Debi Unger describes her transformation…
Body Transformation:
Height: 5’ 3 ½”
Size:
Before: Between 4 and 6.
After following Fire Up Your Metabolism: 0 or 1.
BEFORE Photo
Weight:
Before: 138
After: 116
AFTER Photo
What Debi Did
I found out that my scale had been wrong and I was really ten pounds heavier than I had thought! I bought the book Fire Up Your Metabolism and started to follow every step of it. I went to the supermarket and changed all of my eating habits.
Debi’s Favorite Part of the Process
I have lots of favorite parts. The best is buying new clothes; a junior size extra small bikini was a highlight. I am continuously giving away clothes that no longer fit.
One of the best moments was being a competitor in the Miami Fitness Festival, led by Roberto Milani, Fitness Instructor of Crunch Fitness. I had to buy some new clothes. It was the first time in awhile where I was in a beach environment where I felt I looked great!
Compliments are also my favorite part. People come up to me and ask me what I did to lose weight.
Debi’s Diet
I follow Fire Up Your Metabolism religiously. For breakfast I always have oatmeal, a banana, and a portion (size measurement in the book) of Alpine Lace cheese. At 11AM while at work, I have a Dannon Light-N-Fit yogurt with either Cheerios or Fiber One mixed in. My 3 pm snack is either Ak-Mak or Wasa crackers with almonds. I usually vary lunch and dinner. Before working out I have crackers with hummus, fat-free cottage cheese and/or almond butter (my absolute favorite). I have also discovered whole wheat pretzels without salt, whole wheat challah bread, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat pizza which I love to have for lunch.
Having an Asian sister-in-law has its’ perks too as Nanette Unger has taught me about the Eastern way of eating healthy. She makes delicious summer rolls for the beach and holidays; a great snack! They are composed of Spring Roll wrapper, Steamed Shrimp (you can also substitute for chicken, etc.), Vermicelli, Bean Sprouts, Lettuce, and Mint. Very tasty and fits in line with Fire Up Your Metabolism! No matter what culture of food you prefer, the book applies to all.
While strolling home from the gym, I often find myself going into my favorite restaurant, Nonna (85th Street and Columbus, NYC). I am able to maintain my diet by ordering antipasta, antipasta chopped salad with shrimp (which the chef, Merrill Moore, makes the best for me), or some other with a great variety of fish (the tuna is my favorite). This all falls right in line with Fire Up Your Metabolism. This proves that eating out is never a problem when trying to lose and/or maintain my weight.
Debi’s Exercise:
I work out at least six (6) days a week. I take classes and work on my own. My favorite class for a fun and light change of pace, is Latino Grooves, taught by Roberto Melani of Crunch Fitness. On my own, I participate in boxing, kickboxing, ballet, plyometrics, and weight training. I also run intervals, just like the book (now I can run up to 8.5 for speed) and jump rope. Because of my workout, I have slimmed out and changed my body even more in conjunction with my diet.
Debi’s Word Of Advice:
Variety is the key to losing weight and staying fit. Vary your workout; I never do the same thing everyday. I take classes and try new things. Most of all, I challenge myself and leave my “comfort zone” when working out feels too easy (increase speed, etc.). Change the foods you eat as well – there are so many foods to choose from in Fire Up Your Metabolism that you don’t have to eat the same foods all the time. If you always eat the same foods, it may lead to going astray and excessively eating “rarely” foods that the book permits eating occasionally, not in excess.
If you are following the book with a good workout plan and see results, spread the word and share it. I have shared my information with so many people who are now losing weight and changing the way they feel and look. Seeing results on others’ is the best part of my transformation!!
I began to regularly practice Fire Up Your Metabolism and found that continuing to maintain my journal that is recommended in the book is critical. I began to regularly practice Fire Up Your Metabolism in August, 2004. To date, I continue to maintain my journal that is recommended in the book. It is a great way to monitor my weight, what I’ve eaten, etc. Maintaining this journal has been a very important part of my success.
Note to females: I realized that during my period, my weight went up several pounds, but would go back down once my period was gone, so don’t get discouraged if this happens to you. It is only water weight.