Davi Kassiedass

Profession

:Office Administrator/Student

Lost: 21 pounds

This January (2005) I once again set my usual New Year's Resolution to lose weight. I had gained 20 lbs since I graduated high school three years ago. Initially, five years ago I needed to lose an extra 5 pounds, and each year since then I've gained a minimum of 5 pounds. My size eight clothes were to tight and I refused to purchase size 10 clothing. I did however, realize though that I would soon need to. I really wanted to shed some pounds in time for my trip to Trinidad in mid February. By the second week of January I realized that this year was shaping into every other year. Procrastination had already sunk in and I had already failed my resolution. I heard an ad on the radio promoting Christine's 17 Day Body Transformation Program for $17. This ad intrigued me. When I called Christine she stressed to me on the phone that this program was a combination of diet and exercise and involved me coming into the gym every day. I was glad to hear that because I knew the best way to lose weight was through diet and exercise. I just wasn't sure where to start. I had heard so much conflicting information as to what to eat and what not to eat, and I felt completely lost within the fitness information I was bombarded with.

I visited Christine's on that Friday, and was instantly mesmerized by the beautiful interior. By the time I saw the luxurious change room and the personalize bathrooms I knew I had to join. This is what a women's gym should be like! Christine then explained the 17 day program to me. She gave me a list of foods that I could eat and instructed me not to eat anything that wasn't on the list before consulting her. This instantly helped me because it provided guidance that I've never had before. Personally a self imposed diet was much more difficult for me because it didn't have any guidelines. I felt like I would focus more on what I could not eat. However adhering to this list I was able to focus on what I could eat. So I hit the grocery store in preparation and started my diet on Monday. I have always known what I shouldn't be eating, but I wasn't really sure what my alternatives were. Being a vegetarian, I had made the common mistake of eating way too many carbohydrates. Additionally I had spent the last five years regularly eating cheese pizza (due to managing a food establishment each summer). I really wasn't sure if I could survive without bread and potatoes, two of my favourite foods. I figured it was only for 17 days and there was always the allotted cheat meal on Sundays. My first few days were a tough adjustment, but I got through it particularly with Christine's encouraging words. Each day after work I would go to the gym and Christine would weigh me, and monitor the food log she had me logging all of my meals on. She would then make sure that I wasn't eating anything else. It felt great to honestly say that I hadn't. She then coached me through a short workout. Each day she motivated me, informing me that I was right on track and assured me that if I kept up the good work I would definitely reap rewards from the program. And I did! By day three I had lost a pound and a half. I lost an average of a pound every other day. In total I lost 9 lbs by the end of the program. It was such a great accomplishment. I was beginning to receive compliments, and my clothing fit much better. Some of my pants were even loose! I then had my health assessment. I was still above my ideal weight of 132. I still needed to lose 13 more pounds and 7% of my body fat. I met with Linda, a personal trainer who coached me through a personalized workout, including cardio and weights. I informed Christine that I wanted to reach my goal weight by my birthday (May 1st). Due to my urgency, she decided to keep me on a similar diet, and introduced bran flakes into it. The following week I left on my trio to Trinidad, 9 lbs lighter and feeling much better about myself. I wasn't where I wanted to be but I was closer than I was a month ago. I tried to stick to my diet in Trinidad, but found it impossible. Yet I still didn't gain a single pound back! This was partly due to my diet, as it did raise my metabolism. I returned to the gym in the beginning of March and proceeded to work out three times a week. I have definitely come to look forward to my cheat meal on the weekend. I certainly appreciate certain foods much more now that it is a treat and not a regular indulgence. Going to the gym every day during the program really trained me to get into the habit of working out regularly. The gym is so beautiful that I often don't even feel like I am at a gym (well until my muscles start burning!) On my birthday I was two pounds away from my goal. I am now at my goal of 132 lbs. I have lost twenty-one pounds and gone down to a size six. Some people don't even recognize me! It has now been four months, and I do not really feel like I am on a diet anymore. I feel that I have altered my lifestyle and eating habits. Thank you Christine and staff for all your help! You have always been there for me with any questions and concerns I have had. I feel great!!!