'HOW POWERLIFTING HELPED ME LOSE 41KG IN JUST OVER A YEAR'
My name is Rachel Faye Robbins (@rachelfayeak) and I’m 27 years old. I’m from Anchorage, Alaska in the States and I’m the owner of Perfectly Imperfect Photography. I struggled with binge eating until I started taking care of myself by counting calories, practising portion control, and powerlifting.
My binge eating was my biggest struggle with food and weight growing up. I fought with it since my preteen years, and it really took over in a serious way after I had kids.
I was 26 when I reached 121 kg. At that weight I was constantly dealing with lower-back pain and high blood pressure complications. Worst of all, I wasn't loving the woman I saw in the mirror.
But my turning point didn't come until after I left my marriage in November 2019. I began the process of rebuilding a home for myself and my two boys. In learning how to parent alone, I decided that I deserved so much more than the low standards I had in the past. And most of all, my boys needed a strong and stable mum.
With my binge eating history, I knew it was easiest for me to count calories and practise portion control
So that’s what I did. I also cut out all fast food and started to drink only water.
Here’s what I typically eat in a day now
- Breakfast: Avocado toast with hard boiled eggs and bacon
- Lunch: Rice bowl with chicken and veggies
- Snack: Bell peppers and cream cheese with ham
- Dinner: Egg salad wrap with cheese and fruit
- Dessert: Dark chocolate squares
While a nutritious, balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, counting calories and portion control may not be the right approach for everyone. Consult a dietician or nutritionist for an eating plan that works best for you.
Moving and staying active is what kept my motivation high
Seeing the body changes and strength improvement was huge for me. I first started off doing 20-minute HIIT workouts and yoga six days a week. As the kilos came off, I took the leap and got a membership at a local gym.
I started powerlifting and fell in love with it. Now, I lift heavy three days a week at the gym and do daily cardio workouts at home for my mental health.
These three changes made the biggest difference in my weight-loss results
- I stopped 'earning' food. Food is fuel, and I realised I needed to change my outlook about 'earning' certain foods and treats. And that also means not eating junk all the time. I only give my boys and myself the very best, without forgetting to have a treat every once and a while.
- I found support through a fitness family. Surrounding myself with support and people who push me to be better really helped me. Before, I didn’t realise how much having a fitness family could help me thrive and stay focused.
- I chose to love myself at every stage in my journey. This body is amazing! It created two healthy boys, and it can lift heavy and run fast. It does everything I need it to (and more). Just remember to enjoy the process and not the result.
I have lost 41kg in a year and three months
I was the most unmotivated person before all of this. And I never truly believed that the power to change my life was in my hands the whole time. It took a lot for me to deal with my demons and face the fears I had been pushing down for so long. But I’m so glad I did, because my life has changed in the most amazing way.
Now I’m a powerlifting gold medalist, business owner and someone my kids can be proud of. Just take that first step, and I promise you will end up somewhere amazing.
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2025-02-07T10:40:59Z
