Featured Profile: This City Girl's Lost 70+lbs!

People who have achieved great health & fitness goals don't have to be people you can't relate to in some far off land - they are people just like you in your own neighborhood! Fortunately I live in one of the most amazing cities on the planet full of some of the most amazing people and I hope to bring stories of their many awesome adventures to you!  This is the first Featured Profile on Natural Beauty & Body, and I hope to bring many more great people just like this one!

Susanne Robb, after taking in her Bachelorette dress

Suzanne Robb is a native East Bay girl, and we share a love of music, dancing and cheese in common. We've known each other for about 13 years now, originally from the San Francisco music & nightlife industry. Known to most of her friends as Suzee or The Suz (also formerly Suzee the Cheese Ortiz) she has been a major inspiration to not only her friends and those who personally know her the past couple years, but to people all over the world that have followed her journey online, documented everywhere from her 10 runs this year to her MyFitnessPal profile. I was very happy and excited that Suzie took some time away from conquering the world to meet with me one day so I could pick her brain on how and why she's accomplished all that she has to be where she is today.

Before Pics:

First Race

 After Pics:

NB&B: Most people start their fitness journey with changing how they eat. What was different if your case? 
Suzee: I started with working out first because I figured it would help me not feel as bad about eating garbage. I was correct but not in the way I thought it would be. I found that when I worked out I WANTED to eat better because it made me feel better. They compliment each other.

NB&B: You started running first. What made you choose running? 
Suzee: I have never been a runner in my life. I never thought it would be something I would ultimately enjoy. I chose running because I know it's fantastic cardio for you blood and heart. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. Now I do fun runs and rather enjoy it. 

NB&B: How did you first feel about getting a trainer? What were some of the things he said/ did to encourage you? 
Suzee: I really wanted a trainer to make sure I was getting the full effect in weight training. It's really easy to assume you are doing something right but end up not getting the full effect or injuring yourself. John was the best investment of my life. He pushed me more than I would have ever pushed myself. He helped me to see I am capable of more than I ever would have thought. He has been extremely supportive without Belittling or embarrassing me. He empowers me. 

NB&B: Why did you start changing how you ate? What were some of the steps you took when you took certain foods out of your diet/ what did you add? 
Suzee: I saw the movie "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead" and it made me realize I don't eat nearly enough veggies. So I made it a personal habit that at least 3 of my 5 meals a day had green veggies. I also cut out anything fried. That was rough but worth it. 

NB&B: What are some memorable milestones in your fitness journey? 
Suzee:  John was there for me in so many ways. He helped me to lose 70lbs. He was also the one that pushed me to do Tough Mudder. He trained with me and was even there on race day in a boot with a torn achilles. I never thought I would be able to do an obstacle course like that but I finished it even with a rolled ankle. When I started I couldn't even run a few yards. I did my 6th run of the year a few weeks ago and I'm doing my first half marathon next month. 

NB&B: You're an inspiration to many. What advice do you have for people when they ask you for it?  
Suzee: I tell people don't let the scale dictate your happiness. make sure they love themselves at any size. Otherwise it doesn't matter if they are a size 8 or an 18 they will never be happy with their results. Also true results take time and dedication. The weight didn't get there overnight, it's not going to come off overnight. Think baby step. Have an ultimate goal but look at it in increments. Need to loose 50lbs? Make mini goals of 10 lbs so it doesn't look so intimidating and before you know it, it adds up and you reached your ultimate goal. 

NB&B: What are your current & long term goals? 
Suzee: I have lost 70 lbs so far. I am 25lbs away from my ultimate goal. I want to be 150 or a size 6. Whichever comes first.

We'd like to thank Suzie again for her time & being an inspiration to so many. We hope to hear from her again soon, and give her a shout or follow if you see her online! :)