Well, I just signed on to here to start blogging more for myself. I was going to start a new, private blog to just write some things out and I saw that I hadn't been on here to blog since August!
Guess it's time to fill you all in on where I am. TOMORROW I am re-starting the Easy Diet program. Maintenance has gone okay but at Christmas I stopped caring about what I was doing (what a difference from last Christmas) and have started to gain. I'm done with that and I am going back tomorrow with no holds barred. I've grocery shopped, I'm ready!
I will say as many times as I said I wasn't going to be that girl...it is definitely a choice you have to make with every single meal and every single snack and I'm back to it. I'll be at the gym in the morning. I'll be eating nothing but protein for the next few days to go into ketosis and I'll be back to where I was in no-time.
Dr. Garcia's office contacted me about being part of a DVD that they are doing. It had been a while since I'd heard from Michael and his timing couldn't have been better. It's like he knows he's my little guardian angel and he reached out and I said, ok, silly...you know better. Enough is enough! Thanks, Michael, I know you're reading this! :)
So, I'll keep you all posted, but I am going back on program! Keep me in your thoughts!!
February 7, 2010
August 25, 2009
Can You Put A Price On A Weight Loss Program?
Just before starting Dr. Garcia's program, I, of course, inquired about the cost of the program. I was able to find out in a phone call that there was a price for the initial visit, which included blood work, EKG, weight, body fat measurements, the injections, first month of the Calcium, weekly supply of medication, etc...the works. I also found out that after that, there was a weekly visit fee which included weigh in, assessment and the injection and appetite suppressants. Let me just say, it's not inexpensive, dollar wise.
When I told my parents about the program, after I started it, I brought the booklet that I received during my first visit. I suggested to my father that maybe he should skip the first page. The first page outlined the costs of the program. Well, being a dad...he didn't skip that page. He went right to it. He looked at me and said, you do realize that it's really more than just the weekly costs, right? I agreed with him.
Some of you might be wondering now, so, are there hidden costs that I don't know about? Well, not 'hidden' so much. Things I didn't really think about until he mentioned it...even though I told him "I know". One of those things were the fact that frankly it costs more money to eat healthy. Essentially, and I think I've said this before, I shop the perimiter of the grocery store. For the most part, even on maintenance, I don't eat pre-packaged foods. I shop the meat, seafood, produce and dairy departments. Sadly, it's much more expensive to eat healthy.
Upon deciding to write about the true costs of a program, I did a little research. What I found is that there is a mixture of people who say that eating healthy does not cost more because you buy less of more expensive food. I guess I understand that to a point. Between drinking the water, eating fruits and vegetables, I eat less than I did when I wasn't doing all that. However, the food I buy is definitely more expensive. I guess the jury is still out. I'd love your opinions, please share a comment.
One big issue I had during the process was clothing. I didn't really think I'd drop as many sizes as I did. I bought what I thought was a 'goal' pair of jeans, in the beginning of the journey. I wore them twice, then they were too big. I went through a lot of clothes, quickly. It didn't dawn on me until it was almost too late, that consignment shopping might have been the better way to go. I do, now, however, take the clothes that no longer fit (and there was a TON of them) to the consignment store to re-sell. It's a great way to make some extra cash on things that are virtually brand new. It seemed I had a small window of opportunity for most articles of clothing and some I missed all together and brought to the consignment store with tags still attached. That's annoying!!
All of that being said, the benefits are priceless. The increase in my self-esteem, my outlook on life, my need for less medication, the pure joy of living my life in a healthier, happier environment....there's no way you can put a price on the feeling of being in better control of your life.
“He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
When I told my parents about the program, after I started it, I brought the booklet that I received during my first visit. I suggested to my father that maybe he should skip the first page. The first page outlined the costs of the program. Well, being a dad...he didn't skip that page. He went right to it. He looked at me and said, you do realize that it's really more than just the weekly costs, right? I agreed with him.
Some of you might be wondering now, so, are there hidden costs that I don't know about? Well, not 'hidden' so much. Things I didn't really think about until he mentioned it...even though I told him "I know". One of those things were the fact that frankly it costs more money to eat healthy. Essentially, and I think I've said this before, I shop the perimiter of the grocery store. For the most part, even on maintenance, I don't eat pre-packaged foods. I shop the meat, seafood, produce and dairy departments. Sadly, it's much more expensive to eat healthy.
Upon deciding to write about the true costs of a program, I did a little research. What I found is that there is a mixture of people who say that eating healthy does not cost more because you buy less of more expensive food. I guess I understand that to a point. Between drinking the water, eating fruits and vegetables, I eat less than I did when I wasn't doing all that. However, the food I buy is definitely more expensive. I guess the jury is still out. I'd love your opinions, please share a comment.
One big issue I had during the process was clothing. I didn't really think I'd drop as many sizes as I did. I bought what I thought was a 'goal' pair of jeans, in the beginning of the journey. I wore them twice, then they were too big. I went through a lot of clothes, quickly. It didn't dawn on me until it was almost too late, that consignment shopping might have been the better way to go. I do, now, however, take the clothes that no longer fit (and there was a TON of them) to the consignment store to re-sell. It's a great way to make some extra cash on things that are virtually brand new. It seemed I had a small window of opportunity for most articles of clothing and some I missed all together and brought to the consignment store with tags still attached. That's annoying!!
All of that being said, the benefits are priceless. The increase in my self-esteem, my outlook on life, my need for less medication, the pure joy of living my life in a healthier, happier environment....there's no way you can put a price on the feeling of being in better control of your life.
“He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
August 17, 2009
Almost A Month!
I just realized it's been almost a month since I posted anything to this blog! Life has been absolutely fantastic on the maintenance program. I've been going to the gym regularly although I had a week and 1/2 away due to being on vacation and working out of town. Leave it to me, to pick the one hotel in St. Lucie West that did not have a fitness center on the property. I won't stay there again! Great hotel, but no gym was a bit difficult for me.
I did, however, meet a girl while I was on my trip who is trying to convince me to run a 1/2 marathon. Now, let me start by saying, we were discussing Tampa, and she said, oh...I'm coming there in February! My first reply-we should hook up and go out and have a cocktail! It's what I say to everyone. Those that know me, know that. We were discussing my program and the amazement in Lisa of listening to part of my story. She then told me the reason she was coming was to run the Gasparilla Distance Classic 1/2 marathon and wanted me to run it with her.
For those of you who have known me 'forever'...you know I ran cross-country in high school. That was at least a billion, ok...23 years...ago, since graduation. I haven't really run since. I've started running a bit at the gym, on the treadmill. I really have NO CLUE how to train for a 1/2 marathon. Nor can I really imagine running 13.1 miles for no reason, but the challenge keeps pulling me to look at the website, read up on training and realizing that I only have 6 months if this is something I truly want to do.
The more I contemplate, the more I'm interested in trying it. That being said, I'm fearful of failure. What if I try it and I can't finish? What if I start with something smaller, like the 5K or the 15K? What if...here's a thought...what if I start with a 5K and build from there?! I don't know. It's been A LOT of years since I've had a regular running routine. I think I'd almost need a running coach of some sort to put me on the right track for training like that. Ahhhh, decisions, decisions. This new lifestyle brings all kinds of options to the table, for sure.
Maintenance, as I said before, is fantastic. I typically stay between two pounds under/over goal and I'm good with that. I've added more carbohydrates into my diet, but still not doing anything 'fried'. I'm mostly making smart choices. I had a date last night and we went to dinner. I had a turkey burger on a whole-grain bun and the salad bar. No fries, even though they sat right on the plate. I've found some really great bread-type alternatives at the grocery store and have finally found some breakfast things that are working for me.
The Zone Diet website is a great resource for dining out and recommending what to order to stay in the Zone at chain restaurants. There's also great links to some of the books, such as The Top 100 Zone Foods or A Week In The Zone. These really help keep me on track as well.
It's been almost two weeks since I've been to the office for a weigh in. I missed last week, due to being out of town but will go in the morning and just make sure things are good! I can't wait to go tomorrow. You get so used to doing something every week and it's tough to miss it. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the office and their community efforts on this program. I have stopped the volunteer thing I was doing at church and really looking for another place to volunteer. I miss very much doing some type of community service, so I've offered up my assistance and my desire to do something surrounding healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. I just missed a back to school event the office did centered around healthy eating unfortunately. I was looking forward to that event and my experience with Junior League and Kids In The Kitchen, but alas, work travel got in the mix and I was away when the event took place. There are a couple of other things coming up and hopefully they'll be able to use my assistance on those. I need to do something! :)
All in all, things are going great. There are no struggles at this point, again, still just making conscious decisions every day to do the right thing. So far, so good!! Speaking of all good....I just went out to You Tube for the first time in a few weeks and saw that my video has 452 hits...that's just crazy! I received an email today from a client who was sent an email from the weight loss office, she's a former patient and on their email listing I suppose. She emailed ME and asked if I knew I was on the cover of their website! I didn't know, but I love that people are benefiting from my story. I found out after sending an email to the operations director tonight that they showed my testimonial to a lot of people at the back to school event and there's a very positive response to my story. I'm so glad that it might motivate even one person to change their lifestyle.
In closing, I'll leave you all with a promise to blog more frequently and....
A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.(Spanish Proverb)
I did, however, meet a girl while I was on my trip who is trying to convince me to run a 1/2 marathon. Now, let me start by saying, we were discussing Tampa, and she said, oh...I'm coming there in February! My first reply-we should hook up and go out and have a cocktail! It's what I say to everyone. Those that know me, know that. We were discussing my program and the amazement in Lisa of listening to part of my story. She then told me the reason she was coming was to run the Gasparilla Distance Classic 1/2 marathon and wanted me to run it with her.
For those of you who have known me 'forever'...you know I ran cross-country in high school. That was at least a billion, ok...23 years...ago, since graduation. I haven't really run since. I've started running a bit at the gym, on the treadmill. I really have NO CLUE how to train for a 1/2 marathon. Nor can I really imagine running 13.1 miles for no reason, but the challenge keeps pulling me to look at the website, read up on training and realizing that I only have 6 months if this is something I truly want to do.
The more I contemplate, the more I'm interested in trying it. That being said, I'm fearful of failure. What if I try it and I can't finish? What if I start with something smaller, like the 5K or the 15K? What if...here's a thought...what if I start with a 5K and build from there?! I don't know. It's been A LOT of years since I've had a regular running routine. I think I'd almost need a running coach of some sort to put me on the right track for training like that. Ahhhh, decisions, decisions. This new lifestyle brings all kinds of options to the table, for sure.
Maintenance, as I said before, is fantastic. I typically stay between two pounds under/over goal and I'm good with that. I've added more carbohydrates into my diet, but still not doing anything 'fried'. I'm mostly making smart choices. I had a date last night and we went to dinner. I had a turkey burger on a whole-grain bun and the salad bar. No fries, even though they sat right on the plate. I've found some really great bread-type alternatives at the grocery store and have finally found some breakfast things that are working for me.
The Zone Diet website is a great resource for dining out and recommending what to order to stay in the Zone at chain restaurants. There's also great links to some of the books, such as The Top 100 Zone Foods or A Week In The Zone. These really help keep me on track as well.
It's been almost two weeks since I've been to the office for a weigh in. I missed last week, due to being out of town but will go in the morning and just make sure things are good! I can't wait to go tomorrow. You get so used to doing something every week and it's tough to miss it. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the office and their community efforts on this program. I have stopped the volunteer thing I was doing at church and really looking for another place to volunteer. I miss very much doing some type of community service, so I've offered up my assistance and my desire to do something surrounding healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. I just missed a back to school event the office did centered around healthy eating unfortunately. I was looking forward to that event and my experience with Junior League and Kids In The Kitchen, but alas, work travel got in the mix and I was away when the event took place. There are a couple of other things coming up and hopefully they'll be able to use my assistance on those. I need to do something! :)
All in all, things are going great. There are no struggles at this point, again, still just making conscious decisions every day to do the right thing. So far, so good!! Speaking of all good....I just went out to You Tube for the first time in a few weeks and saw that my video has 452 hits...that's just crazy! I received an email today from a client who was sent an email from the weight loss office, she's a former patient and on their email listing I suppose. She emailed ME and asked if I knew I was on the cover of their website! I didn't know, but I love that people are benefiting from my story. I found out after sending an email to the operations director tonight that they showed my testimonial to a lot of people at the back to school event and there's a very positive response to my story. I'm so glad that it might motivate even one person to change their lifestyle.
In closing, I'll leave you all with a promise to blog more frequently and....
A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.(Spanish Proverb)
July 21, 2009
Garcia Weight Loss Promotional Video
OH MY GOSH!! I know, I know...it takes two weeks to post a blog then you get two posts in two days! Crazy!
I have not had the best of weeks. I've had some issues that I'd rather not discuss on my blog, it's, as some people might say not a diet journey but a life journey, but some parts of life just don't deserve the credit of showing up on here. Suffice it to say, I've ended some of the negativity in my life, and while that should ultimately be a good thing...it's difficult to dissolve a relationship that's been so close for 15 years. Enough of that, on to better things!
Today, however, I had weigh in--my last appointment in the transition to maintenance phase of the program and now I just go for a weekly injection and monthly maintenance appointment. As I blogged about yesterday, I've also been working out like crazy. Keeping in mind that muscle weighs more than fat...here it comes....I gained. At least I gained in maintenance and I know exactly why. I gained a pound, but I also lost 1% body fat in the past week. I think I'll take it. There's definitely a difference in the toning that even I can see! Two days this week I've been shopping and I wear a size small in shirts and either a 2 or 4 in Misses pants, or a 3 or 5 in Juniors....I'll buy that ALL DAY LONG!
Anyway, that's not all that happened today. After the weigh-in and being "okay" with the gain, I received an email from Michael at Dr. Garcia's office that the link to my video was on YouTube and ran out to watch it as soon as I got home from the mall.
I was absolutely thrilled with the video. It's really hard to see myself transition from the person in the photos in the beginning to the person in the end of that video. Funny enough, yesterday I posted about people expressing more of an 'interest' in me now than maybe prior to the program, remember? Well, today, I was talking to my work counterpart in Orlando who said, because, sometimes Kyle is my voice of reason....ya know, if you were happy with your look before you wouldn't have done what you did. So, does that make you superficial, too? Alrighty then...guess he has a point. So, that will be the end of that topic of discussion!
Here is the link to the YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghV_YBG1aeU
You'll probably have to copy/paste it into your browser, I couldn't get Blogger to show it as a link....sorry!
I'd love for you to take the time to watch it if you're so inclined. As well, if you do watch it, please rate the video for Dr. Garcia's office. Michael did an amazing job putting it all together. I so look forward to the work that I'll be doing with them on this and on any initiative they can use my help in.
They are doing a Back to School event that will incorporate healthy eating for kids and I've offered to be a part of that. Those of you who are reading this that are my Junior League of Greater New Haven friends...think Kids In The Kitchen! LOVE IT! From a girl who loves to cook, loves kids and wants to now help them focus on eating healthy so they never have to do all this, it's going to turn into my new passion! I'm so excited tonight and in such a good mood I can hardly stand myself!
In closing, I challenge each of you to find your passion...and learn to live it!
“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Mitch Albom
And since there was no quote in the last post, we'll end with this:
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
I have not had the best of weeks. I've had some issues that I'd rather not discuss on my blog, it's, as some people might say not a diet journey but a life journey, but some parts of life just don't deserve the credit of showing up on here. Suffice it to say, I've ended some of the negativity in my life, and while that should ultimately be a good thing...it's difficult to dissolve a relationship that's been so close for 15 years. Enough of that, on to better things!
Today, however, I had weigh in--my last appointment in the transition to maintenance phase of the program and now I just go for a weekly injection and monthly maintenance appointment. As I blogged about yesterday, I've also been working out like crazy. Keeping in mind that muscle weighs more than fat...here it comes....I gained. At least I gained in maintenance and I know exactly why. I gained a pound, but I also lost 1% body fat in the past week. I think I'll take it. There's definitely a difference in the toning that even I can see! Two days this week I've been shopping and I wear a size small in shirts and either a 2 or 4 in Misses pants, or a 3 or 5 in Juniors....I'll buy that ALL DAY LONG!
Anyway, that's not all that happened today. After the weigh-in and being "okay" with the gain, I received an email from Michael at Dr. Garcia's office that the link to my video was on YouTube and ran out to watch it as soon as I got home from the mall.
I was absolutely thrilled with the video. It's really hard to see myself transition from the person in the photos in the beginning to the person in the end of that video. Funny enough, yesterday I posted about people expressing more of an 'interest' in me now than maybe prior to the program, remember? Well, today, I was talking to my work counterpart in Orlando who said, because, sometimes Kyle is my voice of reason....ya know, if you were happy with your look before you wouldn't have done what you did. So, does that make you superficial, too? Alrighty then...guess he has a point. So, that will be the end of that topic of discussion!
Here is the link to the YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghV_YBG1aeU
You'll probably have to copy/paste it into your browser, I couldn't get Blogger to show it as a link....sorry!
I'd love for you to take the time to watch it if you're so inclined. As well, if you do watch it, please rate the video for Dr. Garcia's office. Michael did an amazing job putting it all together. I so look forward to the work that I'll be doing with them on this and on any initiative they can use my help in.
They are doing a Back to School event that will incorporate healthy eating for kids and I've offered to be a part of that. Those of you who are reading this that are my Junior League of Greater New Haven friends...think Kids In The Kitchen! LOVE IT! From a girl who loves to cook, loves kids and wants to now help them focus on eating healthy so they never have to do all this, it's going to turn into my new passion! I'm so excited tonight and in such a good mood I can hardly stand myself!
In closing, I challenge each of you to find your passion...and learn to live it!
“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Mitch Albom
And since there was no quote in the last post, we'll end with this:
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
July 8, 2009
True Intentions
Gosh--I started this blog post a week or so ago and never really was able to stop long enough to write it and post. It's been a crazy few weeks for me. Well, actually, it's been a crazy two and 1/2 months with work and still to a point getting settled into the new house.
Work is different in that as part of the Florida leadership team, most of my time is spent working in the office (yes, home) managing the business that my team of reps is out promoting. Since May we've had revisions to programs and the leadership team has also been out promoting with our reps. That means instead of being in the office all day, handling the management of things that the reps find as well as special projects...we on the leadership team are out in the field, all day. That creates specific work for us, while our other work is not getting done. So, 10 minutes into that, you're behind! Try that for 5 weeks....OH MY GOSH! I've been catching up on work at night and we've had conferences and conventions on some weekends. It's just been very busy. Busy in a good way, but very busy. Anyway, enough about work, this blog is not at all about my job or any of that.
As far as how the maintenance portion of the program is going....tomorrow is my last regular "transition to maintenance" visit. Things throughout maintenance are going very well. I've managed to stay under goal and usually float somewhere within a pound under when I'm there to weigh in. I'm starting to really add foods back in on my own now as well. Last weekend I added...are you ready for this? BREAD! I ate from Subway on my way out of town last weekend for work. I ate a 'wrap' for lunch one of the days, and toast at breakfast and still managed to be under goal.
I know I mentioned last time I posted that I had joined the gym and it had been a week. That I was attending a class or two a week and it was going well. I've managed to work my way up to at least three visits a week. Most of them classes. There's a great water aerobics class. You laugh, thinking, how difficult is that?! Well, let me tell you, the class was great, but I didn't really think there was too much I was getting out of it. The next day told me otherwise. It's amazing the muscles you work out in the water, not realizing you're doing so. Besides that, how much better can it get than a cardio and toning class for an hour where you don't sweat!? A nice relaxing 10 minutes in the sauna afterwards to dry off and, viola, you're good to go! They have that class three days a week at my gym, I usually make one or two of them. As well, there is a kick-boxing cardio class on Monday's that I love. Usually on Monday's I have the need to punch on a punching bag for a little while, so that's always fun! This past week, in an effort to calm down some drama in my life and some emotions I was trying to escape from, I also took a Pilate's class. It was really different but I enjoyed it. There is definitely an opportunity to be there and take a class six days a week if I could find the time to fit them all in!
This particular blog post is entitled True Intentions and it's because of a little battle I am having within myself. As I've mentioned before, the whole 'dating' thing is rather new to me. It's odd though, how I find that there are guys in my life that seem to have taken a different look at me today than they did a year ago. I don't want to call anyone out, mention any names or anything like that...but just frustrating that someone I might have been friends with or acquaintances prior to all the changes I've made physically, seem to have a renewed interest in what else might be available to them with me. I mean, I guess there has to be some sort of physical attraction in order to want to move forward...but it's just a struggle I have with what might be perception that I am a different person than I was when I was heavier. That being said, there's people that I am meeting today, that didn't know me prior to all of this and I guess it isn't much different. I don't know...maybe you just don't know someones true intentions ever, anyway. I don't even know if this makes sense as I type it.
Anyway, not only has it taken me a week or so to write this blog, it's also taken me all day to finish and post it. It's been a drama-filled weekend and tonight tops off the end of the weekend with the news that one of my oldest friends has lost her father to his battle with cancer tonight. I'll be leaving town this week, either Tuesday or Wednesday to head up to Deltona and be with her and her family. Lynne and her family have been in my life for 20+ years, her girls are like daughters to me, and there is no place else I'd rather be right now than with her in her time of need. As soon as the arrangements are made, I'll be on my way to help.
This week, there should be a video listed on the Garcia website, I believe. It's part of the testimonial program. It's an audio clip of question and answers as well as a photo slide show of before and after pics. I'm not thrilled about the before pics, but obviously, that's why the program came in to play! I wish, but not, there was a way to re-do those before pictures!
In closing tonight, I just ask for prayers for Lynne and her family in their time of grief. Lynne, when you read this, know that I love all of you and I'll see you soon.
Work is different in that as part of the Florida leadership team, most of my time is spent working in the office (yes, home) managing the business that my team of reps is out promoting. Since May we've had revisions to programs and the leadership team has also been out promoting with our reps. That means instead of being in the office all day, handling the management of things that the reps find as well as special projects...we on the leadership team are out in the field, all day. That creates specific work for us, while our other work is not getting done. So, 10 minutes into that, you're behind! Try that for 5 weeks....OH MY GOSH! I've been catching up on work at night and we've had conferences and conventions on some weekends. It's just been very busy. Busy in a good way, but very busy. Anyway, enough about work, this blog is not at all about my job or any of that.
As far as how the maintenance portion of the program is going....tomorrow is my last regular "transition to maintenance" visit. Things throughout maintenance are going very well. I've managed to stay under goal and usually float somewhere within a pound under when I'm there to weigh in. I'm starting to really add foods back in on my own now as well. Last weekend I added...are you ready for this? BREAD! I ate from Subway on my way out of town last weekend for work. I ate a 'wrap' for lunch one of the days, and toast at breakfast and still managed to be under goal.
I know I mentioned last time I posted that I had joined the gym and it had been a week. That I was attending a class or two a week and it was going well. I've managed to work my way up to at least three visits a week. Most of them classes. There's a great water aerobics class. You laugh, thinking, how difficult is that?! Well, let me tell you, the class was great, but I didn't really think there was too much I was getting out of it. The next day told me otherwise. It's amazing the muscles you work out in the water, not realizing you're doing so. Besides that, how much better can it get than a cardio and toning class for an hour where you don't sweat!? A nice relaxing 10 minutes in the sauna afterwards to dry off and, viola, you're good to go! They have that class three days a week at my gym, I usually make one or two of them. As well, there is a kick-boxing cardio class on Monday's that I love. Usually on Monday's I have the need to punch on a punching bag for a little while, so that's always fun! This past week, in an effort to calm down some drama in my life and some emotions I was trying to escape from, I also took a Pilate's class. It was really different but I enjoyed it. There is definitely an opportunity to be there and take a class six days a week if I could find the time to fit them all in!
This particular blog post is entitled True Intentions and it's because of a little battle I am having within myself. As I've mentioned before, the whole 'dating' thing is rather new to me. It's odd though, how I find that there are guys in my life that seem to have taken a different look at me today than they did a year ago. I don't want to call anyone out, mention any names or anything like that...but just frustrating that someone I might have been friends with or acquaintances prior to all the changes I've made physically, seem to have a renewed interest in what else might be available to them with me. I mean, I guess there has to be some sort of physical attraction in order to want to move forward...but it's just a struggle I have with what might be perception that I am a different person than I was when I was heavier. That being said, there's people that I am meeting today, that didn't know me prior to all of this and I guess it isn't much different. I don't know...maybe you just don't know someones true intentions ever, anyway. I don't even know if this makes sense as I type it.
Anyway, not only has it taken me a week or so to write this blog, it's also taken me all day to finish and post it. It's been a drama-filled weekend and tonight tops off the end of the weekend with the news that one of my oldest friends has lost her father to his battle with cancer tonight. I'll be leaving town this week, either Tuesday or Wednesday to head up to Deltona and be with her and her family. Lynne and her family have been in my life for 20+ years, her girls are like daughters to me, and there is no place else I'd rather be right now than with her in her time of need. As soon as the arrangements are made, I'll be on my way to help.
This week, there should be a video listed on the Garcia website, I believe. It's part of the testimonial program. It's an audio clip of question and answers as well as a photo slide show of before and after pics. I'm not thrilled about the before pics, but obviously, that's why the program came in to play! I wish, but not, there was a way to re-do those before pictures!
In closing tonight, I just ask for prayers for Lynne and her family in their time of grief. Lynne, when you read this, know that I love all of you and I'll see you soon.
June 30, 2009
Maintenance and The After Pictures
Maintenance is AWESOME!!!
This is the first full week I've spent transitioning to maintenance where I've actually added in foods. It's been great. Granted, I didn't go this morning for weigh-in, but I'll do that in the morning. Things were kind of crazy this morning and tomorrow will work out better. This week's appointment is just weight and a shot, so anytime was fine.
This week during the transition, I have added whole wheat pita bread pockets, only one per day though. I've also added some fat free/sugar free pudding (it's good!) and have sort of begun to eat "normally" for my 'new normal'. For example, today at lunch I had a Black & Blue Steak Salad, easy on the blue cheese, no fried onions, dressing on the side. It was great!!
This weekend, I was busy, all over everywhere. Debi spent the weekend, I had the photo session, went to my mom's, went to see the band play in both Zephyrhills and a pit stop in Davenport on the way home from mom's with Debi. All in all we did good, great food choices, no issues what-so-ever.
The gym has been a great thing as well. I usually do a class once or twice a week (for the whole week I've joined so far) and work on cardio and toning in between. I absolutely love the cardio-kickboxing class. It's a great work-out and I can take out my frustrations on the punching bag as well! It's a win-win!
I never thought I'd become addicted to working out and shopping and eating healthy, but it's fun and easy. The motivation now I believe is coming from the testimonial program that's getting ready to go live. I for sure can't gain the weight back if my face is going to be plastered on billboards all over Tampa, or on websites and the like!! If that's not a motivator, um...nothing is?!
Ok, it's late, I wanted to post the official after pictures from my photo session with Steven Bivens. If anyone is looking for a photographer in the Tampa Bay area, he was great to work with! Steven, thanks so much!! You are awesome!
The before pictures were in the last blog post or two back...I'll not be reposting them, but...here's the after shots (well, a few, there were hundreds!)
This is the first full week I've spent transitioning to maintenance where I've actually added in foods. It's been great. Granted, I didn't go this morning for weigh-in, but I'll do that in the morning. Things were kind of crazy this morning and tomorrow will work out better. This week's appointment is just weight and a shot, so anytime was fine.
This week during the transition, I have added whole wheat pita bread pockets, only one per day though. I've also added some fat free/sugar free pudding (it's good!) and have sort of begun to eat "normally" for my 'new normal'. For example, today at lunch I had a Black & Blue Steak Salad, easy on the blue cheese, no fried onions, dressing on the side. It was great!!
This weekend, I was busy, all over everywhere. Debi spent the weekend, I had the photo session, went to my mom's, went to see the band play in both Zephyrhills and a pit stop in Davenport on the way home from mom's with Debi. All in all we did good, great food choices, no issues what-so-ever.
The gym has been a great thing as well. I usually do a class once or twice a week (for the whole week I've joined so far) and work on cardio and toning in between. I absolutely love the cardio-kickboxing class. It's a great work-out and I can take out my frustrations on the punching bag as well! It's a win-win!
I never thought I'd become addicted to working out and shopping and eating healthy, but it's fun and easy. The motivation now I believe is coming from the testimonial program that's getting ready to go live. I for sure can't gain the weight back if my face is going to be plastered on billboards all over Tampa, or on websites and the like!! If that's not a motivator, um...nothing is?!
Ok, it's late, I wanted to post the official after pictures from my photo session with Steven Bivens. If anyone is looking for a photographer in the Tampa Bay area, he was great to work with! Steven, thanks so much!! You are awesome!
The before pictures were in the last blog post or two back...I'll not be reposting them, but...here's the after shots (well, a few, there were hundreds!)
June 25, 2009
The Story...
What a surprise I have for those of you that have been following this blog since the beginning...
I have been asked and decided to participate in Dr. Garcia's program for testimonials. There will be some print media, radio advertising, possible billboards and whatever else they'd like to do with "my story". While this is all a little surreal to me, I'm thrilled for the opportunity to help others reach their goals through my story. If I help one person, it makes the journey all worthwhile.
So, here's a copy of "The Story" for all of you to read what bits and pieces may be used in the future. Tomorrow I have a 'photo session' with a friend who is a photographer to take some good "after" pictures. I sure wish there was something I could do to have better "before" pictures, but I'm certainly not willing to go back and re-create them! LOL
And....here's the story....
My Journey
When asked to write my “story” for Dr. Garcia’s office, I struggled on where to start. I mean, my weight gain started years and years ago. The last time I remember being thin was the beginning of my senior year of high school.
I remember portion control being a BIG issue. I remember trying every diet under the sun. I’ve tried them all, any fad, lose 10 pounds quick diet. There’s even a diet that you eat beets and ice cream, along with other things for three days. For the record, I hate beets! I’ve tried the cabbage soup thing. I’ve tried Weight Watchers. I tried Slim-fast. I tried at one time even using laxatives, and the only thing I ended up with on that was Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Great!
I’ve been in weight loss support groups. Funny, the support group would meet weekly. We’d starve all day to weigh in, then go to weigh in, meeting and then…yes, go out to eat at a pizza place. I kid you not!
About 25 years ago, my father lost 35 pounds. He’s kept every bit of it off, still today. He eats healthy, he exercises a little bit but he also never forbids himself from having something that he wants. He doesn’t eat a lot of junk food, but once every six weeks or so he allows himself a treat of a greasy cheeseburger. His way is; he thinks, he decides and then he eats. He has a big breakfast once a week, the rest of the week he eats very healthy. I was sure that he thought if I would just begin doing what he was doing and making the same decisions that he is making I would lose weight. I have…I have done the same thing only to return to my “normal” habits, and never having lost “all that much”.
In January 2005 I was due to have some surgery and I was devastated when it was put off because I had to lose 12 pounds in order to have it. I was crushed. It was elective surgery and I was unable to do it until my BMI (Body Mass Index) was in the “right spot”. I think that’s the only time I was ever successful at the weight loss attempt and I kept it off, all the way through the surgery. As soon as that was done, I gained it all back, and then some.
So, why in 2008 after struggling with weight and diet programs since 1986 would I want to start something now? What is different? Why should I expect a different result here and what, on earth, is my family going to say when they find out that I’ve now decided to start yet another diet program. This one including medication, shots, etc. would probably not go over very well.
Actually, telling my family went better than I thought. They were supportive, my friends were supportive and so the journey began. I started the program on 12/22/08. Three days before Christmas. Everyone tried to convince me to wait it out through the holidays, but I think I finally realized that it wasn’t about the holidays. It wasn’t about the food on my plate, it wasn’t about FOOD at all, yet for years, I’d been making everything about food. I wanted life to be about living life and not living to eat. I began to feel strongly that it shouldn’t matter what’s on my plate. If I’m at dinner with my family, my friends, my boyfriend, whom ever…it should be about the fellowship of being together, spending time with the people I love and NOT about what’s on everyone’s plate. Once I realized that, I was good to go.
I committed to Dr. Garcia’s program, started it before I told anyone and never, ever once, looked back. I strictly followed the program. I drank the water. I followed the meal plan. I did the exercise. I REACHED my goal. I had a little; personal ‘goal’ during the entire journey and it was to have “No Gain To Goal” meaning I would post a loss each and every week until I hit my goal. I initially set my goal where it would have been a 62.2 pound loss. However, very early into the program I decided that I wanted to add another 15 pounds to my goal. To date, as I am in the third week of transition I have reached my goal of 135 and was actually under that when I weighed in this week.
This is flat-out absolutely the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I know, and I’ve told others, until you’re ready to make the lifestyle change it will never, ever be successful. I was ready, I committed to the change in my lifestyle. I didn’t do this as a diet program; I did this as a lifestyle change. I did this to lose weight, look and feel fabulous and continue on living a completely different lifestyle than what my body has become used to for the past 23 years. I live my life today, completely different than I have any day in the last 23 years. First off, I live life for ME today, but what that means, is I do the things I need to do to take care of myself. Realizing, finally, that if I don’t take care of me, I’m no good to others! Today, I make sure I have time to eat properly. I plan my day and my meals, I work out or plan not to, but I am making conscious decisions.
So, here I am, 184 days after the start of the program, down 77.8 pounds and thrilled with my new life. I’ve not taken medication for my IBS or migraines, or barely even Advil since the start of the program. I feel fabulous, I’m healthier than I’ve been in years, and this has done absolutely amazing things for my self-esteem. Again, it has been the best thing I’ve ever done.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again, over and over again, I thank all of you who have been my support system throughout the six-months during this program. Without my fabulous friends and family I could never have done as well as I've done with this. I love you all, so very much!!!
I have been asked and decided to participate in Dr. Garcia's program for testimonials. There will be some print media, radio advertising, possible billboards and whatever else they'd like to do with "my story". While this is all a little surreal to me, I'm thrilled for the opportunity to help others reach their goals through my story. If I help one person, it makes the journey all worthwhile.
So, here's a copy of "The Story" for all of you to read what bits and pieces may be used in the future. Tomorrow I have a 'photo session' with a friend who is a photographer to take some good "after" pictures. I sure wish there was something I could do to have better "before" pictures, but I'm certainly not willing to go back and re-create them! LOL
And....here's the story....
My Journey
When asked to write my “story” for Dr. Garcia’s office, I struggled on where to start. I mean, my weight gain started years and years ago. The last time I remember being thin was the beginning of my senior year of high school.
I remember portion control being a BIG issue. I remember trying every diet under the sun. I’ve tried them all, any fad, lose 10 pounds quick diet. There’s even a diet that you eat beets and ice cream, along with other things for three days. For the record, I hate beets! I’ve tried the cabbage soup thing. I’ve tried Weight Watchers. I tried Slim-fast. I tried at one time even using laxatives, and the only thing I ended up with on that was Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Great!
I’ve been in weight loss support groups. Funny, the support group would meet weekly. We’d starve all day to weigh in, then go to weigh in, meeting and then…yes, go out to eat at a pizza place. I kid you not!
About 25 years ago, my father lost 35 pounds. He’s kept every bit of it off, still today. He eats healthy, he exercises a little bit but he also never forbids himself from having something that he wants. He doesn’t eat a lot of junk food, but once every six weeks or so he allows himself a treat of a greasy cheeseburger. His way is; he thinks, he decides and then he eats. He has a big breakfast once a week, the rest of the week he eats very healthy. I was sure that he thought if I would just begin doing what he was doing and making the same decisions that he is making I would lose weight. I have…I have done the same thing only to return to my “normal” habits, and never having lost “all that much”.
In January 2005 I was due to have some surgery and I was devastated when it was put off because I had to lose 12 pounds in order to have it. I was crushed. It was elective surgery and I was unable to do it until my BMI (Body Mass Index) was in the “right spot”. I think that’s the only time I was ever successful at the weight loss attempt and I kept it off, all the way through the surgery. As soon as that was done, I gained it all back, and then some.
So, why in 2008 after struggling with weight and diet programs since 1986 would I want to start something now? What is different? Why should I expect a different result here and what, on earth, is my family going to say when they find out that I’ve now decided to start yet another diet program. This one including medication, shots, etc. would probably not go over very well.
Actually, telling my family went better than I thought. They were supportive, my friends were supportive and so the journey began. I started the program on 12/22/08. Three days before Christmas. Everyone tried to convince me to wait it out through the holidays, but I think I finally realized that it wasn’t about the holidays. It wasn’t about the food on my plate, it wasn’t about FOOD at all, yet for years, I’d been making everything about food. I wanted life to be about living life and not living to eat. I began to feel strongly that it shouldn’t matter what’s on my plate. If I’m at dinner with my family, my friends, my boyfriend, whom ever…it should be about the fellowship of being together, spending time with the people I love and NOT about what’s on everyone’s plate. Once I realized that, I was good to go.
I committed to Dr. Garcia’s program, started it before I told anyone and never, ever once, looked back. I strictly followed the program. I drank the water. I followed the meal plan. I did the exercise. I REACHED my goal. I had a little; personal ‘goal’ during the entire journey and it was to have “No Gain To Goal” meaning I would post a loss each and every week until I hit my goal. I initially set my goal where it would have been a 62.2 pound loss. However, very early into the program I decided that I wanted to add another 15 pounds to my goal. To date, as I am in the third week of transition I have reached my goal of 135 and was actually under that when I weighed in this week.
This is flat-out absolutely the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I know, and I’ve told others, until you’re ready to make the lifestyle change it will never, ever be successful. I was ready, I committed to the change in my lifestyle. I didn’t do this as a diet program; I did this as a lifestyle change. I did this to lose weight, look and feel fabulous and continue on living a completely different lifestyle than what my body has become used to for the past 23 years. I live my life today, completely different than I have any day in the last 23 years. First off, I live life for ME today, but what that means, is I do the things I need to do to take care of myself. Realizing, finally, that if I don’t take care of me, I’m no good to others! Today, I make sure I have time to eat properly. I plan my day and my meals, I work out or plan not to, but I am making conscious decisions.
So, here I am, 184 days after the start of the program, down 77.8 pounds and thrilled with my new life. I’ve not taken medication for my IBS or migraines, or barely even Advil since the start of the program. I feel fabulous, I’m healthier than I’ve been in years, and this has done absolutely amazing things for my self-esteem. Again, it has been the best thing I’ve ever done.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again, over and over again, I thank all of you who have been my support system throughout the six-months during this program. Without my fabulous friends and family I could never have done as well as I've done with this. I love you all, so very much!!!
June 21, 2009
Transition To Maintenance
Gosh, it's been two weeks since I've posted a blog...my apologies. Things with work have been a little hectic, and each of the last two weeks have included some travel and late nights working, and late dinners, drinks, you name it. It's finally died down. One more weekend of travel for work, but not until the middle of July. Hopefully the weekend after that one (the 17-19th) I'll be having a girls camping weekend. We're just starting to see if we can make the plans come together to be able to have a girls weekend away-should be much fun!
I had to go back and re-read where we'd left off on this journey. I see that the last post was a mid-week update showing that my scale indicated I'd reached my goal.
Well, as of this week, we're still there. Right at goal in the office and the transition to maintenance has been going fairly well. Last week I received the Welcome to Zone Wellness packet which discusses how to eat in the Zone and discusses how insulin is a key player in controlling metabolism. It discusses the Zone Lifestyle Pyramid, showing that water, the Zone nutrition plan, moderate exercise and stress reduction all work together to help maintain healthy habits.
There are 7 Basic Zone Rules that go with the program, everything from eating within an hour of waking...which will be difficult for me. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, I'll struggle with eating as soon as I get up. Rule 2 is eating 5 times per day, 3 meals & 2 snacks. I think I can do that! Rule 3 is not letting more than 5 hours go by without eating something, again, I think I can do that! The others include eating mostly vegetables & fruits, treating 'carbs' basically, as 'condiments' and keeping the plate portioned to 1/3 low-fat protein, 2/3 vegetables/fruits as well as consuming 8 glasses of water each day. This is a decrease from the gallon that was the start with the program.
Funny, as I flip through the packet, there's a section that discusses "Benefits Of Living In The Zone" and I see those, listed out, but there have been so many things that have been beneficial to me since starting this program, and even since the transition to maintenance. I have a whole new outlook on life, I'm doing everything that I do for me and not for anyone else. I've even started dating. I know, some of you reading this are shocked by that, but that's what happens when you look okay and feel as fabulous as I feel. It's definitely been the best thing I've ever, ever done.
That being said, you're not going to believe this...well, some of you will, because you already know...but the office has asked me for my testimonial. They'd like to use my "story" as part of their advertising campaign. I was floored when the Director of Operations emailed me and asked me what I thought. We met recently and discussed what I might be willing to share with them. The options we discussed were print media, radio and television spots and potentially a billboard. So, for those of you living in Tampa, don't be surprised if you're driving along some day and you see my (UGH!) before and after pictures posted somewhere! It's truly an honor to be able to share my story with people and hopefully encourage them to do what they need to do in their own lives to become healthy. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story with anyone who wants to know about it. I know some people don't ask, because it's "weight and women and all...." but I'm so proud of the changes that I've made for me. Not physically proud, because I still don't think it's all that, but the healthy side of things is incredible.
I've also joined a gym. Today was my first session with the personal trainer. It'll probably be my only session with the trainer, he's pretty dang expensive. However, being at the gym, getting strength conditioning and still having a cardio workout option is going to be fantastic. I still have a lot of toning to do, for sure!
Since the Transition to Maintenance phase has started, I've ended all of the appetite suppressants and this last week was able to start adding foods back in. To be perfectly honest, though...I didn't add anything this week. I was traveling for work, didn't have time to go grocery shopping, I could name a thousand excuses...but I just have stuck to the program the way the food was laid out initially. I'm able now to add more protein, favorable carbs (still no carrots-I'll never eat another carrot I guess)fruits & vegetables, and the big addition was adding fats. Things that I haven't had, such as almonds, peanuts, avocados, cashews, oats, macadamia nuts and oils in moderation.
This week I will focus on adding some of the options back in. I need desperately to go grocery shopping, so I'll bring the list (and the book that was recommended, called Top 100 Zone Foods with me to the grocery store so I know what I need to be buying now.
Overall, it's been a fantastic two weeks. Again, my apologies for the delay on the blog, it's just been crazy. I have been promising people a blog update now for a week, and here it finally is. I was able to have a great lunch this week with a new friend, Renea, who stumbled across my blog on google as she was researching the program. Renea lives in Orlando, found my blog, we've been emailing and got to meet on Thursday for lunch when I was in Orlando. It was great to meet you Renea. Thanks for listening to my story and my new dilemmas. I can't wait to hear about your progress.
A little on the personal side...As you all know, I don't typically blog about the "other things" that go on in my life, but ultimately it all will affect the maintenance program and as I discussed with Dr. Garcia's office this week, I'm writing this and keeping it real. It's just me, it's what's going on and it's the concerns that I have. That being said, here's a little twist on this journey for you.
Stress wise--there are some things that have been going on that worry me a little as I transition to maintenance. They're a little personal, but 'most' of the people who read this blog are friends. There are definitely some, I know that read it, that are not friends. I've had a falling out of sorts with some people in my life in the last few months, and I know my blog is being read by some of them. Why someone wants to read something that is hurtful to them, I'm not sure, but it's the Internet, I suppose you can read what you want.
I've definitely noticed that some people are a little put off by the success I've had on the program, but those who have stood by me, day after day for the past 6 months, I value and treasure with all my heart and you certainly know who you are.
That "falling out" with a group of people has led me to some of the most positive places I've been in a very long time. For quite a while, I was living in what I now call the "drama zone" and living in the "drama free zone" today, is fabulous. As I indicated, I've started dating, which, at 40 years old, brings on issues in its own right. This is the little struggle I'm having that could affect maintenance.
I wasn't dating before, I really kind of took a two-year hiatus from serious relationships and was just having a good time being me. There was certainly not a line of men waiting to buy me drinks or take me out when I was heavier. Now, however, that happens. It's a little surreal. I'm not sure I'm liking it, but the fact of the matter is, it happens. It happens darn-near every time I go out, and quite honestly, I go out a lot, so I'm struggling with the 'attention' that now comes my way.
Now that the 'dating scene' has reopened it also means I have to think about things I haven't had to think about in YEARS. Things that a single woman without children at age 40, and wanting to stay that way, needs to consider. Enough said on that, as my friend Laura would say-read between the lines :)
I have some choices to make about the direction to take things, knowing full well that there are plenty of options out there and that many of them have side-effects of weight gain. It's admission time...I'm absolutely terrified of weight-gain. No big surprise there, I'm sure, but I mean...seriously...terrified. I think my biggest fear used to be those dang lizards on my back porch, now it's gaining an ounce or two. So in looking at this new-found dilemma, it dawned on me that the point in time where I started gaining weight was when I was a teenager. It was probably about the time I went on birth control and since now, 25 years later, it's something I have to consider....the fear of weight gain freaks me right out.
So, tomorrow I'll discuss this briefly at Dr. Garcia's office, and I have an appointment to discuss all of my options tomorrow with my regular doctor as well. I know three things for certain, without any question in my mind...as I sit here today, I know I don't want a baby. I know I don't want weight gain and I know that I have to do something. It's somewhat ironic to me that I'm writing this on Father's Day. Those that know me, know that there was nothing I ever wanted more than to be a mom and it just wasn't meant to be. Now, before this turns all sappy, I'm going to stop. The bottom line is that I now have a reason to have to control things that shouldn't happen today. I'm working on that, but I'm terrified of the maintenance of my weight and the options that might be available to me. Enough said.
In closing...have a great week and I promise another update soon....we'll get back on the Monday night track this week!
“Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.”
I had to go back and re-read where we'd left off on this journey. I see that the last post was a mid-week update showing that my scale indicated I'd reached my goal.
Well, as of this week, we're still there. Right at goal in the office and the transition to maintenance has been going fairly well. Last week I received the Welcome to Zone Wellness packet which discusses how to eat in the Zone and discusses how insulin is a key player in controlling metabolism. It discusses the Zone Lifestyle Pyramid, showing that water, the Zone nutrition plan, moderate exercise and stress reduction all work together to help maintain healthy habits.
There are 7 Basic Zone Rules that go with the program, everything from eating within an hour of waking...which will be difficult for me. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, I'll struggle with eating as soon as I get up. Rule 2 is eating 5 times per day, 3 meals & 2 snacks. I think I can do that! Rule 3 is not letting more than 5 hours go by without eating something, again, I think I can do that! The others include eating mostly vegetables & fruits, treating 'carbs' basically, as 'condiments' and keeping the plate portioned to 1/3 low-fat protein, 2/3 vegetables/fruits as well as consuming 8 glasses of water each day. This is a decrease from the gallon that was the start with the program.
Funny, as I flip through the packet, there's a section that discusses "Benefits Of Living In The Zone" and I see those, listed out, but there have been so many things that have been beneficial to me since starting this program, and even since the transition to maintenance. I have a whole new outlook on life, I'm doing everything that I do for me and not for anyone else. I've even started dating. I know, some of you reading this are shocked by that, but that's what happens when you look okay and feel as fabulous as I feel. It's definitely been the best thing I've ever, ever done.
That being said, you're not going to believe this...well, some of you will, because you already know...but the office has asked me for my testimonial. They'd like to use my "story" as part of their advertising campaign. I was floored when the Director of Operations emailed me and asked me what I thought. We met recently and discussed what I might be willing to share with them. The options we discussed were print media, radio and television spots and potentially a billboard. So, for those of you living in Tampa, don't be surprised if you're driving along some day and you see my (UGH!) before and after pictures posted somewhere! It's truly an honor to be able to share my story with people and hopefully encourage them to do what they need to do in their own lives to become healthy. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story with anyone who wants to know about it. I know some people don't ask, because it's "weight and women and all...." but I'm so proud of the changes that I've made for me. Not physically proud, because I still don't think it's all that, but the healthy side of things is incredible.
I've also joined a gym. Today was my first session with the personal trainer. It'll probably be my only session with the trainer, he's pretty dang expensive. However, being at the gym, getting strength conditioning and still having a cardio workout option is going to be fantastic. I still have a lot of toning to do, for sure!
Since the Transition to Maintenance phase has started, I've ended all of the appetite suppressants and this last week was able to start adding foods back in. To be perfectly honest, though...I didn't add anything this week. I was traveling for work, didn't have time to go grocery shopping, I could name a thousand excuses...but I just have stuck to the program the way the food was laid out initially. I'm able now to add more protein, favorable carbs (still no carrots-I'll never eat another carrot I guess)fruits & vegetables, and the big addition was adding fats. Things that I haven't had, such as almonds, peanuts, avocados, cashews, oats, macadamia nuts and oils in moderation.
This week I will focus on adding some of the options back in. I need desperately to go grocery shopping, so I'll bring the list (and the book that was recommended, called Top 100 Zone Foods with me to the grocery store so I know what I need to be buying now.
Overall, it's been a fantastic two weeks. Again, my apologies for the delay on the blog, it's just been crazy. I have been promising people a blog update now for a week, and here it finally is. I was able to have a great lunch this week with a new friend, Renea, who stumbled across my blog on google as she was researching the program. Renea lives in Orlando, found my blog, we've been emailing and got to meet on Thursday for lunch when I was in Orlando. It was great to meet you Renea. Thanks for listening to my story and my new dilemmas. I can't wait to hear about your progress.
A little on the personal side...As you all know, I don't typically blog about the "other things" that go on in my life, but ultimately it all will affect the maintenance program and as I discussed with Dr. Garcia's office this week, I'm writing this and keeping it real. It's just me, it's what's going on and it's the concerns that I have. That being said, here's a little twist on this journey for you.
Stress wise--there are some things that have been going on that worry me a little as I transition to maintenance. They're a little personal, but 'most' of the people who read this blog are friends. There are definitely some, I know that read it, that are not friends. I've had a falling out of sorts with some people in my life in the last few months, and I know my blog is being read by some of them. Why someone wants to read something that is hurtful to them, I'm not sure, but it's the Internet, I suppose you can read what you want.
I've definitely noticed that some people are a little put off by the success I've had on the program, but those who have stood by me, day after day for the past 6 months, I value and treasure with all my heart and you certainly know who you are.
That "falling out" with a group of people has led me to some of the most positive places I've been in a very long time. For quite a while, I was living in what I now call the "drama zone" and living in the "drama free zone" today, is fabulous. As I indicated, I've started dating, which, at 40 years old, brings on issues in its own right. This is the little struggle I'm having that could affect maintenance.
I wasn't dating before, I really kind of took a two-year hiatus from serious relationships and was just having a good time being me. There was certainly not a line of men waiting to buy me drinks or take me out when I was heavier. Now, however, that happens. It's a little surreal. I'm not sure I'm liking it, but the fact of the matter is, it happens. It happens darn-near every time I go out, and quite honestly, I go out a lot, so I'm struggling with the 'attention' that now comes my way.
Now that the 'dating scene' has reopened it also means I have to think about things I haven't had to think about in YEARS. Things that a single woman without children at age 40, and wanting to stay that way, needs to consider. Enough said on that, as my friend Laura would say-read between the lines :)
I have some choices to make about the direction to take things, knowing full well that there are plenty of options out there and that many of them have side-effects of weight gain. It's admission time...I'm absolutely terrified of weight-gain. No big surprise there, I'm sure, but I mean...seriously...terrified. I think my biggest fear used to be those dang lizards on my back porch, now it's gaining an ounce or two. So in looking at this new-found dilemma, it dawned on me that the point in time where I started gaining weight was when I was a teenager. It was probably about the time I went on birth control and since now, 25 years later, it's something I have to consider....the fear of weight gain freaks me right out.
So, tomorrow I'll discuss this briefly at Dr. Garcia's office, and I have an appointment to discuss all of my options tomorrow with my regular doctor as well. I know three things for certain, without any question in my mind...as I sit here today, I know I don't want a baby. I know I don't want weight gain and I know that I have to do something. It's somewhat ironic to me that I'm writing this on Father's Day. Those that know me, know that there was nothing I ever wanted more than to be a mom and it just wasn't meant to be. Now, before this turns all sappy, I'm going to stop. The bottom line is that I now have a reason to have to control things that shouldn't happen today. I'm working on that, but I'm terrified of the maintenance of my weight and the options that might be available to me. Enough said.
In closing...have a great week and I promise another update soon....we'll get back on the Monday night track this week!
“Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.”
June 5, 2009
A Mid-Week Update
Surprise! It's a post on, well, technically it's Friday. Rare to see a post on this blog when it's not immediately following a weigh-in, I know. Today, however, we hit a milestone that should be shared with all of you that follow along. If you're my 'facebook friend' then you already saw this post today.
This morning, hours ago, when I did my typical morning weigh in, I weighed in at 1.2 pounds UNDER goal! I was pretty surprised I'd gotten there this week. I was surprised to see it today. It's been a pretty crummy couple of days for me, but this certainly turned my week around.
I was pleasantly surprised I had reached the goal, but admittedly so, really happy to see it below my 135 goal, and liking that number more and more as I think about it. When I weighed in at 133.8 this morning, I wracked my brain trying to remember the last time I weighed that. I tried to remember the last time (if ever, mom?) I wore a size 4 and I wondered how I could get my health insurance to pay for the little bit of 'enhancement surgery' I'd really, really like to have! :-)
I couldn't come up with an answer to any of those questions, just so you know!
Anyway, just a short post to declare the milestone of GOAL MET! I guess it's time to post the "before" and "after" pictures that I talked about during the "Completion of Week 3" post from January 12.
While it doesn't thrill me to post this....it's important to see the progression from the 103.4 pounds. This first picture was taken in April 2006. The second picture was taken in May 2008 and the final picture was taken May 2009. I managed to lose about 25 pounds from the 2nd picture, prior to starting the program in December. Ok, here goes....
So, there you have it. Twenty-three weeks to start a plan to change my life, the way I think, the way I decide and the way I choose to start and end each day making choices and decisions to be a healthier person, for me.
I plan to continue the blog during maintenance as I'd indicated last week. As well, I'm receiving a lot of email from people who have stumbled across my blog that I have been an 'inspiration' to. I'd never thought of myself being an inspiration to anyone, but there are people I've never met making decision to start this program or to keep an appointment they questioned going to, just because they happened upon my blog. If I'm helping people out there, then this little blog has done more than I could have ever asked.
As always, in closing....
"Success doesn't come to you…you go to it."Marva Collins
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi
"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti - race car driver
Ok, I could go on and on....but it's late and I need to go to bed! Thank you to all of you who have had a part in the encouragement of me going through this program. It means so much.
This morning, hours ago, when I did my typical morning weigh in, I weighed in at 1.2 pounds UNDER goal! I was pretty surprised I'd gotten there this week. I was surprised to see it today. It's been a pretty crummy couple of days for me, but this certainly turned my week around.
I was pleasantly surprised I had reached the goal, but admittedly so, really happy to see it below my 135 goal, and liking that number more and more as I think about it. When I weighed in at 133.8 this morning, I wracked my brain trying to remember the last time I weighed that. I tried to remember the last time (if ever, mom?) I wore a size 4 and I wondered how I could get my health insurance to pay for the little bit of 'enhancement surgery' I'd really, really like to have! :-)
I couldn't come up with an answer to any of those questions, just so you know!
Anyway, just a short post to declare the milestone of GOAL MET! I guess it's time to post the "before" and "after" pictures that I talked about during the "Completion of Week 3" post from January 12.
While it doesn't thrill me to post this....it's important to see the progression from the 103.4 pounds. This first picture was taken in April 2006. The second picture was taken in May 2008 and the final picture was taken May 2009. I managed to lose about 25 pounds from the 2nd picture, prior to starting the program in December. Ok, here goes....
So, there you have it. Twenty-three weeks to start a plan to change my life, the way I think, the way I decide and the way I choose to start and end each day making choices and decisions to be a healthier person, for me.
I plan to continue the blog during maintenance as I'd indicated last week. As well, I'm receiving a lot of email from people who have stumbled across my blog that I have been an 'inspiration' to. I'd never thought of myself being an inspiration to anyone, but there are people I've never met making decision to start this program or to keep an appointment they questioned going to, just because they happened upon my blog. If I'm helping people out there, then this little blog has done more than I could have ever asked.
As always, in closing....
"Success doesn't come to you…you go to it."Marva Collins
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi
"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti - race car driver
Ok, I could go on and on....but it's late and I need to go to bed! Thank you to all of you who have had a part in the encouragement of me going through this program. It means so much.
June 2, 2009
Completion of Week 23!
It's official...the beginning of the rest of my life. Today, I officially began the transition process to the maintenance phase of this program. "Maintenance" is how I will spend the rest of every day of my life.
In knowing that I would be blogging tonight about transition, I searched for some "diet maintenance" links and here's what I found. I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone reading along.
Statistically speaking, about 90% of people who diet and lose weight, regardless of which method, gain every pound back. Ninety percent. That's huge in my opinion. I am of the belief, that the following is possibly why that number is so large. Another article I found entitled..."Life After A Diet" states that after months of hard work and abstinence, you've reached your target weight and return to your regular eating habits. At first, I stopped reading right there. My immediate thought was that was the problem. You simply can't return to your regular eating habits! I did finally read on to make sure that somewhere, the author brought that up, and yes, she did. I truly believe though, that's the problem with people gaining back the weight they lost. The definition of insanity, per Albert Einstein is doing the same thing, over and over again, and expecting different results.
Diet programs are just that...programs. They start, they stop and you go on. If you have not made the decisions throughout the program to change your lifestyle, then yes, I see where 90% can potentially gain their weight back. Those that go into the program of their choosing, with the determination to make a lifestyle change and not just a temporary solution should be successful in their endeavor to, indeed, change their life.
So, today's weigh in was the first one since May 18, because of the holiday last week. I didn't do as well as I thought I'd do. I anticipated two weeks ago, already being at goal. I did have a loss, however. I lost .6 pounds, my smallest loss yet, but still a loss. That brought the total to 74.4 pounds and 19.5% body fat lost.
Today, Dr. Armstrong and I met to begin the transition phase. What I learned today is that for the next two weeks, essentially, nothing changes other than a decrease in the medication and a slight increase in the amount of food I consume. The same food list still applies at this point. I have already started the medication transition. Not purposely, but the forgetting to take it, not taking it because I didn't feel like I needed an appetite suppressant if I wasn't hungry, kind of thing. I don't anticipate the next two weeks being much different than anything else from the past 23 weeks. He felt as though there was no reason I would not reach my 77.2 pound goal before fully moving into maintenance.
His statements to me were super encouraging. He reviewed with me that in 23 weeks, I'd pretty much lost 75 pounds and 20% body fat. The 20% body fat doesn't really do anything for me. I can't equate that to something. Actually, I struggle equating 75pounds to something as well! He said it was "amazing" (love that word, since he used it!) that the average was about 3 pounds a week and 1% body fat per week. He said I couldn't expect any better than that. It was great to hear from the doctor, himself.
He also told me that the transition phase is something to make participants realize that it hasn't been about the medication. That if I approach the transition and maintenance portion of this with the same attitude as I did the weight loss, there should not be a problem at all with maintenance. He said, I need to remember four key things. 1. Think about what you're going to do. 2. Make a decision. 3. Continue to drink the water. 4. Continue to exercise. By chance one of these things gets 'out of whack' the rest don't always work as well together. It made perfect sense. It's the same thing I did to lose the weight. It's all about making decisions. We all make decisions every day, from whether or not to get out of bed and go to work, to what we'll eat, what we'll wear, where we might spend our time. Thousands of decisions every day. The only thing I need to do is continue to make conscious decisions (think and decide) about the food that I eat.
I'm excited about the transition. I was nervous, but I know that I had the right mind-set when I started, and I know I'm ready to keep the mind-set moving forward. I didn't go into this looking at it as temporary. I was ready to make a lifestyle change. I'm still willing and anticipating continuing making that lifestyle change. There, honestly, is still nothing I miss that I'm not getting in my food plan. On occasion, it would be nice to not have to pick carrot slivers off of salad or to maybe have something a little bit different. I know those things will come, and I'm willing to wait it out, do what needs to be done and continue on.
More on the transition to maintenance next week. It's an 8-week process to completely be in maintenance. That includes the Zone consult, learning how to shop in the Zone, dine out in the Zone, eat fast-food in the Zone, a review of beverages and coffee house survival. As always, I'll keep you posted.
In closing...
There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.
In knowing that I would be blogging tonight about transition, I searched for some "diet maintenance" links and here's what I found. I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone reading along.
Statistically speaking, about 90% of people who diet and lose weight, regardless of which method, gain every pound back. Ninety percent. That's huge in my opinion. I am of the belief, that the following is possibly why that number is so large. Another article I found entitled..."Life After A Diet" states that after months of hard work and abstinence, you've reached your target weight and return to your regular eating habits. At first, I stopped reading right there. My immediate thought was that was the problem. You simply can't return to your regular eating habits! I did finally read on to make sure that somewhere, the author brought that up, and yes, she did. I truly believe though, that's the problem with people gaining back the weight they lost. The definition of insanity, per Albert Einstein is doing the same thing, over and over again, and expecting different results.
Diet programs are just that...programs. They start, they stop and you go on. If you have not made the decisions throughout the program to change your lifestyle, then yes, I see where 90% can potentially gain their weight back. Those that go into the program of their choosing, with the determination to make a lifestyle change and not just a temporary solution should be successful in their endeavor to, indeed, change their life.
So, today's weigh in was the first one since May 18, because of the holiday last week. I didn't do as well as I thought I'd do. I anticipated two weeks ago, already being at goal. I did have a loss, however. I lost .6 pounds, my smallest loss yet, but still a loss. That brought the total to 74.4 pounds and 19.5% body fat lost.
Today, Dr. Armstrong and I met to begin the transition phase. What I learned today is that for the next two weeks, essentially, nothing changes other than a decrease in the medication and a slight increase in the amount of food I consume. The same food list still applies at this point. I have already started the medication transition. Not purposely, but the forgetting to take it, not taking it because I didn't feel like I needed an appetite suppressant if I wasn't hungry, kind of thing. I don't anticipate the next two weeks being much different than anything else from the past 23 weeks. He felt as though there was no reason I would not reach my 77.2 pound goal before fully moving into maintenance.
His statements to me were super encouraging. He reviewed with me that in 23 weeks, I'd pretty much lost 75 pounds and 20% body fat. The 20% body fat doesn't really do anything for me. I can't equate that to something. Actually, I struggle equating 75pounds to something as well! He said it was "amazing" (love that word, since he used it!) that the average was about 3 pounds a week and 1% body fat per week. He said I couldn't expect any better than that. It was great to hear from the doctor, himself.
He also told me that the transition phase is something to make participants realize that it hasn't been about the medication. That if I approach the transition and maintenance portion of this with the same attitude as I did the weight loss, there should not be a problem at all with maintenance. He said, I need to remember four key things. 1. Think about what you're going to do. 2. Make a decision. 3. Continue to drink the water. 4. Continue to exercise. By chance one of these things gets 'out of whack' the rest don't always work as well together. It made perfect sense. It's the same thing I did to lose the weight. It's all about making decisions. We all make decisions every day, from whether or not to get out of bed and go to work, to what we'll eat, what we'll wear, where we might spend our time. Thousands of decisions every day. The only thing I need to do is continue to make conscious decisions (think and decide) about the food that I eat.
I'm excited about the transition. I was nervous, but I know that I had the right mind-set when I started, and I know I'm ready to keep the mind-set moving forward. I didn't go into this looking at it as temporary. I was ready to make a lifestyle change. I'm still willing and anticipating continuing making that lifestyle change. There, honestly, is still nothing I miss that I'm not getting in my food plan. On occasion, it would be nice to not have to pick carrot slivers off of salad or to maybe have something a little bit different. I know those things will come, and I'm willing to wait it out, do what needs to be done and continue on.
More on the transition to maintenance next week. It's an 8-week process to completely be in maintenance. That includes the Zone consult, learning how to shop in the Zone, dine out in the Zone, eat fast-food in the Zone, a review of beverages and coffee house survival. As always, I'll keep you posted.
In closing...
There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.
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