Andie Lost 40 Pounds by Being a "Fitness Slut"

After having three kids, founder of the healthy-living blog Maybe I Will Andie Thueson felt controlled by food. She knew it was time for a change, so she started eating healthier and working out. Patience was her key to success and she lost 40 pounds and has kept it off.

POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start?

Andie Thueson: After I had my third child, I was bigger than I had ever been and I was completely controlled by food. I was tired all the time and as much as I wanted to blame that on being a mom to three, I knew it was because I wasn't working out or eating right. I was putting everyone else's needs above my own. As much as I love my children, I knew that if they were going to get the best me possible, I needed to change. I needed to start working out and I needed to finally get control of my relationship with food and feed my body with healthy good foods instead of cheap processed garbage.

PS: What's your favorite way to work out?

AT: I LOVE to wake up and work out! It just sets the tone for my entire day. I'm what you would call a fitness slut; I don't stick to any one way to work out; I LOVE mixing it up and trying new things!
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
AT: I work out Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. for about an hour before I rush home and get my kids ready for school. On the weekends I am a little more lax and fit my workout in sometime in the morning.

PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?

AT: As I previously mentioned, I love to mix things up! I recently started listening to podcasts during my workouts, so I am bettering my bod and my mind all at the same time. It has been a fun way to mix things up and keep my workout exciting.

PS: How much weight have you lost?

AT: I've lost 40 pounds.

PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?

AT: Once the weight came off, I became so much more confident and more comfortable in my own skin. I found that exercise was the best part of my day and it really helped me to be a more centered and energetic person. I never thought that sweating and pushing myself so hard at the gym would become a part of who I was.

PS: How do you track your weight loss?

AT: I typically weigh myself once a week, just to make sure that I stay in "my range."

PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?

AT: I usually will start eating around 11 or 12 and will eat a meal with lots of veggies and lean protein and will eat a snack or two as needed and then a well-balanced dinner and then I will close the kitchen around 7 p.m. and be done eating. I factor in some type of treat every day! I just make sure it fits into my calories and macros!

PS: What's the range of calories you eat per day?
AT: I like to stay around 1500 to 1600.

PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
AT: I love snap peas and guacamole packs! They are so easy to grab and go and are super filling! I also LOVE Quest Bars! They are like eating a candy bar and are a savored treat!

PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
AT: I always try to either split my meal or eat half and box the rest. Eating out is supposed to be fun! When you add too many restrictions, I think you are setting yourself up for failure. My biggest advice is just to watch portions! Enjoy your food and STOP when you are full.

PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
AT: Have patience with yourself! When I first started I wanted to lose all this weight fast, so I was super restrictive and I demonized "bad foods" I would do OK for a bit, but inevitably I would cave! But instead of eating a healthy, normal-sized portion, I would binge — it was like I could not stop myself! So I shifted my mindset and became friends with food and instead of putting foods on lists of "naughty" or "nice," I began to eat for my health and better energy and would enjoy a treat here and there for fun! This change in mindset made all the difference for me.