Sarah Foster has been a group fitness instructor for over 25 years and a gym rat to boot. Somewhere along the way of being a wife, mother, caretaker to her aging mom and keeper of the books for her family business she lost her mojo. She was constantly exhausted, overweight and feeling less than a role model for the members who took her classes. She now knew what she needed to do and yet was too tired to make the effort. It was an endless cycle of, “I’m too tired to cook, let’s get a pizza/takeout,” eating food that was making her fat and tired. So she took the The AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge. and within 1 year she went from a size 10 to a size 4.
Check out her wonderful transformation journey in an exclusive interview with Women Fitness.
Women Fitness:
When did you realize that you needed to lose weight?
Sarah Foster:
In January of 2015 I was not happy with my weight or body composition. Exercise has always been a part of my lifestyle but I was frustrated because regardless of the exercise body fat seemed to cling to me.
Women Fitness:
How has your weight loss journey been? What were the milestones that you had to overcome?
Sarah Foster:
My journey has been awesome, I have learned so much along the way and it has enabled me to help others who are experiencing the same frustrations that I was.
My biggest milestone was learning to prep my food consistently so that making healthy choices was “convenient”.
Women Fitness:
What is your fitness regime like?
Sarah Foster:
Since my current goal is to increase muscle while staying lean I do a combination of weight training and HIIT training. I’m typically exercising 6 days a week, 1 hour per day with one of those 6 sessions dedicated to stretching/yoga.
Women Fitness:
In a typical day, what do you take for breakfast-lunch-dinner? And what are your go-to healthy snacks?
Sarah Foster:
I have learned to consistently eat every 2 1/2-3 hours (about 5 small meals a day).
Breakfast is usually 4 egg whites (I just don’t like the yolks), oatmeal with berries and 1/2 tsp. of coconut oil.
Mid Morning Snack – is usually post workout so I’ll drink a AdvoCare Post Workout Recovery/Protein shake on the way home in the car
Lunch – Lately I’ve been craving warm food since it’s cold out so I like ground turkey chili with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a ground turkey “bowl” with farro and roasted veggies.
Mid Afternoon snack – Apple and Peanut butter
Dinner – salmon and asparagus
If it’s been a long day and I’m still hungry I will add in a protein or snack shake.
I gave you my typical snacks, I also like nuts and prunes, an apple and almonds, and having a handful of AdvoCare meal replacement shakes on hand is perfect for when life gets in the way so I don’t have to stop for fast food.
Women Fitness:
Who/What do you consider the greatest motivation behind your healthy weight loss journey?
Sarah Foster:
I am part of a huge Tribe of Women called Team Fit. I love the motivation I get from each of the ladies as we share on our private Facebook page. As a coach I hope to inspire others, but I am also motivated by my fellow coaches and all the other women who are seeing success and getting excited about it.
Women Fitness:
What is your 2018 New Year Resolution to maintain a healthy & fit lifestyle?
Sarah Foster:
I love that I’m hitting the 3 year mark and I have created a lifestyle that is healthy and sustainable. I don’t really have a resolution other than my goal to inspire others in their health and fitness journey.
One of my big 2018 goals is to learn how to do hurdles for Tri Fit. Last year I literally stepped over them as I had a big fear of face planting, this year the goal is to be able to actually jump over them, maybe not with style, but without fear lol.
Women Fitness:
Share with us some details about the 2018 Tri Fitness Challenge that you are going to be a part of?
Sarah Foster:
Tri-Fitness is a fitness competition with a foundation based on the dedication to health, fitness and the competitive spirit. In 1997, Al Rosen decided to create a fitness competition to empower athletes and have them feel the power of accomplishment. Rosen (a gym owner for 28 years, physical education teacher and coach, former professional wrestler, fitness trainer) with a background in gymnastics used the gymnastic formula to create the scoring (10 point system). Rosen states: “instead of bars, beam, vault and floor the Tri-Fitness has obstacle course, fitness skills, fitness routine and true grit challenge as well as a Grace & Physique competition for women (the physique is a by-product of the type of training and nutrition one does preparing for the event).” In past television interviews, Rosen has been known to explain how amazing it is to see women looking like Barbie in the Grace & Physique turn into G.I . Jane on the obstacle course. FUN – FITNESS – COMPETITION – FRIENDS – FAMILY – FEEL THE POWER OF ACCOMPLISHMENT!
I will begin training specifically for the Tri Fitness Challenge about 10 weeks prior to the event. That entails training at an increased level of intensity 6 days a week and a meal plan that is adjusted to fuel that higher level of intensity. Last year was my first time so I set some benchmarks, this year my goal is to finish my 50 Box Jumps, Shuttle Run, True Grit and Obstacle Course in less time, and increase the number of bench presses at 60% of my body weight. I also aim to present a leaner presence on the stage for Grace & Physique.