Stephanie Walters was one of the Honorable Mentions in the 2022 Nutrition Challenge with Targhee Athletics. Stephanie lost 5.7lbs and a total of 12cm! Here is what Stephanie had to say about the challenge!

2022 Nutrition Challenge

Honorable Mention

Name: Stephanie Walters

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am 40 years old born and raise in southeast Idaho, and 5th generation in my family in Teton Valley. I am the proud mother of 3, a 23 year old daughter and two sons 18 &13. My husband and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year! I love being a wife and mother, and this has been my greatest focus for the majority of my life. My love for children recently lead me to become a school bus driver, and I am on my 6th year driving for the school district. I am physically active and love the outdoors.

Why did you decide to enter the 2022 Nutrition Challenge?

I decided to enter the 2022 Nutrition Challenge because I wanted to better myself, and my knowledge in nutrition. I have learned so much every time I have signed up for a nutrition challenge with TA. But being a part of the community within the challenge is fun and encouraging as well.

What did you enjoy most about the challenge?

Intermittent Fasting! And checking my list every day. Haha!

What was the hardest part about the challenge?

Tracking the food gets a little tricky at times for me, but I know the importance of doing it. It’s just hard to see how many calories are in some of my favorite “treats”.

So, run us through a typical day. What did you eat? What did you do?

I wake up around 5:30am (I quit hitting snooze during this nutrition challenge, which I highly recommend!) I drink black coffee and have a mindful morning routine, which I also started with the nutrition challenge. Then I drive my morning bus route and go straight to the gym for my daily workout. I drink my aminos during and after class. I have a breakfast at 11:00am, my favorite being whole-wheat toast topped with half an avocado, 2 slices of turkey bacon, homegrown sprouts and a poached egg (sometimes 2 poached eggs) and a protein shake. I have a “lunch” before my afternoon route which generally consists of 6 slices of a lunch meat, a slice or two of cheese, a vegetable (peppers or carrots) and a cutie or half an apple. Then dinner, our new family favorite is a protein with greens and 1/2 c of cottage cheese. If I’m lacking on protein for the day I throw in a fat free yogurt with a couple berries for dessert and start my fast no later than 8pm. Then I enjoy a mindful evening routine with a cup of sleepy time tea with my husband.

What was the #1 takeaway from this challenge?

Mindfulness. My mindful am and pm routines, and being mindful of when and what I eat.

What changes have you noticed, besides the physical ones?

Regular BM’s. Pooping is cool! And feels much better than the alternative. I have IBS, and I am amazed with how much more aware I am of what was causing issues that I hadn’t linked to my issues before. I credit a lot of that to tracking my food.

So, do you have any final words? About the 2022 Nutrition Challenge, or anything else?

I love Targhee Athletics. I love the coaches! I am inspired by the community! And I appreciate the challenges offered by TA that continue to help me learn and grow and better myself!