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On television we see makeover magic wands flourished to instantly transform everything from houses to hairdos. copyright dedecms

Our alive makeover series introduces you to two people, Rob and Toni, who are hoping to improve their lives from the inside out. No plastic surgery or new shoes; they’re aiming for healthier diets and lifestyles. It’ll involve hard work–no magic wands. ±¾ÎÄÀ´×ÔÖ¯ÃÎ

Over the next six months, they’ll see a roster of complementary healing practitioners and fitness specialists to help guide them toward optimal health.

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We hope you’ll follow their progress in these pages (and on alive.com) and take inspiration from their accomplishments. ±¾ÎÄÀ´×ÔÖ¯ÃÎ

Toni: from Passive to Active

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I have been looking for the catalyst that would change my lifestyle, taking me from passive to active, for quite some time. Then opportunity knocked with an offer I couldn’t refuse: alive magazine was looking for a female of the species in her early fifties who wanted and needed a makeover. dedecms.com

My name is Toni Hadgraft, and I’m 54 years old. My weight is on the high side of normal for my height of 5' 10''. I know I should work out to tone and trim what is currently being gravity assisted, and I will–as soon as I can find the time. I have noticed that the gravitational pull doubles as soon as it reaches my torso and midriff.

How did I Get Here?

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I am a costumer in the film and theatre industry with a very erratic schedule. Some days are 12 to 14 hours long, and some weeks seem to have 12 of those days. With some contracts there are very tight deadlines. I can work at home, but I put in 18-hour days. Dressing calls require working backstage during the run of a show, often six evenings a week, plus matinees. I have the rare good fortune of doing the job of my dreams; I cannot imagine doing anything else.

I have been married for 31 years to a man who works day and evening shifts and has rotating days off. He loves to cook. Our diet is healthy; that is, what I eat is nutritious and may well have come out of our garden, grown to organic standards; however, breakfast can be anywhere between 6 am and 5 pm, lunch eaten only when I work away from home, and dinner is usually around 10 or 11 pm.

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Bottom line? There is nothing remotely like a nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday schedule at our house. ÄÚÈÝÀ´×Ôdedecms

My Health Goals ÄÚÈÝÀ´×Ôdedecms

My goal with this makeover is to improve my overall health, strength, and posture–and in the process, rearrange the pounds. I also hope that I can again enjoy the benefit of a full night’s sleep, something that has eluded me since reaching the outer limits of my youth. I do not have any specific health concerns. copyright dedecms

I was told by a Sikh holy man that I will live to 89; I want all those years to be productive. Consulting with complementary medicine practitioners will provide me with options I may not have considered, and hopefully, following their advice will enable me to enjoy my years to their fullest potential. copyright dedecms

So, for the next six months, with the help of the alive team, who will diligently monitor my progress and root for me, I plan to reach my goals and develop a flexible routine that can be adapted successfully to my changing work shifts. In the process I hope this series can help the many others who work in similar situations to reach their goals.