Success Story #19 NK09

Name: N. Kaizen
Location: JFK Medical Center. Atlantis, FL
Improvement: 35 lbs Weight Loss
Time: 3 Months
Program: 2009 Total Transformation Challenge

Biggest challenges:
My biggest challenge was finally realizing that I am important and that I needed to make time and take care of myself.  We work in a service industry and very often that carries over to our home lives, taking care of others before ourselves. Only I was wasn't taking care of me, physically or mentally.  I had to change the way I felt about myself and realize that I am just as strong and capable as the next person, and that I deserved to be healthy and happy.

On Motivation:
My motivation is my life and my girls.  As I was becoming heavier, I had no energy and my whole body just ached all of the time.  I developed plantar fascitis and Achilles tendonitis and they were so painful.  I couldn't walk anymore and my job became harder.  I went to the doctor and found out I was pre-diabetic.  I realized that I was too young to follow in the steps of so many we meet everyday here in the hospital.  I looked at my girls, who are so young, and while I may have overreacted a little, became depressed thinking they might have to grow up without me.  While I still worry about my kids, my motivation now is that I know I can do it.  I succeeded in meeting my goal and the only motivation I need is myself.

Dietary Changes:
This was a huge change for me!  I removed about 90% of refined sugar from my diet.  I no longer eat candy, cake, cookies, etc.  I make sure I have plenty of snacks and eat every 2-3 hours, no matter what.  I have 3 servings of fruit, I combine a protein and a complex carb for my snacks, and try to eat my carbs before dinner.  I am a bread junkie and need to eat some type of bread, pasta, grain, etc in the evening.   Sometimes I have to make a decision as to whether or not I rather eat a high calorie snack or a wholesome "mini-meal". Because I was starting to feel "deprived", I started adding a cheat day, where I eat something I really want, like pizza.  I just try not to eat as much!

Advice to Others:
Believe in yourself.  Starting something new is never easy and I if you had asked me 12 weeks ago if I thought I could ever even be a finalist, I would have said, "no way!"  I am stronger and healthier and it feels so good.  It's almost as if your strength and endurance sneak up on you.  Listen to your trainer!  He was always right and when I stopped and listened to what he was saying, not just listen, but hear what he said, something connected and the change happened.  When I started, 6 miles was a marathon for me.  Now I do 33+ miles every week! Stick with it and don't give up!

Going Forward:
This experience has shown me that while it is difficult, I will always make time for myself.  Before I would make excuses "why not."  Now I make excuses as to "why I should" and exercising has become as much a part of my life as showering and getting ready for work.  I like how I look and feel and I want to always feel like this.  I am proud of myself, for once, and I hope that I am able to inspire others.