New You Resolution, 8 weeks later
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From left: Kimberley Everett, David Peck, Kathryn Burkholder, and Michael and Pam Kirkbride.
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Dr. Sanjay Gupta gives a final update on the progress of Kimberley, David, Kathryn, Pam and Michael who just finished their eight week 'New You Resolution.' (February 24)
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(CNN) -- For eight weeks, five regular folks who wanted to make some big health changes have weighed, measured, organized, and sweated -- all with television cameras and the Internet tracking their progress and setbacks.
But they've made it through the New You Resolution challenge so far. Now they hope to follow the lessons learned and progress forward to make the changes last a lifetime, even after the cameras and attention go away.
Experts say a habit is usually formed in about three weeks, and only about 20 percent of Americans actually follow through with their New Year's resolutions.
In the New You Resolution program, the numbers were more optimistic. Each participant stuck with the plan, but it was a big challenge for everyone to stay completely on track. Kim had a minor break in her workout routine and missed some appointments. The Kirkbrides had trouble finding time to exercise as much as they wanted. And David had to really focus to keep his food portion sizes under control.
David Peck
In the beginning, David's plan was simple. He wanted the stress to go down, the energy to go up and the extra weight to come off.
He didn't know that the New You Resolution program would be the catalyst for an even bigger life change -- his job.
David describes his new job as "an opportunity to stop traveling so much and focus in a little more on the kids and be around a lot more."
The other aspects of his plan were also a huge success. He's shaving down the weight and lessening his stress, and his energy has sky-rocketed -- all part of a goal to get David heart-healthy.
But there is one persistent hitch -- hunger pains. During the course of the program, David says he's cut his food and fat intake in half.
"There've been times when it has been rough with the food. You just get that hunger," he explained. "After the camera's gone, am I going to continue on the path I'm on?"
But right now, David said he's appreciating the changes the New You Resolution helped spur in him.
"I'm feeling great," he said. "I feel very fortunate I got to be a part of this."
Pam and Michael Kirkbride
For new parents Pam and Michael Kirkbride, time was the ultimate challenge of their New You Resolution.
But they did manage to carve out some hours for exercise. During the course of the program, they increased their strength and energy levels and lost a total of 27 pounds combined.
They say teamwork has been the key to it all. They take turns going to the gym, or just take baby Olivia along on their workouts.
"We're this efficient, exercising, parenting machine," joked Pam.
The family has also been eating better, after getting some tips from nutrition experts.
"Eating healthy doesn't take any more or less time," Michael explained. "It's just choosing better."
Organization goals have also been met. After getting help with re-organizing some of their apartment at the beginning of the New You series, they can now plan ahead. And they're saving a full 10 minutes every morning and leaving home less stressed.
After Week 7, Pam was already feeling like they accomplished a lot with the program.
"We've basically got our pre-baby lives back," she said.
Kim Everett
Kim Everett was working two jobs and wanted to add working out to her already hectic schedule.
Kim's sister wasn't sure she would survive the New You challenges, but Kim proved her wrong.
Kim's ring is slipping around on her finger, her clothes are fitting better and she's excited about the progress.
Since the start of the program eight weeks ago, Kim has lost 10 pounds in weight, eight inches from her waist, and 4 percent body fat.
"I'm surprised ... pleasantly surprised!" exclaimed Kim, on learning of the final figures.
She is especially pleased by the progress not just for appearance's sake, but also for her health. Last year, her dad's health scare made Kim realize she needed to change some of her habits. Now, she's leading a good example for the whole family to get healthier.
But the program was not without setbacks. During Week 6, Kim missed a scheduled workout with her trainer and didn't check in with her nutritionist for five days. But she got back to the routine and now works toward the goal of a lifetime of healthy habits.
"I'm not going to lie. It's been very difficult," she said. "I mean, my lifestyle was really ridiculous with two jobs and juggling so many things and adding in the working out and adding in the eating healthy, so it's been very hard."
Kathryn Burkholder
Kathryn puffed a pack of cigarettes a day. But on January 1, she quit as part of her personal goals and the New You Resolution program.
Her biggest fear? Packing on the pounds.
"I fully expect to gain 10 pounds," she said at the time of quitting her smoking habit. "There's no way around it."
And quitting isn't easy. It's been, as Kathryn describes it, "annoying."
But she stuck with her resolution and plans to continue. She exercises, eats right, sees a stop smoking counselor and takes medication prescribed by her doctor to lessen her cravings.
A pack a day and 55 days without a cigarette adds up to 1,100 smokes that Kathryn has given up.
"I'm kind of amazed I've been able to make it this long and not smoke one single cigarette," she confessed.
She hasn't gained any weight, but admits she has a new challenge.
"I think a lot more about eating now, than before I quit smoking," she said.
