Success Story #27

Name:                         M. Bitterman
Improvement:           60+lbs. Weight Loss
Time:                          6+ months
Program:                    2010 Summer Challenge  / 2011 Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
Social settings like going to restaurants and holiday gatherings.  After you train yourself to limit or totally cut out certain food items it becomes an easy routine, on your own you can stick with your program.  The problem manifests itself when your sister-in-law makes your favorite cake from scratch and then you don't eat it or have a crazy small portion.
 
What motivated you to stay on the course?
Aside from the basics (look good, feel good, etc.) you know that when you are on a program like this you are in effect "adding years to your life", and adding "life to your years".  Something as seemingly simple as an excellent lab report and no need for any medications to lower this or raise that is very satisfying.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
I could go on for pages, however simply put - I eliminated all the "whites" (white bread, potatoes, white rice, sugar.)  I limit portion sizes and drink no soda, not even diet. Plenty of water was a big change for me, as I don't like the taste, nor do I feel thirsty often. A daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement plus some herbal supplements from the health food store, such as Astaxanthin (5000 times the anti-oxidant power of vitamin
C) and Rhodiola for increased stamina (It was given to Russian astronauts).
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results? 
Figure out your goals. Whether they are for weight reduction, fat reduction, or increased strength, etc.  Set out a reasonable plan to accomplish it. Use the expertise of our trainer at the Employee Wellness Center for guidance.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
Going Forward, Personally, I have lost all or mostly all the weight I intended, so my goals are to maintain current weight, build lean muscle (reduce body-fat %), increase strength (weight training) and increase Endurance (Cardio training).