Dr. Oz Challenge Continues!

If you look at the most common reason people fall away from weight loss efforts, it’s motivation. The excitement and enthusiasm felt when starting a weight loss plan is like the first day of school, the possibilities are endless and everything is new and fresh. But into the third or fourth week, the newness wears off and the reality of hard work sets in, no so fun anymore. But unlike weight loss programs, school is a must (well, I’d like to think it is) and the motivation to stick with it is far greater. But with weight loss, if you quit, you quit. You walk away quietly and no one knows, except of course you, and very often that doesn’t feel very good.

Last week, the Fox Chicago News Dr. Oz group came to my studio in hopes of finding that lost motivation. I wrote a column about it last week. Losing motivation is not uncommon, and getting it back is always a challenge. Just remember, realistic expectations combined with a realistic exercise and nutrition program is the best way to stay on track and realize a healthier you!

Here’s to your health!

Nicki

Some Girls Have All the Luck

Me and Anthony

Most of my adult life I have been driven to help others develop and maintain a dedication to healthy living. Trust me, it hasn’t been easy. Unfortunately, enthusiasm alone  can not make others successful, people have to be ready and willing to step in to the world of change, period end of statement.

I have always been a follower of Dr. Oz and bought his original book, You on a Diet, when it came out a couple of years ago. He recently revised the book and has been touring the country to promote it. Little did I k now, the book that I so loved and encouraged others to read, would come back to me directly through Dr. Oz himself.

This past week, I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dr. Oz as part of a Weight Loss Challenge by Fox News here in Chicago. Mark Saxenmeyer of Fox News,  put the challenge together and included not only some of his colleagues to participate in the weight loss challenge, but his viewers as well. On Wednesday, I received an email from Mark, letting me know that I would be part of a select group of people that would be able to meet Dr. Oz, talk to him, ask questions and be part of his Weight Loss Challenge using his new book.  What I didn’t know is that I would also have the opportunity to meet and train a very special young man, Anthony Marzullo.

Anthony wrote to Mark at Fox News when he heard about Dr. Oz’s Weight Loss Challenge and shared his story about his life long struggle with weight. He has done every diet, tried every weight loss program out there, yet at 31 years old, he continues to struggle with his 350 pound frame.

“I did it to myself,” he said, “I put the fork in my mouth. I take total responsibility. But now it’s time to take responsibility in a positive direction.” So, I have the privilege of working with Anthony over the next year, using Dr. Oz’s book and philosophy which is exactly like mine (thank God, or I’d never do it!). Mark will check in with us during the course of the year to see how we’re doing.

I met with Anthony for the first time and reviewed where he’s been, what he wants to do and what is going to be different this time. I told him, “Anthony, your entire life you have ‘fought’ weight, it’s time to stop fighting. To be successful, you’ll need to change how you think and instead of focusing on weight loss, you need to focus on health gains. Every choice you make from  here on out needs to be about your health. Up until now, it’s been all about the weight. So let’s try to redirect your efforts. Remember, a byproduct of healthy living is a healthy weight!” Anthony agreed and we set a few goals and are ready to forge ahead.

At one point Anthony told me that when he’d go to the gym or be out for a walk people would yell, “Hey Fat Boy.”  I told Anthony, from now on you will be referred to as “Fit Boy.”

So our journey starts today. I am excited for Anthony and I’m lucky to have this opportunity with the help of Fox News and Dr. Oz. I remind my clients all the time, “You can spend the rest of your life trying to lose weight or you can enjoy each day by making choices that positively contribute to your overall mental and physical health, .”

I hope that you will join us on our journey. I’ll be blogging about it and hopefully I can get Anthony to do the same! Until then, join us on Facebook and share your thoughts and encouragement for Anthony and the millions of others that strive for a shot at a healthy body every single day.