COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER WELLNESS

Our “Chance for a New You” Contest Winners Share Their Continuing Progress

Summer! We’re on the homestretch now, with just a few more weeks until the final reveal in the July issue of Wellness. Our three contestants in this weight-loss series have lost a total of 102 pounds (tallied in May) since beginning this past January. Doctor visits have confirmed that cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels have dropped to healthier ranges. As for The Wellness Advisory Board—Nutritionists Lauren Slayton MS RD and Caren Tishfield, RD of Foodtrainers and Mindful Menus, Fitness Trainer Jane Petix and Life Coach Lori Snyder of Image Coach—their work is nearly done. Now, it’s up to all three participants to maintain a positive mindset and reach their personal goals.

THE EXPERTS SAY…
Jane Petix (Jane@SeeJaneTrain.com) feels the contestants have reached a point where their bodies are responding to their long-term commitment to making good health a priority. “They realize that each and every time they exercised, it built up, like investing money in the bank.” Petix adds, “I can see at the end of a workout, although they are tired, they are positive about all the hard work and they feel good, which reinforces their motivation to continue.”

Lauren Slayton and Caren Tishfield (Caren or Lauren@Foodtrainers.net) say, “Ben, Dianne and Vivian have struck the right balance in understanding the proper foods that fuel the body, without giving up a lot of taste. They are in a groove where they now crave healthier foods. It’s become second nature.”

Lori Snyder (loriimagecoach.com) is impressed with the dedication of all three contestants. “They truly have learned to navigate through this life transition, staying focused and motivated when life throws them a curve.”

Dianne Vitucci:

a Deer Park mother of two, pre-school teacher and assistant director at Park Shore Nursery School in Dix Hills has lost 30 pounds and has fully embraced a healthier lifestyle saying, “It’s a constant steady stream of exercise and eating right—not a quick fix remedy. This is the first time it all clicked.” Vitucci feels in control of all aspects of her life.

Diet: She is no longer a slave to the scale, weighing herself only Fridays. “She now has less wine, and has even incorporated pizza—in moderation—back into her diet,” says Tishfield.

Exercise: Vitucci is steadily increasing muscle tone, resulting in nice definition in her arms and legs. “Going through the peri-menopausal ups and downs in hormones can slow down your metabolism,” says Petix. “Diane extends her cardio a few more minutes, or does an extra set of weights, to compensate for the irregularity of her cycles which can cause water-weight gain and stubborn weight-loss plateaus.”

Lifestyle: “Dianne makes adjustments in her life to be a nurturing, caring person for herself now, as well as others,” says Snyder.

Vivian O’Mara:

O’Mara of Garden City, a teacher’s aide at Stratford Elementary School lost 29 pounds so far and feels great. “It’s been a challenge to stay on track, even while on vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.” O’Mara says the approaching trip helped keep her motivated to lose weight as well as a couple of upcoming weddings this summer. “Knowing I had these big events ahead helped me go that extra distance while working out.”

Diet: O’Mara had a sweet tooth, but has been able to turn that around, says Tishfield, “by choosing lower calorie versions of Cool Whip or Jello Pudding“. Occasionally, she’ll allow herself a treat, and then get right back on track.”

Exercise: “Vivian has taken her exercise regime outside, for long walks now that the weather is nicer,” says Petix. “While on vacation, she modified her workout to include aerobic swimming and circuit training in the hotel’s gym.”

Petix, impressed with O’Mara’s muscle tone, set her on a course of using the treadmill in her home everyday, and is working with all three participants to strengthen the core of the body—back and abdominal muscles. Petix uses bosu (half) ball and full balls for stability training. O’Mara admits to feeling stronger already and says, “I’m moving about the house at a quicker, more lively pace.”

Lifestyle: “Vivian has turned her negative thoughts around and set her priorities, one step at a time,” says Snyder. “She is much more optimistic, relaxed and doesn’t procrastinate anymore.”

Ben Carenza Jr.:

from Lindenhurst, a Business Agent for Local 237 Teamsters Union representing the Town of Babylon, has lost 43 pounds. Carenza’s motivation continues to grow. As he loses more weight, he becomes even more focused. “Even while away at a Teamsters convention down in Saint Petersburg, Florida, I stayed on track and lost two pounds that week.”

Diet: Slayton and Tishfield say, “Ben learned to make choices, like just [eating] one fatty item per meal.” A good tip he has incorporated into his diet is to substitute home fries with sliced tomatoes and order turkey burgers smothered with grilled onions, leaving off the bun.

Exercise: Petix says, “Ben is a self-motivated person and does well by checking in more often with emails and calls.” He continues with an hour and a half circuit, including 20 minutes of cardio, then the karate/boxing bag and increased in the amount of weights he lifts per set.”

Lifestyle: Snyder comments, “Ben draws that fine balance between work and home life now, burning off stress at the gym and not overeating through working lunches.

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