SUE CIVITELLI afterMy weight loss and training program started on July 6, 2010.    A friend told me about David and his program.  I talked with my husband who encouraged me to go and try a trial session with David.  I was sore for a week afterwards, but I signed up for more.  Since then, I have lost 41 pounds.  I hope to lose an additional 5-10 more pounds before I focus on maintenance.  When I think about the last 4 months, 3 words come to mind:  Readiness, Accountability and Support.

Readiness— Could I commit to the blueprint diet David laid out and 5 days of cardio?  Initially, I was not sure.  Four months later, I realize that I was more than ready.  It has not been easy, but the results physically, psychologically and emotionally have been worth it.  I have found an internal strength that I did not know I had.  Last week, three people told me that I inspired them to take charge of their health.  Really?  I never thought that this process would result in others wanting more for themselves.  That is pretty cool.  Each of us may never really be ready until we make the decision to take control of the choices that we make on a daily basis.

Accountability—I have been in other diet plans, Weight Watchers and Nutri-system, where I had to weigh in with someone.  That’s accountability right?  Wrong.  Accountability is being responsible to my family, my trainer and ultimately myself for the choices I make during this process.  Did I really have that glass of wine?  Do I need to report that bite of ice cream in my food log?  Yes.  Absolutely.  Accountability is what has kept me on track for the majority of the last 4 months.  Knowing that David was there to give suggestion or praise, kept me focused on my goals—get the weight off, get stronger, make it happen this time.  Knowing I had family support so that I could train, kept me strict with my diet and exercise.  Finally having a 4 year old daughter who does not understand why mommy was exercising every evening versus playing with her, makes me get up at 4 am to work out.  Accountability is a great motivator for success.

Support—Throughout this process, I have had the unwavering support of my husband.  From adapting our meals to comply with the diet to picking up our daughter from preschool so that I can train on Mondays, my husband has supported this process.  Initially, my family lost weight with me since sweets were not allowed in the house for the first 6 weeks.  Once I was clearly in the zone, sweets came into the house without me obsessing that they were there.  Prior to this, I never realized how important it was to have the support of my family to succeed with life goals that I had always thought were only in my control.

Sue Civitelli

11/10/10