Family makeover diary: Month 8

George
It amazes me when friends, neighbours and even colleagues at work approach me and tell me they have joined the gym because I have inspired them to do something about their health. This has happened a few times lately and honestly, this gives me the motivation and strength I need to continue doing what I have been doing.

Cassandra has really helped me realize how important motivation is. It's also been important for me to see myself working towards some of my goals, even if it is something small, like avoiding a second serving at dinner or saying no to sweets at work.

With Sue's ongoing support and encouragement, I have established a regular routine of training at the gym. It is an activity I schedule and plan for everyday, not sporadically as I did in the past, but as regular as brushing my teeth. This daily routine has become a must do and I plan my week ensuring I have my gym time.

My battle with food has become more manageable over the past few months. There are times that I still have cravings for certain things but I think I manage this better now than ever before. My thinking has changed to making better choices all the time. The food I pack for the day when I go to work includes lots of fruit and veggies.

With the arrival of snow, family activities are easy to do with weekend skiing. Every Saturday morning Despina and the girls have lessons so we go to the club in the morning and stay until mid-afternoon. And on Sundays we are back for recreational skiing, enjoying the time we have outdoors away from the TV and computer.

Ria
I had a hard time getting to the gym this month. My homework load was very heavy and I found it difficult making the time to get to the gym. This is a busy month because we are finishing up the term. I have a lot of homework and many assignments that need to be completed. Next month will probably be busy too because I have exams. I'm not sure how people get to the gym every day. I don't know how my mom and dad do it because they are so busy at home and at work. I need to figure out how to make time to be more active.

I get some exercise during the day by walking to and from school. I think that is about 3.2 km both ways. I have gym every day and I participate in all the activities. And we have just started going to the Oshawa Ski Club. I am snowboarding every Saturday and Sunday and we plan to go sometimes during the week.

Stefi
This month I was working really hard with my gymnastics. I even had an extra session with my coach Krista during the Christmas holidays. I learned my floor routine for my competitions and got my music. My music is really neat, it sounds like Spanish or Mexican music. It is fun to do my floor routine.

Because we were so busy this month I didn't have a chance to meet Sue at the gym. But Sue said that I am getting a lot of exercise because I go to gymnastics for nine hours every week.