We asked Moni to write a blog about her experience with the National Body Challenge. Here's what she posted.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 — 10:53pm
Yesterday Desi and I found out that we were selected for the show. It was very surprising because we thought we were just going in for a photo shoot. In the middle of taking pictures these two women run up and congratulate us. It took me a minute to even realize why they were congratulating us. I got very emotional because I wanted to be a part of the show so bad. Last night I immediately came home and started cleaning out my cabinets and refrigerator. I have instantly changed my diet and this morning I got up and went to the gym. I started off okay, but halfway through working out my body started to let me know that it wasn't used to this activity, but I pushed through it and did 30 minutes of cardio. I just really want to use all the resources that I have at my disposal to help me remove this excess weight. My husband is very excited. He got in the kitchen with me and started helping me toss food. I think he is looking forward to having me back as a workout partner. I really want to just start to feel better and healthier. I don't want to let myself down and I also don't want to let all the family and friends down that are supporting me.
Thursday, June 7, 2007 — 10:02pm
Earlier today we had our first meeting with the nutritionist. She is concerned with me going to Vegas for five days. She doesn't want me making more decisions. The good thing is that I am not much of a drinker. I know she is concerned about me possibly pigging out at buffets. Three days ago I probably would have, but I really want to change my ways. I know some people would say that you can't change your ways over night, but I plan to eat sensibly and healthy. I really think I can do it. I was also supposed to start working out with the trainer, but since I will be gone I called her to ask her what she wanted me to do while I was away. I want to make sure that I don't come back and embarrass myself, so I really want to make sure I do all of the things I need to do. My husband is really enjoying the change in my eating habits because now he doesn't have to worry that there will be all of these fatty junk foods that are so tempting being in our cabinets. He has been eating right and exercising regularly for the past two months. Now that I am doing the same thing, I feel bad for being a stumbling block for him. I realize I wasn't really supporting him by having all of those things around that wasn't going to help him keep the weight off. It's great that now we can support one another fully in having a healthier lifestyle.
Friday, June 8, 2007 — 1:13am
My day was very hectic today. I did not get a chance to work out today and I ran all over Los Angeles preparing for my trip. It was one of those days where anything that could go wrong did go wrong. The good thing was that I decided to pack all of my own snacks for the drive to Vegas and also for each day I was away so I wouldn't be tempted to have something bad as a snack. I bought rice cakes, baby carrots, applesauce and fruit and fiber bars. I bought along some sandwich bags so each morning before we head out for the day I can just put the correct serving size in a bag and have my mid morning or mid afternoon snack on hand, and this way I also don't miss eating at the appropriate time. The drive from Los Angeles seemed long. We did hit some traffic because we didn't leave at the appropriate time. It was about 10pm when we checked in so we walked from our hotel to get something to eat. I was starving. Thankfully, even though it was so late we found some place where we could sit down and they had healthy menu choices. Unfortunately it is very early in the morning and I am still wide awake. I want to make sure I can get up in the morning and go work out. I'm gonna try and go to sleep now.
Saturday, June 9, 2007 — 12:11am
I had a lot of fun at the CineVegas Film Festival today. I thought it was going to be hard being here in Vegas, especially since everyone was so worried I would come here and not do the things I needed to do. I got up this morning and did the cardio that Marissa told me to do. Today at lunch I did have a moment where I kind of broke. It's very difficult to go from eating whatever I want and as much of it as I want to eating smaller portions and not having the foods I want. I was happy though, because despite how my stomach was feeling and what my mind kept telling me to do, I stuck to my guns and I ate healthy and I didn't go back for seconds. It took every ounce of willpower and Karl and Robin were a tremendous help. They were my cheerleaders today. It really helps to have support from the people around you or I think I would have slipped back into my old routine today or not even have exercised this morning. We also went shopping today. I love to shop, but I decided today that I would not buy anymore clothes to fit my current size. I decided to start the “New Me” wardrobe. Robin helped me pick out some pieces today. It's a good incentive for me to keep working hard so I can wear all of the new cute clothes. I'm very excited.