Haley Moore is a name that is becoming increasingly familiar on the LPGA Tour. As a rookie, Moore has impressed many with her golfing skills and her inspiring personal health and fitness journey. This Southern California native embodies simplicity and authenticity. Unlike many professional athletes, Moore doesn't have a large team of coaches, trainers, or nutritionists. She keeps things grounded, focusing on self-improvement with a clear mindset and a few essential tools.
The Turning Point
It wasn’t an easy decision for Moore to dive into a weight loss journey. Having struggled with her weight throughout her life, and even facing bullying because of it, she understood the challenges that came with wanting to make a change. The grueling travel schedule and difficult course setups of the Covid-condensed 2020 season left her feeling more tired than normal.
“I could just tell out there that I was getting tired and fatigued from traveling week after week,” Moore shared with GOLF.com. This realization came after months of playing, traveling, and battling the physical toll of the tour. Recognizing that health would give her the energy she needed to excel both on and off the course, Moore decided to make a shift. Rather than succumbing to exhaustion, she turned the offseason into an opportunity to take charge of her health.
Embracing Change: Peloton and Portion Control
Moore took a unique approach to her weight loss journey, one that involved finding balance and joy in her lifestyle changes. She began by treating herself to a Peloton bike, something she had long wanted. “I had always wanted a Peloton bike,” Moore said. “So I said, okay, why not? It’s the perfect time to get one, and I can ride it every day.”
Adding a Peloton bike to her daily routine was a fun and accessible way for Moore to stay active. But exercise wasn’t the only part of the equation. She also completely revamped her diet, focusing on portion control and a high-protein, lower-carb meal plan.
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The Results: More Than Just Weight Loss
As Moore continued to work on her fitness and nutrition, she lost about 35 pounds. But more importantly, she felt better-physically and mentally. The benefits of Moore’s weight loss extend beyond looking good in Kinona’s clothes on the course, though.
“I’m not as tired as I was when I get off the course,” Moore said. “I just have a lot more energy, I’m sleeping a lot better which is important, especially as we travel to different time zones week after week.”
Moore also noticed significant improvements in her golf game as a result of her new lifestyle. “I can definitely tell it’s a lot easier to feel what’s going on in my swing,” she said. This newfound awareness has given her a competitive advantage, as she can now make real-time adjustments on the course without being hindered by fatigue or discomfort. In other words, it’s giving her a competitive advantage and should help her get her first LPGA win sooner than you might think.
The Power of Support
Moore’s journey wasn’t a solo endeavor. In fact, one of the key factors in her success has been the support of her mother. Together, they took on this challenge, making it a shared experience that strengthened their bond.
“Doing any kind of fitness and diet regimen is just easier when you have an accountability partner,” Moore explained. It’s a sentiment that rings true for anyone embarking on a health journey. Embarking on a diet with a friend or family member is one of the most common pieces of advice you’ll get when you first start out.
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Lessons from Haley: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
If you’re looking to lose weight or simply make some healthier choices, there’s a lot you can learn from Moore’s journey.
First, Moore’s journey shows that lifestyle changes don’t have to be overwhelming or extreme. She advises that if you want to change, you’ll have to be willing to try new things. That means new foods, new workouts, and more all in an effort to build new and better habits that will eventually help you reach your goals. Again, she’s 100 percent right here. You won’t be able to change your lifestyle if you continue doing the same things over and over again.
Second, her transformation underscores the importance of self-compassion. Moore didn’t beat herself up for past struggles with weight; instead, she treated herself with kindness and recognized the need for change when it became necessary. Whether you’re actively looking to lose weight or you’re trying to make healthier choices, follow Moore’s example.
Wellspring Academy: A Different Approach to Weight Loss
While Haley Moore's journey is unique, it shares similarities with the experiences of students at Wellspring Academy, a boarding school for overweight teenagers located in the mountains of North Carolina. Wellspring offers a structured environment where students can focus on their health and develop sustainable habits.
Students at Wellspring, like Justin Moore, 15, from Tampa Bay, Fla., experience significant transformations. Justin recalls that when he first arrived, "I had shortness of breath running for short distances, and activity was really difficult." But through daily exercise, he sculpted his body and strengthened his endurance, losing nearly 100 pounds in a short time. "Now I'm one of the most athletic people here," he says with quiet pride.
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Sydney Applebaum, 16, another Wellspring student, says, "Every day, I get a little more confident. Things like having pants that are too big on me, I'll feel a lot more confident all of a sudden. Being able to run longer distances. I'm running a 5K coming up soon that I definitely wouldn't have been able to do before."
Wellspring trainer Nicole Kaysing emphasizes the importance of realizing one's capabilities. "Over time, when they realize they can do things they didn't think they can do," she says, "they're willing to give harder things a try."
Bethany Grace Gomez, 16, who lost about 85 pounds in eight months at Wellspring, acknowledges the challenges of maintaining progress. "It was a challenge to accept at first," she says, referring to hitting a plateau. "But it gets easier to accept that not every week is gonna be 10 pounds, 10 pounds, 10 pounds [lost]. Some weeks it's going to be half a pound, and some weeks when I'm just going to maintain. So I have to be happy with what I get, I guess."
Wellspring's program includes a low-fat diet, journaling, and a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, who designed the Wellspring eating plan, believes that maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong job. The school provides six months of follow-up support to help students maintain their progress after they leave.
Alfonse Missry, 17, a returning student, emphasizes the importance of the right mindset. "There will be mix-ups and lapses and relapses, but you just have to have the right mindset to make sure that that doesn't happen, and that you continue on your path to healthy living and weight loss - because it is the rest of your life we're speaking about."
Overcoming Obstacles: The Impact of COVID-19
Moore, like many athletes, faced unexpected challenges with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The LPGA postponed several events, including the Kia Classic at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif., which was a rare home game for Moore.
“I was pretty devastated,” she said, this her immediate reaction after the LPGA postponed its next three events. “But I knew it was the right thing to do. They don’t want us to have any risk out there. They’re going to do their best to reschedule them. I stand totally behind their decision."
Commissioner Mike Whan reached out to Moore and other rookies to offer support during this uncertain time. The Go Fund Me account helped finance her trip to Australia in January, where she overcame nerves with an assist from her playing partner Cheyenne Woods and shot a 66 in her LPGA debut.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Moore’s journey is far from over. With her new-found energy, improved health, and a stronger sense of self, she’s setting her sights on new goals. With the backing of her clothing sponsor, Kinona, and the support of her family, Moore is confident that her transformation will help her reach even greater heights in the LPGA.
Haley Moore’s weight loss story is a testament to the power of self-care, determination, and support. Through a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition, she’s transformed her body and mind, setting herself up for success both on and off the course.