Fittest Loser secret ingredient: Support
After nine weeks of sweat and grit, the 2016 Fittest Loser contestants say changing a lifetime of eating habits, embracing new fitness routines and losing weight, takes a village of supporters.
Family, friends, co-workers and trainers all play pivotal roles.
"My husband Bob helps me around the house with cleaning regularly, but offers more since the contest started due to my seven-day-a-week workouts," says Janet Ford. "This inspired me to replace our old heavy vacuum with a new lightweight efficient model that he really likes."
When it comes to changing eating habits, family support is crucial.
"During the second week of the challenge, we discovered food in the pantry that wasn't on my diet," says Mel Boldt. "One evening my wife, Angela, 'supported' my efforts by baking those contraband brownies so she could make the sacrifice of eating them. I took a walk and didn't come back until they were gone."
Co-workers often pick up the support job where family members leave off. "Co-workers and hospital staff have been encouraging by following the contest, asking me how I'm feeling," says Janet Ford. "Some of the nurses are also Fitbit Friends and we compete with steps and other challenges."
The Fittest Loser contestants have come a long way in nine weeks, with lots of help from their Push Fitness trainers and village of supporters. Today they recognize those who have contributed so much to their successes.
Mel Boldt
Friends and family keep Mel Boldt on track with healthy food choices.
"The Easter Bunny brought a lot less chocolate this year," says Mel. "Mealtime at our house is now quite different, as everyone has been paying attention to what we are eating and when. We banished unhealthy snacks from the pantry along with late night raids on the kitchen. Snack choices on our new menu include carrots and cucumbers."
Mel also says he sees that he wasn't always the most supportive of others.
"My closest friends have been eating healthy for years, mostly vegetarian, and I had always been mercilessly teasing them about it. (If God didn't want us to eat animals, he wouldn't have made them out of meat!)" says Mel. "My friends have graciously forgiven me, and have been nothing but helpful, supportive and encouraging; much more than I deserve."
Janet Ford
Happily married for 32 years with three children, Janet Ford relies on her husband, Bob, and youngest daughter, Tamara, to help support her new food menu.
"Bob is a meat and potatoes type of guy. He gave my homemade cauliflower crust pizza a taste and wasn't crazy about it," Janet says. "Bob's on board with our new nutrition plan (that is) high protein."
All three kids encourage Janet with her new food and training program.
"Our daughter, Tamara, is a varsity athlete and already eats quite healthfully," says Janet. "She works at a veterinary clinic and insists on limiting treats to our dog, Peanut Butter. My daughter, Jaclyn, is a dance and Zumba instructor and, son, Colton coaches track, along with playing football, volleyball and basketball. They're all very happy I'm in this contest," says Janet.
Her friends have been supportive by following the Fittest Loser contest in the Daily Herald. "I have a close circle of seven friends that I grew up with," Janet says. "Now we are all in our 50s, and work very hard at maintaining or losing weight. We support each other with group workouts and keeping in regular contact. Since we all love beer, the group needs to keep watch on that, as beer may not love us."
Jiten "J" Patel
For J, the big challenge with the Push Fitness program continues to be satisfying the protein quota for each meal.
J talks about his life as a vegetarian: "We usually cook at home and have limited our eating out," says J. "We eat whole grains including quinoa, brown rice, a wide range of vegetables and a lot of eggs. My wife and I plan our weekly meals on Sundays, to ensure the daily choices are healthy."
J says co-worker support has helped him navigate through bad food choices at work.
"When we do dine out, my wife and I usually share an entree," says J. "I will order a salad as an appetizer. No one forces me to eat, as is common practice in our culture. In the past I ate lots of junk food at work and now my co-workers keep a watchful eye, encouraging me not to reach for unhealthy options."
"The family has been incredibly supportive of my journey," J says. "My wife continues to encourage exercise on my days off, and stays late at work so I can work out prior to her coming home. Shes also joins me in exercise on some days, which helps me stay motivated when I'm not working out with my trainer."
Sharon Miller
When it comes to family support, the Miller clan is in this contest together.
"My husband has been a strong source of support for me, along with our youngest son," says Miller. "Hubby walks and runs with me and my youngest son always follows up on my Push Fitness sessions."
Adding to the support, the Miller family is now on board with the food changes.
"My youngest son changed everyone's mind one evening, when temptation arose to order pizza. We had turkey burgers instead and everyone loved them," says Sharon. "Our family is very supportive of trying healthier meals. My husband has lost 15 pounds by exercising with me and following the diet," says Miller.
Friends and her husband's co-workers are following Sharon's progress in the contest. "I know that most of our friends would welcome the benefits from a healthier lifestyle and as the contest continues it is easier for me share what I have learned," says Sharon. "My trainer, Patrick, is so very supportive and positive."
Sharon says her fellow team members have been a huge source of support. "We help each other and celebrate our weight losses. It doesn't really matter who wins, as Mel said, 'We are all winners because we are learning a healthier lifestyle for the rest of our lives.'"
Kathy Couston
Kathy Couston's support team includes family and friends.
"My strongest supporter is my husband, Tom," says Kathy, "And he has lost 25 lbs. I train daily and Tom works out four times a week. He will join me on walks, plan meals together and Tom helps with stretching. This has been a complete lifestyle change and we feel the difference with more energy."
The entire Couston family is supporting the new food choices, both dining at home and out.
"Tom is great with the grill,' says Kathy. "Things that have changed, especially at restaurants. We ask for bread baskets to be removed. We pass on all alcoholic beverages and sodas, and absolutely no desserts. Refined sugars and carbohydrates are limited to fruit and vegetables," says Kathy. "Our house is safe, without bad food snacks such as chips and cookies. We don't miss the junk food and our grocery bill has decreased."
Kathy's friends are very supportive, complimentary and interested in the Push Fitness program.
"Friends at the Jazzercise studio follow my progress and post the Daily Herald Health and Fitness section on Mondays at the front desk," says Couston. "They gave me a T-shirt that was very small with a bottle of Advil, and a card reading "Breakfast of Champions."