Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?
 
I think the term Diet yo-yo was coined for me. I tried everything from weight watchers to herbal life to slim fast.  would sometimes lose a little weight but I never gained the strength and energy that resulted from the Body For Life program.

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge?
 
Being a competitive person, the idea of the challenge really appealed to me. I also found myself very inspired after talking to two people that completed the challenge. Their results were amazing and I wanted what they had.  I bought the Body for Life book and was so inspired by the stories and successes that others had with BFL-I was hooked. I then decided to get our PE department to commit. Going through the challenge with my co-workers made it a team effort and I really loved that aspect of our journey.

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?
 
It actually was liberating. I was a little intimidated in the weight room at my gym. However the book had excellent tips and options for each muscle group and my teammates Wendy Barrie and Kathy Pauck helped me. After about a week I felt right at home lifting with the big boys J Liberating is a great adjective for describing the feeling you get from the BFL program. I feel in control of my health and it feels so good!

Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?
 
I immediately felt more energetic. Cutting out all the junk, refined sugar in particular seemed to make a huge difference in my energy. I also think keeping my body fueled with the small meals between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner helped tremendously. I also noticed losing belly fat after just a week. The results really did happen faster than I expected.

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge?
 
Incredible! Our team met for pictures and I swear we were on a BFL high! Even though it was the end of the challenge I knew it was not the end. I’m just not willing to go back to the “before BFL” way I was living. This feels too good. I feel empowered!

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?
 
The compliments were definitely nice. However, I think the best is when you feel that you’ve inspired someone to be their best.

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program?
 
Yes, I still follow the BFL program although it is a little modified. Instead of one free day I allow myself a few free meals (maybe 3) but no “free day”. When doing the challenge I really needed the structure of the one free day a week but now I allow myself a little more freedom during the week but do not do a “free day”. My few free meals are not out of control either.

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?
 
If you mess up don’t give up! Get back on it.

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?
 
I have more energy and I have more confidence. I feel good and it’s not just a physical thing.

Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?
 
In the same old rut. Like I said before I have done the diet yo yo roller coaster for over 20 years. BFL is the only program that has pulled me out of that pattern and gave me the results that I was looking for.

Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?
 
My life is very busy with my family (my girls are 5 and 7 years old) and full time teaching. BFL makes my life feel balanced by taking care of me without taking away from my family. I plan to continue with this lifestyle that I love.
 
 
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?
 
Oh Yes!!! The confidence I gained is just amazing. The change is very empowering. As much as the changes are physical they really are mental as well. Feeling so good just seems to carry over into everything I do-my role as a wife, motherhood and teaching. When you feel good it sure is easy to have a positive attitude.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?
 
Not meal-desert J Chocolate cake
 
Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-LIFE to other folks?
 
It really hasn’t been an effort. I get asked about it daily. I love sharing with people that want to improve their health. I also have incorporated BFL in my classroom. I am a 7th grade health teacher. As a PE department we have added a BFL cardio solution workout to our weekly plan.
 
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 learned not to give up when I mess up. Body For Life is and always will be a way of life for me. Now when people ask what I’m training for I say “life”.

Q: Current goals:
 
My new goal is to get back to where I was with my running before my knee surgery (March 2007). Before BFL my goal would have been to lose body fat. Now that I’m lean and strong I can focus more on my running.

Q: Quotes that Inspire:
 
“You are never a loser until you quit trying” by Mike Ditka

Q: Define Success:
 
I like this quote by Vince Lombardi on success; “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will”.