Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
47 years old
Starting Weight: 145
Current Weight: 130 - but two of them don't count:)
Goal Weight: 120
What finally made you decide to start with PNP? I had joined WW Online on Jan 1, 2007 another New Years Resolution) and I was really struggling. I spent 4 months and only lost 4 pounds and was getting frustrated. I knew I needed to change some things - I just didn't know what or how to do it. I had been reading Corinne's Blog - which I had found through the Fitness Getting Started Board at WW and she had just started PNP. There was a waiting list by the time I contacted her. After about 6 weeks, a spot opened up and I jumped right in.
What type of diet did you follow along with PNP? I learned about and started eating "clean". It isn't so much a diet as it is an eating lifestyle. And it wasn't an overnight change - it was - and continues to be a process. It was learning how to add a veggie and a fruit here, and eliminate an empty calorie snack there. I've had to "relearn" how to eat.
Why did you choose to go with PNP eating? I would read Corinne's blogs - and she had just transformed her body with clean and healthy eating and exercise. She was my inspiration for changing my eating habits.
How long did it take to get to your current physique? I started exercising last June. I was very out of shape. I didn't start my Exercise Journey wanting to look a certain way - I just wanted to be fit and strong - to have lots of energy for my kids. I hadn't seen the inside of a gym in I don't know how long. 5 pound dumb bells were heavy for me. By December, I could do pullups - and could do more push-ups than my brother in laws!!!. In fact, we had a contest doing Decline Push-ups and I won!!! (I was just showing off :)) In June, I couldn't run to my corner without getting out of breath. But the PNP girls were all talking about running 5K's so I started running in July, and by Labor Day I ran my first 5K. Now of course, those same PNP'ers are doing 1/2 and whole marathons!!! I'm a work in progress. I just want to keep getting Phitter and Phatter!
What is a typical workout week like for you? Hmmm, that's a good question. I workout a lot. 5-6 days a week. I do ST, Cardio, Plyometrics, Agility and Balance Work and Yoga.
What is a typical daily menu? For breakfast - it's always one of two things - oatmeal with ground flax, or an eggwhite omlette. For lunch it's maybe tuna or a wrap, veggie burger, SBD Pizza , salad etc. For dinner - always protein - chicken, fish etc with veggies and quinoa or brown rice, black beans, whole what pasta etc.. For snacks, I do protein shakes, protein bars, Fage yogurt with sugar free pudding, hummas, salsas, soy crisps, Cottage cheese.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming? I love Chocolate, and so does my family. So, I would have to say that having things in the house for my family that I enjoy too. I try to buy things that I know I won't eat - but every so often those M&M's jump in my grocery cart when I'm not looking or my husband buys stuff when I'm not supervising :) I'm also focusing on making healthy food taste great. I want my kids to eat the things I do, but they won't eat food that's too plain so I've been relearning how to cook our favorite things without all the extra fat and cals.
How did you keep yourself motivated? Two things. Number One - having a community to turn to and get support. I could never do this alone. Number Two - seeing the changes over time. Sometimes they are strength increases, sometimes it's being able to run a little further - and sometimes it's drop in my pants size or a tricep showing itself (my personal favorite).
What is your #1 Super-Secret Tip to success? Journaling. When I journal consistantly I can see where I need to make changes -what's working, what's not.
Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? I would hope not. I love the way some really calorie rich foods taste, but I love the way eating well and exercising makes me feel. This lifestyle takes discipline - and prep work - but it is so worth it.
What's your favorite aspect of being with PNP? My favorite part, aside from having all the girls to yak with has got to be having Corinne. She is the best motivator I have ever met. And it's not just what she says to me personally - it's what she shares with all of us. I can learn just as easily reading her suggestions to someone else. In fact, most of the success I've had has come from just trying to do what she does and eat what she eats - just not her contest prep food LOL I just can't do "chicken for breakfast" She's my hero :)