Saturday, October 10, 2009

So far so good

2 weeks have passed since I ended the official program at Timeless medical spa; I am still eating the bars, having some of the shakes...I've maintained the last 2 weeks, may have lost about 0.5 pounds. We went to north Las Vegas last weekend to see family and of course they were great cooks! But I made good choices, drank plenty of water and came home without gaining anything! Wooohooo! I really feel I have a handle on this and in no way, no how, do I ever want to gain any of that horrific weight back. I looked at some pictures of me taken last Memorial day 2008.....omg......I was huge. And I didnt seem to even notice...or rather, just didnt care. My husband Robert can't believe the change....and the change in himself as well. We were both terribly overweight; it's amazing what a year can do.
I am feeling terrific, keeping up the exercise nearly every day; I really do want to try to lose another 10 pounds, so I'd better buckle down and decrease the calories to start losing again rather than maintain. Altho, I have to admit I kinda like the weight I'm at now....size 4/6 jeans, "small" scrubs.....but still have some curves that my hubby likes....so we'll see what happens.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (or not................)

Whew!! I did it!! I faithfully completed the Lose to win contest, and altho I am a few pounds short of that goal, I did manage to lose 58 pounds. OMG....58 pounds....from a size 16 to size 4/6. The official end was Friday, September 25th. And I lost 2 pounds this week. I'd hoped to end on a positive weigh in or should I say negative since I did lose?? :o} I am so happy, excited......proud of myself for sticking with it.
For the record, I want to keep using the products and checking in til I get to that goal....I am currently at 138 pounds....would really love to get to 120-125. I love those folks up there.....they made this possible for me.....all I did was change some bad habits, made some new ones and look what happens.
So, the work continues......I renewed my gym membership after the free year was over; I plan on keeping exercise a daily part of my life, keeping up with the protein products 4 times a day and will keep losing til I get to where I want to be.
I was also rewarded with a $500 check....my committment fee.....YAY! That went promptly back in the bank until I can hit some sales and buy some new clothes....I gave ALL of my clothes away, and won't have a thing to wear this winter...I have some things I got over the summer, but I'll need winter clothes...I sure seem to be a lot colder since I've lost my insulation! But boy oh boy, I'll trade being cold any day rather than being fat! I love how this feels.......Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Homestretch

Here we are....I have one week left....I had some intestinal distress 2 weeks ago, became very dehydrated and lost almost 3 pounds....the next week since I was feeling better and was re-hydrated and I gained back what I'd lost in fluid.....so, hopefully today when I go in, I'll have shown a loss. I'm going to keep doing the protein bars and shakes until I get to that goal....I'm going to be a few pounds short. But, I'm very proud of my success to date....I look and feel like a new woman. A year ago, I was obese, unmotivated to exercise and felt utterly hopeless. I said once before that if a fat person says they are happy with how they look.....they are either farsighted, dellusional or I don't even know. I thought I was happy before....all I did was lose out on some living and precious time that I won't be able to get back. So, my promise to myself and my family is to get out there and be active, keep exercising and watch what I eat....I don't ever want to get fat again. My husband and I have worked so hard this year, we want to go forward now and not look back at how we were; although I am going to keep some old pictures of us on the fridge to ensure that we keep on the right path!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Closer!!

I am amazed that this year of life-changing decisions and results is almost over. I'm 10 pounds from my goal. I think I might be a couple pounds short of the goal, but I can achieve that after the official end of the "contest". My life has changed so much......on many fronts......in how I view myself, my confidence, self esteem, my outlook......exercise is so vital now...not only in losing this weight, but also in keeping to maintain my new look; I have more energy to get thru the days....I watch a lot less tv.....I've gotten off my now almost-skinny butt and get to the gym or out for a walk.....not only for the physical fitness, but for my mental health! What a good way to let off some steam or take out some frustration, or think through a problem.....I've made more lists and followed thru on lists more now than ever before. I have more clarity, feel less cluttered in my life. And I owe it all to the former Fountain of Youth, (now Timeless Med spa), Dr. and Mrs. Williams, Kim, Dana, Debbie. If not for filling out that entry form last year and these wonderful, supportive folks, plus the support of my friends and family, I'd still be sitting at nearly 200 pounds.
By the way, I lost 2.6 pounds this week.....yay! I've renewed my gym membership after the free year from the FOY, so I intend on making this a permanent part of my life.
I was sad to hear that Cindee, Sharisse and Jeremy have dropped out. This by any means hasn't been easy, but if you want something bad enough, you just have to work to make it happen. You gotta sweat and resist temptations and keep focusing on that elusive carrot and let go of bad habits and make new ones. Maybe their time is yet to come.
I will try to post weekly until the end and then get new pictures....I said that a few weeks ago, but crap happens and well, I look even better now, so I guess there was a reason! Take care, all!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Making changes

Ok, here's the scoop; last week I lost a whopping 0.2 pounds. I was devastated. Today was weigh-in day again and this was much better at another 2 pound weight loss. I worked out more, did more weights at the gym and I don't know what did it, but more fat came off and muscle went up a little bit and weight came down 2 pounds. Kim and Debbie W said I have only 12 more pounds to my goal..........I hope I am able to do it before the end of September. I did decrease calories a bit more to around 700-800 during this weight loss phase; doesn't sound like much does it? I'm just sticking to the low carb foods, keeping protein intake up, drinking plenty of water and keeping up the exercise. To maintain my current weight, I should consume about 1200 calories, so by keeping the count under that now, I should still lose and during maintenance, should be able to keep it off, even by increasing calories (the right kind of calories). That's the plan......so I hope to have another good week and hopefully lose another pound or two.

Friday, August 7, 2009

A great week

Hope I don't jinx this upcoming week by bragging, but I lost 2 pounds this week. I owe it to being at the gym EVERY day for the last 8 days and following the diet and keeping protein up and carb count down and I didn't feel deprived of anything. Jeepers, I see a little glimmer of hope that I might make to my goal weight before the official end of my "contest" win. The scale finally showed me the 130's.......I can't even tell you how long that's been since I've seen that number.....I almost fell off the scale. Makes me want to get back to the gym and work even harder....Crossroads is doing a Biggest Loser contest; maybe I can follow one of the contestant's workouts! With some hard work and sweat, I hope to show another big loss again next week. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Here we go again

Good grief! What will I have to do to lose these last pounds?! I gained 0.2 the week of July 31. I gained a pound of muscle, lost another pound of fat by going to the gym nearly every day and keeping my calories under 1000 per day. I am writing down EVERYTHING I eat, counting calories, not skipping meals........drinking a minimum of 4 bottles of water every day. I just came home from the gym, burned off 625 calories and took in today 910 calories. I had a cup of strawberries that took me over 900 cal......too bad they aren't loaded with protein.
I was really hoping to show a loss on the scale this week to get closer to losing that 70 pounds.....I just am not sure I'll make it, darn it. My friends and family tell me to stop being obsessed about it...that what I've done is remarkable. I am very proud of myself for losing what I have and I'm so very, very grateful to Timeless/FOY for making this possible for me. I just so wanted to be a true success and hit that mark. Tell you what....I'll just keep doing it even after the official end Oct 1; I'm going to Hawaii in January and I will hopefully have done it by then. We still have about 8 weeks left, so maybe, just maybe it will start coming off again and I'll be that much closer. Say a prayer!

Friday, July 24, 2009

It worked!

Finally! I lost a respectable 1.2 pounds this week, after losing only 0.2 and 0.4 here and there and nothing the previous 2-3 weeks. Just by changing the foods I was eating. Even had a half of a small baked potatoe (with a grilled pork chop, with vegetables and small side salad.) It had been 10 months or longer since I'd had a baked potatoe. I told Kim and Dana that if I got on that scale and I didn't lose again, I was going to have some pie! Luckily I didn't have to! I kept the exercise about the same; gym time is about an hour-plus 2-3 days a week and on days not at the gym, I walk briskly for 2.5 miles. I also religiously kept a food journal and kept my caloric intake to less than 900 cal per day. I found a site called fitclick.com that lists caloric values and you can even track online your meals, etc. So, that was good news. More good news was that my body fat % and body fat mass is now NORMAL! Wow. Bad news is, shedding these last pounds is going to be harder.
The Kenny Chesney concert was great.....despite the heat. It was 104 in Sandy on Thursday. And I didn't die or melt in the heat. I actually can stand being in the heat for much longer periods than I ever could in the past. I dont have as much insulation! We kept ourselves hydrated and I just marveled at the thought of me being there in that hot sun in white capris and a small/petite top. OMG. It wasn't that long ago, that I would have begged out of going to something like that because I was so heavy first of all and secondly that I couldn't have standed being in that kind of heat without being almost ill. I wouldn't have been able to wear something light and cool......gosh, how things have changed.
My husband also hit a milestone today; he's ridden 1000 miles on his bike since late April; he couldn't ride much in June with all the rain and still hit the 1000 mile mark today. I'm so proud of him. He's keeping his weight off and now wants to drop another 5-10 pounds. He started at over 250 and is now a trim 189-190. Incredible. It's never too late to step up and make changes in one's life...set a goal and make it attainable and then just keep upping the ante. Just take one day at a time.....if you falter, get back up and do better tomorrow.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

PANIC

Now I'm really getting anxious about meeting my goal; I lost only one half pound the last 2-3 weeks. Kim and I decided it has to be the food I'm eating....haven't eaten much more than salads the last several weeks.....perhaps not eating enough calories and this body is in a holding pattern. I started walking more, still going to the gym, but walking 6-10 miles a week. So, I am supposed to change the food I have for dinner and keep the same exercise routine. So, luckily no more salads for awhile and see what happens this next week.
We have about 10 weeks left for the "official" program, although I plan on continuing until I get to my goal weight!! By gosh, I am going to lose this or else. I'm at the 50 pound mark and still have about 15-20 to go. Don't get me wrong....I am so incredibly grateful and happy to have lost this much.....I don't even look like the same person....got a little different haircut, new glasses, and an unimaginable (10 months ago) size 6. I actually have fun shopping for new clothes; no more extra large anythings.....my scrubs are now all smalls.....no more large or XL.......bad thing is, I'm still short......still have to hem or shop in the petites for lengths.
My daughter in law Molly and I are going to the Kenny Chesney concert on July 23; I'll have to get my husband to take a picture beforehand and I'll post it.....such a difference, even from May. I hope the change in diet helps, it would sure be awesome to show some 1-2 pound losses again like I did in the first few months. I'd love to hit that 70 pound mark!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Plateau again

As if losing our beloved Tahoe wasn't enough, now I can't seem to lose these last few pounds. Good grief. I have not lost a single pound since the week of June 10th, and then it was muscle loss from not eating anything at all for a few days. The flip side is, I haven't gained either. But we are nearing the wire and I HAVE to get this last almost 20 pounds off. How does one lose fat, gain muscle and the weight number doesn't change? Guess they cancel each other out. I did lose 2 "pounds" of fat last week, gained muscle, but no weight loss. Dang it.
I have gone down another size, thank goodness. My last purchase was a couple pair of size 6 capri's. I can't believe it.....a size 6. I started at size 16.....now a 6. I wear shorts now when I ride my bike and when I go to the gym. I don't feel so conspicuous when I wear sleeveless tops; gosh, how my life and outlook has changed. Exercise is going to be a way of life now, as is my change in diet. My husband looks awesome; he's even going to ride again in the Snowbird Hill climb and race in August. 51 years old and riding his bike again like he did in his 30's. I'm so proud of him! With his "turbo hip" and 60 pound weight loss, he's in awesome shape.
Well, our hearts are slowly healing and with that, perhaps the weight will start to fall off again. I have to do this now for her, make her proud of me....I can see those big brown eyes of hers...she always aimed to please us, so now it's my turn. These last 20 pounds are for you, baby girl!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A broken heart

How do you mend a broken heart? We had to make the heart and gut wrenching decision to have our beloved Golden Retriever, Tahoe, put to sleep last week......we knew the day was coming and we'd been terribly depressed about it for days leading up to it. She was 2 months shy of turning 13 years old; she was having a lot of trouble walking and her last couple days had no appetite. Our vet told us a month ago that it was time, but we wanted to believe some different pain meds would help her. Then last Tuesday it was evident that we had to......so on Wednesday June 10th......my heart broke into a million pieces.....I've cried every day since. Now I've had no appetite, no ambition to go to the gym. I've only lost a pound and a half and last week lost some muscle due to not eating enough. At least that happened and I didn't turn to food to make me feel better. I know I have to get back to the gym and get back on track.....it's just so hard when you lose a loved one...whether it be a person, dog, cat.....doesn't matter. She had the sweetest soul and will be missed beyond words.
So, not much luck with the weight loss the last couple weeks.....can't lose much when you don't eat. This week hasn't been much better; we are still grieving over the loss of our sweet Tahoe. Today, tho, I forced myself to have at least the 4 protein meals and tried to drink enough water.....I have to work this weekend and hopefully next week will get back to the gym and resume working out. I've got about 20 pounds to go to meet my goal.....I'd sure hate to lose ground now, so I'll have to hit it extra hard......

Saturday, May 23, 2009

25%

Well, I had a pretty good week; I lost 2.5 more pounds for a total of 47 pounds, which is about a 25% weight loss.....can you believe that nonsense. For more good news, my husband finally hit his 60 pound weight loss goal! He really should have kept a blog or journal of some sort. His started a year and half ago, when he was anticipating his right total hip replacement. At age 48 his hip was already totally degenerated and was told he needed a new hip joint, was told to try to wait it out and it just was so painful, we sought the opinion of another orthopedic surgeon when he was 50 and was told "why wait?" So, it was done Oct 2008 and on the day of surgery, he'd lost exactly 30 pounds. Since my weight loss program started Oct 1, I've lost 47 pounds and he's lost another 30, just by changing how we eat, the right kinds of carbs and smaller portions, and exercise. He's always been faithful with exercise with his bike riding.....I had always found it necessary to see if I could keep the couch from floating heaven-ward.......good grief. In 2007 I joined a gym and went quite a bit, but didn't change my diet at all.....what a combo this has been. It really does work. I've got about 23 pounds to go.....hopefully it's all downhill from here!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Chipping away at it!

Not as exciting as last week, but I lost another half pound this week. So, that's ALMOST 45 pounds. Oh my goodness. With warmer weather here, I hope, finally, we'll get out and ride our bikes more and I'm even going to ride my bike to the gym. How's that?! I've got a new-found energy and life is just plain old more exciting when you feel good about yourself....even with only a half pound wt loss this week, I feel fantastic. Although I was always happy with my life, I think what I missed out on, being overweight these last 15 years or so. Passing on Lagoon day with work because it was hot and I couldn't bear the thought of wearing shorts or capri's because I was embarrassed. I wouldn't go to my husband's work BBQ's because I thought he would be embarrassed. I always came up with some excuse. You can only hide so much in jeans and baggy shirts/sweatshirts. Oh my....that was a revelation. Never again will I pass on fun times with my family, friends, or grandkids because of my weight. Never. I'm going to be 53 in June......my bucket list is growing and because of this wonderful gift, I think I'll be able to do every single one!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Friday, May 8, 2009

Back to the basics

I had one of Cindee's ah-ha moments last week. My weight didn't change....again......so what was up with that???? I have not cheated, I exercised....and then it hit me. The food journal never lies, so I pulled it out and calculated calories as best I could and although I didn't cheat, the calories were adding up to very near what I should consume to maintain that current weight. All the little extra protein snacks like string cheese, peanuts, jerky, or an apple, was adding sometimes an extra 200-250 calories on a "bad" day. I should be keeping my caloric intake to under 1000 calories to keep losing weight. Well, cripes, it makes sense now and since I am supposed to be in the "weight loss" mode and not maintenance mode, I need to cut out the snacks or at least most of them until I get to my goal......then I can maintain all I want. Even great protein snacks have calories, so be sure to add those in when you're starting to wonder why the weight isn't coming off.......So, the point to all this is, I lost 2 pounds this week!! That makes 44 incredible pounds. I'm so excited, it's like starting all over and that excitement during the first few weeks of this program.....it's like a high....without the illegal drugs.

We are going to the Eagles concert tomorrow night and I hope to get someone to take my picture after we get all spiffied up to go and I'll get that picture on here.....I've been saying that for weeks now. I got some new size 8 jeans to wear.....oh, yay! I must admit, I think I'm looking pretty good for an almost 53 year old gramma! (minus the wrinkles, that is)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Exercising........

I feel so much better after upping the frequency of exercise this week.....Hope the scale goddess shines brightly on all of us......Good luck Cindee, Sharisse and Jeremy!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Uneventful week

Dang it.....no weight loss this week....I am EXACTLY the same weight I was last week. Guess I should be happy that I didn't gain anything. I will increase my exercise this week and see what happens.
What a difference in my clothes.....I bought my first pair of size 8 jeans and they fit beautifully; I know I said I wasn't going to buy a lot of clothes in different sizes, but I have to...nothing fits....also got a new pair of capri's to wear when the weather warms up again. (I can always have a yard sale, I guess.) The difference is astounding.....when I started the weight loss as compared to now......I was wearing a size 16 jean.....now a size 8. What a difference a few months can make in following a diet and exercising.........eating the right kinds of foods. I'm sitting here shaking my head; it's hard to believe. And all because of that entry form in that Sunday paper last August.......Til next week...happy dieting!! I'm off now to my son and daughter-in-law's.....we're going to sit in her hot tub and dream of Hawaii.......little swim suits and cabana boys..................

Friday, April 17, 2009

WooooHooooo!

Yay......another pound lost......that makes 41.6 pounds gone.....nearly 42......can't believe it!! Even after 6 months now, I have to pinch myself to see if it's true....then I look in the mirror...lordy. We've come a long way, baby. I've got a ways yet to go, but I'm more confident now than ever that I'll reach my goal.
EVERYONE now that comes to our office, comments on my wt loss; more often than not, they ask me how and I just tell them to come to the FOY website or better yet, come in for a consultation with these great folks. I keep their number now at my desk!
I feel so much better, not only physically, but mentally as well. If anyone says they are happy being overweight, I'll tell you now that they are telling a tall tale and just don't know what to do to get started on losing it. It's never too late.....just DO IT. And exercise...what a stress reliever, plus it helps tone those flabby arms and legs!
I decided I'm going back to Hawaii....it is my reward for losing all this weight....come next January, I'll post a picture of me on the beach. I've got some miles saved up and when I get my $500 committment fee back for completing the program successfully, that's where I'm going. A friend has already committed to going with me..I wish my fit and trim husband would come, but he wants to wait and go another time, so it's a girl's trip. We are going to share dinners (less calories!) and WALK everywhere......I'm so excited.
Well, til next week....I hope spring has sprung and we can get outside and enjoy some nice weather.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

40.6 POUNDS!!

Jeepers, I don't know where last week went other than I had to work all weekend and then I came down with a nasty springtime cold on Wednesday.....I'm miserable. My husband had it the week before and now it's my turn, darn it.

Well, I'm now 40.6 pounds lighter on my feet. Yay!!!!!!!! The elation is coming a little late as I was feeling terrible yesterday when I weighed in; the reality kinda hit me today as Robert and I were talking about it this morning. He's also lost another couple pounds. WOW!

I haven't been to the gym for a week; I did go for a 2 mile walk with my grandson on Monday and then a much shorter one yesterday just to get some fresh air hoping to feel better. (I didn't)

I am in a size 10 jean now; I can't believe it. My elbows have points on them again, I can feel my shin bones even. I really, really need to get a new picture on here....we tried several weeks ago, but the image was in a format that this program couldn't read (raw), so when I feel better and lose the red-nosed drawn look, I promise to get one here....my family in Minnesota hasn't seen me since September; boy, are they going to be surprised!

Friday, March 27, 2009

39 POUNDS

39 pounds and still losing......."just keep swimming"............This week was successful...have to measure it day by day, week by week to stay focused on the carrot. I hear Hawaii calling my name and not those Girl Scout Cookies......last time I went to Hawaii I was a big girl....can't wait to go back a mere shadow of who I once was.

My family has been such a wonderful support...no one complains about meals....my husband has lost a total of 50 pounds since last year...just by cutting his portions and making better choices. We are in this together and together I know we'll be able to keep the weight off. Get this.....he drives a '92 Toyota pick-up...his baby. When our 7 year old grandson and us would squeeze into it, we would literally have to squeeze into it and poor Kyler would have to put one leg on mine so Robert could shift it. We now can sit comfortably and there is a space between EACH OF US! Between the 2 of us, we've lost 89 pounds. How crazy is that??!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Happy Spring!

Guess what!? I lost another 2 pounds this week........that makes a total of 38.2 pounds off of me.....holey moley. That's a big toddler....a kindergartner at least.......no wonder I feel better!
No more Girl Scout cookies this week......I was faithful and steadfast and held my ground. LOL......
Seriously tho, I got a lot done today...put down fertilizer on the lawn, grocery shopped, cleaned house, laundry.....went to the gym and still have energy left over. 38 pounds ago I would have done it all, but I would have been tired out, feet hurt and would have eaten something bad to reward myself for getting so much done......but not any more!! I honestly feel great and now that I'm over half way to my 70 pound goal, the end is in sight. I remember how daunting this was at first......I still get emotionally overwhelmed thinking about my good fortune to have had this "intervention" of sorts. It has changed my life.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Progress

It was a stressful week this past week. I missed a few protein meals, exercised only once, spent long hours at work, didn't drink enough water the last 2 days, and made up for it last night and then didn't sleep well because I had to get up to pee 6 times during the night......good grief. But, I still lost about a pound and a half this week!!! YAY!! So, the total is now 36.6 pounds lost. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I even had 3 Girl Scout cookies.....oops. I didn't buy them this year, but my husband did, darn it. And there they were.....calling my name. I put my big girl pants on and will resist them in the future, tho.
I really am proud of myself and the choices I now make in my life, as far as meals. Even in other aspects, I avoid the negative influences that used to plague me. If you surround yourself with positive people and things, good things will happen. I'm looking forward to a healthy, positive future.....all thanks to the FOY and this wonderful gift.

Friday, March 6, 2009

35 POUNDS

Happy day! It's official; 35 pounds. I'm half way to my goal. What a relief. February was so slow, I was wondering if I'd ever show a loss. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.......Dr. Williams today said he didn't think I needed to lose another 35 pounds....I may need to stop just short of that; we'll see. I still see A LOT to go!

With spring almost here, we'll get to be outside more and with more activity, hopefully the rest will come off faster. The protein bars are small and will pack easily on a bike; I really can't wait to start riding and really ride this year and not just putter around the neighborhood.

I hope the other three kindred "losers" are doing well...we have until the end of September for the official program, but I intend to keep using the products well afterwards to help maintain my weight; at least for breakfast and snacks. Gosh, what a blessing this has been.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Finally

Finally a whole one pound gone this week...sure beats the 0.4 or so its been the last month.....a whole pound...yay! I exercised every day last week except for Thursday so perhaps that made the difference as my diet hasn't changed. So, hopefully things will start moving again steadily downwards. I had some constipation trouble a couple weeks ago and that seems to have corrected also.....tends to happen on low carb diets.

Some folks have commented that they can't see how I still have about 36-37 pounds to lose....on my frame, I can really pack on the pounds, unfortunately, and when I look, it's all still right there staring back at me on my lower tummy, butt and thighs, and the flabby chicken wings.....Oh yeah, it's still there and yes, it's going to come off. I can't say that I'm obsessed with it, but I can certainly see how it happens to some folks. So, we just keep exercising, eating right and eating the bars and shakes from the FOY and someday soon, I'll be at or right very near my goal. Again, I COULD NOT do it without the help from the great people at the FOY center. They provide an awesome service that so many people need these days. Obesity leads to so many health problems, poor quality of life, loneliness.....even death. I'm so grateful to them..........and glad I sent in that entry form!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Oh dear!

Well, I don't know what happened last week...I forgot to come here and write a note! Perhaps because the news wasn't all that great....I'd lost 0.4 pounds.....cripes. Maybe this is the official dreaded "P" word.....alas......the dreaded plateau. To try to kick-start my metabolism, I have made it to the gym every day since last Friday.....The week before last, I'd exercised only 2 times.......so I hope and pray that the numbers change this time.......I'm sitting at about 33 pounds gone.....I wanted to be half-way long before now, dang it.....2 more pounds and I'll be at my half-way goal.

I've stuck to the diet, so I'm not sure what else to do. Debbie S said the fat's still coming off, even tho the weight column is moving s l o w l y downwards......did I say it's moving slowly? Am I getting impatient? Maybe....I don't want to let myself or my family or the FOY down.....I've got a lot at stake.......I wanted this so badly; to get this weight off once and for all. But, Friday is another weigh-in and good or bad, I'll let you know. Still have about 7 months to the program, and 37 pounds to go. I appreciate all the great support from my family, friends, and patients.....it's been inspiring.

Friday, February 13, 2009

I'm stuck

What a slow 2 weeks; I gained about 0.5 pounds last time and this week I lost it, so I'm right back at 32.4 pounds lost. I missed a few protein snacks, only got to the gym twice....I still ate healthy, so I guess this is just one of those slow periods. At least I didn't gain so in that respect I feel great; I will hopefully have gained the knowledege to maintain my weight once I lose it all.

I just returned from the gym and am back at it faithfully; had some long hours at work earlier this week that interfered with family time and gym time. With any luck, I can return to my earlier routine and start the 1-2 pound per week weight loss again.

The weight loss part of FOY has moved across the street into the Skyline Clinic; it's lovely and roomy. Did you know that anyone can just come in and buy their products? With the products and low carb healthy mealtimes, anyone can do it. Til next time! And I'm still working on getting that picture posted.............

Friday, February 6, 2009

Status quo

This week I gained about half a pound, but muscle mass went up, fat went down over 2 points (or inches is what Debbie calls it).......so, she said it is still success because fat went down. I feel it in my clothes....my size 11 jeans are loose! I exercised 4 times this week; I'm able to exercise now without dying, without having to gasp for air! I met with Dr. Williams today too.....got a good report from him as well. I just could not be happier.......well, maybe I could be; if I was at my goal of 70 pounds gone!!

I already feel like a million bucks...my feet don't hurt or swell anymore, I have energy to exercise after working all day, I like looking in the mirror once again....what an absolute blessing this has been.

Well, I have to get to work; it's our weekend duty at the clinic this weekend. The gym closes at 8p on Fridays and I won't get off work til after that, so I'll go Saturday after work, and on Sunday. Another weigh in awaits next Friday, and I want to show losses in all the columns except for muscle!

Friday, January 30, 2009

What a great year so far

I really can't believe my blessings this year......besides having 4 beautiful grandkids, a loving husband, a job, a home........I've now managed to lose a whopping 32.4 pounds! And all because of the Fountain of Youth giving me this golden opportunity to get this weight off. 2.4 pounds this week....holey moley. I did exercise, watched the calories and carbs during meal time, and drank plenty of water. What a concept! LOL......

For Superbowl Sunday with friends, I plan on making a white chili with chicken and low fat chicken broth, lots of white beans (high in fiber). There will be other goodies at their house, but discipline and common sense goes a long ways in making good choices...I recognize what my weaknesses are and I just avoid it altogether. I read labels on everything; knowledge is power. After 4 months on this program, 32.4 pounds lighter.....I'm changing in more ways than one. And my family doesn't complain at all about meals....lean meat, fish, veggies, salads, whole wheat bread...not even 6 year old Kyler......he seems to love the changes in his Gramma. Last September, when I told him I was going be on a diet and was going to lose weight and be smaller, he cried!! He said with the biggest tears in his eyes "but Gramma, I don't want you to change, I love you like you are now" How sweet is that??!! He's looking forward to lots of bike riding this year and said that he and his Poppa won't have to keep stopping to wait for me to catch up to them. I get teary-eyed thinking about that. We're going to have lots of fun this year!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Official weigh in

The weigh in on Friday (Jan 23) was emotional for me; I officially hit the 30 pound mark on Debbie's scale...I sneaked (snuk?) a peek a few days ago on mine at work in our office, and that one showed 30 pounds a few days ago...but at any rate, this fluff......fat.....is coming off each week...this week was 2 pounds; guess the daily visits to the gym have been worth it! I'm almost half-way there; my goal was 70 pounds. I honestly believe I'm going to do it....I have to...I'm clearing out my closet of big clothes; going to give away my larger scrubs, etc. This is for the rest of my days; not just for this year.

Some of our patients saw our picture in the Direct Rewards flyer and called me at work on Thursday. So much encouragement and kind words.....I hadn't seen it and one of them brought it up to me.......his wife wants to know what kind of diet it was......I gave her the information and told her to call FOY.....(hope you all get really busy with new referrals soon.) The change in me is quite noticeable now.....almost drastic......I LOVE IT! 30 pounds of butter, three 10# bags of potatoes......a lot of weight no matter how you look at it. My husband is going to take a picture of me tomorrow...too late tonight to do it.....and I'll post it, so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page. The picture FOY used was at 7 weeks into it.....not near the 30 pounds to date now.

I hope Sharisse is feeling better and that Cindee and Jeremy enjoy continued success as well!

Friday, January 16, 2009

A good week

Went down another 1.6 pounds and 2 "points" of fat since last week....not sure if that's calculated in pounds....I'll just call it points for now.....that impressed me. Have to admit I was hoping for 2 pounds, but in truth, the slower it comes off now, the easier it will be to keep it off. Debbie said think of it as a pound of butter shed off. So, that's good!

I've gone to Crossroads EVERY day this week; doing circuit weights with 35-40 minutes of arc trainer three times a week and every other visit is just 40-50 minutes on the arc trainer. That machine is quite a work out. I think I'll have to start changing up the routine and use different machines here soon; muscles get used to a work out and I think even by increasing weights each time, soon the workouts aren't as effective. Hmmmmm, I'll have to talk to someone about that.

At any rate, my once fat-overloaded body is still changing and getting smaller; my medium from xl scrubs are now fitting loose....smaller jeans, shirts...my shoes are even fitting looser it seems. Happy day! I'm losing the fat stores from my torso...that's the bad fat....you don't want fat stored around your vital organs....you want as much of that gone as possible.

I asked Debbie what I could do to make this weight come off faster; I just have to keep up the 4 protein "meals" and one low carb meal....keep up the exercise.....and be patient. Any faster weight loss won't be healthy and won't stay off. Guess I'm just getting a little impatient!

Well, hope this next week sees "points" come down in the fat column again. We're getting there slowly but surely!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

It's already paid off

Happy Day! I just hit the 30 pound mark!!!!! I couldn't stand the wait til Friday any longer and weighed myself at work today and I have lost 30 pounds...Almost half way to my goal. It's incredible. That's all I can say besides thanks to the FOY for making this possible. Hopefully the extra work at the gym this week will have a big result on the ole scale on Friday! If I can do this, anyone can. Til Friday!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Another successful week

Another week gone and another pound as well. With a pound a week now rather than 2 or 3, it seems it will take all of what's left of the program to lose my last 40 pounds....almost right down to the last day. With that my goal, I am going to step it up at the gym....I'm doing weights 3 times a week, so what I may do is go on my "off days" and just do some cardio exercise to burn some calories. I'm watching my diet carefully, so I must have to increase my exercise in order to be sure to reach my goal of losing 70 pounds.
My husband says I look like I've lost more than 29 pounds; with losing fat, my shape has changed and obviously I'm wearing much smaller clothes (yay) and I've lost a lot of inches. I feel so good INSIDE; what a difference this has made in my life. I wasn't happy.....was angry with myself for being weak, for not having the drive to make a change. It was all so overwhelming before. Now that I see a huge difference, I'm motivated and DETERMINED to successfully complete the program and I will continue until I hit that 70 pound mark.
I have several family members who have also joined the gym; we're all in this together and having the support has been so nice. Cripes, we've all become gym rats! I guess there are worse places to hang out. I hope the 3 other "losers" keep up the good work and have much success.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

It's already a great new year

Please don't anyone think I'm being boastful or anything like that.....BUT.......I was able to put on and WEAR a pair of jeans....Silvertabs......size 11. They've been in my closet for past 12 years and hardly worn. I literally had tears running down my cheeks....even tho my weight loss is slowing per se, I'm obviously still losing fat because 2 weeks ago, I tried them on and while they were on, they were too tight. I was able to wear them comfortably on New years day.....I had gone to Wendover with some friends for her birthday and you'd have thought I hit a jackpot I was smiling so much...(even tho I lost some money, darn it.) That right there is motivation to keep up the diet. It's "easy" now; I love the bars for the morning and afternoon snacks and the shake for breakfast and lunch. It helps maybe that I rarely get a lunch break working in a physician's office, so getting a minute to drink down a shake is all I have time for and it's great. Weekends are at home, and if I'm hungry, there are cheese sticks or peanuts, apple or those yummy salted soy nuts.....I need to purchase some of those! Well, I just had to share my jeans story for anyone even thinking about a diet....you have to call the FOY and consult with them. It WILL change your life!