Body Sculpt of New York continues to make bold moves in the fight against obesity. For the second year, the organization held their SIX WEEKS TO FITNESS CHALLENGE to empower the community at large toward healthy living. The Coca-Cola Foundation and Boys & Girls High School partnered with the Brooklyn-based organization to deliver 6-weeks of fitness classes, nutritional counseling, and health education to the community. The program helps bring about the much needed change in the health of New Yorkers.
Michele Sokolski of Long Island participated in the challenge for the second time. The 43-old Michele says she has tried just about every weight loss program she could get her hands on including the popular, Jenny Craig, Nutri-system, L.A. Weight Loss and the like. A self described emotional eater, Michele would lose the weight and regrettable gain it back. What she learned was that she needed to go beyond portion control and calorie counting and stop eating based on worries.
Michele discovered an understanding of her own eating habits and made a lifestyle change based on smart nutrition and consistent exercise. Placing 4th in the 2012 SIX WEEKS TO FITNESS CHALLENGE Michele Sokolski shares how participating in the challenge has prepared her for a new year where she is optimistic and committed to living a healthier life.
Share 3 tips that you used to lose the weight.
I write down what I eat and I stay away from processed foods and meals.
I cook my own food which gives me better control of what I am eating and I take it with me.
I eat my carbs, when I have them early in the day before noon and I don't eat past 7pm.
The challenge offered classes 2x/week along with nutritional resources. Do you think you would have been as successful without these offerings?
No, I do not think I would have been successful with the challenge without the classes offered. The opportunity for group learning and communal support was a major part of my success. You can read an article by yourself, but having someone discuss the highlights and then discussing it among your peers is very helpful in terms of learning and getting different points of view. The classes gave me an opportunity to ask questions and hear other questions that I hadn't even thought of. It was a good learning environment.
How did you maintain your success through the holiday season?
I continued to exercise and plan out my meals according to my work schedule and social activities. I carried certain foods with me and had my snacks available.
What did you learn about living a healthy lifestyle that you did not know before the challenge?
I learned about juicing and how powerful and restorative it is. I loved the DVD Body Sculpt gave us in the registration packet, “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” featuring Joe Cross. I would watch it as I was preparing my own juices. Very motivational!!
Would you recommend the Body Sculpt Six Weeks to Fitness Challenge to others?
Yes I would recommend the challenge to someone looking to lose weight. The program environment is a non-threatening way to get started, to learn about nutrition and exercise. The challenge offered several options of classes weekly. There were people of all different sizes, shapes, ages and fitness levels and over the six weeks new friendships were made. Although it was a contest we all encouraged and supported one another every week to succeed. The focus was not only on weight loss, but the total package of wellness. I plan to participate again.
What advice do you have for someone who has made a resolution to lose weight in 2013?
My advice is you have to see losing weight as part of an overall lifestyle change. You need to review your eating and daily habits and change the way you deal with food and move your body. I would advise making a lifestyle change rather than trying to diet. The big picture is better health overall!
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