Read about this family's wellness journey with Canadian Living Magazine and a dream team of coaches.

Despina
Well, it happened. This month, for the first time since our makeover began, I did not leave from my weigh-in at the gym with a smile on my face. In fact, I was holding back tears. It wasn't until I got home and Stefi excitedly asked, "Mommy, how did you do this month? How much weight did you lose?" that I broke down and cried. All because I gained .7 of a pound and I didn't lose any inches.

I was devastated. It seems a little silly, doesn't it? But I was so used to seeing a change every time I weighed in, so this was upsetting.

For the past six months I have reaped the rewards of my hard work. I have consistently dropped weight and lost inches, but not this time. Sue could tell I was disappointed. I listened to her encouragement with a heavy heart, not seeing beyond the immediate news and only partially hearing Sue suggest that I "kick it up" a bit. "What does that mean?" I wanted to know. Sue recommended that I incorporate more cardio into my exercise regime. She said I should be doing cardio on the days I am not doing weights. What?! I was already getting up at 5:15 a.m. three times a week to get to the gym and now I had to exercise the other three or four days, too. This was too overwhelming for me. I nodded but didn't say much. I didn't know what to say.

I thought about this for many days. I couldn't help but think that if this was a wellness makeover, how "well" am I going to be if I'm stressing about having to exercise even more than I already was. It sounded like I had to go to the gym almost every day. I don't think I can do that now. And honestly, will I do that after this year is over? Will exercise be such a big part of my life that I will want to go to the gym every day?

I needed to think about this in a way that made sense for me. I talked to Sue and asked her to help me. And she did. Sue's point was that I have lots of support now to help me achieve my goals so why not use that? Perhaps after the makeover year I will be in a place where I will be maintaining my weight and not having to work as hard. That I don't know. But I do know that I made a commitment to work with the team Canadian Living put together for us in order to achieve my wellness goals and that is what I intend to do. So if it means exercising more, that's what it will have to be. I am committed to trying.

Wish me luck.

George
Food journals are time-consuming and way too much work! AAHHH! OK, that is my initial statement. Five months of food journals has made me realize that thinking about my food allows me to make good sound decisions about what to eat. Sending my food journals to Fran on a weekly basis gives her the opportunity to critique my choices and provide constructive feedback. Cassandra has assisted me with being honest with my journals and allowing myself to admit when I need a treat, regardless of what it is and when I have it.

Exercise. It's one of those things I really don't want to do all the time, but knowing that Sue has prepared a workout and that it is waiting for me at the gym is a real motivator. Like brushing your teeth, it becomes part of your daily routine. I have joined Despina at the gym a couple of times in the morning -- yes, at 5:30 a.m.! I'm not sure why she goes at that incredible hour. I prefer going in the evening because it keeps me off the couch and away from the TV.

Everything appears to be falling into place. My exercise routine is great, food choices are getting easier every day and support from the coaches has made this an incredible experience. Most of my friends comment there are only five months left for our makeover. And my reply is, "That's not true, I have the rest of my life to keep up with these changes."

Ria
This past month has been a great month for me. Last month I was having a hard time getting back to the regular running but this month I was able to do it. Most of the running has been inside, at the gym on the treadmill. I really enjoy running on it.

Last month I received my own membership for GoodLife. This allows me to go to the gym when I want as long as my mom or dad is with me. In the past, because of my age, I could only go to the gym when Sue was working with me but since I turned 14, that's changed. It's very exciting because now I can go and support my mom. She is trying to go to the gym more often and do her cardio workout. I have gone with her a couple of times and I encourage her to keep going. It's been really fun! But she likes to go early in the morning and if I am up late doing homework my mom won't wake me to go with her.

Stefi
I had an accident this month at gymnastics. I fell off the balance beam and hurt my foot and ankle. It really hurt. The next day I could hardly walk on it so my mom made an appointment to see the physiotherapist. He said I had an overstretched ligament but the good news was that it was not very serious. He said it would not take a long time to heal because I was strong. After two treatments I was much better and able to go back to gymnastics.