An Interview with TeamWAG Member Viviana Ortiz

Q: Why did you decide to join Team WAG?

A: I had been doing CrossFit for about year and while there was no denying that my strength and performance had improved tremendously, I couldn't help but feel like my body was just not showing the same progress. It felt as though I would work so hard every morning CrossFit class, some days going back to the gym a second time to teach my group fitness classes, and I just did not have a body that showed all those hours I was putting in at the gym. I knew I needed two things - the knowledge to eat in a way that would properly fuel my body and help me lose some weight and the accountability of a coach. I would eat pretty well during the week and then devour everything in sight on the weekends (including alcohol). I felt like I was stuck in an endless cycle of destroying all the hard work I had put in during the week. I NEVER thought I would have the will power to stick to a nutrition program, but I took the leap and it was the scariest and best decision I have ever made.

Q: Was there anything about the program that surprised you?

A: I have become surprisingly attached to the WAG members Facebook group. While having a coach who you can reach out to at any point is a great resource, having the input from all the like-minded members of the group has been invaluable. Members reach out about successes, failures, and everything in between. I love that I have that community to share with and confide in. Being part of the group has been absolutely priceless.

Q: How have you managed to stay on track while balancing all of your work and social commitments?

A: Planning ahead is so important for me. I am a high school teacher, so I pack my breakfast and lunch every day and make sure I have something fairly quick and simple at home to make for dinner. Monday-Friday is the easy part. It’s the weekends that have been the most challenging (as it would be for anyone else). I think for me, I was nervous to pack my meals for family/friend gatherings in fear of the judgment I might receive, but I quickly overcame that fear when I started seeing results. Once your loved ones see the positive changes in your body and attitude, they not only become super supportive, they want to know where they can sign up!

Q: How has your performance in the gym been affected by tracking, if at all?

A: I've only gotten stronger and faster since joining WAG. My lifts have all increased and body weight movements like pull ups have only gotten easier and more efficient. Furthermore, I've competed in two separate CrossFit competitions since joining WAG and have placed first at both competitions.

Q: What has been the biggest change you've made in your lifestyle and/or approach to food since joining?

A:The biggest thing that has changed for me is that I prefer to cook and eat at home now as opposed to going out to eat. My boyfriend and I use to go out to eat at least 2-3 times per week. Now we might go out once a week or once every other week. Preparing my food at home gives me piece of mind in knowing exactly what I am eating and how much of everything I am putting into my body. I also enjoy cooking now much more than I did before. My boyfriend does not track like I do, but since I've started WAG he has been so supportive and willing to try whatever recipes I decide to experiment with. He has lost quite a bit of weight and seen positive changes in his body composition just from these changes. The combination of drinking considerably less alcohol and not constantly eating restaurant portions has really made a difference for both of us.

Q: What advice do you have for other people considering hiring a nutrition coach?

A: My advice would be to let go of all the self-doubt. Before WAG, I never tried any kind of diet or nutrition program because I was scared it wouldn't work and I would just end up disappointing myself. The second I quit doubting myself and got committed to WAG was the moment I started seeing big changes.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

A: Consistency is everything. I think the main reason I have seen such success with this program is because I am consistent with my tracking and consistent in the gym. That doesn't mean I am spot on with my macros 100% of the time, but I definitely strive to be. It also helps that I actually look forward to going to my CrossFit classes every morning. I push myself to go even when I'm tired or don't necessarily love the workout, mostly because I have such an amazingly supportive group of people I work out with. I look forward to seeing them more than anything so that definitely helps me stay on track with my workouts. The most humbling part of this entire experience has been having friends/family reach out to me to let me know I've inspired them to start their own weight loss journey. To know that I've been able to positively impact someone else's life by just bettering my own is the most incredible feeling ever.