Wondering how in the world I was going to get back into shape after baby #4, I ran into a woman I had known for several years & almost didn’t recognize her – she looked fabulous! I asked her what she had done to get into such good shape and she told me about Body-for-LIFE. Desperate to get out of maternity clothes, I immediately ran out and bought the book and read it cover to cover. The photos and the stories inspired me and the plan seemed simple enough to follow. I knew in my heart that this could work but could I actually make the commitment & follow through? I was scared to death that I would quit before the 12 weeks were up but I was more afraid of letting 12 more weeks pass without doing anything.

In order to set realistic goals, I needed a starting point. I took my before pictures & and did a full body assessment. WOW! What an eye opener. Is this really what had become of my body? I was suffering from body image issues but, unfortunately for me, mine were quite opposite of most people’s – my problem was that I thought I looked much better than I actually did. The sad proof was right in front of me – my photos were awful & the bottom line was I was fat! I was more determined than ever to regain control of myself & my body.

With my BFL journal and a few friends in tow, I set off for the gym. I was faithful to the plan & tracked every workout & every meal. The Eating for Life™ (Eating for Life™ is not a trademark of Abbott Laboratories) recipe book was a huge help. The recipes were fantastic! I found that I did not miss my old eating habits at all. My children started to request BFL meals (Golden Pancakes & Chicken Parmesan are still favorites in our house). I kept ZonePerfect® Bars in my purse & kept Myoplex® Ready-to-Drink shakes in the fridge so I was always prepared. I was actually enjoying my new lifestyle. Even more enjoyable were the results I was seeing. People at the gym would come up to me and comment on my progress. At 8 weeks, my brother (who back in November told me I was the heaviest he’s ever seen me) could not believe how much weight I had lost – and I still had a month to go!

At the end of my 12 weeks, the proof was once again right in front of me. I could hardly believe my eyes. In 12 weeks, I had lost 21 lbs., 13 inches, dropped 3 dress sizes and reduced my body fat by 12%. I am stronger not just physically but mentally. But the greatest satisfaction comes from honoring the commitment I made to myself. I believe that I am able to do anything I set my mind to.

I have come to realize that everyone who takes part in this Challenge is a champion. Everyday we are faced with choices and some days are more of a struggle than others. But through it all, we decide that we are worth fighting for and in the end you feel like a warrior – a person that is clearly superior & has the attributes of a winner. You are strong, proud, and ready for everything life has in store for you!

Results: Lost 21 lbs. of scale weight while decreasing body fat by 12% in 12-weeks

Products Used: Myoplex® Lite, AdvantEDGE® Protein Powder – Ready-to-Drink Shakes, ZonePerfect® Nutrition Bars, CLA