Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-Life Challenge:

Life before this challenge was like being caught in a revolving door. The year prior to my challenge was a good for me, I was living a healthier lifestyle and being healthy was important to me...but I never fully made it through the door....I just kept revolving, going in and out and in and out. Something kept me from stepping out of the door.

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the challenge?

It was the death of my dad that made me take a hard look at myself and the choices that I was making in my own life and for my health. I had to reassess my own lifestyle and it was then that I realized that I wasn't anywhere near committing to being healthy.

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?

The program is very simple and easy to follow. It is the power of commitment (or the lack of) that is the deciding factor in how far you go with your transformation. I struggled on and off with all my other challenges in 2006 ~ cheating here and there, skipping workouts and trying to justify my actions. But this specific challenge and all the others that followed were about proving to myself that I could do it! I got stronger, leaner and maintained! There was no reason to take short cuts anymore because I was only cheating myself. This specific challenge was the most liberating and emotional 12 weeks of my adult life!

Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?

My changes came between week 6 and 8. My shoulders and back started to pop, my legs were toning and I could see in between my inner thighs when looking at a mirror. My energy was high, my love for life was higher, my strength was intoxicating and my attitude was a driving force that kept me going...strong, confident, powerful!

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your challenge?

Very emotional. Very proud....I did all I wanted to do and some...that made this challenge a success. I cried a lot but it was all good tears!

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?

Overwhelming and very positive. I have made so many amazing friends in the BFL community and they have all been beyond supportive. My family has always been proud of my accomplishments, too! I could have done this without them, but I'm sure glad I had them to keep me company along the way! :)

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-Life Program?

Yes, absolutely!!! It has become second nature.

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting - and finishing- the challenge, what would you tell them?

I'd first say: if you find yourself fed up and you have a sense that something in your life and health needs to change...that is a great start. You have to have your mind and heart set on the change. You can hope and dream, but without action, you won't get far. When you are ready ~ REALLY READY, set realistic goals and write them down. Once you have your goals written, look at them daily, and read/say your goals in the morning and night and or anytime you need to. Burn them into your mind. The more you focus on your goals, the stronger the desire will be to accomplish them. Keep a journal and write down every emotion you feel. Always remember that the number one rule is progress. Pride yourself in doing this to the best of your ability.

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?

I have never been into running, but I have completed 5Ks and eat healthy, even when I'm not training. I have built relationships, I wake up happy and go to bed happy. Most of all, I am the healthiest and happiest I have been in a lifetime.

Q: Where do you think you'd be if you had never done the Challenge?

I'd still be revolving.

Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?

I've attended BFL events, been awarded and recognized by joining mini BFL challenges, I'm active in the community, riding bikes with the family, spreading the word, you name it, I'm probably doing it!

Q: After going through the 12 weeks, how was your mindset different than it was before?

Before, I was afraid to face uncertainties and it always kept me from moving forward. Where as now, I am facing the unknown and putting all my plans into action.

Q: Were you able to face challenges in your life with more confidence?

Yes. Challenges in life keep us growing. I do my best to handle them with a positive outlook. Thank goodness I have challenges...life would be dull otherwise and I would never better myself!

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

Free days are about enjoying the sweets...specifically FROZEN HERSHEY BARS.

Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-Life to other folks?

Anyone who will listen to me long enough will hear my story of Body-for-Life, they better take a long lunch. It is one of the best gifts I could ever give someone.

Q: Being that you won the challenge in 2007, how have you continued to live this lifestyle?

It has a lot to do with goals turning into habits and habits turning into routine. This has become a way of life for me. I don't have to really think about it. It's all about maintaining.

Q: ** And what has been the most difficult part, if anything?

It is a strong passion of mine to be healthy with BFL. Sometimes a passion can turn into an obsession...finding that balance is sometimes difficult.

Current Goals:

14%BF, run another 5K by Summer 2008, adopt my next BFL Newbie for a new one-on-one 12 week challenge.

Quotes that Inspire:

"If you're going to doubt anything, doubt your limits"

"When you desire something deeply, it is positive proof that it has already been prepared for you, and is only waiting for you to recognize and accept it"
 
"Bad thoughts produce big thighs"

Define Success:

To me, success is putting in 100% effort whatever the result. With that said; most likely, the results will be exact. Even the smallest of changes will change your entire life. With these changes, others will be affected and so on and so forth.