Jillian Michaels

(Jillian Michaels photo taken from http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net, 12/2010.)

Why Jillian?
      It seemed a smart thing to start with Jillian because she sorta lives in my head all the time.  Other than Cathy, Jillian has been the main source of information and inspiration (and perspiration!) in my health transformation journey that started December 2009 and continues today.  I like Jillian's approach because it is real, tough, and stresses personal responsibility and individual ability to achieve.  She also scares the crap out of me.  That's a good thing - because when I am whining about not wanting to do exercise - I don't need someone to hold my hand and listen politely.  I need someone to kick my booty and get me up there.

Where would we eat?
    Some place healthy with organic-type foods. Lots of salad options and dishes made with chickens who were raised as someone's pet and only feed specially prepared organic chicken feed.  Probably -  Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe.

What would I wear? 
    Fortunately, its January so I could wear a bulky sweatshirt with a polo shirt under it to keep Jillian from seeing my actual body as much as possible. Jeans, a baseball hat, and sneakers - because she might make me run around the parking lot or something.

What would I order?
       I would order some kind of organic rice cake, raw broccoli and a glass of water with lots of lemon. I would call it "the usual".  When it arrived I would say, "I eat this way all the time, Jillian. I don't know why I'm overweight!"  I would eat the rice cake, push the broccoli around my plate so it looked like I ate it, and turn the water into lemonade, adding some Truvia for sweetness.

What would I ask her or say to her?

1.      I would ask her which she enjoyed more - running with people, or standing on top of them while they do push ups?  I would tell her how much I enjoy watching her climb treadmills while people are hanging on for dear life and then hitting the speed button. 
2.      I would tell her how motivating it is to imagine her calling me "poodle" when I try to lower the incline on the treadmill (making a conscious effort not to call it the "dreadmill"). 
3.      I would encourage her to keep up the message of personal responsibility - in exercise and in life. Its refreshing to see someone get off the blame train and encourage others to do the same.

 What would she ask or say to me?

1.      She would look at my lunch and say, "You know - the only one you're fooling is yourself. I saw the Reese's wrappers in your car and I think you have a handful of Nilla wafers in your pocket right now."  I would tell her I was nervous, that's all.  She would then point to my broccoli and tell me to eat it.
2.      She would affirm the fact I chose to control my health through diet and exercise instead of medication and would probably be very happy with my doctor who offered that choice and monitors me.
3.      She would encourage me to realize that chasing the dog to get my sock back may be exercise but it is not a "workout" and should not count as my daily activity. Neither is getting the mail. Especially when I ride the lawnmower to the mailbox.  She would encourage me to remove the false messages about diet, weight, and health from my life and pursue what is real and good.

Topics of conversation I would avoid?
      Diet pills, the L.A. Times, my undying love for bacon

Topics of conversation she would avoid?
      None. Have you ever known her to hold back on anything?

Who would pay?
      We'd split it. Personal responsibility all the way. (besides, how much can a rice cake cost?).

Last thing I would say to her?
     "You make a difference."

Last this she would say to me?
     "I want to see you RUNNING to that car, Poodle!"

 Join me next time when my lunch date will be:   Nicole Kidman