The difference between the progress pictures is insane to me. While I went into this hoping for some body comp changes, I honestly wasn’t expecting this in only 3 months. I went into this wanting to prove to myself I could stick with something for 12 weeks, and I am so damn proud of myself honestly.

A minor detail in my transformation is that I have lost a few pounds, about an inch off my waist, and a full clothing size, but the important detail is I have gained tremendous confidence. I have bought a new pair of jeans for the first time in years without it leading to tears and emotional eating. I feel confident in cute outfits, wanting to dress up and not just wear athleisure at all times. 

The physical transformation has been great. I’ve lost like 12 pounds and multiple inches and am feeling more confident in my clothes. However, I really think the mental progress is more meaningful and more than what I expected.

I am just a middle aged working mom trying to be the best example she can for her 14 year old daughter. I want her to know you can do it all…be successful, accomplish big send’s (objectives) and look and feel good while doing it!

For YEARS I thought I was a binge eater… but I’m realizing I was never fueling my body the way it needed to be.

This challenge has helped me create healthier habits all around. I sleep better, I eat better, I feel energized and confident! I also recognize it’s not about perfection. It’s about making lifestyle changes that are sustainable for me.

While I've lost 13 pounds in the past three months, it's my improved mental state that truly makes me feel amazing. I now feel in control of myself, a significant shift from the past 3.5 years of feeling out of control.

Deciding to work with Black Iron Nutrition was the start I needed and has been invaluable, to say the least. In 12 weeks I lost weight, I lost inches, I lost body fat, and I gained so much knowledge! The first step is the hardest but is also the most rewarding.

I’ve honestly never been happier with how my body looks and feels. Because of how I got here…it was simple and it was imperfect. And to me, that’s the best part of this transformation — the part that will stick with me the most forever — I got here in a sustainable way.

I learned how to foster more mental toughness. I learned how to set better goals. I learned how to periodize my training when mountaineering goals and gym phases/goals don’t always align. The last week of the challenge I returned from Mt. Whitney and got my first invitation to the Age Group Quarterfinals. This has been a great 12 weeks!

I joined the performance challenge to enhance my running goals. Despite initial challenges and international travel, I learned to be flexible with nutrition. This journey taught me adaptability, how to have a positive mindset, and the importance of various metrics in measuring progress. I’m grateful for the support of my coach in helping me achieving both physical and mental growth.

To say that the 12 week challenge was life changing isn't a stretch for me, because it really has been. I appreciate the fact that you put this out there with different options. It gave me a lot to think about before I really committed to the performance side of things. And it's a decision that I'm so happy I made.

I had used BIN in the past and knew I would benefit from the accountability, but worried about focusing too much on my weight and body. When I saw the Performance challenge, I knew that was exactly what I needed. This challenge and my coach have been so helpful in keeping me on track and helping my achieve my goals. I’ve learned a lot about balancing my nutrition, daily habits, and workouts in a way that I can sustain.

Learning and understanding macros and portion control has been everything. It has changed my life forever. I feel amazing. Not only have I lost weight and witnessed body composition changes, but the amount of knowledge I have gained is indescribable.