As I continue on my Journey with Medifast - TSFL

Here we are - over a Year since my last post.  This is not to say that I gave up on my Journey - actually, the usual thing happened.  That's right - I was very happy at 151.  So happy, in fact, that I stopped the plan entirely. I loved the way my clothes fit - I rewarded myself with a trip to Alaska to see my best friend - (WOOT for the BFF!  - We had a GREAT Time together).  Then I continued life and went right back to my bad habits - That took some time, but with Thanksgiving and then Christmas, and the Death of my Grandmother - it wasn't too long before I was back to where I was.


But here is good news! I had thrown away all of my clothes that were bigger.  I had 1 pair of jeans left from that era (Just in case jeans).  Nothing was fitting me - things were getting tight on me again... and I had nothing to wear.

 It was kind of - well... embarrassing.  I also stayed very active in my TSFL Group on Facebook. For those of you out there that are researching the TSFL or Medifast program, you need to go to YouTube and look up Kristina Fowler (Seriously, she is an amazing woman and coach so I am going to Link her YouTube Channel right HERE ).

Kristina and I were talking and trying to figure out what was my issue - and as we got into the thick of it, we realized that I am very Goal motivated.  I had a goal before, but when I stopped it was because I had reached a point where I had hit a pretty big goal.  I had graduated from College (Finally) and I was pretty happy with where I was.  .  . So, Kristina challenged me again.  We set a super hard goal this time - and I restarted at 172 lbs.  On April 15th - I started the "Lose 2 Cruise" at 169.

As of last Saturday, I am 144.2 - Less than I was when I gave up a year ago and settled.  This time, though, there are a few more changes.  I am not only on the Medifast Plan (And sticking with it without any cheating at all) but I have also started to do things like light Jogging, Yoga, and a lot more walking.  ( I mean a lot more Walking) - My Fitbit HR and I are ONE. In fact, at this point I think that I am averaging about 15K steps a day.   (Unless challenged... and then LOOK OUT Y'all!)

Anyway - that's the current update.  The motto here is that you may not succeed the first time you have a go at it, but that does not mean that you should give up.  Never give up - Never never Give up.

Took a SLIGHT Break - Joys of Medifast

So, ya'll, I had to take a slight break. NOW, before we get into the ho and hum of taking a break and how it is not good for your body let me jump right into a positive.  One of the most fabulous things about the Medifast Plan is that it makes you recognize your triggers.  I am totally a stress eating fiend.  Stress = Food in my face.  It just happens.  I will not apologize!  I do recognize it though because one of the first things my coach did with me is have me sit down and recognize my triggers.

This semester was probably the hardest semester that I have endured in a long time - and towards the end (Right around Mid April) I hit a plateau that would not go away.  No, really.  I tried everything.   The plateau was just hanging out - enjoying itself while I fretted over whether or not I would finish the semester at all.  I was a literal wreck.

I had to go off the diet - I was doing so much damage to myself by sneaking foods and stuff that I shouldn't have - I talked to my coach who tried to be encouraging, but overall it came down to understanding that sometimes you just can't beat these triggers.

BUT - I made a bargain.  I still continued to not partake in soda, walk each day, drink lots of water, and eat every 2 hours or so and stick with healthy choices like proteins and veggies.  I was stuck at 156 when I started and I was just so overwhelmingly stressed.  I knew that I would gain it all back.  *(KNEW IT)*

However, now that school has ended for the semester, and the final grades have posted, I am ready to get back in the saddle. I stepped on the scale this morning and took my measurements again and - LO! - I am 151!  That's right - I actually lost weight even with the eating out instead of preparing my meals.  The goal is still 135 and 16lbs is so within reach! I'm back at it! :)

I love that this diet is flexible, and that it works with you if you work with it. :)

Keep going strong everyone!  The goal is within reach! :)

Plateau - Oh, the woes of the Plateau -

So - success has been abundant over the course of this diet.  However, I hit a plateau after my last post. Seriously - nothing was moving. (Ok, that is not entirely true... The scale did not move much, but my belt notch did).  Either way, that little number does mean a lot to me - and I was really worried.  I mean... 2 weeks at 156?  I am just OUNCES Away from being in a normal weight class instead of in the overweight class!

Then - disaster. (I know, I am so dramatic).  We went on a road trip and I gained 3 lbs.  What the what?!?!  I knew that this happened with travel, but with me?  No!  That's for other girls!  Not this smokin' hot broad!  What was a girl to do?

I had the answer -  Actually, a group member had the answer, but I totally joined in.  BEAST MODE WEEK.  All your water , all your meals on time, and portioned meals exactly down to the Gram.  That's right - BEAST MODE ACTIVATED!

So, when I started this week I was at 159.6 - and as of this morning I am at 154.6 - the week is not over yet, but I am past the evil Plateau of 156.4 by almost 2 lbs!  So - YAY for beast Mode!  May the trend continue! :)  (In a southward direction as far as the scale is concerned).  The ultimate goal was to make it to 153 by this coming Sunday.  NOW, I am hoping to Fly past the goal of 153 and hopefully be in a new decade or darn close to being there.  We shall see, right?  Either way - I am glad to be moving in the right direction again. :)

Medifast continues - And still successful over here.

Here we are at the beginning of March - and I have lost over 30 lbs in the last 2 months.  It's amazing!  I have not been at 156.00 since I was on HCG - and that was a pretty unhealthy diet really. (If I go about admitting all of the unhealthy diets that I have done we could be here for days - so let's just pretend it didn't happen, shall we?)

Anyway, I just wanted to share a pretty awesome milestone for me.  My sweet Kadoodle wears a 5/6 in jeans.  I have always been in 9-12 depending on cut and maker... brand... sometimes I even think that color had an affect on the size and how it would fit. . . but we won't go there either.  (It's almost like saying that my special pair of socks will help the Ravens win.  One year they did, but last year - well... It wasn't pretty).

SO, I purchased a pair of goal jeans.  My Daughter's size.  Yup, 5/6.  Maurices, Silvers, with bling on the bootay.  Why?  Because bling on the bootay makes the booty pop.  (Know what I'm sayin' ladies?)

I wasn't really caring so much about when they arrived because I am not at my goal weight yet.  I figured, "They'll get here when they get here and I will wear them when I can wear them".  Simple as that.

THEY ARRIVED

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I stared at them...

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Then

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I tried them on.

*It was JUST TO SEE HOW FAR I STILL HAD TO GO!!!*  (that's my only disclaimer.  They actually went over my backside and buttoned without me sucking in or anything.  No crazy, wiggly snake movements on the bed.  I didn't have to SQUEEZE into these suckers.  I can tell that they are still a little too snug - but I don't have to suck in to button them.  (By the way, these ladies are NOT me - but I love the pictures so I am sharing)

So, I had said before that this diet is Amazing.  It truly is amazing.  The journey has not been without some bumps (I'll admit that I have had a few weak moments with all of the deaths between January and February - and funeral potatoes are delicious.) However, the success that I have had in such a short period of time has been amazing!  So, I would say that if you are alright with a 3-4 lb loss each week, give it a shot for a month.  Just a month.  Just try it.  :)

I hasn't even been two months! :)

I am almost half way there and I have only been on this diet for 7 weeks. 

It truly is amazing what eating "the right way" will do for you.  Regardless of what anyone else has to say about it, this particular diet works IF YOU FOLLOW THE PLAN.  I would say that with most other diets, but the plan on most other diets is crazy.  Medifast works -WELL.  I have a conference that I need to be at in about 3.5 more weeks - and I plan to look fabulous!  I won't be at my goal weight, but I definitely will not be where I have been for the last few years.  I am hoping that by the time I graduate this spring I will have made it to my goal weight.

Now, one of the things that I am so super excited about is reaching my goals - so I wanted to share one that I preemptively jumped in and did.  Not for any reason other than I am confident that I am going to hit my final goal weight and I see the reward in sight (And the airline prices were JUST RIGHT) ... So, in August - I am going to Alaska to see my best friend and Coach - Lori!! (YAY!)

Now the countdown is moving forward - but I just wanted to share.  I am so excited that is 161 days I will not only be at my goal weight, but I will get to see someone that I have not seen in so long.

Which brings me to my next point - Rewards. 

These are so important!  Not food rewards.  Everyone seems to go that route - "I've lost 20 pounds !! I deserve to reward myself with a cheeseburger!!"  WHAT?  Why would you do that to yourself?  I know that it's so easy to reward with tasty (Addictive) Food, but it is so important that you find other rewards to achieve. Being a food addict myself I can't tell you how many times (Even on this diet) where I have said, "I'm doing so good!  Lets go out to eat!"  - I have been lucky to have someone that reminds me that this is not the way - and I am going to remind you too!  (This is not the way people!)  

So, set up some great rewards.  Things that you are working towards - things that you can earn - that are not food related.  Most people go with Manicures, and Pedicures - or a new outfit.  I have chosen larger goals - things that I Have wanted to do so badly but just haven't.  Why not?  If I can lose this weight then I can go on a trip to a new place - or I can get those new shoes.  I am saving money by not throwing it away at empty fast food chains - I deserve to do something awesome!  (And you should too). 

So, set up good rewards for yourself!  This is so important!  And don't give up - if you are starting a diet, any diet - don't give up just because your gravitational pull to the earth is larger than what you would like it to be.  Stick with it!  Stay strong and be healthy - it will really pay off!  Love to you all!

  

So - I know that I posted on Sunday but...

This week has been super stellar for my goal!  I have been almost completely OP (Other than a handful of salted almonds --tsk, tsk, tsk) but as of this morning I am in the lower half of the decade of the 160's.  I am thinking that by the end of this month I should be in a whole new decade once again! :)

Why is this so awesome?  Well, the dear misses and I were up talking the other night - and in the time that I have been married to him (more than a decade now) the lowest that I ever got was when I was on HCG and got into the 150's.  That's it. He has never seen me weigh any less than that in the entire time that he and I have been together.  And personally, I weighed less for more of my life than the time that I was with him, so why couldn't I get back to where I was before I met him?

It is exciting!  So exciting that he started on his P90X Routine again.  After all - (According to him) He can't be walking around all fatty with a slender lady on his arm, right?  (Well, he might not have said it quite like that, but you get the point).

We will keep you updated, but so far progress is great!  The diet is great!  I am still going strong - and I don't have any intention of changing at all because I love being able to fit into the clothes that I have.  Not squeeze into them and convince myself that it's because I kept them in the dryer too long- but I mean FIT into them comfortably.

It's the little things.

Checking in - How are things going on the Medifast Diet for me?

Can I just say that this diet is AWESOME!?!  I mean, would that be too blunt for a first line of this blob?  I don't think so. 

THIS DIET IS AWESOME!

Ok.  It's been a little more than a month since I started this program, Medifast.  You can find it on Take Shape for Life dot com (or TSFL.com) In this first little stretch I have lost more than 20 pounds. (That's quite a bit - go and carry around 20 pounds of sugar at t he store.  Just carry it around with you the entire time that you have to do your shopping - you will be completely worn out when you are done!)

As of today I have finally seen the new decade of the 160's.  I haven't seen this decade since doing HCG.  I was concerned because after the first few weeks of losing so fast, I slowed to what I consider "A Crawl".  I mean, we are talking only a few ounces per day that I was losing.  (What the What? I did so great the first week!  I lost 10 lbs just the first week!)  So, how was I just crawling along?  Actually, I really needed to step back off the scale and rethink what what happening here.  

Overall I am averaging about 3lbs of weight loss per week.  That's really healthy if you ask me (Especially in comparison to other diets that I have done.)  This is not like HCG where I have to lose a pound each day or I would have to starve myself to get beyond that crazy plateau.   If I hang out on to a weight for a few days, no big deal.  I think that the longest I have been on the same weight is 3 days, and then when the scale moves it makes an even larger drop than before.  

Typically, by the end of the week, I have hit my 3lb goal and I feel fine.  Daily check-ins can be frustrating though if I don't keep my eye on the prize.  If I continue at this rate I will be at my goal weight in 15 weeks.  that's actually not a very long time away at all.  That's just until the end of this semester, so I will look awesome for Graduation. :)

One of the biggest struggles that I have had so far is staying OP (On Plan) not by eating, but by the time.  You are supposed to eat every 2-3 hours.  Right now I am struggling with that mainly due to outside factors (Husband, walks, school, work) But I am close.  Could I be losing more if I stayed closer to the time restriction?  Perhaps.  Maybe I will try it out this week and let you all know how it worked out.  What do you think?

Either way, I don't mind saying it again - THIS DIET IS AWESOME!  I am hardly ever hungry (Unless I am not on time with a meal) and I am losing weight without having to try to add exercise into my regimen (Which is nearly impossible right now if you saw the schedule that I had).  So ,if you are thinking about trying it out at all, I really encourage it.  Give it a month - just one month - and if it isn't working for you by then, well, scrap it. But I am almost certain that you will see the results taking effect. :)

Have a great weekend everyone! :)  

Medifast Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffin?

I know - I know!  I was as surprised as you - a pancake that is a muffin?  With the starter kit of the Medifast Favorites on the foods, I got a box of chocolate chip pancakes (That I avoided like the plague primarily because I did not want to pull out a griddle or a pan to cook one lousy pancake, seriously).

As I was perusing through the websites of others who have gone before me to realize their weightloss goals, I stumbled across the inspirational website of another coach who had a great idea for those pesky pancakes - turn them into Muffins!  You can find her site HERE - but this is what you do:.

Ingredients:
* One packet of MF pancake mix - (mine was the chocolate chip pancake, but if you got the plain one then just add 1 teaspoon of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to the plain batter)
* 2 oz of H2O

Directions:
* Mix in a shaker jar as directed
* Pour into a Pyrex measuring glass (I, too, use the 1 cup size)
* Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds
* Flip out onto a plate
* Drizzle with sugar-free, no calorie syrup.  (Drizzle - do not saturate or it will defeat the purpose!)
* Enjoy!

This was so tasty - and EASY.  Seriously easy to make for breakfast.  Now, I only put up one picture - my final product... but if you really need to see it in a step by step format then you should go to the site that I linked above, because she put pictures of each step.  I just wanted to share this little successful way to make the pancakes.  YUMMY!

A word on Before and After photos for your journey

JUST TAKE THEM ALREADY!!

I promise that the camera does not bite.  You do not have to share them with anyone. You do not have to put them online.  You do not have to paste them on your wall for motivation (Though if that is what will help you stick with the plan then by all means, do not let me stop you.)  You should take them though.  

I can hear it already!  The weeping and wailing of the "WHY!?!?"

I can truly say that I understand where this anxiety is coming from.  I mean, trust me, I haven't seen my jawline in at least 7 years.  I despise my double chin.  I lament the loss of my shapely, youthful figure from the past.  I do not need another visual reminder of what I look like.  I am aware! I know what I look like.  So, just hear me out when I say that this is one of the very best things that you can do for yourself on this journey of healthy..

Think about that for just a moment - that just for you to see it, you are looking at a 4 week period.  If you are taking your pictures, I can't tell you - I cannot even describe - what a bolster it s to look from that first picture to the second set after a 1 month span of time has passed.  Then check yourself out again after 2 months - then three.  When you reach the end of your journey to look at yourself before, and then after and see the full transition.  You do not have to share, but by the time you are done you will want to.

I know that I am at the beginning of my journey - barely starting week 3 - But I have done this before and the pictures are so helpful.  When you want a cheat day - just look at your pictures.  When you think you aren't getting anywhere and it's not worth it?  Check out those images.   

Take your before pictures - if you haven't but you've started your journey then take them NOW (I know you have a Cellphone!  I know you can be a selfie-queen!).  Take them.  I promise, it will be so worth it in the end and they will help you along the way.  

Medifast Vanilla Custard Recipe

Can I just start out by saying that it actually tastes great?  (Or is that too cliche'?) It does though.  I actually look forward to meal time - not because I am hungry, but because I love the food.  I love the snacks, I love the bars, I love the soups, I love the ziti... I love the food.  When the box of food arrives - my monthly shipment - I really get excited.  New stuff?  What?!?  I love new stuff!

So, the foods on the 5 & 1 plan are really not that bad at all.  There are a few things that I would steer away from, but we have to remember that I also am a fan of sweets - not the salty - so when it came time to try out the Parmesan cheese puffs?  Well, I just couldn't do it.   I seriously could not make it through the entire bag.  BUT, I did trade them up with someone else, who LOVED them.  Also, the foods can be combined and modified (Just a titch) to make other amazing things.  For example - this is what I made the other night:

All credit on this goes to Sandy's Kitchen because her website is where I found this lovely tidbit of awesome.  The recipe is as follows:

Medifast Vanilla Custard (or chocolate - you decide)

1 packet of MF eggs (1 Meal)
1 packet of MF vanilla pudding OR vanilla shake (1 meal) - Also, you can use chocolate

1 Cup H2O

1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon (1/2 condiment)
1/2 tsp vanilla (1/2 condiment)

1 packet Splenda or Truvia (1 condiment)

Directions:
Mix ingredients together in blender.  Pour into sprayed ramekin or baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

= 2 servings with 1 meal and one condiment per serving.  

Because of the way that my ramekins were, it actually made 3 meals for me.  I had saved them for dessert, but they were so darn tasty that I ate them for breakfast instead.  (They do refrigerate well - though they are tasty right out of the oven too.)  PS:  I recommend using your oven for this and NOT your microwave.  I have read other comments where people microwaved and it was "Rubbery".  Trust me, when you want dessert, and you smell this piece of deliciousness, you are going to THANK ME for making sure you knew not to microwave it.

That's it.  Really - I was expecting a custard to take a lot longer and be a much more in depth process. This recipe was super easy and fast and really hit the spot when I was craving something more "Homemade".  It's perfection and I hope that you will try it!

2015 Begins - and so does another Diet - here is my MEDIFAST Journey (What works, what doesn't)

First off I have to say that it has been a very long time.  I have done a lot of things in my dieting scheme, but over the last year it has really been put on hold.  Oh, sure, I still bought PIYO when it came out - I even did Yoga last January... but somewhere along the way I just wasn't feeling it.  Probably because I had bought a new home and I was exhausted from moving, painting, organizing, and just getting used to things in general.  I just could NOT add one more thing.  So, I was explaining to a close friend that I just did not have time to think about it all.  I did not have time to eat right, go to school, work on homework, have a full time job, drag the kids around, keep up the house, exercise, and keep it together in general.  I put her under a microscope - I mean, she was as busy as me but she had lost a lot of weight.  How did she do it?  I chalked it up to her being a runner, and living in Alaska where she had ample room to grow her own food and monitor those things.  I would be wrong about that though.  She had done Medifast.  Now she is a coach!  She looks great, she is amazing, and she promised results.  I had to see this for myself.  So - before I get too far ahead, here is her link to the Take Shape for Life website:

https://iloseitwithlori.tsfl.com/

If this is a journey that you want to be on, you couldn't ask for a better coach.  She is amazing!  And not just because she is a great friend, but because she is encouraging and she has been through this journey herself.  I like having someone on my team that has already gone through a program so they know what I am going through.

SO, the story goes something like this - Lori knew that I was busy.  She knew that I had no time to work out.  (I am trying to get my degree and work a full time job and take care of a house!).  And, she knew that I had an unbelievable sweet tooth.  I get hungry - I love food - and if the mood strikes, by gosh, I am going to make a dessert!  She knew that I was unhealthy too - both of my parents were diagnosed with the big D, and I am just a hairline away myself.  Changes have to be made!  But, I have to have a plan. . . I can't be planning out every single calorie - I am a grab and go kind of gal.

So - Medifast.  It's all planned out and it's grab and go.  You want to eat chewy peanut butter bars for 5 of your 6 daily meals, you can do that.  You can't stand the food?  Trade up with a friend in a group or send it back.  Need a recipe because things are a little bland? There are a TON of sites out there with creative people who have taken the guess work out of it for you.  And all you have to do it be diligent until you reach your goal weight.  (The first WEEK on the plan, I lost 10 pounds).

So, here's to another journey - started before the new year thank you very much.  And a healthier journey than my HCG Journey.  So far I am starting my 3rd week and I have not felt hungry at all.  I have not felt weak.  I am losing the weight and I have not even exercised once - I am sure that I will get started with that after I get school started.  But, at the very least (If I don't) At least I am eating healthier, right? (And Losing weight?  BONUS!)

Post if you have any questions and I will be happy to get you answers.  Otherwise, just go check out the Take Shape for Life website.

Here's to another healthy journey - except, this time, it's going to stick!

Over a Year

It has been over a Year since my last post in regards to my Health.  Who want's to be Healthy, right? 

 It's the new Year, and everyone has their "resolutions"

- most will aspire to shed those unwanted, unhealthy pounds.  I am planning on doing this, but probably not until March.  Not until all of the Hype slows down about how you should be exercising an hour or more a day in order to burn off those calories... The gyms are packed with people that have "resolved" to make a change. (see all those people - though, this is not my gym - mine looks like this though... )

I am not going to be one of them - yet.

Instead, I am working on slowly adjusting my diet.  I had done the HCG Diet with fantastic results.  UNTIL - I let everything go and started eating like a madwoman again.

No... this is not me - but doesn't she look like a madwoman?

I am back to where I was when I stared the HCG diet over a year and a half ago.  (Took me a while to get here, but I finally made it again!)  I did notice - that scale has GOT to be wrong.  There is no way that those legs belong to a 126lb woman - or man with lovely toes.  Not happening.

I just see this picture and cringe.  I think - that must be what I look like somewhere on a machine.  Though, I don't have as many rolls and curves as the person to the right of the image, I am not as trim and thin as the one on the left.  I am somewhere in the middle of Healthy and really not that healthy.  I physically imagine that I feel like the woman on the Right - and yet my soul feels like the woman on the left.

So, why not get started right now?

It's not like I don't have time!  But it's that whole Gym thing again.  I see so many people and I think - just wait your turn.  So, instead I am going to start eating better.  I started doing this by researching and taking the right vitamins.  I started drinking my vitamins - Beyond Tangy Tangerine -

Seems like a great plan, right?  Start getting healthy on the inside - work on my diet (which part of weightloss is the actual eating of things that are good for you, right?)  Take my vitamins and minerals each day... and then, start to work out a little later.  I can say that just with the vitamins since the beginning of the year, I no longer "CRAVE" certain foods.  I don't crave french fries and chocolate as much.  I don't feel like I NEED to eat - and this alone has lost me 3 lbs in the last week.

So, what if that is it?  What if we crave food because our body is not getting the nutrients that it truly needs.  We feed it, and it still craves, so we eat more?  A vicious cycle if you ask me.  Maybe this vitamin thing really will work.  I say that My vitamin is better than your

any day - and if you want to order it - you can through this site... http://whythetruth.youngevity.org/

LOOK At all the vitamins and Minerals in mine - then compare it to yours... then give it a shot -  (Yeah, you can blow up the picture)

After the Cruise

I just thought that I would announce that after the cruise, I only gained 4lbs. Yeah - 5 if you want to round up, but still... no the 10 -  20 that I was hoping for. (Kidding).  I start round 2 of HCG on the 15th of October... Guess I will let you know how it goes. :)

BTW - this morning...

After my "Apple Day" - I lost a whole lb again.  BUT, better than all of that - I am measuring at 37.50 inches around the middle - WOOT!  I started at 42 inches around the middle!  So, that is a result that I can live with ! YAY! :) Just wanted to share.

Hmmm - HCG - I have lost more than 10 pounds with you in less than 2 weeks - (there was a slight delay with my average loss over the last few days, but I think that I have it under control now) - Oooh, Why must you work so well, when I eat so little?  Don't you know that I love food?  LOVE IT - and you are interfering with my  "less chubby for the cruise" goal! My swim suit is happy - My Jeans are Happy - but my stomach is not happy.  You better be happy I am keeping you around a little longer - if it wasn't for your darn good results I would have sworn you off last weekend when there was candy to be had at the theater - I think that my slow down was due to my body smelling things and just holding on to the Esters and absorbing the delicious fatty smells. But I want delicious bread!  I long for a piece of pie!  CHIPS! DANGIT - I WANT THEM!  So, I'll have a few more drops of you and find a way to distract myself from the temptations that are paving the road ahead... glad to be done with you before the cruise - wouldn't know WHAT to do if I was on this diet THEN... 

OK - I'm going for it -
I bought the bottle - and I've started binge eating - well, kind of  - they call it... LOADING - I'm just loading away over here.  Tonight is my last loading night - then tomorrow, the big guns come out.  Tomorrow - I will be cutting back as much as I can - but I still have no idea what I am really going to eat... but I guess as long as it has no sugar and it's got good protein but not a lot of carbs, I should be good.  If I get something weird like the rats that tried Phen Phen , at least I won't be alone... right?!? :)  I'll keep you updated. :)

Still not where I want to be

It's been three days... THREE... see?  Count them.  Three days that I have been working out - and I am just past the 180 mark - below of course, but still ... BLEH.  Not where I want to be at all...

There are personal issues in my way right now - and , well, I am just retaining things over it.  It SUCKS.

Is June too late??

I know that everyone is on this HCG thing - Seems like this phase that everyone want to go through - like South Beach, or Atkins.  I know about 9 people that are doing this right now, and I just cannot bring myself to it - So, back to the gym I went.

Today I worked out - yeah - on a machine.  The bigger questions is not whether I can or cannot do it - but whether or not I can do it before the cruise?

Guess we will have to see... :)

I get depressed sometimes... BUT

Exercise Improves Depression

The idea that regular exercise can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety has been around for thousands of years. If you suffer from major depression, exercise probably won't be the only treatment you'll need, but it will help along with your treatment plan. Working out can enhance the benefits of antidepressant medications, and even produce similar results. But while medication and psychotherapy can take weeks to work, you can start feeling the positive effects of exercise right away.

Research shows that exercise:

• Positively effects the same neurotransmitters that antidepressant medications target
• Produces feel-good brain chemicals called "endorphins," which promote the sense of well-being and satisfaction
• Releases tension in muscles that contributes to depression-related soreness and insomnia
• Reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, relieving feelings of anxiety and agitation
• Raises body temperature, which appears to have calming effects

Exercise can also promote the following psychological and emotional changes:

• Distraction. Exercise compels you to focus on something besides your troubles for a little while, helping you find pleasure.
• Confidence. By meeting a goal, like a small amount of exercise each day, you can begin to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.
• Self-respect. Taking the time to do something positive to help yourself every day can help you reconnect with the part of you that wants to be healthy and productive.

The shape of SHAPE

So, this is my analogy of how I have been feeling... I am getting SHAPE - I don't notice it like I want to yet.  But I no longer feel like the blob that I had become.  I can tell some difference, not just because of the weight and the measuring, but the lack of craving sweets all the time - yeah, that is a BIG one for me.  Or how about instead of ordering 2 sandwiches at McDonalds, I can actually stick with one, and I don't usually even eat the whole meal.  I don't need to "Biggie" size it anymore to feel like I am getting enough to eat, and that, my friends, is so worth it.  So, The Blob represents how I had been feeling for the longest time.

Now, I am no Pixie yet - not by any means.  I am still full of blubber and flubber, like the lovely shark.  But I am getting aggressive.  I can move without being winded, and I can move faster each day that I exercise.  Instead of not being defined, I am seeing fins, and working limbs that help me to accomplish what I am hoping to.  Right now, I am the shark - and I have SHAPE.

But, I am going for the strong, straight back - the shapely legs, the tone - non-flabariffic body type.  And I think that I can see it just under the surface.  I am averaging about 2.25 lbs of weightloss each week and soon I should be tone and flexible like I have been imaging.  I like what I am seeing and I am glad to be driven to do this.  I am glad for the change to a healthier lifestyle, and I am glad that my sweetie is on board as well.  So, one day, I should have the shape above - firm, tone, solid.  Good luck to you all in your weightloss goals!! I so wish you the best.  A