Success Story #21

Name: S. Hart
Location: JFK Medical Center. Atlantis, FL
Improvement: 55 lbs Weight Loss
Time: 6 Months
Program: 2008 / 2009 Total Transformation Challenge

Biggest Challenges:
My biggest challenges were cutting out the sweets, exercising and resigning to the fact that it is not going to work if I do not make it a lifestyle change. I had to remind myself often that the eating habits and exercise are not temporary. These new habits are going to be part of my daily routine forever. "This is not a diet, it is a lifestyle transformation"
 
On Motivation:
My motivation is definitely weighing in with Rami every week…No matter what, I must weigh in. With Rami's expertise and his knowledge of nutrition and exercise, He helps to motivate me when I reach those frustrating plateaus. Also, as I started to lose the weight and saw a change in my body, I wanted to work harder to see more positive changes in myself…changes I did not expect...my attitude, my self-esteem, energy and sleep habits all improved tremendously!
 
Dietary Changes:
Yes, my diet did change…a lot. I was a gestational Diabetic while pregnant. I learned that if I did not change my lifestyle I had a good chance of becoming a diabetic very soon. So I basically follow a diabetic's diet. When I allow myself carbohydrates...I eat all whole grain foods. Rice, pasta, bread and I get my sweet fix from fruit. I read labels now, count calories coming in and count calories when I exercise. I have my cheat days, so I buy a lot of those 100 calorie snacks…They are wonderful! I recently had my blood work done and my glucose levels are all extremely good.
 
Advice to Others:
Weigh in every week, no matter how your week was. Find a cardio activity that you thoroughly enjoy, something that is good for your mind, body and soul. Make it a lifestyle change…if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired…remind yourself of this often and it will only motivate you more to stay on course.

Going Forward:
Going forward first and foremost...I will continue to lose weight and weigh in every week. I still have a lot of weight to lose and plan on reaching every goal I set. This experience has taught me that I can achieve anything if I set small goals and reward myself along the way.