1. You were a contestant on Oxygen Network’s second season of Dance Your A** Off. What was that experience like? What were you hoping to get out of doing the show – and did you get it?
I actually never watched too many reality shows before auditioning for Dance Your A** Off, so I really didn’t know what to expect. You’re sucked out of your world, taken away from all the people and everything you know; and you’re thrown into a crazy new world of reality TV. It was hard. Now, I’m not a person who has always taken the easy path; I’ve worked hard all my life – in dance since I was a toddler, in college earning a double major, and on Broadway working in Production. But on Dance Your Ass Off, everyday was the hardest day of my life.
Dr. Jordan Geller asked us what we would like to lose while on the show. I think I said 25 lbs., but really it was as much as possible – whatever that number might be. When I was eliminated I had lost 32 lbs., so I certainly achieved the weight loss I had dreamed of losing on the show – and much more. I was so fortunate to have stayed as long as I did. I made a lot of discoveries about myself during my time there, and learned how to apply all the information I had gathered over the years about exercise and nutrition.
2. So many people turn to crash diets to shed pounds, but really, weight loss should be cumulative, and done in a slow and steady manner, correct? If so, what is a realistic per week weight loss goal?
Weight loss should be done gradually over a period of time for it to be done safely. You don’t want to shock your body by starving yourself, cutting out all fat, or exercising constantly – all of these drastic methods can do real damage to your body. By losing weight gradually, your body can adjust appropriately to the new, healthy lifestyle you are adopting. I use a fabulous online program called the Dot Fit Me Program (dotfit.com/katiefanok), which suggests that a healthy, realistic weight-loss goal should be about 1-2 lbs per week. As our trainer told us on DYAO, if you can lose 1% or more of your total body weight a week, it’s a successful week. I like to keep that point in mind, because everyone is different and everyone has different amounts of healthy weight to lose.
3. What if someone does need fast results? Is there a way to shed pounds quickly, but safely?
There are ways to shed pounds quickly for an event or to kick off a diet, but only if done over the course of a week or two. It’s not a new concept: take in less calories than you expend. The safest way to lose weight fast is to decrease salts, complex carbs and saturated fats while increasing water intake. You must also add daily, physical activity. It can be a vigorous workout in a boot camp class or staggered activity throughout the day. To get yourself going, try this daily workout: 5 minutes of stretching with 25 minutes of cardio (fast walk, jog, elliptical) in the morning, a walk at lunch and 30 minutes of dancing at night!
4. What are the absolute must-have products or foods that someone undertaking a healthy lifestyle makeover should have on hand?
– Fresh fruits an
d vegetables
– Lean proteins, such as salmon/tilapia, skinless chicken breast, low-sodium turkey
– Ziplock bags, cold packs and lunch boxes. Pack your snacks and meals. This will keep you away from fast-food drive-throughs and unhealthy office snacks.
– Water bottle
5. What are your top tips for those ready to embark on the path of health, fitness and wellness?
Write down WHAT you want to change.
Write down WHY you want to change it.
Then write down HOW you will change it.
Make a plan with goals and rewards, and use tools like the dotFIT Me Program (dotfit.com/katiefanok) to do it in a healthy, effective way – like I did. Make long- and short-term goals with special incentive rewards for each one. I get myself new workout wear for my short term goals, and bigger things like massages when I reach my larger goals. Put it all up on an inspiration board with quotes and pictures. Place it somewhere you will always see it.
It’s also really important to have the support of your friends and family! So get them involved! Invite them for nature hikes or to a yoga or Jazzercise class. Let them know what you’re up to.
Anything is possible. Those in need of some extra inspiration can follow me on Twitter for quick tips: @KatieFanok. And those looking for help in sticking to their New Year’s resolution can visit my blog at http://katiefanokfitnessfanatic.blogspot.com/. I’m here to help!
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook