We asked Jim Thiel to reflect on his experience with the National Body Challenge. Here's what he told us.
One of my biggest obstacles was just to say, "YES" to doing the program. I had been on diets before, did all right, but I would gain it back or stop trying. I am not really sure what changed. Maybe it was because we were in front of everyone and everyone counted on us to do it. The hardest step is just saying yes and doing it.
Other hard spots: Working at the restaurant was a challenge, of course. There is not a day that I don't think of having one of our great pasta dishes. Sometimes, serving the food, just the smell would make me hungry. And it still does!
It was tough staying focused and committed. I have always had a problem with scheduling and getting things done. This really the first goal I have really ever accomplished. Now I am almost ready to take on some more!
At first, I was scared to go into the gym, because I thought people would laugh at me because I was so out of shape. I was really surprised by the amount of support we got there. And another really important tip is to get a trainer! It might cost money, but it makes you more committed because you have someone else that is going to keep you in line and someone you have to answer to each week.
Some recipes we bought into the restaurant because of the Challenge were:
- Healthy Chicken Parmiagna: Instead of breading the chicken, we just sautéed it and then added fresh basil, mushrooms and maybe tomatoes, and then cover with tomato sauce and cheese. (If you have light cheese, that is even healthier.) Then, just bake.
- Whole-wheat Pasta: Bringing this pasta lets you eat a healthier pasta. But portion control is always important.
- Whole-wheat Pizza (Hurray!): I am a pizza lover! And I was worried that I could never eat pizza again. But the Challenge came through for me! Now I don't eat it every day, but I do have it twice a week. My portions are smaller. I used to polish of a medium pizza by myself. Now I am down to two slices or ½ half of medium pizza — 10 inches (which is four slices). Instead of eating only pizza, I now have a salad before and then I still get to eat my favorite food.
- Italian Turkey or Chicken Sausage (Another hurray!): I love sausage pizza! But pork is not always the leanest meat, so we make our own turkey sausage. Jeff spices it a little too much, but it is still good. If you don't have time to make your own, they have turkey sausage at most stores, but try it yourself. All you need is a touch of salt, egg white, pepper (crushed red and black), garlic and fennel seeds then get it done!
When I did I realize I had a weight problem?
I think I knew right away. The last couple of years, I just didn't do anything about it. And it hurt. I remember days, crying in my bed, wondering what was wrong with me. Family and friends wouldn't bring it up, because they knew it was a sore subject and could end up in a fight of words.
How do I feel now and is it still a challenge?
I feel great! Of course it's still a challenge. Temptation just doesn't just disappear. The ice cream aisle will still be in every grocery store you enter. But now I have given myself a choice.
The reason I did it front of a camera?
I didn't have a choice. I was going down the wrong path and heading for an early death. I was diagnosed with early signs of diabetes and had sleep apnea. My mom and dad both said they were scared they would out live me. Being an actor, I don't mind being in front of a camera or a crowd. It's fun for me. And maybe I can touch other people in the same boat I was in. I really like helping people, if I can and I know I can!
A couple things I have learned through Doctors Peeke and Hazen and our nutritionist, Alyse is that losing weight can be fun. There are so many people that are willing to help you, if you just ask and reach out. I also learned moderation is very important. You can't pig out every day and expect lose weight (do it every other day — just kidding) But, if you feel the need to eat something less than healthy, have a little, not a lot and don't have it every day. Also, you must work out — if that means just walking 40 minutes a day, then do it. Changing your eating habits will get results, but you won't accomplish much without doing the exercise.
Personally, I found that I eat food for comfort or as a way to escape. I am still working on this and I am getting better, but there are some days that I just sit down watch TV and eat what ever I have, even if I am not hungry. It is a way that avoid things I have to get done.
What would I say to someone just starting the Challenge: Just do it go through the steps! You may be nervous or even scared, but you have start it. If you have someone you can do it with, it makes things better. Jeff and I are very competitive, so you know I want to lose more weight then he does. But he is also my guardian angel and my drill instructor. His support has seen me through some rough times, and he also won't let me get away with anything! I am the same with him.
