My Body Got Tutored In Food & Fitness Online
1 Jul 2010
MyBodyTutor - What's the point?
My friend Dan from Cornell University's Food Lab emailed me about MyBodyTutor.com because he knows I'm a proponent of mindful eating over fad dieting. His email came at the perfect time because my Swedish Fish addiction was spinning out of control.
MyBodyTutor is an online wellness service that keeps you on track with your food and fitness goals. All you need is a computer and no more than 10 minutes a day to log-in to your account and tell your personal tutor about what you ate and how you exercised that day. If you've never exercised before, your tutor will help you with a plan of action. Your tutor is a real person; a professional trainer, nutritionist or life coach. He/she gets to know your health status and goals and then provides feedback on your daily reports. Tutors bring bad habits to your attention and suggest food and exercise modifications. You're asked to set daily goals (because it's too easy to flake-out on long-term ones) and tutors encourage you to stick to the plan. Correspondence is both personal and inspirational because before you can change, you've gotta have the heart to commit.
Adam Gilbert left his job in finance to start Mybodytutor which really pissed off his mom.
Leaving Ernst & Young was worth it because now he gets to coach people online and feel rewarded everyday. He helps all kinds of people including directors of other weight loss programs and a Bestselling Diet Book author. Professionals need help too, Adam explains:
"Lack of knowledge is not the problem. It's really a lack of consistent action."
Adam knows this firsthand. He's always been into health & fitness but he fell of the wagon while working at Ernst & Young. He wasn't pleased with how the lifestyle was affecting his body. Drinks after work diverted him from the gym. He decided to do something about it and Mybodytutor was born. To make his mom happy, Adam designed the Mybodytutor website with her and other non-computer savvy individuals in mind.
I got my body tutored for 1 week! This is what I loved:
- It's like getting a response to a journal/diary entry. C'mon, everyone secretly wants someone to read their diary.
- No one yells at you! The feedback is informative with lots of options and NEVER preachy.
- The plan is split 50/50 between food and fitness. Had it been all about food I would've lost interest.
- You can contact your tutor anytime with random questions like "Are Swedish Fish really Swedish?"
- It's way easier than physically going to weight watchers and subjecting yourself to being weighed by someone who doesn't give a shit.
- It's way more personal than a FitOrbit which feels like a social network and categorizes you like an online dating service.
- If you forget to submit your daily report, your tutor checks in with you to make sure everything is OK (this happened to me twice and I was touched by the concern).
This is what I didn't love:
- Having to wait until the end of the day to submit my report. I tend to forget what I ate early in the day. I'm a lot more exercise focused than food focused (except when it comes to Swedish Fish) so it would be more convenient to log my meals right after eating them. I actually gave Adam this feedback and I think he's working on implementing this.
- Not being able to see my tutor when I actually felt like seeing him. Don't get me wrong, I loved not having to physically meet my tutor anywhere. BUT, I think video chat would be a nice addition to the Mybodytutor service (for maybe 1-5% of correspondence time). If you're going to get personal with a tutor and tell them your pain points and goals, they should probably hear the emotion in your voice when you talk about these things...which is why MBT offers the option for a weekly or daily phone call.
- Doing it everyday. Can Mybodytutor rest on the sabbath like God?
I really got tutored. I'm NOT an affiliate trying to make a buck.
Seriously guys, I got tutored and it was awesome. I work out a lot (which should be obvious if you read my website frequently) but I often make poor food choices. There, I said it! MizzFIT eats like crap sometimes. Here's some feedback I got from my tutor after reporting a botched lunch.
I took the picture below after successfully completing a day's worth of exercise goals. To reiterate, I lost 4 pounds in 1 week. Yes, I work out more than the average person but that's not the point here. I was exceptionally proud of myself for following through on goals I wasn't 100% sure I would complete. I may be fit but I'm not perfect or always consistent.
So how does this relate to fashion? When you look good, you feel good and dress a bit sexier and fashion-forward than you would if you were 4 pounds heavier....THAT'S HOW! Lululemon sports bras are just too cute to hide under sport tops all the time.
Who should try MyBodyTutor? Followed by quotes from Adam Gilbert.
- People who are private or uncomfortable talking about their food/exercise issues in person. -- "Clients don't ever meet their tutors...Many people have emotional eating problems which has some depth to it and can be very hard to discuss with someone in person. Clients feel a lot more comfortable opening up [online] and it makes a world of difference."
- People who can't be coached by a friend or loved one. -- "We're too biased, and we're too sensitive - whether we say so or not."
- People who want human interaction not just information. -- "I know I'm 1000% better than [competition] and many other sites simply because none of them come close to the amount of daily and personal attention we offer. No one offers that because it's way too time consuming."
- People who appreciate kind discipline. -- "One of my requirements to be a tutor is what I like to call a gentle relentlessness."
- People who want to invest in their health (MyBodyTutor isn't free). Click HERE for pricing.
I love giving stuff away so I convinced Adam Gilbert to do a MyBodyTutor giveaway.
Adam G. wants to help people who actively participate in their self-improvement. He doesn't cater to the half-hearted or feel the need to lure people to MBT that don't really need it. Most people don't finish reading a blog post (especially one this long) but if you've made it this far you're the type to follow through and finish what you started. You're most likely a great candidate for MyBodyTutor and that's why you should enter to win 1 free week of direct mentoring from Adam.
To enter this giveaway leave a comment telling me about a huge feat you conquered and how you managed to do it. I'll randomly pick a winner on July 10th.
For example: I gave up Swedish Fish, my kryptonite . Now I grab a piece of fruit or make myself a cup of sweetened tea instead of attacking a school of fish. It's more nutritious and I learned to exercise self-control.
You had to know the Swedish Fish thing was going to come full circle!
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#1. joanne - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 11:47AM
great blog b! ill have to check it out, thanks;)!
#2. anonymous - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 2:10PM
From a trainer’s stand point this is an amazing tool bc most of the time a person’s physical state is intertwined with their psychological health and as trainers we want to help people change but are unqualified to help them in that process. Referring them to my body tutor would get them the support and help they require psychologically/emotionally so that we as trainers can help them progress physically. Man I wish I had this tool a couple years back when I worked with two clients that were recovering from eating disorders, so many times i felt unable to help them emotionally even with my best effort and empathy. Definitely an awesome tool to use in the future!
-Thanks MizzFit!
#3. anonymous - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 2:11PM
Anonymous comment from trainer was Blake in slc (sry bout that)
#4. Meredith Caruso replied to anonymous - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 3:52PM
First off, I loooveee seeing companies I believe in featured! I was first introduced to MyBodyTutor when a friend of mine sent me a link to it a few years ago. MBT is an amazing company founded by an amazing man. I’ve emailed with Adam a bunch of times throughout the last few years and he’s not only incredibly responsive but brilliant.
I was immediately drawn to Adam’s concept and the simplicity of it. I’m really excited to see his co. featured on this blog! He deserves all the success and publicity in the world. He works extremely hard and his program is the real deal.
I only say this because my good friend is a trainer and I immediately told her about MyBodyTutor when I first learned about it.
Long story short, my friend has sent over a dozen clients his way and each and every one of them reached goals they’ve never been able to with his service.
@Blake in slc - Adam launched a by application only affiliate program recently. I’d contact Adam and try to sign up for it.
#5. MizzFIT replied to Meredith Caruso - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 4:07PM
Meredith,
I try to review companies that are worth telling people about…and not waste my time reviewing companies that I know won’t improve my readers’ fitness lifestyles. During my week of mentoring with Adam, I learned so much and he has a great way of writing feedback that makes your goal-setting exciting and most of all, within reach. Sometimes the simple things in life are the most brilliant. His strategy is a smart one.
mizzFIT
#6. Blake - Reply to this
Jul 1, 2010 10:47PM
Meredith - thanks for the heads up!! I’ll contact Adam asap. Thanks again ladies!
#7. Jodie - Reply to this
Jul 2, 2010 10:34AM
Hey there Mizzy,
My Body Tutor sounds great! Congrats on your progress and here’s to your health and feeling great (even sans Swedish Fish). Thanks for continuing to inspire your readers through your blog.
As for my feat…most recently I decided to set goals based on my physical appearance and how I feel at the end of a day/week and abandon the scale. This has been extremely difficult for me because I have weighed myself every morning for quite awhile. I thought it kept me focused and accountable. However, I realized the number on the scale was starting to determine my mindset for the day. Down a pound? WHOO! Maintained? Okay, great. Up any? WHAT? Why is this happening? My day is ruined. How ridiculous?! So, I’m off the scale. And I think it’s for the best because I’ve started a new weight-lifting challenge and my weight may fluctuate more now.
I’m taking measurements, noticing how my clothes fit, and above all paying attention to how I feel. Now I am about eating right as much as I can, pushing it hard in the gym, and being a little easier on myself. A small accomplishment I know, but it feels good.
#8. MizzFIT replied to Jodie - Reply to this
Jul 2, 2010 1:22PM
Jodie,
Abandoning the scale is a HUGE FEAT! I have one in my apartment but I never use it anymore. It made me feel insecure for so many years and yet I was SO drawn to it. Now it just sits there gathering dust. I should probably clean it, LOL! It sounds like you’ve started to strengthen your mind-body connection…which is where it all starts! The more you begin to enjoy the workout and push yourself mentally the more you’ll see your body and physical traits respond. It sounds kind of wacko because I’m basically telling you to ignore your physique and focus inward…but that’s what works for me, gives me peace of mind and best of all, results! All the hard work isn’t worth it if you don’t find a way to enjoy it and make you smarter/sharper. And you’re right, don’t push yourself to the point where it’s too hard and stops being fun. Sounds like you’ve really discovered the beauty of working out. I’m glad someone else is in my camp here
and thanks for the compliments on mizzFIT.com!
#9. sparky - Reply to this
Jul 2, 2010 1:39PM
Dang girl, you look fabulous. And swedish fish are sooo gooood.
This site sounds great! I’m trying to lose weight WHILE training for a double metric century (these two things are at odds with each other), so I was just thinking about looking into a food coach last night.
My huge feat recently: Completing my first century, which was amazing. And then a second century a few weeks after getting serious surgery, which was brutal. :(
Now i’m trying to get ready for the double metric (126 miles)!!
#10. MizzFIT replied to sparky - Reply to this
Jul 2, 2010 2:29PM
Sparky—
Wow, you’re really in training mode! I’ve been there, especially when training for a marathon. You have to eat a lot of carbs to have the energy to run but all that training just keeps on making you hungrier! MyBodyTutor is definitely a good option for food coaching while training…and I bet they’d recommend a lot of healthy snacking throughout the day (I know that helps me). 3 big meals a day is a thing of the past especially when your body is burning calories all day long from intense training sessions. I can’t believe you were able to compete a few weeks after surgery! Was it at least kind of enjoyable? I ran a marathon injured…which I wouldn’t recommend but I had trained for months and just made sure to run it at a safe pace. It wasn’t my best marathon finish time but I had a blast and even tweeted mile for mile. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right??!!! Enjoy your weekend and happy cycling. Thanks for your comments on the last few posts.
#11. Randi - Reply to this
Jul 3, 2010 10:35AM
This website looks great. I try to keep track of what I eat, but feedback would be so helpful
#12. MizzFIT replied to Randi - Reply to this
Jul 3, 2010 11:47AM
Feedback is always a plus. Especially from people who are passionate about food and fitness.
#13. MizzFIT - Reply to this
Jul 12, 2010 5:48PM
A winner has been randomly picked from my magic hat and it’s Randi! Thanks so much for all your comments! Many more giveaways to come and that’s a promise.
#14. Randi - Reply to this
Jul 12, 2010 5:59PM
Woo hoo! Can’t wait to get started! I will report back with my progress - I can only hope to have results like yours…..
#15. Sam R. - Reply to this
Jul 14, 2010 8:27PM
Ahhh! Did I miss this offer?!?! OMG! I think MBT was created for me - it’s exactly what I need! It’s so funny; just today my friends and I were talking about how we need a service to hold us accountable! What an idea and I love the way he presents it and the overall packages he created. It appears that it’s too late to try to win? Oh well, I’m definitely going to sign up. $149 seems like a bargain for 24/7 accountability.
#16. MizzFIT - Reply to this
Jul 15, 2010 8:03AM
Check out Buns of Steal who decided to just GO FOR IT and take the MYBODYTUTOR plunge!!!
http://bunsofsteal.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-gymhopper-paid.html
She’s going to do so well!
#17. MizzFIT replied to Sam R. - Reply to this
Jul 15, 2010 8:03AM
Sam,
So sorry you missed the giveaway but you should contact MBT and see what they can do for you. Tell them I sent you…
#18. Randi - Reply to this
Jul 26, 2010 10:56AM
I am so happy I won My Body Tutor for a week! Adam was really helpful and supportive. He gave me some great advice, like not to incorporate fruit into my daily diet, but to save it for when I am craving something sweet. I did that and was craving cantaloupe by the end of the week instead of Skittles! I especially appreciated how Adam took an emotional approach to diet because I definitely tend to eat unhealthy foods when I am stressed or super busy, so he really emphasized the importance of eating when you’re hungry versus eating when you’re stressed. All in all, a great program to get you focused on eating well. Thanks MizzFit!!!
#19. Neville - Reply to this
Aug 19, 2010 4:10PM
I did a whole series where I got a six pack in around one month…and MyBodyTutor (Adam in particular) was my tutor the whole time!
http://www.nevblog.com/category/getting-a-6-pack-experiment/
The lessons I learned there completely changed my eating and exercise forever…no joke.
-Nev
#20. MizzFIT replied to Neville - Reply to this
Aug 20, 2010 9:57AM
Wow! This is kind of freakin’ awesome. I love it! Isn’t Adam Gilbert of MBT wonderful? I love the way you even food-blogged. I’m going to sit down and go through your site for an hour or so and get back to you with some questions. Very inspiring and committed of you…thanks for bringing your site to my attention!
#21. Chicago Car Accident Lawyer - Reply to this
Dec 6, 2010 5:32PM
This sounds like a great idea! I would love to give it a go. I don’t exercise though. I would like to know the effects of the food I eat without actually seeing the expression on the trainers face when I tell him. This should be a great tool.
#22. MizzFIT replied to Chicago Car Accident Lawyer - Reply to this
Dec 7, 2010 1:29PM
Hi there,
I agree, working with a tutor online takes some guilt out of the equation when it comes to confiding in them about your eating habits. But any health coach that makes faces should really go into a new line of work, lol! You should definitely try the program out and ask to work with Adam (the founder). He’s an exceptional motivator and delivers the tools you need to control your eating habits and commit to exercising more. I should really get back to him…I’ve been eating swedish fish again…ooops!
MizzFIT