Ginna Kaplan Wins the Summer Shape Up Challenge!
What was the biggest positive change I made in my habits (eating or fitness)?
I made several changes, however I was most pleased with my drastic cut in processed food. I noticed it most when my grocery shopping made my fridge full instead of my pantry. I also am much more aware of eating protein with my meals. I am still challenged by this, but being aware of it makes a big difference.
What did I expect to be the most challenging aspect of the journey?
Eating right, and the work outs we do on our own.
What turned out to be the most challenging aspect of the journey?
Eating, because it happens SO MANY times a day, everyday!
What part of the journey did I think would be easiest or most natural for me?
I knew going in to it, if I showed up, I would work hard. And I can feel good when I say I DID that.
What turned out to be the easiest or most natural part of the journey?
I’m not sure if I would say “easy” but I’m surprised my attitude about fitness/eating healthy etc. changed rather easily. I think for many of us, trying to make a lifestyle change is extremely difficult. It takes constant dedication, exchanging bad habits for good ones, and changing the way you think. In the past, negative self-talk and overall bad attitude toward myself, have often gotten the best of me, but with the encouragement and guidance of Coach Concita and the camaraderie between the ladies in the Facebook group, the evil voice in my head quieted and I SUCCEEDED!
What special occasions or unusual circumstances presented themselves during the challenge and how did I handle them?
My brother and his family came to visit just one week in to the 49-day challenge (and they haven't left yet!). And lots of family time means lots of eating out. My relationship with food has always been a rather unhealthy one, so being on a “diet” while they were here was kind of a joke for all of us. Of course I could have done better, but over all I would say I managed to do pretty well, in my opinion. I managed to stay on track by not overeating. I ate some of what I love, but everything was in moderation. As much as I LOVE rice,(I am KOREAN, RICE=LIFE), I resisted the temptation by only allowing myself a smaller portion than what the restaurant gives me as a single portion. Once that was gone, it was GONE. Some days I did struggle and I would post about it in Facebook, and someone would always give me some encouragement and remind me tomorrow is a new day and I can choose to make better choices tomorrow. Mentally, I really relied on the group and Concita to help keep me going. Talking about food and what our bodies need is and interesting topic for me, so lectures about how to eat better and talking about our food journal inspired me to do better. I am most proud of how great I feel about myself. I have always struggled with confidence, not so much about looks or weight, but a lot of self-doubt. I think the winning combination of a great passionate leader and it trickling down to the team as helped me both inside and out. When I set my mind to something, and I have a good support system in place, I CAN DO THINGS. I think this process of declaring a challenge having a specific goal in mind, with structure has helped me learn how to face other obstacles and set myself up to succeed. I wasn't expecting this challenge to be so beneficial for all aspects of my life, but it truly has been. In these past 7 weeks, I have discovered I am a strong, smart, and capable individual and I can do anything I put my mind to. I have finally decided to go back to school and get my MASTERS DEGREE, but this time I can FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT.
How has this challenge prepared me to make regular exercise, consistent healthy eating, and positive thinking a more regular part of my life going beyond the challenge?
I have worked out with other trainers before and had temporary results, but no program or trainer has ever given me ALL the tools I needed to be successful. The extra TOOL that this 49 day challenge has given me, is ME. I have never felt more prepared to be healthy. The meal plans and delicious recipes, the work outs, the home work outs, the videos, the FITSANITY team, have given me the knowledge and support I need to continue my healthy lifestyle. I feel like I know how to work out now, I don’t have to do anything for an hour or more, all I need is 20 minutes. I can do that. I don’t have to deprive myself of the things I love to eat, I just need to remember moderation. What I need to do is realistic and doable. The challenge has taught me to PLAN and I will SUCCEED.
21 Day Challenge Within the Challenge Winner
Tricia Duhon
During the last 21 days of the 49 day challenge, Coach Concita challenged the participants to do some form of exercise EVERY DAY and to post that the exercise had been done in the accountability group. Most of the participants significantly increased their workouts and many came close to completing the 21 day challenge but in the end there was only one challenger who had fulfilled both requirements- daily exercise and daily accountability posting. Congrats Tricia! You are definitely Ms.Consistency!
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