Celebrating Transformations

by The Puritan's Pride Editorial Team

Table of Contents

Our Associate’s Share their Personal Stories of Wellness Transformation

September has been a big month here at Puritan’s Pride! Our website recently transformed to provide our customers with easier navigation, more helpful product information, and a better experience on mobile devices, and several of our associates have been busy transforming as well, losing a collective 245 pounds!

For us, wellness is a way of life, and we know it is for our customers, too. That’s why these associates have agreed to share how they personally reached their wellness goals with you, and why we’re inviting you to share your story with us. Together, we can continue to motivate each other to feel good and live healthier lives, as we’ve done for over 40 years.

Kathy Lowery, Technical Product Support Representative – Lost 48 Pounds

When did this journey begin for you?

“April 2017.”

What made you decide to embark on this personal transformation journey?

I did not like how I felt, both physically and about myself.

What were some of the first steps you took to get started?

I stopped drinking soda (which was pretty much the only thing I drank; then after seeing the benefits, I began a healthy eating plan—concentrating on more fruits and vegetables, no sugar, no white flour, or processed foods. I also started walking 5 miles a day and bought (and still use) an elliptical, stationary bike, rowing machine, and weights. I was on such a roll that I even decided it was time to stop smoking, and I’m happy to report that I quit in July.”

“My mantra is I am stronger than any addiction, and am worth the effort.”

When did you begin to see results?

“I lost 12 pounds in the first 2 weeks after I started my diet, and I started breathing better within a week of quitting smoking.”

How much have you lost to date?

“48 pounds in 18 weeks.”

Do you have a motivational quote or mantra? What keeps you going?

“My mantra is ‘I am stronger than any addiction, and am worth the effort.’ What keeps me going is feeling healthier every day, pride in the accomplishments I have achieved, people telling me I have inspired them to improve their health, and a goal to be fit enough to sign up for Tough Mudder in 2019…at 55!!!”

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

“Cocoa almonds!”

Jessica Huertas, Customer Operations Manager – Lost 40 Pounds

When did this journey begin for you?

“September 2016.

What made you decide to embark on this personal transformation journey?

“Did you see my before picture!? Seriously though, I had gotten engaged, started thinking about the wedding, and then of course, ultimately, how I would look in the dress!”

“This is so cheesy, and I think it might be from a Disney movie, but I also love the quote ‘Just keep moving forward!”

What were some of the first steps you took to get started?

“I stopped eating out, for starters. I also started exercising and doing cardio—started with jogging and worked myself up to being able to run. We also started cooking more at home – mostly chicken and vegetables, which can get a little redundant, but it works!”

When did you begin to see results?

“Thinking back, I’m not really sure exactly, but it definitely took a few months to start seeing noticeable results. I definitely felt a lot better very quickly though—that I do remember. I felt more energized and not so sluggish!”

How much have you lost to date?

“40 pounds!”

Do you have a motivational quote or mantra? What keeps you going?

“That before picture and my wedding dress! This is so cheesy, and I think it might be from a Disney movie, but I also love the quote ‘Just keep moving forward!’”

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

“Cashews, which is funny because I don’t like peanuts, so I found it pretty interesting that I like them so much!”

Amy Stearns, Supply Chain Manager – Lost 132 Pounds

When did this journey begin for you?

“My journey really started the spring of 2015.”

What made you decide to embark on this personal transformation journey?

“I was told I had a blood clot and I could actually die if changes were not made.”

What were some of the first steps you took to get started?

“I first had the blood clot challenge, and at the same time met with many types of doctors. I changed my diet, joined a gym, and changed ALL habits related to food, exercise, and my all-around well-being.”

“What keeps me going is that I am now healthy and will be here for my son.”

When did you begin to see results?

“It took about 6 months to see results but it was not enough for the doctors. That’s actually when they recommended weight loss surgery for me. I was really scared, BUT I decided to do it, and it has been the best decision of my life! But it’s also an every-minute-of-every-day struggle. This decision was really not easy.”

How much have you lost to date?

“132 pounds!”

Do you have a motivational quote or mantra? What keeps you going?

“Favorite quote? I don’t really have one. What keeps me going is that I am now healthy and will be here for my son!”

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

“Sliced cucumbers – sometimes with a sugar-free dressing!”

Kathy Tobiasen, Customer Experience Vice President – Lost 25 Pounds

When did this journey begin for you?

“October 2016.”

What made you decide to embark on this personal transformation journey?

“I just wasn’t feeling good! I wanted to feel and look better, and I also have two kids I need to be healthy and around for.”

“The one statement that stuck with me is Hunger is not an emergency.”

What were some of the first steps you took to get started?

“I had tried so many different things that didn’t work in the past. I was doing a lot of research and someone shared with me a program that was based around removing sugar and flour from your diet. I looked into it more, and it ultimately ended up being the perfect fit for me, mainly because of the addictive nature of those two ingredients.”

When did you begin to see results?

“Definitely within the first 4 weeks! It was a drastic change to my eating regimen and lifestyle, so I had to work to create a meal plan that was more structured and very intentional in terms of design and when/what I was putting in my body. I began losing weight and was also feeling so much better immediately.”

How much have you lost to date?

“25 pounds!”

Do you have a motivational quote or mantra? What keeps you going?

“The one statement that stuck with me is ‘Hunger is not an emergency.’”

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

“Well, I don’t snack anymore, actually! But I do eat fruit twice a day with a meal. One of my favorites is mango!”

How have you reached your own personal wellness goals? Tell us in the comments or leave us a message on social media!

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