Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?

I was very happy with my family but not with myself. I was ashamed of the way I looked and harbored negative feelings towards myself and others around me.  Most of all however, I had feelings of guilt because I was always too tired or irritable to do active things with my family.

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge?

My paternal grandmother died at age 58 from complications of diabetes.  My father, who is now 62, has a long list of health problems, from diabetes to high cholesterol, to depression.  I want to live a long, healthy life so I can watch my children and grandchildren grow up. I don’t want to end up like my father or my grandmother.  I was also tired of feeling bad about myself.

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?

At first glance, the BFL program can be a little intimidating, especially for those of us who have so much going on in our lives.  Working out six days a week and planning meals, especially meals that you are simply not used to, can be overwhelming at first.  And sure, I was a little intimidated.   I struggled a little, but after the first week or so I felt as though wings had grown on my back.  I began to see my confidence level increase as the number on the scale decreased, and the feeling was addictive.
 
Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?

I began to see changes in my body as early as the first week of my challenge.  However, I saw a huge change at about four weeks when  one day I looked down at my feet in the shower and that huge gut that was always in the way had shrunk significantly. What a joy that was.  Then, I began to notice that the jiggling fat when I ran decreased with every time I worked out. People also noticed and complimented me which motivated me to continue on.

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge?

I felt like a champion! I looked back at my starting picture and was in awe of what I had accomplished.

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?

Shock!  Everyone was amazed as they watched me transform before their very eyes during the twelve weeks.  When I was having my “after” pictures taken, I remember hearing my friends talk among themselves, “She looks amazing,” “She looks like a million-bucks!”  That felt awesome.

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program?
Absolutely! It has become my family’s way of life.

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?

“You can do this!  It is an easy, doable program if you make it a priority in your life. Deciding to start is the hardest part.  Once you have started, it will become easier with every passing day. The external and internal changes that will inevitably take place will keep you motivated.  Just keep your eye on the goals that you’ve set and on the prize at the end of the twelve weeks: good health and good living.”

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?

I’ve never been happier. I’ve got tons of energy and feel like I’m 20 again!
I take part in all of my childrens’ activities which is something that I was always too tired to do.  We are living and eating healthier too.  Fast-food chains are no longer a choice of eatery for our children.  We try to eat fresh meals as much as possible, limiting the processed and frozen foods as well as foods high in sugar.  It has been a huge change for the better and the kids actually love it.

Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?

I don’t even want to think about that. Probably 30 lbs heavier and miserable.  Next question J

Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?

Enjoying life to its fullest with my family and friends and encouraging others to join the challenge.   I’ve also become active in my community volunteering and founding our neighborhood watch.  With newfound confidence I am meeting people and organizing events for our community.  All of this in addition to the fun things I do with my family.  It’s been amazing.

Q: After going through the 12 weeks, how was your mindset different than it was before? Were you able to face challenges in your life with more confidence?

I actually challenge myself now. I write down short and long-term goals whereas before I just kind of lived day by day. I look forward to challenges now instead of avoiding them. Confidence is definitely something that I now have.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

I hate to say this, but cheese pizza J.

Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-LIFE to other folks?

Word of mouth is the best way to spread the word.  What better way than to show someone personally what Body-for-LIFE has done for me. I am living proof that BFL works.  I shared this life-changing experience with all of my friends, family, people I meet at the gym, e-mail, telephone, and through my husband – he’s got a great circle of friends & co-workers some of which have decided to take the challenge because they’ve seen my transformation.

Q Being that you won the challenge in 2007, how have you continued to live this Lifestyle? And what has been the most difficult part? If anything.

I have continued the lifestyle by working out regularly, eating healthy, and using the EAS nutritional products that got me in shape. It’s a recipe for life. There is no difficult part after you’ve gone through the challenge. You learn to be in total control of your life. 

Q: Current goals:

Inspire others to take the challenge and change their lives.
Become a spokesperson for EAS, a role model for others.
Complete a marathon (ok, there, I’ve said it…now I have to do it)

Q: Quotes that Inspire:

Determination is the fuel that enables you to reach your goal.

Never undermine your potential.

Control your destiny. Don't let destiny control you.


Q: Define Success:

In a challenge: Success is not necessarily winning the race, but instead doing the best that you can and rejoicing in your accomplishment regardless of the outcome.

In life: Success is being happy in family, health, and the choices that you make daily.