Shift Work & 80lbs of Success: An interview w/ #TeamWAG Member Ryne Vergara

Q: Why did you decide to join Team WAG?

A: My journey in fitness and health started about a year and a half before I joined Team WAG. I was 227 pounds (my heaviest), eating horribly, and wasn’t even able to run for longer than a minute. That’s when I decided to make a change, so I hired an exercise coach and change my diet dramatically. I lost a significant amount of weight, but did so the wrong way. I was eating less than 1000 calories per day and literally starving myself. At some point this diet became unsustainable for me went to a cycle of starving and binge eating; gaining back 12 pounds in the process. This was when I knew I had to find something better, to find something more sustainable for my lifestyle. I did some research and found Working Against Gravity. The concept of IIFYM always interested me and thought why not give it a try. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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

A: The level of individualization and customer service really surprised me. The macros that are given to you aren’t the same for everyone, each person is given an individualized set of numbers specific to not only their fitness goals but also their lifestyle. My coaches have been supportive to me every step of the way. Any questions I’ve had were answered in a timely manner and I always felt like I could be honest about how my weeks were going, good or bad. I never thought I could get this level of service from an online service.

Q: As a nurse, your schedule must always be changing. How have you managed to stay on track while managing a shifting schedule?

A: My schedule from week to week is almost never the same. Working 12hour night shifts definitely has its challenges but I’ve been able to manage with simple planning. The nights I work, I try to have pre-planned and prepped meals ready before my shift starts that way I don’t have to worry what I’ll be eating to get me through a hectic shift. I also like to keep small snacks handy such as almonds or Greek yogurt just to fill in any gaps I might have in my macros.

Q: What has been the biggest change you've made in your lifestyle since joining?

A: Besides keeping a scale handy in my glove compartment at all times the biggest change I’ve made is with my relationship with food. I don’t condemn certain foods as bad and praise others as healthy anymore. I try to maintain balance in my food options; choosing mostly whole food, but also having the flexibility to enjoy the occasional slice of pizza (or 2). Because of this I no longer feel guilty about the choices I make.

Q: What advice do you have for other people delaying a lifestyle change, or think tracking macros is too much work?

A: Just do it! You’ll never know the effect this program has on your body and on your relationship with food until you give it a try. The first couple of weeks are definitely an adjustment period for everyone. You’re going to have to weigh your food and you might realize you may have not had the best diet before. Don’t worry though, because your coaches are always there to support you and guide you through the process. It gets easier, trust me.

Q: Is there anything that you've accomplished since joining WAG that you maybe couldn't, or wouldn't do before joining?

A: My biggest accomplishment since joining WAG was definitely running my first marathon. If you asked me 3 years ago that I would be able to do that, I would’ve never believed you. But with consistent training, and the support of Team WAG, I was able to scratch off one the biggest goals in my bucket list. Thank you Working Against Gravity!