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

Current Weight: 189 pounds

What's something you've accomplished since last month?
"I have increased the amount and intensity of exercise by working closely with Debbie Kennedy at the Westside Y. I am incorporating different kinds of exercise at home through the use of various cardio-type DVD’s and a stability ball."

What's something that you've learned from your trainer?
"I've learned that consistency is key to establishing a habit of exercise. She encourages me to make exercise a priority by sticking to scheduled exercise days. Time spent at the Y is planned out and written in my date calendar, just like any other appointment I have."

What's something that you've learned from your dietitian?
"Karen Giles-Smith, is working with me on ‘mindful eating’. After talking with her about my eating patterns and past dieting attempts, we learned that I eat in response to stress and my emotions. Karen is teaching me to tune into my hunger cues. She encourages me to eat in response to what my body needs, not as a way to deal with stress or to comfort myself. "

What, if anything, has been difficult about your new lifestyle?
"Definitely all things associated with the exercise, such as making it a priority, becoming comfortable in a gym environment, and learning how the various strength-training machines work. Scheduling other activities and appointments around it is the biggest challenge. The first two weeks were the most difficult, by the third week it was becoming routine, and a month later I've finally got into the groove!"

Have you noticed any physical changes?
I lost four and a half inches after only 11 days of working the program! My clothes are fitting better and I can wear some things that were too tight before. I am sleeping better and moving more easily throughout my day."

Have you noticed any non-physical changes?
"I usually feel a little ‘blue’ during the winter months due to the lack of sunshine and the long cold days, but haven’t noticed that happening as much this winter. I definitely attribute this to the exercise."

How have those around you taken notice of your new lifestyle?
"My work-buddies have been very supportive, and some have mentioned they’ve noticed I look slimmer. They also check out and comment on the healthy lunches and snacks I am eating throughout the day."

Have you inspired others to start living a healthier lifestyle?
"A few co-workers remarked that I have inspired them to step up their own exercise routines. I have even shared some of my exercise DVD’s so they can take them home to try out."

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming month?
"I really enjoy time spent with both my nutritionist and trainer. I want to continue to build on the working relationships we’ve developed and continue to step up my exercise and healthy eating."

Have you set any new goals?
"I want to focus more on healthy eating and portion control so I can start losing weight, in addition to building muscle and losing inches."

Debbie Kennedy of the West Side Community YMCA on Christine

“Wow! Christine has lost 4 ½ inches in 11 days. Her new workout has not only given her a new mind set, but she is beginning to see results! Christine has found new ways to mix up her cardio. She is taking the stairs at work, using the upright bike, elliptical, and track at the YMCA. At home, she practices Tae Bo, uses a mini trampoline, and even shovels snow. She feels a real sense of accomplishment every time she discovers new ways to move throughout her day. Christine’s new mind set is developing from adapting to a healthier way of life. One example of this is how she has incorporated stretching and exercising to relieve her stress instead of consuming food as she used to.”

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

“Christine has become aware of situations that trigger emotional/stress eating. She’s doing a great job taking time out to relax, listening to and trusting her body, planning ahead and scheduling snacks so she doesn’t get overly hungry. I think Christine is feeling more relaxed around food. She’s experiencing success by enjoying meals at home. One of the challenges Christine faces is being overwhelmed by large amounts of food at work and when eating out. To prepare for success, Christine has envisioned the situation in advance and how she’d like to handle it. Her plan is to give herself permission to eat whatever she wants and then make mindful choices. It’s an entirely new way of approaching food and eating. It’s a process that will take getting used to and take practice. Christine has developed goals and strategies that fit her needs and will work for her. She’s already experiencing positive effects from the improvements she’s made in her eating and physical activity habits. Her heartburn has been resolved, her clothes fit better, and she feels good.”