Rebooting My Life

A week ago, I was given a video to watch by a friend who is currently on a weight loss journey to better health. It was called,  Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. It is a documentary of Joe Cross, an Australian who was on a quest for better health by losing weight, eliminating his medications and dealing with a debilitating disease as he traveled the U.S., his story and inspired Phil, a trucker to lose weight through juicing.

I'm open minded enough to give it a watch and have watched plenty of videos including Food Matters, Supersize Me, Food Inc. and most recently Hungry for Change.  Watch the trailer here http://youtu.be/x9SGWcZwk7c

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross. 

What impressed me most about this documentary was that it wasn't all soap box and preachy. His thoughts, ideas and logic was something that was easy to.. digest. One of the most simplistic scenes in the movie that resonated with me happened with the idea that as a child you would injure your body and the body's ability to heal itself. In today's society, we are quick to self medicate or see a doctor instead of supplying our body with a wealth of nutrients to basically reset, repair or as a computer does.. reboot!


The idea of juicing appeals to me because it involves no cooking, minimal prep, natural ingredients, no preservatives and improved health. Who doesn't want more energy, better sleep, clear skin, weight loss, and the potential to stop taking prescribed medications?

In December, I was overworked and stressed from a busy Christmas season in retail. On Christmas Day, I was so sick that I could only eat turkey soup and my three 3 day Christmas break that I had been looking forward to was spent in bed with the flu. During that time, I also had emergency dental surgery so in all ways I was very ill. I was tired, sick and not in a happy place. Finally, after all my body had been through, I was starting to feel more like myself.


Then, on the continued path of eating poorly and not getting enough sleep as well as constant contact with the viruses that are circulating, I got hit again. Out of frustration, I went to the doctor instead of medicating from the drugstore. My doctor, was unavailable so I settled for a medi center. There, I was given a prescription and told to get rest.

While resting, I sat down and took the time to watch the video. Juicing is something I want to incorporate into my life. Will I do it for 60 days? No.What I do know is that it is a great way to get me back to optimal health and supplement as well as inspire me to improve my current eating.

I will blog my journey to great health... 

MIndful Eating.

I think the most important lesson I have learned while on Body for Life is mindful eating. Eating with intention and to fuel the body. So much so, it is Eating to Live not Living To Eat. 

Body for Life involves food journal ling all your meals for twelve weeks. This morning while thinking about my week and getting ready to put things on paper, I read through my daily entries. I noticed how quickly things started to slide the days I hadn't remembered to journal or in this case chose not to journal. Looking back at it now, I can't even remember what I ate at those meals!

Everything I eat, I own. That means if I consume it then I am accountable for that choice.  I realize that being honest with myself is the key to my success and ultimately my happiness. 

So by any entry that I have eaten off plan, I am recording my reasons for deviating from the plan. Ie, Stress, skipped meals. This helps me assess why I do what I do with regards to food. It also returns the power to me and not the food. This also help me realize what triggers, habits, or even certain foods that are connected to me with circumstances. 

Happy Heritage Day to me. Today is Free Day! 

 

Blood Sugar Confusion

Today I worked late so I got up around 8:30 AM and did some things before work. I ate breakfast, 10:30 AM, which was later then usual in the morning so things started to snowball from there.

I didn't eat a morning snack or my lunch. So, by mid afternoon when a friend came to take me for coffee I thought, "Whoops.. I haven't been eating". So my in case of emergency bar was there and I ate it with a large cup of green tea. By that time, I should have been eating an afternoon snack but had already missed two meals! 

Dinner time was at 4:30 PM but I ignored that and ploughed on with my day. About 7:30 I felt absolutely ill so drank a shake which calmed things down. Work finished at 9:30 and in the car on the way home I was STARVING. Normally, I would be tempted to eat fast food but instead drank my water with lemon.

At home, I ended up eating a meal and a snack. You know what? I am still hungry! I am going to drink some water and settle down for bed. Its now 11:11 PM!

Looking at my day, not the best..

10:30 AM Breakfast

3:15 PM Snack

7:00 PM Shake

10:00 PM Meal

10:30 PM 2 Snacks

Today is done. Tomorrow is a new day!

Body For Life

I have been on You Tube looking for videos and came across this for anyone who has no idea what the program I am on is about, Body For Life. Click on the link and it will take you to a snapshot in video format. Pretty simple, huh?

Body For Life

Food - Doctor "Feelgood"

Yesterday and most of the week was crazy busy at work. Everyone in my immediate circle seemed to be stressed and anxious. The reason for this, CHANGE.

Normally, that's when things like chocolate, cheese, pizza or wine would beckon. Comfort. The euphoric, you are fine. Its ok. It is good. This time I stood my ground and stopped the process.

In the past, I have allowed myself to become a like a large sponge and absorb all around me which included nervous energies, anxiety, etc. This time I stepped back to observe and then asked myself, "What's going on here. Why do I have these cravings and where are these cravings coming from?" Also, I reminded myself that the stressors I was trying hard to detach myself from will too pass and just as they entered, they left.  I chose not to give them the power and to take my personal power away. The power to choose the best fuel for my body, the power to make decisions, and the power to think about the situations that arise instead of acting impulsively.

I am learning that the keeping of one's agreements, the changes my body is going through, the results, a healthy body that is strong feels much more incredible then the over indulgence and dissappointment of eating off plan would.

My lesson today is to not allow the stresses that come to me to keep me from my course.

Focus on progress not perfection

One day at a time...

Body For Life

Two weeks ago, a friend who I trust and who has experience in weight loss once again suggested I pick up the book Body For Life. Actually, he suggested it previous to that but because I was in resistance, I chose not to. I told myself stories that I didn't want to bulk up or that's for body builders! He suggested I pick it up for the exercises and strategies within. So, you can have things suggested to you that are for your own benefit but its you who CHOOSE whether or not do then, eh?

I had chosen to change my course of action because after nine months of being on another program it didn't provide my body with what it needed and I was not happy with the results. I wanted to lose more but wasn't there quite yet. Looking back at it now, it was my intention to lose the 25 pounds and I got what I believed I could get! Eighty pounds in my mind at that time was a very lofty target and seemed unreachable. I am very happy that I released 25 pounds and along the way learned more about my body, who I am, what I believe and learned lessons along the way. As I reflect back, it did benefit me.

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively have the power to change

This is my new mantra. It can apply to any facet of your life. I am creating mental and physical strength. This means, that along the way I will in fact be releasing old beliefs, thought process and open myself up for change. Kinda scary but also exciting at the same time!

I never want to hear myself say or think that I wouldn't do something because it took too much (physcial) effort or I was "too tired". The last two years were the first time in my adult life that I hadn't checked out of social situations, events, etc. because of those (excuses) reasons. Don't get me wrong, I certainly am not perfect but when this situation arises I ask myself why I really do not want to go out or be there.

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

After one month of deciding my course of action and getting back on the horse, I did indeed take his advice and buy the book, "Body for Life. 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength". After only three days of implementing the food plan/eating plan I have released almost five pounds without special pills, high cost, and without altering my life! It is indeed early days but I am optimistic, happy and inspired.

Eating During the Holidays

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with our family out of town so I have to admit I had to think about how I was going to handle the food issues and do some preplanning.

*Turkey. The size of the palm of my hand and deck of cards. White meat.
*No mashed potatoes. I chose to bring a sweet potato and turnip puree which my Dad, myself and my husband enjoyed. My sister's family loves their white mashed potatoes!
*Eating a regular breakfast. I knew we would be eating at 2 so that my parents wouldn't have to drive home in the dark. (2 hours drive)
*Maintaining my water drinking and opting out of sugary pop, juice and drank some green tea as my treat.
*Tossed green salad with balsamic vinegar.
*Brussel sprouts.
*Dessert was pumpkin pudding that I made as well and brough along for everyone to try. The majority of the group chose pumpkin pie with loads of whipped cream.

While eating dinner I noticed that everyone was more interested in the food then in each other so it was nice that I was able to have conversations and not worry about shovelling food into my belly. Yes I enjoyed my meal! It was great to see everyone and not have a food hangover the next day or sit that evening with my pants loosened because I have stuffed myself.

Results to date: Down 19.5 inches and down 15 pounds.

Onesmartcookie

Staying on Plan and On Track

This has been a lifetime in coming.

Over the last two years I have learnt more about food then in my entire lifetime. I attended a two day food and nutrition seminar, I have read books, I have surfed the net, subscribed to healthy eating plans, attended weeks of self developement classes and been advised by experts in the health and wellness field. It is all coming together for me.


I am now entering week four of my plan and down 17.5 inches and 12 pounds. I am proud to say that the largest amount of inches came from my mid section so this will definately help me live the healthiest life possible! My goal is to reach my goal weight by my 43 birthay in May so I am in this for the long haul and for a lifetime! I am positive and optimistic.

Some of my challenges in the last two weeks that were food related:

Attended my father's 72 birthday and found out the day before they were celebrating with Chinese Food and Black Forest Chocolate Cake. So, I made my own meal, took it along the way and heated it on a plate so I ate my version of Chinese Food made by me! I skipped the cake and chose a herbal fruit key while staying at the table.

Sometimes you just have to say no. I have said no to cake, candies and chocolates. I remind myself, These do not support my lifestyle. Does it mean I will NEVER have any of these again? The next time I accept it, it will be my choice and not because everyone else is doing it.

Two nights ago, my husband decided to make microwave popcorn late at night. I was tired as it was and the smell reminded me of what I had not had for a month. So, I surrendered to sleep and went to bed for the night. Why sit in a corner sulking when my body was already tired and I wasn't listening to it.

Now that I am making all my meals at home I am finding that once again we are sharing a meal together and spending more time together in the evening. The other night, we had sushi and I stayed on plan by making wiser choices like the sashimi, small california rolls and mixed veggies. I no longer felt like I was denied and got the taste I loved and was craving!

Almost ten days had passed and no weight loss. I was frozen with the scales so I then decided that I wasn't going to let the scales make me give up. I looked at the inches and pounds I had lost in such a short time. I then went back and looked at my food journal and realized I had been eating beef for many of my meals. So now I have mixed it up by eating more chicken, fish and vegetarian choices. I will keep beef minimal because it takes so much energy to digest the food and it is one of the hardest foods for our bodies to digest. Oh believe me, it is quite easy to fall into the poor me syndrome instead of listening to your body or reviewing what has been happening in your life! That's called accountability and I am holding myself accountable.

This weekend in Canada, its a long weekend and its Thanksgiving. I have a plan in place for the BIG dinner with all of our family in Drayton Valley. Turkey, vegetables, garden salad and small portion of baked sweet potato. I will opt out for dessert but if I do, I will choose fruit like cantalope.

Remember.. Good Health is Real Wealth.

Onesmartcookie

I felt like the Biggest Loser!

Today was my first official weigh in and I was excited because I had been exercising, using the Wii Fit and moving my body by doing squats. The person in front of me lost 4.6 pounds and a sudden wave of anxiety came over me.

Crap.

That's quite a bit.

I thought I had lost.. oh, two pounds.

I stepped on the scale and the leader's quiet voice spoke.. actually you've gained weight.

WTF!?

Its ok, I've got my big girl pants on today and I am not going to cry!

I was pissed off and it was a hard pill to swallow when EVERY single person in the room lost weight except me! Our team lost more weight then the other team this week. All of us were awarded prizes and I felt silly receiving mine.

I had to clap and smile when everyone did their whoo whoo's, high fives and I wanted to hang my head in shame. I felt I let everyone down and was continually asked, "How did you do!??

People were shocked because they commented I had been exercising and eating well. I then heard comments like, "Maybe you're exercising too hard and are getting muscular!" or "Maybe you should stop exercising"

At the end of the meeting it was time for the Bravos and Five Pound stickers. This is the time you talk about your week, etc.

My mouth opened, "I want to share with everyone that I am the only person who didn't lose weight. I have started exercising regularly and stayed on plan with my points. I'm disappointed but I am not going to give up"

Bravo. I received a Bravo sticker.

I gained .4 pounds.

Sometimes when something happens you begin to ask yourself things like.. what did I do? and you start to replay things in your mind. I wish I had a do over right now.

I've pinned some of the things I will change this week and I will not stop exercising.

In fact, I'm off to the gym tomorrow.

Week One of Weight Watchers

Its been three years since I joined Weight Watchers for the .. second time. This time I am much more smarter about food, eating, my body and exercise. I've been doing a lot of reading in the form of books, the internet and have made friends with people who are in the fitness, nutrition and life coaching professions. I have all the tools I need and a body that can move so I'm now I am armed to be the Fat Warrior I intend to be!

Here is my action plan:

• Gym workouts 2-3 times a week which will include cardio, weights and stretching.
  
• Staying within my points allowance as per Weight Watchers guidelines
  
• Other activities will include Wii Fitt, 100 Squats 3 x a week Challenge and walking.
  
• Drinking 2 Liters of water each day.
  
• No dairy (effective today I have chosen to fully commit to this and stop eating cheese for 30 days. In the past year I have eliminated all dairy except for cheese)
  
• Going grain free for one week. Starting today for one week. This will be a challenge for me: I love all grains! Quinoa, Rice, etc.. I want to see what results this will bring.

Things I've noticed about people who are new to Weight Watchers:

• Getting bored quickly of eating the same foods day in and day out. Oh, I ate this today and lost weight this week so I will eat it again. Me, variety is the spice of life so I like to experiment. Hence, the grains and cheese challenges. If a person gets bored, are they likely to continue on the path? Switch it up before poor habits return.
  

• Weight Watchers the brand. Go to the supermarket and you have Weight Watchers meals including desserts! Go to the meetings and you can buy everything from cookbooks to measuring spoons! I will buy the tracker book, the free trackers are too tiny. Getting hooked on their low point bars. I got to hooked I wouldn't eat just one or two. I'd eat the box by the end of the day but counted the point. Not a good choice for healthy eating.
  

• They are not eating all their points. Eat. I spoke to one friend and her diet was coffee, chocolate, yogurt and one cup of water. She asked me what I recommended. Eat your points. Choose from proteins, vegetables, grains, oils, etc.. Your body needs fuel. I've eaten all my points. I think its hard for people who are suddenly drinking more water then they ever have and have the full feeling due to water consumption.
  

• Drink your water. Most people don't drink enough water. Its hard if you aren't used to it and now there are lineups to the restroom. :-) Don't worry, your body will soon adjust itself and washroom breaks will be less frequent.

• Eating more vegetables. Many are 0 or low points. You can eat more food and not eat many points so chew away! One person's spouse commented this is the most vegetables he has seen in their house!

Weight Watchers tips for the week and eating healthy:



Take one medium baked potato. Wash and prick with holes, cut in half and wrap in tin foil. Bake in oven for 1 hour at 450 degrees. When done, peel skin off and ready to eat. You can sprinkle herbs and lightly season with oil to cook. I choose, 1 tsp. of Udo's Oil and pepper. 3 points. Serve with veggies and salad.


When making recipes, watch your portion. Measure amounts and put into containers for meals later on. One friend went through her pantry and labeled everything with a felt tip marker. Ie, Can of Tuna 1/2 cup 3 points

Try new veggies that are 0 or low points. Ie, Kale, Swiss Chard, Bok Chewy.


Drink your water. Add lemon, lime or apple cider vinegar.


Today is my first weigh in and I suspect some weight loss. I will post the results. Stay tuned!

OSC

New Post Live

I haven't done any writing for awhile except for excerpts for the blog here. I recently did a short piece for www.formerfatguy.com and if you are interested you can read my entries here

The Year In Review -- My Life.

Personally, when I think back many things have changed but some have stayed the same but isn't that the way life is?



I took more chances and put myself out there more then I have ever done. I did the 3 KM walk on July first , many Hedley concerts with my neice, festivals, etc.. and went out with the "gang"at work but there were times when I stayed back because I was intimidated enough to put myself out there.. Sure, it was scary but I felt more comfortable with who I am. I suppose some of that comes with age and letting go of the feeling of being criticized or ostracized. None the less, I went out more socially then I did in the past and reached out to others as friends which I hadn't done for a long time. I'm very excited about the opportunity I will have at the end of January. I will be attending Level One of Personal Best Seminars in Edmonton and after a year of letting my hesitance get the better of me, I have taken the plunge and committed to this course.


Travel wise, even I amazed myself. I traveled to Las Vegas with my family to go to my brother's wedding in May and in September I traveled once again to Vegas but this time with my husband to our first REAL holiday. It was also totally out of his comfort zone and the first time he had been on a plane. Kudos to him for overcoming his fear of flying and using the excuse.. it was too expensive. Vegas can be very affordable and here in Canada, it can actually be cheaper then traveling to one of the other provinces. In 2009 we are looking at going to Cancun or somewhere warm but as per his idea, it has to be cheap. Heheheh. Yes, dear.


Health wise: Sure, I would be lying if I said it was easy. I started out the New Year sick as I seem to be doing again but this time I feel more prepared to take care of my body, mind and soul. The best thing to come into my life was .. nutritional cleansing. Some of the "side effects"for me have included a calmness, feeling healthier and much more energy.



Exercise: I honestly believed that I would never go to a gym because gyms were for thin people but in June I joined Spa Lady and my goal for the New Year is to go to the gym three times a week. I will be spending time with a trainer who will evaluate my current circuit training and I believe, its time to switch it up. Husband and I bought Wii Fit and for those of you who haven't tried it, its quite a workout complete with a trainer and tally of your fitness minutes/progress, etc..




Professionally, I have learned and dealt with situations and people I never dreamed I would have experienced. I think 2009 will see some changes in my professional life and I feel them coming. Stay tuned.



Onesmartcookie

Do One Thing Today That Scares You

(An Ode to Darlene. The inspiration for my Lululemon Pants.)

That's a pretty bold statement.

If you are a plus sized guy or girl then you know how clothes shopping sucks. The styles are just plain ugly, almost tent like and usually made of fabrics your grandmother might wear! Not to mention, the prices for the decent clothing are overpriced. If you are a regular sized person, you have lots of choice and you can virtually go to any price point you so choose.

This was even more evident on a trip to the Outlet Center in Las Vegas. A mecca of discounted fashionable clothes and in May I was able to scoop up several tops, pants, and capris which made me giddy with delight because until then, in Canada you can choose from Addition-Elle which is overprice, Penningtons which is just plain ugly and Reitmas which is cheap and cheerful but the quality is sometimes in question. I can across Lane Bryant for the first time and found jeans that were trendy! Amazing!

A couple of weeks I went to the morning workout and commented that my goal was to look great in a pair of Lululemon pants and fit into a pair. One of the ladies there commented that I can easily fit into a pair and I was absolutely dumbfounded. Huh?!? A size 12 you say? C'mon! Darlene's butt looks great in a pair of Lululemon's but mine would look like a sack of potatoes!

Workout pants have always been a pair off the rack in the plus stores. You know the kind, ugly and elaticized! I vow NEVER to wear a waistbank with elastic again. After a fruitless clothes shopping trip in Vegas and here at home I decided to take the plunge. I called up the store and asked if they had these pants. Yes, they did.

So, off in the car to go try on THE pants. The sales person opened them up and asked me if these looked too big. No, I thought, they look too small. So, embarrassed I grabbed the pants and snuck into a fitting room next door to a girl with a tight end.

I put the pants on and you know what? My body has been changing and things are shifting.. The pants were big around the waist and I thought, "How can this be possible?!"I asked for a smaller size and they stretched with my body. So comfy.

I looked at the price tag. Ninety eight dollars. Choke. Gasp.

Before I knew it I was paying for the pants and had decided that my goal is to fit the pants perfectly. Right now, not so perfect but good enough so I can wear them to exercise and remind myself of where I want to be.

I did something today that scared me. I took a good look into the mirror wearing the "magic pants''.

Hatha I Have The Time?

Today I went into my Fit Assessment and I have to admit I was disappointed with how rushed everything was. Basically she whipped the measuring tape around some parts, hopped me up onto the scale and juggled answering the phones, signing people in and helping new members. I already knew where i was at so it was no big surprise when she told me I had lost inches and pounds.


It wasn't until later I got to talk to Candy who was there from the beginning and we talked about my results, the program and she gave me some suggestions for my training sessions to break things up. I have been concerned about my legs and knees so she suggested I do a few light stretches before I hop on the bike if I don't walk the 1.5 KM to the gym . If I walk briskly to the gym like I did today then I can go right into my routine. She suggests I stretch before I leave the gym. I realize that my weight is what's putting pressure on my legs and knees and that's why I'm at the gym. Inside I had to smirk when the other trainer told me

"I'm not going to sugar coat it for you, your knees hurt because of your weight".

In 11 days since my 30 day measurement, I have lost an additional :

2 inches off my upper arms
.5 off of my neck
1 inch off my diaphragm

Whoo! Whoo! Yay, me!

All other measurements are the same and weight wise. The time of the cycle so we will see how things go and I am going to focus on more veggies. I am going to increase weights on my leg exercises, focus on abs and take some of the Hatha Yoga Classes that are available. A good idea is to record every time I go to the gym, cleanse and any other notes I need to record on a calendar. Until now I haven't used anything other then the blog or writing a few notes in my Isagenix System Guide which I received when I first began Isagenix. I also need to plan the days I will go to the gym with my schedule and be accountable.

I am feeling great and even though the weight isn't pouring off me like other people I am determined to do this successfully and incorporate exercise into my lifestyle.

Remember, every BODY is different so don't compare yourself to anyone!

Milestones.

Part of my reason for blogging this is that

if you don't keep track of where you were then how will you know how far you have come ?

I looked at my chart while I was at the workout today and I have been officially exercising for two months! My Isagenix Anniversary was one month on August 8 and the gym was two months Anniversary on June 7th!

I am going for my evaluation this Tuesday at 9:30 AM for my fitness assessment and evaluation. This will check my BMI, weight, measurements, etc. Of course I have an idea about that!


What did I learn today?

Pick a cooler time of the day to walk then at 2:45 PM on a hot sumer day when the temperature is 28 plus degrees! The brisk walk to and from the gym is 3 KMS. Holy crap did I sweat. I learned also the benefits of Want More Energy? mixed with water. Lemon lime and refreshing to restore the body!

The last time I was at the gym was two weeks ago! Not great... I paid for it. I had cramps in my abs big time and quads were really tight.

I have to pay more attention to my stretching before I exercise and its something I should do daily! I need to stretch my quads so one of the trainers showed me a few stretches I can do at home. That might make it easier on my knees.

I'm also impressed. Over the last month, I am able to lift double the weights I could in the beginning. This is amazing!!! That's called personal best, now isn't it?? !

Have to run, off to go get my Ionix Supreme from UPS. Oh how I've missed thee!!

30 Day Meaurements and Weigh In.

After using the 30 day Cleansing and Fat Burning System by Isagenix, I have lost:

18 Inches!


That came from my chest, (largest change) diaphragm, waist, buttocks (second largest change), thighs, calves, knees. I actually gained one inch in each of my upper arms. Remember, I have been exercising at the gym as well since the middle of June so of course this is changing my body as well.


I have released 15 pounds of fat! ~That my friends is the most I have managed to get off since I had Gallbladder surgery 2+ years ago! I didn't need to step on the scale to have it tell me the numbers. I could tell from how my clothes were fitting and when it got time to use a safety pin to hold up pants that I wore everyday to work, I knew something was happening!
I feel great with that. It is a comfortable level for me and not too radical that its an unhealthy amount of weight to lose in 30 days. I noticed the weight came off in the first 10 days and then evened out midway through and then dropped off towards the end of the month. Now that I've been on the program for a month, I have now more knowledge about the program and how my body is working.

Portion control is a big thing for me. I will not weigh the food or count the calories but I can live with eating 1/2 cup - 1 cup of rice instead of 2 cups! Same with pasta. I also have to remember to get the greens in on a daily basis. Veggies aren't as hard for me. I can thrown them in salads, etc.. If you have been reading my blog, you will notice that I had a rough time going with parties and such. I've been figuring out how to eat healthier and make those times more manageable.
How do I feel? Health wise and Emotionally?

Joint pains have lessened. Skin is not as dry and any dry patches have cleared. Other then minor bouts of allergies from construction going on, I have not had problems breathing and have not had problems with wheezing while exercising. I have been monitoring my blood pressure and that has lowered. I sleep better and wake up rested. I am not as agitated and can handle pressures more easily. I have more of a social life and have been doing things I normally wouldn't have. I am putting myself out there more..


How did my 30 day kit last? Everything will hold out until the auto ship arrives except for the Ionix Supreme. Remember, I was doubling to 2 oz. instead of 1 oz. and gobbling too many Isadelight chocolates down. Now, I take them on cleanse day or as a treat. My current box is lasting me.

Yes, I will continue with Isagenix to reach my goal weight and I am happy with my results so far!

People are starting to ask me what I am doing to lose the weight and its really starting to show. This is only the beginning of my transformation.

Sleep and Isagenix

Advice for anyone using Isagenix. Make sure that during your cleanse days and after your cleanse days that you get enough sleep. Right now, I've just gotten up and its now the second day after the cleanse. Five hours last night was not enough. Also, do not take your accelerator after 3 PM or else you will not be getting the rest you need. I did that once and I was wired. :-)

Quite a few people say that once they have tried Isagenix, they have wonderful sleep. I agree! I have had the best sleep that I've had in years! My husband has also commented that my snoring has decreased.

OSC

PS Weight is shifting. I'm doing the happy dance. You can't see me, but I am!! :-)

Isagenix Day One.

Yesterday I picked up my 30 Day Cleanse from my cleansing coach and became an associate for Isagenix! I'm excited, anxious and scared!


Last night I didn't eat dinner, I immediately went onto my first shake. I got hungry in the evening so I baked a sweet potato and tried one of the snacks. Not a snack I'm used to! It reminded me of a scene from Logan's Run when they ate encapsulated food! Very odd. I'm used to food and lots of it!




Here are my beginning pictures, July 11, 2008. Excuse the outfit, it was my workout gear and I was on my way out to the gym...

Total Inches: 427
Pounds: 245

If I am going to get serious, these pictures will remind me where I began and where I want to go with regards to better health.

For breakfast, I had a Chocolate Shake, Accelerator and Ionix Supreme. Less then one hour I had a complete flush and it was like Draino in the bathroom. I was hungry so mid morning I had a boiled egg. Lunch was another chocolate shake and an accelerator. Around 3 I was hungry so I ate four snacks, 5 almonds and one of the Isa chocolates. Then, around 5 PM I thought that making hummous would be a good idea so I made homemade hummous and had some cucumbers. Before I knew it, I had eaten all the hummous. Well, it could have been much worse I suppose. For dinner I will have a green salad with lemon juice, small BBQ steak and brown rice with veggies. Throughout the day I drank 3 liters of water. Tonight, I will take my Isaflush before going to bed.

Pangs of hunger carries throughout the day. I thought of food often and tried to be positive. I think it was because I was at home and had more time to think about it. Tomorrow, I will make my shake and eat a sensible lunch. We are going out for dinner for a friend's birthday so it will be a one shake day and I will have no alcohol. I will have my snacks, almonds and one chocolate with me to help me along the way.

I have not told anyone other then my immediate support group I am doing this because it is too early on to be put under the microscope. I want results first..

Water. My goal 120 Ounces Per Day!

My goal is 120 ounces of water each day. My guideline is to drink half of my body weight in water. That's 15 eight ounces glasses of water a day, folks!


Food Journalling has been great in the fact that it made me accountable as to what I was eating and posting it so everyone could read what I ate but... it wasn't giving me the results I was looking for. I realize that I am not consuming enough water. Not near enough! This is causing me to become dehydrated which equals in fatigue, bloating, increased hunger and constipation. Yeah, not being bloated and pooping regularily is a GOOD thing~

So, I've decieded that I'm going to log what I am drinking. Ie, water. I've eliminated coffee from my plan. Its very challenging though because Roll Up The Rim is on at Tim Horton's and I'm feeling fatigued so coffee from Timmy's would help both right now. However, I realize that will NOT help my plan or help me in losing weight.

What do you do to remind yourself to drink your water? Is it challenging for you? I'm looking for tips right now..

Day One: 12 Glasses. Folks, that's a LOT of water. Stay tuned for more details.

Jan. 30th, 2008 Food Diary.

5:30 Am Not feeling great. Restless sleep because of congestion in chest. Went back to sleep after taking a teaspoon on cough syrup. Taking it wasn't my plan but it gave me comfort to get some rest. Cough is really loud and rattles in my chest. My ribs hurt from coughing.

11:00 AM Phone rang, got up. 3 Eggs scrambled in light coconut oil and curry. 5 Quinary and cup of Calli Tea. Cough is under control for the moment. I need to get better so I can return to work tomorrow.

12:00 PM First blog live today. http://http//www.formerfatguyblog.com/2008/01/30/pimp-my-diet-please.html

((Inner Voice. Psst. I haven't told anyone yet but weight is shifting))

12:30 PM Green Salad. 3 Handfuls of Mixed Greens, 2 Tbsp. of Oriental Dressing, 1 Tablespoons each of Sunflower, Pumpkin and Hemp Heart seeds. 2 Large glasses of water.

2:30 Pm 2 Spelt Wraps with 2 Veggie Patties.

6:30 PM 1 Chicken Breast. 5 Quinary. 2 Cups of Spaghetti Squash with tomato sauce, mushrooms and spinach. 2 Cups of tea and water..

Went to bed at 9 PM.