Success Story #48 RS11

Name:                         R. Schmidt
Improvement:           2.5% Reduction of Body Fat / Increased Strength
Time:                          3 months
Program:                    2008 / 2010 / 2011 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
My biggest challenges were myself and the issues that I have with food:
 
1)  Poor food choices.  I would always choose a cookie or muffin over fresh fruit.
2)  Overeating, especially in the evening.
3)  Rewarding myself with a food treat and feeling I was entitled to it since I am active
    and I get enough exercise.
4)  In short, being mindless about how and what I eat.
5)  I can eat properly and do.....but not always.  I know the foods that will trigger bad
    behavior and all too often, I choose to ignore them.  It always leads to overeating and
    would always continue until I got myself under control again.  And that wasn't always
    easy.
 
What motivated you to stay on the course?
I got a boost from being on a team. I saw my teammates do accomplish things that were hard for them. That made it easier for me to buckle down and stay on course so as not to disappoint them.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
I am now eating more protein.  I would start the day with egg whites and a slice of
fiber-rich bread with fat free spread. Mid morning snack a banana or perhaps half an apple.  Lunch might be soup.....heavy on the vegetables, or perhaps a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice meal. Mid afternoon snack would be Jell-O or half an apple. Greek yogurt is also good option and full of protein.  Dinner is salad with a little cottage cheese, some beets, and egg whites. Or maybe a baked tilapia with vegetable.  Finally, no bedtime snack!!!
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results? 
Practically anyone can walk for exercise.  That is what I depend on to burn fat.  Lift some weights. Muscle that is not used is lost and we need it, especially as we age. Stretch more often!  It'll keep you flexible and you will get around more easily.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
The battle with food will be ongoing. I will need to lose the sense of entitlement and find other ways to reward myself for good behavior without going for the cookies right away.