable and starch at dinner. Here is one of my favorite meals:
Mahi Mahi with Lemon Butter, Roasted Broccoli, and Roasted Potatoes
Mahi Mahi (4 pieces)
Salt & pepper both sides of raw fish
lightly dust pan with olive oil
brown Mahi on both sides (about 7 min each side)
Lemon Butter Sauce
melt 1/4 stick of real butter
juice of 1/2 lemon
lemon rind of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
salt & pepper
Lightly brush sauce on fish.
Roasted Broccoli
spread out broccoli on cooking sheet
sprinkle with olive oil, salt & pepper
cook on 415 for 20 min
Roasted Potatoes
cube red potatoes and dice in big chunks colored pepper, red onion and fresh garlic
spread on cooking sheet
sprinkle with olive oil, salt & pepper, onion powder and garlic powder
mix with hands to incorporate all flavors, bake on 450 for 30 min
And last but not least we have our third place winner, Terri Mason, who lost 4.47% of her weight!
In her own words...
I have been married for 16.5 years to Alex, my high school sweetheart. We have 3 children - Brantley 15, Anna 10 and Brogan 7. I am a home school mom who knows without God by my side I could not do this job He has called me to do. So thankful that He is available to talk to at any hour of the day! I have battled my weight for as long as I can remember. I have never been one to exercise. Mother's Day of 2013, something clicked. I decided I was going to run. I downloaded the C25K app on my phone and began my run. I completed the program and then picked a comfortable "program day" to run each day and there I was. But, I began to get bored. My sister-in-law challenged me to delete the app and just run. So that is what I did. I have gotten up to a 4 mile run now - praying Philippians 4:13 most of the way :). Along with running, my husband and I began doing the Insanity workout DVD's. I have been either running or working out about 6 days a week, sometimes I do both in the same day! I have reduced my portion size over the holidays. My next goal is to combine my exercise with healthier eating. I am in the middle of my journey and have about 20 lbs to go. I am determined to get there!
Terri & Karin are such inspiring women and I am truly thankful to be a part of their journey. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Holiday Extravaganza this year! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone take steps in their own journeys, and seeing what amazing things we can accomplish.
Blessings,
Caroline
