Brittany Sets An Example

This member has become the healthy example she always wanted to be for her two children.
Published August 1, 2017

Brittany lost 43 lbs*


At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Brittany lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. Watch her journey of learning how to feel good in her own skin in the video below.

In Brittany’s words:
When I was in college, I was on the volleyball team. I loved the aggressive but noncontact nature of the sport, and it kept me active. Then, I injured my shoulder. I had to take a break, and so I decided to concentrate on my studies and stop playing volleyball altogether. That’s when my weight started to become an issue. Then, a few years later I got married and became pregnant. The baby weight came on and stayed with me.

A tasty transition for the family


The turning point
Fast-forward to me raising my son, Cooper, and daughter, Quinn, while working full-time as a teacher. I couldn’t recognize myself. I was happy with my life and my family, but I wasn’t happy with who I was as a person. One day last year, I was on Instagram and saw side-by-side transformation photos of a woman on WW, and I was astonished and intrigued at the same time. I went straight to ww.com to read more about how the program works. I found a WW Studio in my area, and attended my first WW Workshop the next night. I was blown away by the positive energy in the room, and my WW Coach was very sweet and encouraging.

My first steps
That first week, I started to break down what I had been eating and figuring out what I needed to do to stay within my WeightWatchers allowance. It was eye-opening to see what my intake had been, compared to what my body actually required. Before, I’d add items like sour cream, guacamole, and cheese to my taco and burrito bowls. Once I started measuring, I noticed that I was satisfied with smaller portions. I started to get healthier ideas and recipes from people on Instagram and Connect. In my house we enjoy spaghetti and I subbed it out for spaghetti squash, which my kids also love (thankfully!). We really like 
to grill, too — it’s a healthy way to cook — but we changed the marinades we use to lighter ones that are still packed with flavor. Instead of baking potatoes, we’ve started to grill our favorite veggies.

Family time
One of our favorite meals is kebabs on the grill. While my husband, Marc, and I prepare the skewers with lean meats and veggies, our kids play outside on the trampoline or with their toy cars in the yard. Then we’ll grill the food outside and eat on our patio. After dinner, we’ll play together, or go for a walk around the neighborhood. My kids love their energetic mommy. When they ask me to run around, I no longer say, “No, I’m too tired.” I say, “Yes!” to our active life.

How Brittany’s success with WW has improved her life


A healthy role model
It makes me so excited that my kids enjoy the foods I’m cooking. They also love that I’m more active and present in their lives. I finally feel like a role model for them. Seeing them be proud of me helps push me forward. Some weeks staying on the program is tough, but knowing that they’re here telling me, “Good job,” and “You’re beautiful, Mom,” helps me continue on this journey.

Back in the game
After college, I was a school volleyball coach for eight years. When I had my second child, Quinn, I decided to stop coaching so I could spend more time at home. But now that I’m more active, I’m itching to get back on the court. I’m starting to play for fun more often, and I’m looking to join a league in my town. I miss the intensity. I can’t wait to start competing again.

The total package
My husband has also been very supportive. He cooks the healthy recipes I find online, and he shares meals with me when we dine out. It feels incredible to be a busy working mom who can reach her goals. I’ve been able to see the outcome of giving your all; I see how important it is to try your best. I follow the mantra “Progress, not perfection.” I’ve dropped my perfectionism, and I focus on moving forward, one step at a time.