Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?
Before I found the BodyforLIFE.com website, I was a tired, moody, insecure person who wanted to be that vibrant, healthy woman in my mind but didn’t know how to change. Sure I knew to lose weight, one had to “eat small meals and exercise”…we hear that all the time, but how and where to start? I mean, what kinds of small meals? What weights work best? What cardio burns the most fat? I was confused and depressed and afraid to step out and fail on my own.

When I found BFL, I knew it was for me! The meal-plans and workouts were easy to understand and when I bought the book and read it, I was more motivated than ever that I could transform my body in 12 weeks like all those previous champions. No more would I be turning to junk food for snacks! No more would I lazily waddle around my house! And no more was I going to let my fat run my world!! I was going to change!!!

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge?
I decided to take that very first step on Jan. 9th, 2006, yep…the dreaded “before pic”. I dug my black bikini out from the bottom of my drawer and squeezed myself into it. Then I humbled myself and asked my husband to take my picture (front and back). It was hard…especially seeing what I actually looked like in the picture. I looked tired, sad and depressed. That was me. These pics were going to drive me all the way to the finish!!

I found an online website for keeping track of all my measurements, pics, and progress. I created an online ID for myself…one that was going to keep me focused…one that would represent me at the end of my challenge, “1leanmom”. Then, I uploaded my embarrassing before pics for the world to see. This was going to hold me accountable! I wanted everyone on that site to see me change. And I found a wonderful group of supporters who was always upbeat, positive, and driven to help me succeed!

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?
My first impression of BFL was that this plan works! I was in 100% agreement that my body was going to change. I had no doubts. The thing I loved most about it was the organization of the workouts. I printed the workout & cardio sheets from www.bodyforlife.com, made lots of copies, and taped them into a spiral notebook. These would keep me on track the entire 12 weeks. I also had room in my spiral to write down all my meals for each day. I was ready to do this!

Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?
It didn’t take long, within the first 2 weeks, I noticed my clothes were fitting more loosely. I didn’t feel so “squeezed” in my jeans. This got me more excited to keep up the plan. I took progress pics every 2 weeks to keep myself motivated. Each time I viewed them, I would look for subtle changes in my body. Sometimes, there didn’t seem to be much change. But, my online buddies continued to tell me they saw them…that I was doing great. So onward I went, staying true to the BFL plan.

Q: Did you have to over-come any obstacles during your 12-Week Challenge?
The only obstacles I faced during my challenge was rearranging my schedule to get all those cardio sessions in and drinking down all that water! I love working out in the mid-morning, that’s when I was at my best in energy. My Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays worked out great for that. However, on the days I worked, my “window” was around 2 pm and that was when I usually went home, answered emails and surfed the net until time to pick up my daughter. So, I had to force myself (in the beginning) to get my bootie to the gym. Sitting at the computer for an hour and a half was a bad habit that I HAD to break away from. Once I did, I no longer even thought about doing it anymore. I started liking my cardio days! All that computer stuff would still be there later if I wanted to look at it… I had a body to shape!

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge?
When the last day of my challenge came, I felt on top of the world! I was so proud of myself for finishing something beginning to end and doing my absolute best the whole time. I felt that I could do absolutely anything I set my heart and mind to. I was excited to see those final pics and compare them to my old self in the befores. When I put them side by side, my eyes really lit up and I saw how my hard work and dedication had truly paid off. I was no longer that tired, frazzled, insecure wife and mom! I was an energetic, organized, confident wife and mom!! That’s the person I’ll be for the rest of my life!

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?
Before, as well as throughout my challenge, my friends and family were supportive of me. I never had anyone tell me I needed to lose weight. In fact, sometimes people would ask me “why are you dieting and exercising all the time when you don’t need to lose weight?” They didn’t see the unhappy woman in the bikini. They saw the Jen who hid behind the clothing.

When I had my “after pics” taken, I showed everyone. THEN they were amazed! They all said I never looked like that. That couldn’t be me. And when I told them it was me, their jaws just dropped. I am happy they saw the commitment I had during my challenge because they now know that making huge changes in themselves will take dedication and drive. They saw how I did it. I hope they know they can do the same. BFL can work for everyone!

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program?
I still follow the eating principles of BFL and so does my family. We make sure we eat 5-6 small meals a day consisting of a protein and a complex carb. We eat fibrous veggies. We supplement with protein shakes and EAS bars. And yes, we drink down that water!!

My husband has adopted the BFL mentality as well. Our workouts are still on as we continue to strengthen our bodies and set short-term goals to keep us driven.

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?
Advice for starting a BFL challenge…you CAN do it! The first step is taking that before picture and reading the Body for LIFE book. Make the decision to succeed early on. Being prepared and organized can make or break you. Pre-cook your foods and have them ready to eat so you’re not tempted to grab those old unhealthy options. Have your workouts written out prior to going to the gym, that way once you get there, you know exactly what to do and get right to work. I loved having my “plan of action” at the gym. It kept me on task and helped me build my strength by going heavier each time. I could refer to any previous workouts to see my growth. Lastly, continue to read inspiring quotes, magazines, and books during your challenge. Keep your goal or dream fresh in your mind. Remember that each day you choose to eat clean and workout, you are one day closer to reaching it!! You CAN do it!

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?
Since my challenge, I have a whole new outlook on life. I no longer feel there are things out of my grasp. I have the power to do anything. If it’s a new sport to learn, I can do it. If it’s a job position I want, I can do it. If it’s beating my best time running, I can do it. Before, my mentality was always “I can’t”. Now it’s, “I CAN!”

Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?
Whoa, thinking about where I’d be having never found BFL is scary. I know I would still be miserable. I would still most likely be trying to find that right diet plan or exercise plan. I know that I wouldn’t have the organization and map I would need to lose the weight though. There are other programs out there…but none break it down in simple, organized ways like Body-for-LIFE. So, all in all, I would be failing to reach my dreams. That’s a terrible thought.

Q: After going through the 12 Weeks, how was your mindset different than it was before? Where you able to face challenges in your life with more confidence?
Before beginning my challenge, I was very easily talked into eating junk foods and skipping exercise. I mean, life should be enjoyable so what’s wrong with daily trips to Starbucks and lunches with friends? When I realized what too many sweet, syrupy coffee drinks and restaurant foods can do, I changed my mindset.

During my challenge, I had a one-track mind. I focused on, dreamed about, and practically breathed BFL. So when those temptations came along, like social events surrounded by unhealthy foods, I would decline and go walking instead. I may have missed some fun and good conversation, but avoiding the junk food was more important to me. I wouldn’t eat at restaurants during my challenge, unless it was my free meal. By making these choices, I felt more empowered than ever.

Facing my weakness, food, and taking control has made my confidence soar. Now when friends invite me to lunch or out for coffee, I know I can resist those poor food choices. I did it for 12 whole weeks and gained more energy than ever plus the lean body I’ve dreamed of. I’m confident in every choice I make now.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?
Hmmmm, this is a hard question because every week I choose different free meals. I would say the one I eat most often is hamburger and mushroom pizza or those yummy ham, bacon, and cheddar calzone rings with ranch dip. Sometimes, it’s sushi. Sometimes, it’s a big ole juicy filet, baked potato with all the fixins, and rolls. Mmmmmm…rolls.

Sometimes, I’ll skip my free meal altogether and opt for free snacks at the movie theater. My fave? A small popcorn with that yellow popcorn salt and Hot Tamales candy. It’s hard to go into the theater and not order popcorn, so if a movie is on our agenda, it’s a free snack over a free meal. I usually take an EAS protein bar (chocolate peanut butter) into the movie too…so I don’t feel like I’m not getting my protein!!

Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-LIFE to other folks?
Since the end of my challenge, I’ve been wearing my Body-for-LIFE red bracelet, carrying my before and after pics with me in my purse, and share my BFL experience with everyone. I always get responses like, “Wow…was that really you?” or “How did you do it?”. I love telling my story and sharing about all the awesome new friends I have made through BFL. One thing people like hearing before they begin is that there is a huge online supportive community.

Since being announced 2006 Grand Champion for women ages 29-39, I’ve told my story on television as well as on the radio. I love doing this since the media reaches so many people. I am always willing to stop and talk about Body-for-LIFE…no matter what. BFL changed me, changed my life! I want to help others know how to reach success…and that’s through Body-for-LIFE.

Q: What are your current goals?
My fitness goals now are:

• To grow stronger during each weight training workout
• To gain more endurance during each cardio workout
• To become more flexible - stretching before and after my workouts
• To continue to eat clean and drink my water!!
• To stay focused and keep the good habits I’ve formed
• To teach aerobics and stay connected with others in my gym

• To always put my family first before any of my own goals
• To continue to set good examples and be a role model for my daughter
• To spend quality time with my husband and daughter each day and tell them I love them
• To make each day count - sharing love, kindness, even just a smile with everyone I meet
• Keep my faith strong in the Lord Jesus Christ, for without Him…I am nothing.

Q: Quotes that inspire?
“Somewhere in the world, someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win.” Tom Fleming’s Boston Marathon training sign on the wall

“Want it! Think it! Do it! Be it!” Unknown

“To uncover your true potential, you must first find your own limits and then have the courage to blow past them.” Picabo Street, Skier

“The ones who believe in themselves the most are the ones who win.” Florence Griffith-Joyner, Sprinter

“If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat.” Hershel Walker, NFL football player

“I’ve had the dog slow me down, the baby bring me back to the house and the wheel fall off the stroller, but I finish no matter what. You have to stay committed.” Marla Duncan, Fitness legend and mom of two

“A man’s health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs.” Joan Welsh

“Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy.” Izaak Walton

“Each of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.” Mary Lou Retton

“Sometime in your life you will go on a journey. It will be the longest journey you have ever taken. It is the journey to find yourself.” Katherine Sharp

Q: Define Success?
Success is ALWAYS doing your best. Success is NEVER giving up. Success is striving for and reaching your goals. If you do these things, then you are a success!!

Q: What are your favorite EAS products?
Thermo DynamX, AdvantEDGE Carb Control Bars, Myoplex Deluxe