Mary Newton’s Motivational Journey- Overcoming Life’s Biggest Challenge!

Mary’s Contest Journey
As told by Mary Newton

Mary and Nancy in 2008

My name is Mary Newton. I recently took fourth place in the masters 50+ at the Excalibur in culver city. I am 52 years old! I am thrilled to have placed in a fierce show as my competition was very worthy!! Those fifty year olds were HOT!

I met Nancy in 2008. I had become interested in competing. I had gotten into working out and had lost some weight. I had done a show prior to meeting Nancy. I was TERRIBLE. To stringy, awkward, and not very confident! I had never done anything like this! They had nothing like this when I was younger… I married young got into my hairdressing career and I am mother of a son and daughter that are now grown. I currently own my own hair salon. I had always loved challenges and the thought that competing, the pretty suit (with bling no doubt) the cut body, grace and poise intrigued me! So I signed up!

I did 2 more shows and Nancy guided me! She literally taught me how to walk in the heels, how to eat. She monitored my diet, my posing and would listen to me weekly…. I had many insecurities. I learned SO much. She counseled me…. Helped me with confidence building. I felt like a fish out of water, yet I was VERY determined! I didn’t place in either show…. Still had work to do! Little did I know, the lessons I would learn were more than placing in any competition. They were lessons I used to get me through the biggest challenge of my life.

Mary 3 months after chemo

That year I was in the BEST shape! My diet was clean! I continued my workouts and my healthy lifestyle. I knew I had more work to do as far as competing. Life was busy. That September life as I knew it changed. My 23 year old daughter had a lump on her neck. It was thyroid cancer. She had surgery to remove her thyroid and currently is doing fantastic. The end of the year came and I saw my mother that Christmas for the last time as I always had known her. She became I’ll and two days later went to the hospital where she would spend her last 6 weeks. If life was not stressful enough I went in for my yearly mammogram that January. February 2, 2009 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mom died on the 7th. I underwent a mastectomy . I felt numb. I learned the week after the surgery that the cancer (stage 2) had traveled to my lymphatic system. Damn it…. I had to have chemotherapy. As part of my treatment. It was determined I would have four rounds! (I was again lucky)

Oh no!!! I was about to lose my HAIR! And I did! Very humbly. Well I’m here to tell you the lessons!!! A healthy lifestyle is your best friend. I worked out all the way through! At least if it was only cardio. I couldn’t do upper body for some time so I did what I could. I put my do rag on and dragged my butt to the gym everyday! I was VERY lucky. The chemo didn’t make me physically sick. They have wonderful anti nausea medications that worked well for me. I kept up with my diet by eating clean. It wasn’t easy but doable. I had to keep my salon running. No disability for self employed people. I bought wigs that were cute. Not fun to be bald and be a hairdresser. I sucked it up. Oh believe me, I cried MANY tears. I’ve always been a bit competitive and I wasn’t going to let cancer win if I had ANY control at all!

NPC Excalibur 2011 4th Place Masters 50+

Time has passed! Just about 3 years! After treatment I went through another year of reconstructive surgery! I’ve learned time is your friend! Hair grew back. I have reconstructive new breasts! I am happy to now be competing in figure! I’m a lot calmer about being on stage now! I still am working on stage fright! But through the journey I’m able to accept myself better. I’m not nearly as hard on myself. Yes, I’m still working on that walk! Always trying to improve! But I wear my scares with pride. Those scares represent life! New beginnings! To me life is about reinventing and NEVER giving up!!

Nancy had written….sometimes when you win, you lose–and sometimes, when you lose–you win! I really get that now. Sometimes good things come in not so pretty packages. That’s how I feel about my cancer. I’ve really learned so much about the human spirit! If there is something you want to do… DO it! The sky is still the limit as long as you accept yourself and work hard! My key for success is my healthy lifestyle. Nancy, my coach is a very strong lady. She has helped me to accept myself! She is STRONG and supportive. I’m happy to know her! Well a new year is upon us! Thinking about doing a few more shows! And my new goal is…. Have some fun with it!!!!

Lisa’s Success Story

As fitness professional, I can usually tell which one of my clients are going to make it and which ones are not. Not because of my awesome secrets, but based on the client’s sheer motivation. I am a firm believer in motivation being the driver that leads us to success. Lisa is an example that does not disprove my theory. When she first sent me photos, she was fat! We then had a phone consultation where she informed me quite explicitly that indeed she was going to compete. Right on! I thought to myself, I believed her. “Let’s do it”. I said, and we have been non-stop ever since. To date Lisa has lost 110 pounds, and believe me, I am certain she is not done. Here is Lisa’s story…

The Journey…Believe in the Process…it is it’s Own Reward. by Lisa Gore In June 2008, I weighed somewhere above 225lb, I wore a size 18-20 but kept thinking that I was a size 10-12. I wore every slimming appliance I could that wouldn’t suffocate me to death when I tried to fit my own clothes closet. Rock Bottom was when my Dad saw a picture of me from a Wedding and thought I was someone else and exclaimed: ‘Wow! She has really gained weight!!’ I said: “Dad that’s me”. He didn’t know what to say. I choked up but didn’t want him to feel bad, I think lightening reality hit me. It was strange, I was successful in my new job as a Nurse Anesthetist, just finished a stint in the Army, and was home in Missouri and back with family and friends. But in the gym, I needed new passion! How did I get lost under the fat, the goals, the poor nutrition advice and choices I made? I went to a Figure Competition that fall. I kept thinking ‘I can do this! I want to see my muscle like that.’ I knew I was fat but I didn’t care, I just wanted to take the Leap of Faith.  My inspiration was renewed. The image I had in my head of my goals only appeared in magazines, not in my own mirror! I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but I knew I decided that it was time. I heard something that moved me to tears the other night about how to effect huge change in life: you have to give up everything you ever believed in about yourself to reinvent yourself no matter how long the Journey and in between…there’s Nothing.   I remembered that ‘My nothing’ was a constant barrage of haters, including my trainer telling me I couldn’t get there, that I had the wrong body type, no dedication, I couldn’t follow the diet, Blah, Blah, Blah!! It only made me angry and motivated me to show them and me that I could do it. There were a few supporters at first but most people truly thought once I did a show I would give up. I needed nutrition help desperately!! I contacted Nancy, and in Nov 14 months later I was down 60lbs. Stepping onto that stage, I was hooked but my daughter wasn’t there, she wasn’t having anything to do with this foreign thing I was doing in a bikini…her 43 yr old Mom was going to embarrass her! She didn’t come for my 2nd show in Oct 2010, again, even though I was ecstatic to have stepped on stage leaner than ever. The judges were even noticing my changes. 2011 has been challenging. I freaked out when I found that I had hearing and right balance nerve loss from H1N1 and I hadn’t been able to train legs since June due to knee pain. I did get discouraged in July. I thought about quitting for the first time ever. I cried frustrated tears! Nancy helped me to focus beyond my doubts and fears until I came up with the path that worked to get me the leanest ever by October at the Gateway Naturals. I stepped out, posing my smaller booty off and they announced my 110lb total weight loss. I only heard my daughter, Taylor yelling: “Go Mamma!” My daughter’s support meant the world to me! I received my first top 5 placing ever, the judges were giving me nods, smiles and congratulations. I was very misty-eyed. I made it onto that stage with more muscle than I thought, more definition than last year, and a total package that Taylor (my daughter) understands!  I look at pictures now and truly don’t recognize myself at times, one of my friends thought I was putting my Idol’s pictures up as my profile pictures on FB as inspiration, then realized it was me! Those are the true compliments that tell me the journey is past the nothingness.  I recently signed with the local Toyota/Scion Dealer for sponsorship and will be going to customer appreciation events and was asked to model for a new clothing line from KC called Mpire. I am honored and humbled. These rewards are priceless at my age. Fit-Fabulous and Forty-Something! Believe me, I am proof that life doesn’t end, you have to be honest and face your denial in order to begin the journey to extraordinary! Thank you for reading my story and to Nancy for this feature!

More testimonials for The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching

I had the pleasure of working with Nancy Georges as I was prepping for a show in 2010 and reading this book made me feel like Nancy was right there with me once again; walking me through the dieting basics and helping me to mentally balance myself and overcome my body image issues.

This book is not only a healthy and detailed guideline for how and what to eat but it challenges us to evaluate ourselves to get to the heart of our goals and body image. The most powerful section to me was the part that asked “do you think it’s possible to be happy and strong and beautiful without having to look a certain way”. What a great question to ask oneself and a great way to delve into yourself and understand your own issues that are holding back positive self thought. When I got to the part that suggested making a list of goals that have nothing to do with looks, it hit home. I struggle with my body image constantly although I am healthier now than I have ever been. But having a book on hand that I can go to and re-read and reinforce the positive thinking and realizations that I have had is so valuable. Many things I read were exactly what I needed to hear, and I’ve done 3 shows! I can imagine how insightful it would be to someone who has never worked with Nancy personally.

This book is motivating and uplifting and I love how it differentiates between lifestyle and diet. Working with Nancy she would always tell me that maintenance CAN be progress and that maintenance IS success. Maintenance is your lifestyle which is something I didn’t understand. I had a hard time coming off contest diets and going into a lifestyle because I felt it was all or nothing as far as food and eating. This book clearly defines the difference, the uses for each and what types of food are needed. I feel like I can turn to this book at any time either before or after a contest to get some refreshers to keep me mentally healthy.

Another thing I enjoyed is how much this book relates to the struggles the majority of women have in comparing themselves to other women and their own body image issues. I feel like this book gave me the tools to work through those issues in a positive and proactive way. If I feel like I’m having a moment of weakness or feeling negative thoughts, I can turn to the book and find the appropriate chapter and feel the motivation wash over me. Reading Nancy’s experiences in print modeling and her suggestion of saying to yourself “I want to look like her but with my structure” really puts body image in perspective. So many times I’ve compared myself to other women whom I will never look like because our genetics are different and I’ve fought many internal battles berating myself that I was a failure because I could never attain a certain look. I have learned that I can’t be someone I’m not. I can’t be 6ft tall no matter how hard I try. But I can look my best for MY body and that’s what this book teaches.

Thank you Nancy for writing a book that felt like it was designed just for me and for the issues I am facing!

Nicole Snell

Testimonials for The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching

I thought it was a good idea. I thought that people needed the information, but I was not really sure until I started receiving orders for the eBook the very first day, and getting feedback and testimonials right away. I am so thrilled to have created an eBook with valuable information that will help people to help take control of their own fitness program in a way that works best for them. Here is what Jen has to say about The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching:

As I was reading the book, I kept thinking to myself ‘did she write this AFTER talking to me??’ I’m sure I won’t be the only person who thinks this. If you’ve ever struggled with your self-esteem or a diet, then this book is right up your ally and you will be thinking the same thing I did…”how does she know what I’m thinking?!” What I loved most about reading this book is that it’s totally straightforward, no nonsense. It’s just like when you talk to or work with Nancy; laid back, but absolutely to the point.

This book is full of things that you know, but that you just ignore. It’s good to be reminded, and put the tips to use. I know the things I’ve been doing are not working for a reason…I’m ignoring what I know. But after reading this book, it has reminded me of things that were effective for me in the past, and I will be utilizing again.

Nancy makes many great points, two of my favorites are ‘use yourself as a role model’ and ‘visualize.’ I’m so happy I read this book, and to have refreshed my memory on what works and why. It was a fast easy read and helped reaffirm my motivation. Thank you Nancy!

Jen Rish
Sherman Oaks, CA

New eBook- The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching

 

I am very excited about my newest eBook: The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching. I have been coaching for many years and one of the things that I stress to my clients is being self sufficient. In my new eBook, I will help you to customize a program specific to your needs, using the same philosophy that I use in my own training as well as my clients.

Here is a glimpse of some of what you will learn in my new eBook The Dieter’s Guide To Successful Self Coaching:

*The ten principles of effective nutritional planning and self coaching.

*How to increase self discipline.

*How to enhance positive self body image.

*How to distinguish the difference between diet and lifestyle, as well as practical applications for both.

*How to create a customized nutrition program that works for you.

*How to use the power of self regulation.

*How to successfully utilize the concept of role models without feeling defeated, overwhelmed, or less than perfect.

*How to set realistic and achievable goals while still maintaining a BIG vision for your future.

*How to increase your focusing abilities.

*How to prepare your food for success.

*How to stay dedicated and inspired until you reach your goal.

*How to structure your nutrition plan: Includes worksheets, dieting profiles, lifestyle profiles, sample diet outlines and progress checks.

The eBook is available for immediate download, so you can be working on your nutrition plan in a matter of minutes.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

new web site- Jupinko the reigning Fitness America Champion!

Jupinko has only been competing for two years. Her first year, she placed 3rd at the Fitness America Pageant. She went on to place top 5 at the following Fitness Universe Pageant, and on her second attempt at the Fitness America Pageant, she won! It just goes to show you that with hard work, dedication, talent and of course a little genetic gift, awesome things can happen. For those of you interested in competing in fitness, Jupinko is available to help assist you with choreographing your routine. Jupinko has an extensive dance background that goes all the way back to her childhood. She has been in numerous broadway productions, most recently Cats! Please check out the reigning Fitness America Champs web site at www.jupinko.com

Perfectionism and overeating

Do you consider yourself a perfectionist? When you are less than perfect, what happens? Do you even know? Women seem to be especially vulnerable to the temptation to be perfect. I have always had a philosophy that we can focus on one major item at a time. Maybe that is your career, going to school, your financial portfolio, or your physique. There always seems to be one over arching goal that takes priority over the rest.

Recently I was reading Treating Eating and Weight Issues by Karen Koenig and she really nailed quite a few things, I thought I would share here. Karen mentions in her book that overeaters may be perfectionists and that “the only place they allow themselves to be imperfect is around food” (94). She also says that we actually need to be able to make a mess sometimes and to be able to allow ourselves room to fail. She says: “The more [we] try to achieve, succeed, and be faultless and flawless in other areas of life, the more out of control [our] eating becomes” (94). Something to seriously ponder. Knowledge being half the battle, the other half is of course coming up with solutions. I personally think that if it seems that a good strategy is to find other ways of allowing ourselves to be out of control besides eating more that our fair share. Where can we loosen up the grip, let loose and be free other than mindless overeating?

Nancy’s new rules for contest prep- 12 weeks is out 16 weeks is in!

I am officially changing the rules. I do not agree with the 12 week contest prep time. I find far too often people are behind schedule and creating a bad journey for themselves. I have decided, that we need to take responsibility for this and give ourselves enough time for a show. We can not fool ourselves into thinking that no matter what kind of shape we are in it will only take 12 weeks to get ready. This is not only foolish, but will lead to a constant feeling of fear and dread wondering if we are going to be ready on time.  I am also changing my 3 Month Figure Fusion Coaching Program to a 16 Week Program effective immediately. We need to make sure we have fun in the process of getting in great shape, and not feel worried or stressed if we are going to be ready. What is the best remedy for that? TIME!!! Now time is on our side, we can get wicked shredded! Let’s get busy ladies. Let’s make 2011 the year we achieve our secret dreams. Let’s not be afraid of succes, rather, go ahead and succeed.

Check out Yolanda Dixon’s new web site.

I just finished the web site re-design of one of my very good friends, Yolanda Dixon. Check out her new web site. She is a very inspiring mother of 3. And if you are interested in getting your kids into fitness competition, she can work with them. Congrats Yolanda on all your success over the years!

www.yolandadixon.net

Do you know what you are eating?

I am going to be talking about our health and wellness starting with the food we put in our mouths. What is at stake here, is our futures! The future of food is at risk. You might  think I am kidding, I could hardly believe it myself when I first learned of the news I am about to share with you, and maybe you already know.

As fitness enthusiasts we are deeply concerned with the ingredients we put into our bodies. Admittedly often times it is for appearance’s sake rather than for the sake of our health. But the fact remains, being healthy is a wonderful byproduct of our obsessive focus on looking good.

Do you remember the moment that you realized there was no such thing as Santa Clause? (don’t let your kids read this) Your hopes and dreams of the man watching your every move and showering you with gifts based on your naughty or niceness shattered. You know the feeling you get when you think the world is one way and you find out the truth of the way that it actually is?
 
Recently I have been hit with such a blow. Now I am not a political activist, or a tree hugging granola type. But recently I have been informed of a truth that is so big I can hardly believe that being a fitness professional and a food nutritionist that I was not aware of it. This hard truth is that of genetically modified foods. When I first heard someone yammering on about it, I brushed them off. I thought, ok, here is one more complainer who just can’t seem to be happy in life looking for something to cry about. But two movies changed my mind completely and they are Food Inc. and The Future of Food.  Both movies speak about genetically modified food and the power that Monsanto has over our entire corn and soy industry (for now) by our government giving them a patent on genetically modified corn and soy. They have other patents pending on food. One company has a patent on a terminator gene that will chemically modify the seed so that once it is planted only once, the seed will die. Now the problem with patenting corn is that you know how seeds spread? Well if you are a farmer and somehow this genetically modified seed gets into your crops, then guess who is going to get sued? That is right, you the farmer. Unspeakable! Farmers are being sued for their crops being infested with genetically modified corn. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

I will hope that you will watch both of these movies for several reasons. What we eat has been packaged to look pretty, but the way it is processed is nothing but pretty. For example, they throw cute little chicks and put them in a dark room for 40 days and feed them as much as they can, with no light and they are all on top of each other, and of course guess what they are eating? That’s right, gmo corn. The cows too. They actually cut openings in the side of the cow so they can see the cows digest their food to make sure they don’t have ecoli bacteria. I will leave my story at that, and if you are compelled to watch either movie, please do so. 

My take away from these movies was one very strong statement, that being when we think that we can do nothing about something, such as the case with Monsanto and any other company that gets a patent on genetically modified food for that matter, when we go to the store, we are voting. When we buy from our local farmers market and local butcher that raises free range chickens and grass fed cows, we are voting. We can make a difference by being more aware of what we are putting into our bodies and demanding to know the truth before we just blindly eat without thinking of the consequences. There was a powerful statement in the end of The Future of Food where the narrator said: “It is up to you.” It gave me goose bumps, knowing that I do have the power, and have choice. I take that very seriously, and I hope you will too.

www.thefutureoffood.com
www.foodincmovie.com