It's normal to feel that staying on track during the summer isn't easy. But no one said that success was easy. With the smells of barbecue creeping through the backyard, a healthy diet can be a chore to maintain, and hitting 10,000 steps in sweltering heat isn't so appealing, either. But rather than looking at the summer as a downer, realize that the challenge is all the more reason to show the world what you're made of. If for no other incentive, prove to yourself that not even a sizzling cheeseburger can keep YOU from hitting your goal.

Following in the footsteps of our friends at Canada AM, push yourself just a bit farther: Instead of gritting through 10,000 steps, challenge yourself to 11,000. Or keep a food journal to let your fingers know that you see them inching toward the cupboard, and that they better move away from the snacks. Setting a goal a little beyond your reach may ignite your dormant drive.

Now, don't get too far ahead of yourself. The best way to increase or decrease caloric intake is in baby steps. If you want these steps to turn into strides, make them realistic. Increasing your daily walking to 15,000 steps could be too much at first, and the last thing you're interested in is getting stuck in bed with an injury.

Also, your body may not be ready to crank up the heat just yet, and that's okay. Let your insides do the talking: If you feel great, keep up that extra work. But if you're dragging, cut back a bit. There's no shame in trying.

Congratulations to Suzanne, Tami, and Caroline for beginning their own YOU-Turns and continuing on the path to waist and weight success.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

	START	1-19-07	3-2-07	3-23-07	7-6-07	SUM
	DAY 0	DAY 3	DAY 44	DAY 65	DAY 110	110 days
CAROLINE
WAIST	36	35	31.5	30.5	30	-6 in.
WEIGHT	174	171.1	161.5	157.5	155	-19 lb.
TAMI
WAIST	35	34.5	32.5	32.5	32	-3 in.
WEIGHT	180	176	168	164	160	-20 lb.
SUZANNE
WAIST	35.5	34.5	34	33.5	33	-2.5 in.
WEIGHT	142.5	141.0	136.5	132	129	-13.5 lb.

Rather than snacking, Suzanne has been channeling her added stress by walking. With caution, her extra push has been to try the advanced workout.

For Tami and Jim (her husband, who's started the YOU plan, too), the best ways of taking control of summer have been cutting out the late junk food and recommitting themselves to getting in the daily 10,000 steps.

Caroline, too, is a perfect example of the YOU-Turn. Determined to shed 20 more pounds, she's cutting out 200 calories and seriously increasing her exercise. Be careful, though, Caroline. You want to make sure you can keep these changes in motion!

Next week, we'll take a look at the YOU: Staying Young challenge and get a recap on our old friends. Until then, try your own YOU-Turn!

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NOTE from Dr. Roizen: Dr. Oz and I haven’t blogged in a while because we’ve been working hard to finish our new book, YOU: Staying Young -- The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty. It’s done (and coming out Oct. 31, 2007), so we can resume this blog. Here are some updates on what’s happening with Caroline, Tami, and Suzanne, three women who were followed for 2 months on Canada AM (it’s like Good Morning America).

Is the treadmill putting you to sleep? It may be time to change that daily stroll to an activity that helps you forget you’re even exercising.

Just as your brain becomes bored by a dull and repetitive lecture, your body gets bored with exercise and needs change to feel excited. Instead of opting for the same old walk around the block, hit your daily 10,000 steps through other forms of exercise. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the great outdoors and choose the scenic route to waist and weight loss.

Alternatives for exercise can be anything that you enjoy. For some, the ideal day of fitness may be filled with a trek through the woods, followed by a long bike ride with a friend. Others may need an hour of yoga or Pilates to hit the spot. For those former athletes out there, tuning up the ol’ dribble-and-pass skills may be just the trick. Whatever you choose, don’t let rustiness discourage you. Remember, old habits die hard, so it’s likely that your three-point shot and your golf game will quickly be in just the shape you left them.

You may be surprised by how much your energy level has changed. Things that used to leave you huffing and puffing may now be attainable with just a smile. If nothing else, diversion from the beaten path could open your eyes to how much your body has transformed, not only externally but also internally. Treat yourself to a pat on the back: It’s your turn to be proud of your own physical accomplishments.

Congratulations to Caroline for being a step ahead and embodying this very concept in her weekend away. Although her cravings managed to get the best of her, a consistent 15,000 steps per day helped keep her weight and waist regulated throughout the week, and with the help of the YOU-Turn, she’ll be back to whole grains and greens in no time. And to top it all off, tree walking and zip lining are just two of the adventures Caroline encountered while away. You, too, may find yourself willing and able to participate in sports you never thought possible.

This week, we’d also like to welcome Suzanne’s daughter to the team. There’s no better way to push yourself than to share the YOU Diet and Workout plan with someone you love, so two thumbs up to Suzanne for carrying out our mission statement: Give yourself a do-over, and then teach others to do the same.

So don’t play it safe. See if pushing yourself to give your body a break from the monotony is as much fun for you as it is for us. The results may surprise you even more than your score.

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