How I Lost 50 Pounds

So as you likely know, once upon a time, I lost 50 pounds. . .and actually the secret truth is that I lost 60. I am not proud that I had that much weight to lose, but I'm proud that I lost it. Yes, I gained 10 back but that seems to be the easiest spot to maintain and I am happy with it.

I don't have many before/after pics, this is the best I can do!

I am not here to preach about how to lose weight, or what the best method is to do it.  The best way is the way that works for you.

However, I will tell you this.  You have to be ready to do it.  There's telling yourself you're ready when you are not.  And then there is actually BEING ready.  

If you are not really ready you will know fairly soon. You will figure "I'll just have a little" of something and instead it turns into having a whole lot of that something.  I'm not saying that isn't going to happen even when you are actually ready.  It's just that when you're not ready, that whole lot will turn into a whole lot more and into a series of bad days until you realize that you weren't ready.  

When you really are ready you will realize what you have done and behave after that one bad day, or you won't let that day get that bad to begin with.

So where did I start?  I really started paying attention to what I was eating.  This does not mean that I ate "healthy" food, I still ate mostly my regular food.  Instead of having seconds, I would only eat firsts!  I would take one serving only.  For example, if the box says one serving equals 3/4 cup, I only took 3/4 cup.  One piece of meat, or two if it was smaller.  One cup of cereal with 1/2 cup of milk and so on.  

My thoughts. . .everything in moderation! You want chocolate, have chocolate. . .just eat 1/2 of the chocolate bar (put the rest in a Ziploc bag for the next time or give it away so it can't tempt you - everyone at work wants the other half of my chocolate bar). You want chips, eat chips. . .just take one small bowl. The best thing I own is a digital kitchen scale, then I can measure just one serving.  Moderation is key, if you deprive yourself you will eventually snap and binge. This way you can factor a little "cheat" into your day and not feel guilty!

I ate fast food!  I didn't usually eat a giant burger and fries (I admit it happened occasionally), I just got that one thing I really wanted.  Maybe a burger one time, fries another time.  I did LET myself have that bad day once in a while though (usually once a week).  Then I returned to my good days.

Now this worked for me, I'm not saying it will work for you.  You might not agree with my way. Maybe you want to do it differently, perhaps a "real" diet, or cutting carbs, or trying to be a vegetarian or maybe trying Paleo (this one interests me but is extremely difficult due to nut allergies in my household).  But if you are wondering how I did it then that was it. I have also fallen off the "food" wagon many times, but when a few pounds creep back on, I go back to being good.

This blog is a diary of my entire weight loss journey. It is a documentation of my highs and lows, my good days and bad. Please feel free to look around (although you may need a pillow).  

It's Time to Try That "Crazy Wrap Thing" That People are Talking About

I had no intention of ever joining It Works, but the only product that I had ever heard of was "the wrap". I didn't know that they had all sorts of health and wellness products and I certainly had no interest in "the wrap".

Fast-forward to this summer when I learned about some of the other products offered by It Works. Yes, I was skeptical of their weight-loss products, but the health and wellness products had me interested enough to do some research and eventually take the leap. I needed try it myself, form my own opinions, and prove that it did or didn't work.

I am tremendously happy with every product I have tried, so the time has come. . .it's time to test out this wrap thing.

I admit it, I knew nothing about "the wrap".  I presumed you had to wrap it all the way around you, and that it would squish me and make me hot. I could not have been more wrong. 

"The wrap" is actually called the "Ultimate Body Applicator".  It is a non-woven cloth that is infused with a botanically-based cream formulated to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results. It does not make you lose weight or fat! It continuously hydrates for firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin, and reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening. This tightening is what makes your problem area look more toned. Problem area? You can use it on your stomach, sides, back, arms, legs. . .pretty much anywhere except your face.

SO I TRIED IT!

So first of all, for a person of my size, it covers my stomach and sides only, so not a squishy body wrap. Once you apply it to your skin, you need to secure it with form-fitting clothing, or saran-wrap (sounds too warm for me), or perhaps a tensor bandage. (It Works also has an item called Fab Wrap which you can wrap around you to secure the applicator as well.) I used a tight tank top over the applicator and then a tight workout top over that. I then noted my thoughts in my iPhone so that I could remember my first impressions.

• I loved the smell, maybe menthol, not sure, but I liked it!
• It felt good on my skin as soon as I put it on, and as I wore it longer, it felt cool on my skin.
• The only "problem" is that you need to drink a lot of water and I was still full from dinner. I just made sure I drank 8 ounces every 10 minutes (I set a timer).
• You might think I'm crazy, but I swear I felt my skin tightening later after the wrap was off for a while (maybe from the cream soaking in and drying).

SO THEN WHAT?

So then I monitor my results for 72 hours (i.e. before and after pictures) and drink tons of water. You need to drink half your body weight (in pounds) in fluid ounces of water daily. You have to stay well hydrated to maximize the results.

AND THEN?

Do it again (after at least 72 hours)! One applicator is just a sample. . .four is a full treatment (kind of like those teeth-whitening strips, you can't expect results after just one strip, you do the whole package).

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

As per the product info, "While results from the Ultimate Body Applicator are lasting, you can counteract the results from the Ultimate Body Applicator by eating poorly and not regularly exercising (as is true with any weight loss or body contouring results)." I have read online two to six months depending on your eating, drinking and exercise habits.

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU ARE PROBABLY LOOKING FOR. . .THE RESULTS!!!

I still have three more wraps to do to consider it a whole treatment but these are my one wrap results. It's actually something that I have a tough time sharing because I am literally letting it all hang out. I do still have weight to be lost, and my food-baby certainly isn't getting any help over the holidays, but this is where I am at (keep in mind that my best efforts to eat well have been thwarted by holiday goodies), I think I see teenie-tiny results though.

Note to self: Must try the Stretch Mark cream!

30 Days and Five Pounds Lost!

I started this post half way through the week so it got a little long. You are welcome to skip down to the results as that's what it's all about, right?!?!?

Half way through week four and I was seeing no progress. Yes, this is my fault, as I haven't been on my best food behaviour. I haven't been tremendously bad, but I haven't been creating any major calorie deficits. It's not like I picked the easiest time of year to lose a few pounds though, I know! I am also doing zero exercise, so I really have nothing to blame except me. 

BUT. . .

If the Thermofit is supposed to promote the burning of calories, and the Formula FF is supposed to block some of the fat and carbohydrates from meals, then I was hoping to see some sort of result. At least I'm not gaining though, but. . .

SOLUTION?

#1) I am currently taking Thermofit twice a day. One tablet with breakfast and lunch. That is what the "American" instructions advise. (Take one tablet two to three times per day with meals.) So, I am going to switch to the "Canadian" instructions that advise to take two tablets, once per day with a meal.

#2) I am currently taking the Formula FF once a day. Two tablets after the largest meal (usually dinner). These are the "Canadian" instructions. So I'm going to switch to the "American" instructions and take one to two tablets after your two largest meals of the day.

RESULTS!!!

On Tuesday Olive Garden brought in lunch for us at work, and I also had a dinner banquet that night. Wednesday our bosses brought us Christmas dainties...Nanimo bars, butter tarts, peanut butter-marshmallow thingys (those are my favorites), and more! Friday we had Christmas lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Disaster??? No! I lost a pound!!! 

So my 30 day results are that I lost 5 pounds! Not too shabby for someone who has less to lose then I once did. 

So just think. . .if you start January 1st and you lose, on average, five pounds a month, that's 60 pounds you can lose by next Christmas! It seems far away, I know, but just think how happy you would be right now if you had started last January and succeeded? 

Please visit www.greatgreens.myitworks.com or contact me today for more information on the products. Whether you live in the US, Canada, England, Australia, or many other countries*, I can help you start.

*not all products are available in all countries

Week Three! Loving This Journey, Even When the Progress is Slow

Men, you may want to skip to below the minions posted below. . .

What's it like to have a period without cramps? Amazing, awesome, incredible, surprising, wonderful, marvellous, unbelievable!!! It has never happened before! 

An internet search of vitamins to relieve period pain brought me to these results: B vitamins, calcium citrate, antioxidants (including vitamins A, D, and E), and magnesium. Guess what vitamins are in It's Vital Core Nutrition? Yep, those ones, and a whole lot more! Turmeric is also a natural herb that is thought to relieve menstrual pain and an antioxidant, and it's in there too!

I also had absolutely no pre-menstrual cravings. That was possibly the Formula FF doing their job. However, during the first few days I wanted to eat EVERYTHING! I have now returned to no cravings, and in fact, haven't been feeling all that hungry.

Next month, I'm going to try taking Confianza during that time. Maybe I can eliminate the bitchy too! ;)

Confianza helps you deal with physical, emotional and environmental stress in a natural way; their herbal dietary supplement consists of natural ingredients that help you reduce stress and fatigue while increasing your energy levels.

I didn't meet this weeks goal. A loss is a loss though, and I must be satisfied. This is going to be a tough month, but that can't be an excuse. I just have to keep moving forward.

Week Two! Feeling Great and Losing Weight (Ha Ha, Cheesy Title!)

I feel skinny, oh so skinny. . .but I am not skinny! I feel good about myself though! I feel healthy, I feel energized, and I have no cravings. I am finding it so easy to eat proper foods and not load up on junk.

I had an "ah ha" moment this week when I realized that since my cravings are almost non-existent, that dining out is becoming a challenge!

It actually started last Thursday and Friday, but I just hadn't realized it yet. I really couldn't decide where to go for lunch. There was nothing that I really wanted and choosing was almost a chore! Then it happened again this week. One day I ended up asking a coworker if she wanted anything from anywhere so that she could make up my mind as to where I should go! (The other days I brought my lunches.)

One evening I also made myself eat popcorn! I didn't want popcorn, but I had bought some popcorn seasoning that I really wanted to try! This It Works skeptic is quickly turning into a believer!

A slogan that I am beginning to believe in!

So I'm sure you are only here for the results. . .the result is 1.8 pounds. (Can I just say two?) I still can't get motivated to exercise, but I'm thinking New Years resolution maybe.  I am also due for a visit from TOM this weekend so I'm pretty sure I'm probably retaining some water. So as a present to myself, despite the fact that I have NO cravings, I let myself eat all the bad stuff today! Yay!

And shameless plug here since I was asked for the website a couple of times this week:

www.greatgreens.myitworks.com

(This is my own site. A Google/web search may take you to someone else's site, so please use this address to visit mine. Much appreciated!)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Week One of Fat Fighters and Thermofit! ____ Pounds Gone!

Another Day One - I'm not sure how many of those I have had but the important thing is that they were always a start toward my goals. Sometimes you have to restart, but restarting is better than stopping completely.

My weigh-in this morning was a little disheartening. I am four pounds up from where I should be. Since I am here with the intension of losing that and a bit more, I'm not too worried.

I took one Thermofit with breakfast and one with lunch. I felt bloated after lunch, hopefully from what I ate and not the Thermofit.  I took two Formula FF (Fat Fighter) after supper. I am making an effort to eat well but already felt the bad habits trying to creep back in. I was quick to remind myself not to go there!

Day Two - Already an "uh oh"! Why? I'm going to the Moose game and I WILL be having a Jet Dog, but that's what my Fat Fighters are for, right?

I didn't feel bloated at all today, so I guess it was what I ate for lunch on Day One that caused the bloating, thank goodness!

Day Three - Another challenge. . .my work Christmas party. Yes, early for a Christmas party. Technically they call it a "Holiday Gala" but it's a Christmas party! Five coarse dinner over two hours, I think. I took my Fat Fighter after it was done, but maybe it was too late anyway! That's it! The rest of this first week I HAVE to be good!

Day Four - Just a regular Sunday doing laundry, catching up on my TV shows, and being lazy, but I had no desire to snack! That is completely not normal for my Sunday! Could it be the Thermofit? Thermofit advertises that it "not only boosts your metabolic rate and increases your energy levels but also curbs your appetite so you eat less and have fewer cravings"! Here's hoping!

Day Five - Oh how I want to step on the scale! I want to see if this is working. I feel like it is. Must be patient!

I am continuing to take one Thermofit with breakfast and lunch, and the Fat Fighter after supper. I over ate today, although nothing particularly bad. I think a bigger breakfast is needed, as I found myself hungry for lunch earlier then normal.

Day Six - I was hungry early for lunch and supper again, but really other than that I didn't have any cravings today, and after supper I was good for the rest of the night. I'm not saying that I don't think of eating something bad, but I finding it easy to remind myself that the answer is no.

Day Seven - Worked both jobs today so dining out was in the plan. A 12" sub provides both lunch and dinner! I'm so damn excited to weigh-in in the morning, I can hardly wait! I was tempted to weigh myself at bedtime, but that would be inaccurate. . .I just want an idea of how I did. It's so close now!

The Results - Two pounds gone!!! It might sound disappointing but remember:  1) I ate a lot of crap, 2) no exercise, 3) I'm not just beginning, I already lost weight, the more you lose the harder it gets but NEVER let that stop you! 

I'm looking forward to another week and can't wait to see more results. Another two pounds would be fabulous. Two pounds a week would equal eight pounds for the month. I can totally live with that. :)

Day 30! Repeat, Then Try a Facial

Day 30 has come and gone and is currently on repeat until my new order comes.  So what do I tell you in the mean time. . .

Maybe you just want to go have a look around the website: www.greatgreens.myitworks.com. Please ask questions! You can do it the comments section here, through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, email, text/iMessage, in person, whatever works for you! You can also use the contact form on the website.

You already know that I am in love with my vitamins and Greens. Well, my sister sent me a Facial and OMG! My face is so soft and smooth! It has been 48 hours and it still feels great! I have to add these to the growing list of things I want to buy.

Have I mentioned how soft and smooth my face is?

And one more thing happened while I was writing this post. . .my order arrived today!!! Woot woot!  Day 1 starts Thursday! Triple Threat here I come! 

Week Four: Feeling Better and Some Surprise Effects

Day 23 was my last shift at my other job until November 18th! While I do love that job, I'm so happy to be off for a bit! I can finally have some RNR time! On the weekend, I caught up on some much needed sleep. I really wasn't as productive as I should have been, but that's okay! I was feeling rested and feeling healthy!

And that's the best part! I'm feeling better! I plan to keep taking my It's Vital and Greens and hopefully stay healthy all winter. Some call the Greens their flu "shots".

So here's another thing I have learned and like about It Works. . .so yes, I had to commit to three months of purchases in order to get the product at a discounted price, but when I found myself short on money until payday, I was able to change the date that my order would be processed. That's right, I picked the day that they could process my order. A date that worked for ME. And I did it online. No phone calls, just from the comfort of my couch and computer!

What does this mean for phase two? It means that phase two of my 90 day program will start about 10 days late (depending on when the package arrives), so it will become a 100 day program instead. Plus I will be continuing with my first phase products throughout the program anyway so it's not like I'm taking time off! I'm a little bummed to have to wait, but super excited to get my new products, Formula FF and Thermofit.

Okay ladies, this part is for you.  Men, you may want to press that little "x" in the top corner and exit now because I am going to write about stuff you probably don't want to see.

Okay men, if you are still reading, don't say I didn't warn you!

Ladies, I started my period on Sunday and I was surprised because I had one tiny little cramp earlier in the day and that was all. I had brushed it off thinking it was nothing.  I have also had zero cramps during my period and I usually have awful cramps. Do you want to know why? The It's Vital and Greens! That's why! No cravings, and I don't think I was any crankier then a normal day either. ;) I will definitely pay attention next month to how cranky I am! 

Week Three: Still Sick but Feeling Great

Day 18 and I am still fighting this cold (and I consider myself to be winning). After two 13 hour work days, it's still remaining a minor presence (thankfully). I have incorporated some other cold fighting tricks. The first being lymph massage/drainage to combat a sore throat. It started last night but I massaged before bed and woke up sore throat free! It came back a bit today, but more massage and some Cold Zing (lemon) tea with honey is holding it at bay.  I will be sure to massage before bed again tonight.

Day 19. . .The lymph massage has completely cured my sore throat.

Day 20! I thought I was losing this battle with the cold. I was so tired! Then I realized that I had not taken my It's Vital or my Greens. I was shocked to feel better within a half hour of taking them. The difference was beyond amazing. Even if it is in my head, It Works, so I'm okay with that!!!

I can't even tell you how strange of a feeling it was to feel "good" while being sick. I can just imagine that if I had been on these vitamins and greens a few weeks earlier that I may not have gotten sick at all. The only bad part has been coughing all night so being super tired in the morning., so I did stay home one day to catch up on some sleep.

I mentioned the cost of the Greens to a co-worker (who is not taking them) and she had the best words of wisdom. There are 8-servings of fruits and vegetables in one serving of greens. . .she said "Just think of how much money you are saving on fruits and vegetables!" She's right, plus I don't have to eat them (I still eat some though).

I am starting to get really exited about the second phase of my 90 day program. My goal will be to lose 10 pounds in 60 days. Sounds reasonable to me, especially with the Christmas season approaching! Any one want to join me?

Week Two - It Works 1, Cold Germs 0 (For Now)

Before I started taking It's Vital and Greens, I felt a bit like I was getting a cold but it never developed. I am quite sure that my It Works products helped me to keep it at bay.

Day 10 brought my first two job day of this journey. I remember driving home and thinking that I felt amazingly awake after 13 hours of work. Then came the next morning, which was thankfully on the weekend. I could barely drag myself out of bed at 8 for a hair appointment though. I ate breakfast, took my It's Vital, made a smoothie with my Greens and headed out. I was still half asleep when I arrived at the hairdresser, but I finished my smoothie and felt great by the time I left.

That afternoon I was out with the kids and missed my second Greens. I was also super tired when we got home so I took an hour nap and felt re-energized. I know - I had a nap, but I still think that the It's Vital and Greens are helping with my energy. They're not going to provide a miracle if you don't sleep enough, but they are sure going to help when you're awake!

Day 12 I worked my second job again (it was Sunday so only a one-job day), and I missed my second Greens again. I am sure that being over-worked and not taking my Greens had led to me being run down and I could feel that cold trying to make an appearance again so I went back to twice-a-day Greens, and extra vitamin C to fight it off. I can happily report that the cold has not progressed past a scratchy throat and a wee bit of chest congestion.

So, at the end of week two, I would definitely say that these products are working for me! I am more than willing to spend the money if these can help keep me healthy and energized! I'm anxious to see if I can keep this cold at bay as I have two 13 hour days ahead!

Week One of My New Direction

Being the skeptic that I am, I can't believe how much these two products that I am trying excite me (see previous post for product info). There are so many more of the It Works products that I want to try right NOW but I have to be patient and try each product in it's own time.

Breakfast of champions?

Maybe it is all in my head but I really do feel better. Not 100% or anything close, just better. It's only been a week so I know that it will take time to notice a large, consistent change in my energy level but I would have to say it is working so far. 

I haven't been a model eater the past seven days but these first 30 days are not about losing weight. It's about gaining some energy so that maybe I can get motivated again. I should eat healthier though.

Remember, these are not weight loss products that I am taking. I lost 50 pounds the good old-fashioned way. . .eating better and moderate exercise. The products I am taking are supplements to increase my energy levels so that I can get my ass in gear again to lose those five pounds that came back and KEEP them off (although I certainly wouldn't be opposed to losing more).

Fail. . .But It's Time to Start a New Path. . .Let's See How It Works

The last month has been a waste.  I consciously stopped trying.  I haven't been on that fun roller coaster, I have been on that unhealthy yo-yo.  I wanted to lose 7.2 pounds before I started this new direction, but I am right back where I started.  That's okay though, it will help me to see if this new path is a success or a failure.

I decided to try It Works. . .not for those wrap things, but for their supplements.  A few years ago I would see It Works stuff everywhere but it was all about the wraps. I figured just another silly fad since they don't actually make you lose weight (although they can help you to appear more toned and firm).

I visited my sister in May. She's 40 with twin baby boys (they are one now).  She mentioned that she was trying Greens from It Works for her energy levels. She had posted in a twin-mom forum about how exhausted she was (she has twins so she should be tired!!!) and someone had recommended it.  By the time I visited her in August, she was a full on It Works distributor, selling the product and recruiting people to sell it with her.  She raved about how great it was for her energy levels.

Now, I am a skeptic. Always.  I spent a lot of time on the internet looking at the products and what people had to say about the products, and I decided that it was worth the chance.  However, I also decided that if I was going to try it, I was also enrolling as a distributor so that if I love it, and other people are interested because I talk about it, then I could sell it too.  And if I don't sell it, I still have some awesome product that came with my distributor kit!

I am starting with a 90 day challenge. . .or at least the first 30 days of that challenge.  It includes the Greens, It's Vital Core Nutrition, and Regular. I have decided to skip the Regular as I don't need any help in that department!

The Greens offer eight servings of fruits and vegetables mixed into water, yogurt, juice, or a smoothie. The It's Vital Core Nutrition is a supplement/multivitamin that just sounds amazing to me as it has all the vitamins that I took when I was losing weight and much, much more!

I have high hopes that this combination of supplements will help me feel more energized because if I have more energy maybe I can get back to exercising and lose some weight and keep it off easier.

So that's the new path that I have decided to take and I hope that you might like to follow me on my new path.  I can't say where this path will take me but I won't know unless I try.  And if you would like to see more of the products, the website is www.greatgreens.myitworks.com.

Another Thursday - Down, But Not Out

It has been an awful, awful week.  I did fairly well Sunday and Monday. I had to talk myself into going for a 5K walk by myself on Monday, but I did it.  I knew that the week ahead wasn't going to leave me time for any walks or "runs" so I had to. Tuesday though, Tuesday was a disaster. . .

I was constantly hungry. Although I did my best to make healthy choices throughout the day, I ate too often and too much. (I was also a crabby bear after work, and ready to emotionally breakdown by bedtime.)

Wednesday was a decent day but was not easy.  I was definitely stress eating as work has been a bit hairy this week.

This week was pretty much a write off, although my weigh-in showed no loss but no gain either (thankfully).  I'm going to pick myself back up and continue on my way and start a new week with nothing but positive thoughts for the week ahead.

And it's going to be a rough one too. I've taken a second job, and I'll be working approximately 56 hours over the next seven days!  It won't be like this all the time, just this week as I have two training sessions to attend.  It will probably mean another week of no exercise as well, I'll just have to make sure that I get my ass back in gear when life settles down again.

And Then Came Thursday

After my weigh in on Thursday, I went downhill.  After a week-and-a-half of beautiful calorie deficits came three awful terrible food days.

I really have no excuse for Thursday.  It really started off well. Unfortunately I let myself make bad choices later in the day and treat myself to a Wendy's Frosty despite knowing that I had two bad days coming up ahead.

Friday we were having dinner at a friends.  While I could have chosen to eat light, I filled my plate and pigged out.  The foods of choice: KFC chicken and fries, as well as breadsticks with our salad (at least a small part was healthy).  And as if that wasn't already bad, I topped it with two Smores Oreo cookies.

Saturday we had a family event.  A cousin was visiting from England.  This is a rare event despite the large family we come from.  It was a potluck and despite my plans to take very little and fill my plate with veggies and fruit, I failed and filled my plate with everything else including some of my favourites - pirogies and potato salad.

Sunday, oh Sunday. . .finally a day to get back on track.  I did well but it was certainly a struggle.  If I was just starting, it could be the breaking point, but thankfully I know that this is something I can get past.

I have not exercised the last four days either.  However, I can still confidently say "I've got this".  My mind is made up and I need to get to the end of September so that I can get to the next part of my plan.  I promise that I'll fill you in when I get there!

The Week That Was

Well, actually, week-and-a-half. The reason being that I'd rather not keep Monday's as my weigh-in day.  This takes me up to this past Thursday.

Let's go back to the beginning.  I weighed in Monday as planned and was surprised that the results were better than expected.  I would however like to lose 7.2 pounds before my next step.  

The week (and-a-half) was extremely good.  I went on several 5k walks, and two treadmill "runs"; Couch to 5k week 3, day 3 and week 4, day 1.  My calories were quite in balance ending each day with a deficit.  I struggled with food on several days though, but came through each day okay. My weigh-in on Thursday reflected the effort, I lost 2.8 pounds, meaning I have 4.4 pounds to go.  I have approximately 4 weeks to lose that much (or more).

Time to Continue on the Journey of My Big Fat Unmotivated Ass

Well, I never did make it by with an update as I intended in my last post.  I can't even tell you how July went. . .it's just too long gone.  I can tell you that my 5K did not really happen.  We went but we mostly walked, it was far too hot outside to run. August has brought summer holidays with lots of bad food choices, but I have always intended to return to my journey, and that time is near.

As I renew my journey I plan to eventually try a new path.  When it comes time to take that path, I will share my experience so that others can see if is a path for them also.  As with any path, if it doesn't lead where I want it too, I can always return to the trusted route.

I plan to weigh in on Monday to see the damage I have done this summer and I hope that will be the day that my journey continues again.  I have plans to go for a 5K walk with a partner, as we need to start being each others motivator to get our asses of the couch.  I would like to think that I will run more as well, even if I don't have a 5K planned.  I would still like to actually be able to run 5K one day. . .or maybe not. . .that sounds so hard.

A Long Overdue Update

It's time for a long overdue update.  I made my DietBet weigh-in, which was a month ago now.

It was getting closer and I still had a bit to lose.  I had been neither good nor bad during the weekend leading up to the weigh-in and I had two days left before I could weigh-in.  Those two days I ate great and stayed away from carbs for the most part.  I went for a jog both days and had great calorie deficits while still getting enough to feed my body, but I was still .4 of a pound over.  Thankfully DietBet gives you two days to weigh in so I continued the third day of eating great. There was no way I could jog for a third day so I put on my runners and went and rang my cousins doorbell and said let's go for a walk and off we went for a 5K walk!  I made my weigh-in just by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin!

Since then it had been a series of ups and downs.  For two weeks I jogged and walked and did fairly well with my foods.  Then my sister came to town with my baby nephews and I ate bad food and only managed one 5K walk that week.  This week I was supposed to get back to normal, but laziness won and I ate all the food that I wanted without a care.  

Problem: two weeks until my 5K and I am nowhere near ready.  Thankfully it is not a serious 5K!  This weekend there are heat warnings but I do hope to start "training" again soon.  This week I did do two lunch time yoga sessions, but that doesn't help with the running part.

Well, that's it for now.  I hope to be by soon with a good update, but I'm not making any promises.

Brief Update

It's amazing that I can let myself fuck up a week of great progress with two bad days because of PMS.  And to top it off I didn't get to go for my planned run as the weather was bad. I considered running in the rain, but the wind was quite a discouragement.  The weather today, kind of windy, no rain yet but it's coming.  However. . .[any men reading this should probably skip to the next paragraph]. . .I could probably go out for a run except day two (my first full day) is super heavy and my stomach is unpredictable so it's never wise to be far away from the house.  

Do I think I can get to 5k in seven weeks? Hell no!  I want to get to at least half plus a walk then the rest.  Big goal for me, I know, but I believe!

Maybe I should go for a run. . .LOL!

Lifes Roadblocks

Things have been going pretty well, but sometimes life throws up more roadblocks than I care to go around.

"Running" (aka jogging) was a disaster!  Since my first attempt was awful, I decided that the best way back was to return to the Couch to 5K app.  I figured jumping in at week three was the best idea since I actually find weeks one and two complete torture.  Week three is a 90 second run, three minute run, 90 second run, three minute run.  I barely made the second three minute run.  I'm being overly dramatic, but OMG I thought I would die!  I couldn't even lift my water bottle to my mouth, I just walked for a couple minutes until I could drink!  The rest of the week (when I could go) was crappy so tomorrow (a week later) I will try it again.

At work, our big project is finally nearing an end.  However the celebrations seem to involve food so I had two really bad days last week, Thursday and Friday.  Those were the roadblocks I chose not to avoid.  I must stay in control for ten more days until I weigh in for my DietBet.  As of last Monday, I had 3.5 pounds to lose. . .I'm too scared to weigh in tomorrow. . .PMS is here too!

If only this was my "Roadblock" ;)
I would never avoid this one!

Someone posted something about weight loss not being a destination, and about being a lifestyle.  I completely disagree!  Yes, it is a lifestyle, but it's a journey with ups and downs.  You can't tell me that those with healthy lifestyles don't treat themselves once in a while.  As I have said many times, I can't see not letting myself have what I truly crave or else I would be miserable.  And that's a lifestyle I don't want to live.

Little Tiny Giant Calories

Some days those calories add up a little faster than you realize. And then when you eat those extra two pierogies with dinner you realize your day is even worse! D'oh!!! The world will not end. I will continue. And that's the attitude you need. Now I just need to convince myself that I don't need a Slurpee today!

Those extra calories were my motivation to get up and go for a walk/jog. OMG! It was awful! I always walk for five minutes to warm up, then I wanted to jog 1k. Yup, just one kilometre. I only lasted 1/3 of a kilometre before I had to return to a walk.  Sooooo out of shape.  I did a 2.7 jog/walk in total, so I guess it was a good start. Now I just have to make sure I do it again. I almost can't believe that I once jogged almost 3k outside, and I was able to jog 5k on the treadmill.  

On the plus side, I burned those spare calories and should end the day with a deficit.  And. . .I will not have a Slurpee today.  (In case you don't know, Slurpees are my addiction and both times I lost weight, I had a Slurpee almost every day. Just imagine what I could do without Slurpees. . .never mind, not going to imagine that!  I need something to keep me satisfied enough to keep this weight away!  I could not do it if I felt deprived.)

It's a Roller Coaster and No, I Don't Want to Get Off

Yesterday I weighed in for another DietBet. This is another ride up the track of MY roller coaster. 

After my last post I saw other posts online about weight loss roller coasters. Those posts will tell you that roller coaster weight loss is not good, and really it is true, but I think that is more the case at the beginning of a weight loss journey. My roller coaster is the one that I want to be on because I reached my goal. And I want to enjoy my food when I can but keep myself in check when I get too out of control.  So while putting on a few pounds is the fun part (like going down the roller coaster), I must always return to the uphill part, that's not as fun, but it's necessary to keep the weight off.

In case I haven't mentioned this, my original goal was 180, and 175-180 seems to be the easiest to maintain for me.  Right now I am not willing to sacrifice any more food and as in my previous posts I have not been motivated to exercise.  So for now, I will hang out at this weight and who knows what I will decide to do in the future.

Roller Coaster

It's a roller coaster but I don't want to get off.  Even if there are not enough highs, and too many lows on this ride.

I was doing great and had my pre- planned bad day on Friday to take my son to a movie.  I had nachos, my movie favorite.  Then Saturday came, and I was mostly good, but not good enough.  Sunday was a birthday with Pizza Hut pizza and Dairy Queen birthday cake!  Monday, I was mostly good again but let myself crack at the end of the day.  Tuesday, I had grand plans to be good, I was doing great, then my mom and I went to bingo (it keeps her happy). I brought veggies and dip, she brought Hickory Sticks and chocolate.  I know that I am able to say no, but I didn't.  Such bad choices and I keep on making them!

Tomorrow is another day, and I plan to start every day as a good one.  If I didn't then the last two and a half years would have been for nothing.  Don't give up.  Never give up.  Ride the roller coaster. . .BE the roller coaster, because a roller coaster track never ends, it just keeps going until you stop. Don't stop and you will get back up the hill again.

Easter: Good or Bad Day?

My food baby has grown and I'm not being very good job of shrinking it! I managed to have a couple of pretty good days but then followed them with a really bad day.  I have done well the last couple of days (despite Easter dinner) and I need to do extremely well for at least one more day before a very important weigh-in. . .I did another DietBet.

My Mom told me a couple months ago she was going to pick up a ham to cook for Easter.  I called her Saturday night to ask if there’s anything she forgot that I can pick up before the stores close.  Grocery stores here are closed at 11pm and are not open on Easter.  She tells me she didn’t get anything for Easter.  She “forgot” to get the ham (and also had nothing else like potatoes, for example).  So off to the store I go at 9:30 pm the night before Easter.  Thankfully they had many hams to choose from!  Making Easter dinner myself probably worked out better as I was able to make things that would be good for me to eat (like a kale salad from Costco). 

This weigh-out has one more catch; PMS. I should be good and bloated by Tuesday! Darn!  I'm drinking lots of water to try to keep it flushed out.  If I'm close on Tuesday, I can take that day and work my ass off so that maybe I can make it on Wednesday instead.

A friend posted this picture after I made this
post so I had to come back and add it!

Finally, A Good Day

Everything in moderation. That has always been a big part of my journey. Today I was actually able to put philosophy to use.

Today was a good day. Mind you, I did have a late breakfast. It was difficult to get through the afternoon without snacking, but had an earlier than usual supper.  It's was just me and my daughter for supper and she asked for Subway.  I decided to get a salad, which was surprisingly delicious. I have been off of salads lately, I guess I had grown tired of them (not that I really had that many).

Immediately after supper, despite being full, I still wanted to eat. I drank water, and had a small chocolate treat at an attempt to satisfy myself.  My calories were low for the day, so about an hour and a half after dinner I decided to have chips and Queso.  Moderation.  I only had half a serving of chips.  It was mainly the cheese Quseo that I wanted anyways.

I still have the rest of the evening to get through. My taste buds seem happy though. Hopefully that was the last of my cravings for the day. There is still room for a little more indulgence in my day though.

Ready or Not, Emphasis on the Not

Another day, another disaster. Where the hell is my willpower?  It's ridiculous, I don't say no to anything.  That's just not me, that's not what I do.  I refuse to say "I can't" say no, because it's not about "can't", it's about me just not saying no and being self-indulgent. I'm perfectly capable of saying no, but I don't.  I'm sure that the scale will show no progress, or worse, on Monday.

Yes, I am stress eating.  Work has been hectic and I have not been coping well.  Maybe I should be working on my stress management skills.  Ha ha!  Except I can't see myself doing that.  Stress releases cortisol (a hormone) and elevated cortisol contributes to an increased appetite and cravings for fattening food!  Sadly, exercise can help control cortisol levels but since I want to eat yummy, fattening foods, I don't want to exercise.  Vicious cycle entered.

I'm back to "you have to be ready".  You will know you are not ready when you continue to fall.  That doesn't mean you can't try to see if you're ready every day until the day comes when you realize you really are.

Blowing It

Wow, am I ever blowing it.  This shows you that it isn't always going to be easy but that doesn't mean you throw in the towel (or bagel!) and walk away.  You have to remember that tomorrow is another day for you to work on yourself again.  I'm not going to give up.  I have been on this journey for too long to give up.  I still think of where I was before I started this journey and I know that I never want to go back there. 

(A repeat, but I love this)

I still plan to run.  Not today and maybe not tomorrow, but I have a new 5K to train for and four months to do it.  Right now I am positive about training as I have a lot of time, but I have to remind myself not to cut it too short like I did last year.  The ground is starting to dry, but the pavement is covered in sand and rocks so it is dangerous.  I have been keeping my eyes open to see which way to go that is safest. . .maybe by next week I can go.

Next week. . .spring break for the kiddies.  My son is going away to see his Aunt and cousins on a plane, by himself, for the first time alone. . .just breathe!  My daughter will be here and I have booked a few days off.  I'm thinking a movie for sure and who knows what else.  I may have to challenge myself to NOT have nachos which are my movie theatre weakness.  I will see how things go next week and how bad next weeks weigh-in is first.  Other than that, I am looking forward to a few days off from work. . .and maybe that will motivate me to run!

Ups and Downs, Starting on a Down

Life is a series of ups and downs.  To me, so is this weight loss journey.  

I had brilliant plans of getting back to running and eating better starting yesterday, only to wind up the day in bed with a migraine; nausea and all.  Today I was better but I could still feel the effects of yesterday.  I felt the urge to eat, and I did.  It was bad.  Day two and I have already fallen.  I will get back up tomorrow and plan for a good day.

The other problem with my plan of running was it snowed again!  Just when everything was melting and drying up nicely!  So I may be back to the treadmill, but I need to do it!

A small update on Chris Powell's Choose to Lose.  I did read most of the book (by most, I mean I stopped at recipes).  At this time, I have chosen not to continue as I am just not willing to commit to the lifestyle the book promotes right now (or maybe never).  As with all "diet" and lifestyle books I have read, I have certainly learned new ideas that I will take away from the book and continue with during my journey.

Tomorrow is another day and the journey will continue as it does (and will) every day that I wake up.

Slipping, Sliding, Falling and Getting Back Up to Do It Again

The slope is slippery and it keeps getting steeper and steeper.  I'm sliding, I'm sliding, and I can't seem to grab anything to stop my fall.  Now the ice is melting and it reveals the dirt and gravel underneath.  As it dries, the dirt becomes loose, and though difficult to maintain good traction, the slope will be climbed again.  There may be some brief slips but I will regain my grip and climb back up to achieve my goals.

I have not kept to my 1700 calorie per day maintenance goal.  I have been eating everything I want and even let the portion control slide.  It's no easy task to return to behaving myself, but I will try.  Hell, I don't just want to try, I'm going to do it. That's the attitude I should embrace!

I have always said you need to be ready for this, and I don't feel like I am right now, but that doesn't me I can't try.  And if I fall again, I will get back up and do it again.

Success and a New Outlook

I spent the weekend eating as best I could, avoiding salt and carbs, and drinking a ton of water.  Saturday breakfast was eggs with Mrs. Dash seasoning, lunch was a protein shake with fresh strawberries, dinner was a juicy chicken breast and homemade air-fried french fries (potatoes probably not the best choice).  Sunday breakfast was eggs with a low sodium salsa for seasoning, lunch was a protein shake again with banana and strawberries, dinner a basa fish fillet dipped in an egg, garlic, and oregano mixture, then fried in a pan lightly sprayed with oil.

I also did the drenched workout on Saturday and Sunday (in addition to last Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday).  My legs were certainly tired of that 8% incline!  I still felt like jell-o legs walking up the stairs at work Monday morning.

And I made my DietBet!

I also learned something.

My body is happiest where it is right now, or at least I am happy with it.  I had to work so hard to get rid of those last couple pounds and I have to admit I am not willing to do that all the time.  Sure, I'll count my calories and hopefully keep up the running, especially once spring comes and I can get outside.  But I am now happy with maintenance because I'm not willing to bust my ass to lose any more weight.  

If my weight creeps up, I will ensure that I am stricter with myself.  For now, I will return to 1700 calories a day (maintenance calories) and allow myself that one "bad" day per week.  (I had the bad day today and it was great!!)

Miss and HIIT

It seems the weekend comes and I forget to do things like drink enough water and take my vitamins.  I guess it's because during the week my days are more structured while being at work.  For example, Saturday I was out all day and should have brought or stopped to get some water and wasn't home to take my vitamins nor did I have them with me.  During the week I am usually at my desk so I keep my vitamins in front I me to take with lunch and if I feel hungry I try to grab a drink of water first.

I plan to real keep my water intake up this week as I would like to flush my system of any remaining bloating.  I also plan to keep my sodium intake down this coming weekend so that I don't retain water and hopefully can pass my weigh-in next Monday.

Today I am going to try a HIIT treadmill workout.  It's only 15 minutes but it looks hard!  It involves an incline that gets up to 8% and I have never jogged on an incline, never mind run, AND it calls for runs and sprints!  I will make this a two part post tonight and continue once I get back with my results. . .

It's the first 15 minutes (part 1) of this workout from Women's Health magazine.

Okay, so I was seriously worried that I would only make it half way, but I did it! And do you know what? It wasn't that bad. I mean, it was bad, but not nearly as bad as I expected.  And do you know what else?  I might just do it again tomorrow!