Success Story #31

Name:                         J. Newman
Improvement:           30lbs. Weight Loss
Time:                          3 months
Program:                    2011 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
I found out that the biggest obstacle standing in my way was me. I kept telling myself, like many others, that I will start an exercise program later. I will eat healthy later. It had hit me that "hey the older you get the harder it is to get the weight off", so I had to take my health into my own hands. We invest in cars, houses, clothes, etc, but what good are all of those things if you don't take the time to invest by taking care of your God given machinery?
 
What motivated you to stay on the course?
My motivating forces that kept me in this challenge were:
The first thing was based on my cultural background. I one day sat down and realized that due to my country's rich cultural 'diet' and high physical in activity, that there were so many people (especially females) that have developed (sugar) diabetes, hypertension/high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases associated to the diseases that I have mentioned. I thought if I had to make a change, that I had to start with me, in order to better myself.

Most important to me was God. When I felt like I couldn't make out and didn't have any strength or driving force left within me, I reflected on Phil 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Support was important as well. I had support from my own family and my lab family. (the ones in program, returning transformation challengers who were photographed winners, as well as the ones not in it)
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Last but definitely not least was Rami. I have never had a personal trainer before and he is like you personal motivational speaker cheering you on. He does it from start to finish. He makes you dig within and makes you push so you can meet the potential within, that you thought was not there.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
My diet has changed tremendously! I eat more fruits and veggies than before. There are fruits that help you with weight lost like strawberries and blueberries. I had no idea. Not only does it help but they are also delicious. Sometimes on days when I am in a rush I blend my fruit so I can have the needed amount of fruit for the day.
The veggies I eat are either raw or steamed. Delicious.

My eats are even prepared differently. My preference is chicken and fish. I love it prepared baked/rotisserie style, steamed or grilled. I go for salmon, king fish...the fish that are rich in omega 3 that is good for heart health.

Going shopping I pay attention to the daily value on the labels. It would shock you with the amount of sugar and salt are in the foods we eat. They are in some healthy foods and snacks as well. Good examples are canned soups, protein bars, pasta sauces, etc. Be mindful of the salt and sugar you are taking in.
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results? 
The advice I would give to others wanting the same result is that you have to be willing to put in the work for your own health's sake. When you make the first step, you will realize that you will have the support of the right people. Going into this transformation helped me with HCA's PHA. I had done the wellness test before I considered doing the right thing. I did my PHA wellness after with my test and saw there was a big change. I would encourage all to take time out to go to the gym that we have for free. It is amazing how a few minutes of activity will change your life.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
This transformation challenge has helped me to reach within, to find out what I need to do and with the certain tools. There do areas that still need work and I am motivated to continue to help bring my body to its fullest potential.