January | February | March | April | May | June | Trainer | Dietitian

Current Weight: 193 pounds

Steps taken to get ready for challenge:
“I have gotten rid of the unhealthy food in the house and stocked the fridge with lots of fresh produce and fruit. I made a list of questions for both the trainer and nutritionist so I was prepared when I met with them. I've been purchasing fitness magazines to learn more about the process of getting healthy and to read about other people's success for inspiration.”

What her family and friends think of the challenge:
“My husband and my son are supportive, but skeptical. I have tried many different diets and exercise programs over the years with little success. They were also very surprised that I chose to participate in something that is public. I have always been very private when it comes to my weight and health issues. My brother and sister are very supportive and enthusiastic, as are the close friends I have told.”

Personal goals besides weight-loss:
“I hope to change my relationship with food. I need to learn how to use food as fuel for my body instead of as a way to comfort myself or deal with stress. I am definitely an emotional eater.”

Is apprehensive about:
“I am a little apprehensive about being accountable in such a public way. I want to be successful and have steady progress to report each month. I feel an obligation to do my best because I was lucky enough to be chosen for this opportunity. I will definitely struggle with the area of exercise. I'm a real couch potato and have never liked exercising. I have never participated in sports or been a physically active person, even when I was younger.”

Most excited about:
“I am most excited about working with the nutritionist and trainer. I have never had this type of resource available to me, and I plan on learning as much as I can from them. I think their guidance and support will be very valuable. I plan to 'reconnect' with all the clothes I have in storage that I haven't been able to wear in a while. I am also looking forward to feeling less fatigued and having more energy.”

Why she feels she’ll be successful:
“Because I plan to learn all I can from my nutritionist and trainer, and to follow their advice and recommendations. I am also determined to prove to my family and friends, and, more importantly, to myself, that I have the commitment to follow through and be successful in obtaining my fitness goals.”

Debbie Kennedy of the West Side Community YMCA on Christine

“Christine admitted to throwing away her first application to the 2009 Challenge drawing. After talking with her son, she realized that it was on her heart to turn her life around so her son encouraged her to reapply. Now that she has won the spot in the Challenge, she feels blessed to have the opportunity for individual focus on her health and fitness. After we assess her current status we will set personal goals. Throughout the 2009 Challenge we will motivate her as well as give her the tools to live a healthy lifestyle. Christine experienced a wake up call to change her lifestyle after her doctor’s recommendation for medications due to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Also being diagnosed as a pre-diabetic, Christine has decided to make her health a priority. We will focus on programs that provide movement whether at home, work or at the Westside YMCA fitness center. Program goals will include cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. Christine's challenge is her self-image. She has never seen herself as active or athletic. In the past she dieted to reach a weight loss goal, however she quit and regained the weight back. In order for Christine to be successful, we will find the types of activities she enjoys to create safe, fun, and effective results.”

Karen Giles-Smith, MS, RD Registered Dietitian on Christine

“As Christine’s nutrition coach, I’ll be her guide as we work together to discover her personal vision of wellness and determine her priorities, goals, motivators and strategies. I won’t provide a standard formula, instead, we’ll find strategies that work best for Christine—strategies that she can eventually maintain on her own. Christine is elated that she was chosen to participate in the Healthy Lifestyle Challenge and has the chance to work with an expert team. Christine says it’s the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. As an empty-nester, she has more time for herself and is looking forward to enjoying this phase of her life to the fullest. Christine is very motivated to make positive changes. Over the years, she has tried every diet imaginable, but hasn’t been able to keep the weight off. However, instead of weight loss as a goal, Christine would like to focus on lifestyle changes that improve her health, such as lowering her cholesterol and blood pressure, so that she feels better and has more energy.”