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| Body for LIFE Transformation 4/30/01-7/22/01 As you can see, I was not very happy when I had to take the before pictures. In fact, I didn't even get them developed for 6 weeks afterwards. Once I did, they were even worse than I had imagined. However, I am very glad I took them (not only because they're needed to enter the challenge) but because they gave me a measurement upon which to gauge my success! |
| How I did it! EATING I ate 5 meals a day, each 2-3 hours apart. I always had 2 regular Myoplex shakes; I always drank the first one one hour after my morning workout, and the other for my third meal of the day. I tried to vary what I was eating from each category. You can always use vegetables to fill you up if you get hungry. Whenever I was not going to be able to be around "authorized" food, I ate the "Simply Protein" bars in place of a meal, and if I found myself without a GNC nearby, I grabbed "Low-Carb" bars at the supermarket. I always used EAS products. I did not use any other supplements. I only cheated on three meals the entire challenge. WORKOUTS I never missed a workout and I always made sure the I worked out first thing in the morning. The one day that my gym flooded, I worked out after work. I really gave it my all during each workout and always tried to add some weight or some speed/intensity/incline to at least every other workout. I changed my weight exercises every four weeks and I alternated between the treadmill and the stationary bike for cardio. INSPIRATION I used the Body for LIFE guestbook and made entries daily. As time wore on and I became more familiar with the program I began to respond to other entries. When I needed encouraging words, everyone there was more than willing to help. A great place for inspiration. I also surrounded myself with supportive people and told all of them what I was doing. They helped to keep me going through tough times. There are also many websites out there with inspiring stories and photos. I made sure to search for a few daily. I also printed out the champion's picture from last year in my category and pinned it to my wall at work. I found and read inspirational sayings and used them as my screensaver. I printed out a daily roadmap and had fun crossing each day off as I completed the challenge. No matter what, I kept my thoughts on my desired outcome. Setting a goal and working toward it one day at a time is very important. Basically, I surrounded myself with positive influences. ADVICE If you're going to do it, DO IT! Don't give yourself any excuses not to. The challenge is partly a mind game, so accept the fact that you're going to have some lazy moments and cravings, have them, and then move on with what you're supposed to do. You won't regret it. I didn't start to see any major changes in my body until the ninth week (even though I had awesome energy since starting). Have faith that this will work - there's no way it can't - and give it your all every single time. CALL THE EAS 800 (800-297-9776) NUMBER FOR ADVICE. I did this countless times, including before I started. Their help has been immeasurable. I even called to ask them what category lima beans fell under (carbs). Eat whatever the heck you want to on free day and don't feel guilty about it. If I can do this, you can do it. I was a fast-foot loving couch potato, not some crazy athlete fitness guru. PURCHASE AND READ THE BOOK - USE IT AS REFERENCE THROUGHOUT YOUR CHALLENGE. Last, but not least - don't worry about tweaking the program - unless the EAS people recommend it. It works as outlined in the book. I'm living proof. REMEMBER - A champion focuses not on what they're going through, but on where they're going to! This could be you!! I WILL BE STARTING A SECOND CHALLENGE WHICH WILL END AROUND MID-OCTOBER 2001. I WILL BE SURE TO POST RESULTS FOR THAT CHALLENGE AS WELL! OVERALL GOAL = 22% BODYFAT! GO BFL! IT REALLY DOES WORK! |
| Beginning Stats Body Fat = 35% Scale Weight = 187 Dress Size = Tight 14 Low Energy Poor Self-Body Image!! I regret I did not take measurements. Height 5'6" |
| Ending Stats Body Fat = 27% Scale Weight = 165 Dress Size = Tight 10 High Energy Great Self-Body Image!! I'll take measurements for next challenge. Height 5'6" |