8fitter Spotlight: How a Busy Chef Balances Work and Fitness

Meet Sarah Robbins, a chef from Louisville, Kentucky. Between her busy work schedule that often requires her to taste food on the job, and everyday life, Sarah stays on track with her fitness and nutrition goals using the 8fit app.

Her 8fit coach offers regular inspiration and tips to keep Sarah inspired and motivated. Since subscribing to 8fit in October 2015, Sarah has lost 13 pounds and counting!

We caught up with Sarah to find out more about her journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

8fit: What inspired you to use 8fit?

Sarah: My job requires me to eat a lot (which is good, because I love to eat!), but I had been on back-to-back “eating” intensive trips last October. One of the chefs I was traveling with was commenting on all the food we had consumed and he said, “I have got to make some life changes when we get back.” He was partially joking, but it really struck a chord with me. When I got home, I noticed an ad for the 8fit app. One step led to another and I was off and running with the program that day.

8fit: What were your goals when you started?

Sarah: I wanted to re-energize my workouts to start. I had been working with a personal trainer (loved her!) but then stopped. I was continuing on my own, but my workouts were pretty lame and only happening about three times a week. I wanted to feel strong again and have more energy. In terms of nutrition goals, I wanted to eat better and figure out a way to balance the demands of my job/my business with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

8fit: Describe your initial experience with 8fit.

Sarah: I did the assessment on day 1, signed up for a program, and then paid the fee for the coach. I did not know what to expect, but thought I had certainly spent that same amount of money on something silly like a new top that I might only wear a few times, so why not see what the coach feature got me.

The easiest part about the first weeks (and still today) is that I can be on autopilot—not that I don’t work hard, I do—but I don’t have to think about what to do next. I just go for it and only focus on what is right in front of me, not wondering what to do for the rest of the workout. The most challenging part was making myself use it almost every day.

What results have you seen in terms of health and nutrition?

Sarah: First and foremost, I feel better. I have lost about 12-13 pounds and my clothes fit so much better. I didn’t take measurements, but once you see clothes fitting better (no awful stretch in places you don’t want!), you know you are doing something right. I have also cut back on the amount of sugar I have in my diet. It is still too much. But it is better. I am focusing on that.

When I have a week that is a struggle (too much food, not enough workouts) I focus not on what didn’t happen (or did happen) in the past, but on what I am going to do in the future.

The 8fit team has also helped me change my mindset. If I need to try a bunch of new menus items, I have 2-3 bites instead of 10. My goal is 1-2…working on it!. She told me, “Sarah, you probably know all you need to know in the first couple of bites, right?” She was correct!

8fit: What are your favorite features of the app?

Sarah: My 8fit Coach! Hands down. She is fantastic, a great communicator and a good listener and very supportive, too. Our 4-6 week check ins help for overall accountability, but I love the quick messages on the app. I like having a great partner in this.

In addition to the easy, clean design, the videos are fantastic. I can check how I look in the mirror vs. how I am supposed to look! I like the emails/blog posts as well. I read all of the nutrition articles, which are an excellent resource. I use the app first thing when I get up. I like the warmups, which eases both my body and mind into the workouts, and I I record all 8fit workouts and any other significant types of exercises, such as hiking and long walks, on the app.

8fit: How has 8 fit impacted your life so far?

Sarah: I am now regularly working out 5-6 times a week and am more mindful of what I am putting in my body, without becoming a crazy freak. I love food. And I still love food. But the balance is better. I am stronger and have more energy than I did before. I am also drinking less. It never was a problem, but I’m happy to see consumption decline. As my coach says, “Enjoy it, but make sure you taste it.”

8fit: Any parting words of wisdom?

Sarah: Go for it! The best part about 8fit is that by the time you wake up enough to know you are working hard, the workout is almost over!