First, small steps to healthier habits
Dedication high among 'New You' participants
 |  Raynor, left, gets cooking tips from chef Melanie Underwood. |
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 Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at how the New You Revolution participants faired in their first week. (January 25)
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 CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta checks in on the Rev. Leigh Ann Raynor after her first week on the New You Resolution. (January 25)
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(CNN) -- One week down, and plenty of work still to go.
The first week of CNN's "New You Revolution" saw the program's five participants take their first steps to break deeply engrained bad habits. The series runs for eight weeks, airing every Tuesday on "American Morning."
Leigh Ann Raynor
The Rev. Leigh Ann Raynor experienced a whirlwind of emotions and experiences in her first few days trying to get her weight and heart condition under control, all under the supervision of Dr. Sanjay Gupta and other health specialists.
The first step is exercise, which for 20 years was hardly an option for Raynor as persistent pain in her chest prevented her from working out.
While admitting she's not as limber as she used to be, the minister also said she was determined to improve her fitness. (Journal)
"It's difficult because I'm one of the most competitive people I know," she said. "I'm finding muscles I have forgotten I had."
Six months ago, Raynor underwent successful heart surgery. While she says she feels better than before, the minister remains on high alert for warning signs -- including chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath -- that might signal continued or new problems. (Profile)
A good diet also is key to improving her health and heart. For Raynor, that process starts at home -- a place that, until now, she rarely cooked her own meals.
This week, the minister had a culinary breakthrough, cooking her first ever meal for someone else. The serving of chicken, healthy macaroni and cheese and salad filled her up, she said, for a mere 500 calories.
"Just wish me luck," Raynor said. "I'm going to work at it."
Thekla Fischer
For Thekla Fischer, the "New You Revolution" is all about learning -- to eat healthier, to manage her schedule better and to become as fit as possible before becoming pregnant.
"It's teaching me where I've got work to do, from which areas to strengthen to which foods are best," said Fischer. (Journal)
The 33-year-old New York lawyer has one endpoint in mind: the start of her pregnancy, when she hopes to be as fit as possible. (Profile)
She got some insight in this regard from Dr. Lisa Mazzullo, co-author of "Before Your Pregnancy: A 90-Day Guide for Couples on How to Prepare for a Healthy Conception."
Women between ages 30 to 35 have about an 85 percent change of getting pregnant if they try for about one calendar year, said Mazullo.
Taking birth control pills prior to pregnancy has no effect, she added.
"Whether you've never been on the pill, on it for two years or 10 years, you'll actually get the same ability to be pregnant," said Mazullo.
Jonathan Karp
Unlike many others hoping to shed unhealthy habits, Jonathan Karp is getting help not from a medical doctor, dietician or fitness guru, but from a psychologist.
Karp, 28, has been biting his nails for decades. Sometimes he bites so much and so deep that he bleeds. (Profile)
Karp's psychologist has deemed self-monitoring as the best way for him to kick his nail-biting habit. The 28-year-old New Jersey native resisted more intrusive measures, but did agree to keeping a written log of how much he bites each day.
 Harald Fricker, left, and Garth, right, take a lap around the indoor track at Manhattan's Chelsea Piers. | |
Karp has also done relaxation techniques, including at Chelsea Piers -- an entertainment and fitness complex on the west side of Manhattan -- in order to reduce stress that may fuel his habit. (Journal)
Sandra Garth
Dedication, at least for now, is not a problem for Sandra Garth.
"I'm ready," said the mother and grandmother, who turned 50 last week. "I've committed to it, and I'm going to do it now."
By "it," Garth is referring to improving her eating habits, getting back in shape and becoming a more well-rounded (if less round) role model for her grandchildren, whom she is raising while their parents serve in the U.S. military in Iraq. (Profile)
Garth's week began with a cooking class in New York, during which she crafted a healthy french toast recipe covered in yogurt and fruit. (Journal)
Even after she returned home to Michigan, she said that she's stuck to her plan. That includes resistance training using exercise bands and walking. Using a pedometer, Garth says she has walked about the 10,000 steps recommended by her trainer.
She has also cut back her food intake -- so much so that her nutritionist has told her to eat more, aiming at 1,600 calories a day.
