Week 4 Weigh In

I lost 1.5 pounds this week, bringing my total loss so far to 17.5lbs.  

I was a tiny bit disappointed, but after worrying so much earlier today, I was just happy to have a loss this week!

Since this was the end of week 4 for me, we also did my measurements. I was pleasantly surprised!  I lost 20.5 inches overall.  I lost 4 inches just in my waist!! 

I also purchased a Wii Fit today so that I can start getting SOME exercise in. I am hoping this helps with my weight loss.  

I'm going to get my husband to take another full body shot, and continue taking pics every 4 weeks.  When I get enough courage I will post them on here...... maybe when I have lost a bit more. :-)

And It All Came Crashing Down.........

Friday evening we made a spur of the moment decision to go out of town. My husband's grandmother is in a nursing home, and has not been doing well. We have been meaning to go visit for a while, but have never had the opportunity. My husband got home after 6 on Friday, and after feeding him dinner, and getting ready to take my daughter to Basketball practice, I realized since he was not working this past weekend, it might be a good opportunity to go visit. He agreed.

I called the coach to let her know that my daughter would not be at practice that night, or the game on Saturday then started throwing clothes together for everyone. I gathered up all my Medifast food to bring with me determined that I would stay On Plan all weekend.

Drinking Binge

Medifast recommends getting a minimum of 64oz of water in each day.

This has always been a struggle for me.

I know that water is reported to help with weight loss and improve your skin or complexion, and I have told myself numerous times in the past that I HAVE to start drinking water..... but, I've never been a big drinker. (and I'm not talking about alcohol).

Week 4 -

Well..... yesterday I started Week 4 of my diet.  In 7 days I will have officially beat my record of lasting on a diet without cheating. 

I'm kinda proud of myself. 

I don't want to glamorize this program, and say it has been SOOOO easy...... but.........kind of........ It has.  I don't know if it's the program so much, as my Mind Set this time.  I am DETERMINED to take control of my life, health, and happiness. 

Week 3 Weigh In -

I weighed in tonight and I have lost another 2 pounds..... making a total loss so far of 16 pounds.

When I first got on the scale it showed a 3 pound loss, but my mom couldn't remember if it was an even number or not, so I had to get back on. Then it only showed a 2 pound weight loss. So I got on the scale a third time..... still only 2 pounds.

I was a little disappointed.... I was really hoping for 3, so for it to have been at 3 then gone down to a 2lb loss was very disappointing.

But the bright side is..........
IT WAS ANOTHER LOSS!!!
WOOHOO!!!

Confession of A Food Addict -

Hi................  I'm a Food Addict............

or.....at least a recovering Food Addict.  I never thought it possible to be "addicted" to food, but.... thinking back on how I got here, it must be.  Because, really, what is an addict?  Someone habitually and compulsively repeating acts or ingesting substances involuntarily.  

A New Favorite Lean and Green Meal -

I tried Spaghetti Squash recently for the first time. My mom eats it ALL THE TIME! I was at her house, and she fixed us her favorite Lean and Green Meal she survived on nearly every day while losing her 74lbs on Medifast. 2 Garden Burger Patties and Spaghetti Squash. YUMMY!!!! My youngest and my husband really liked it as well.

I have been eating the Garden Burgers already. I REALLY like those. I tried the Boca Burgers......YUCK!!! I like the Morning Star Garden Burgers SO MUCH BETTER!!

And the Spaghetti Squash was really, really good! For preparation, cut an X into the top of the Squash. Place on a Microwave Safe Place, and Microwave for 15 minutes. Then cut the Spaghetti Squash in half, and remove the seeds. Spray with "Butter Spray" such as I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER, and sprinkle with Salt and Pepper. Easy, easy, and very delicious.

Lean and Green Meal - Eggbeaters

Yesterday I tried some Eggbeaters Eggs because I am allowed 2 cups a day for my Lean and Green Meal, and they are on the "Leanest Protiens List".   

Um.........YUM!!! 

I split the 2 cups throughout the day.   In the morning I sauteed some Baby Spinach in a small saucepan then added 1cup Eggbeaters.  For my evening meal I sauteed Baby Spinach, then added just a little bit of Yellow and Red Bell Pepper.  To top it off, I sprinkled a little bit of cheese (not much...) and it was delicious!!  I was pleasantly surprised.  I wasn't sure how the Eggbeaters would taste, but they were really, really good.  My husband tried some, and he loved them too. 

I will definitely be making these often.

Week 2 Weigh In

I weighed in last night and I had lost 2 pounds. I knew my weigh in would be on the low side because of my period. I was expecting it. But after such a big loss my first week, I have to admit it was a bit of a let down. As soon as my mom saw the number she said "Now don't get discouraged....." before I even saw the numbers. So right away, disappointment swept over me. But after getting home, I realized I really have nothing to be disappointed over! If I were on Weight Watchers, I would have been thrilled with a 2 pound weight loss.

TOM Comes For A Visit - And I Keep My Sanity

I woke Saturday morning to discover TOM came for a visit (Time Of Month), and I feared for my sanity, and the sanity of my family.  You see........ PMS, CRAVINGS FOR SWEETS, and DIETS just don't mix.  I worried I might succumb to my cravings, or worse, take out my frustrations on my family.  I warned my husband a head of time that he may be in for a rough day.  I even thought about making a sign to wear that said "WARNING: DIETING WOMAN ON HER PERIOD. APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION".  ;)    The warnings to my husband proved to be unwarranted. The "Sweets Cravings" never kicked in, which is a miracle, given my past history.  Even my feet didn't swell like they typically do.  Usually a week before and all during TOM, my feet and ankles swell up pretty bad. They Didn't!!  And the best part?

I survived the weekend remaining On Plan, and with my Sanity intact!!!

I weigh in tonight, and I'm worried that because of TOM, I may not have a weight loss this week.  I have read on the Medifast Forums, that a lot of women do not lose during their TOM, and if they do lose, it is minimal.  I'm trying to prepare myself so I will not be too disappointed at my Weigh In tonight. 

Wish Me Luck!!

Commitment and Happiness

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” - Author Unknown

I saw the above quote on a blog post today, and it really hit home.  One of the reasons why I think I have been successful so far to this weight loss program is because I am committed.  I do not accept excuses from myself anymore.

For years, I have struggled with my Weight.  I've been on diets, lifestyle changes, and times that I just didn't care enough to do anything.  I look at myself sometimes and I wonder HOW did I get here? HOW did I let myself get so out of control?

Here's How :
Next week vs. Today
I wish vs. I will
Occasionally vs. No more
Just this once  vs.  Never again
Who cares vs.  I care

The Results Are In.......

The results are in........

I went tonight for my Weigh In...........and...................

I LOST 12 POUNDS!!!! BOOYAH!!!!!!

I was SOO nervous before weighing in, and it was with great trepidation that I got onto the scale.  But I am so happy with the results!!!!

I know every week's weigh in will not be this much, but what a way to start!! 

13 more pounds and I will have it my first goal and will get my first Reward.  CAN NOT WAIT!!!!!!

How I Survived My First Week -

Today was my 8th day on Medifast.   I managed to stay OP for my first week!! Woohoo!!!!  Here are a few of the things that helped me stay that way.....

1.  Keeping my eye on the goal. Taking time every day, usually in the mornings, to imagine myself, in as much detail as possible... Thin.....healthy.....active......looking GOOD!! :)  Thinking of all the things I can do once I am at a healthy weight.  Like riding bikes with the kids,  roller skating, dressing sexy for my husband, and feeling sexy.

2.  Waiting until 9:00 to eat my first meal, then spacing my next two meals 3 hours apart.  This allows me to eat my evening meals closer together (every 2 hours) when I struggle the most with hunger.

3.  When DH eats popcorn while watching a movie, I grab a bag of Honey Mustard Pretzels.  No it doesn't taste great...... but I get to "munch" on something and not feel deprived or tempted to snag some popcorn. (as long as it is time for another Meal)

4.  Eating Pancakes in the mornings.  They are filling, so I stay full longer in between the meals.  I recently starting pouring the batter in my Waffle Maker, and I like it so much better this way.  I'm even starting to get used to the "eggy" taste.

5.  Eating a Soft Serve or drinking a Shake for my last meal of the day.  Pre-Medifast, this would have been a bowl of ice-cream, or munching on whatever baked goods or sweet snacks we had.  I SO look forward to this meal. 

6.  Reminding myself when cravings strike that by succumbing it will only be a few moments of instant gratification, followed immediately by a deep sense of guilt and regret that will linger in the form of worry until weigh in day.  But if I stay strong, and stay OP,  that craving WILL pass, the food will be there in the future, and the good feeling of staying OP will last throughout the week, making it easier to stay OP, and I will be that much closer to goal, and a healthier life.

Day Seven - I ALMOST Succumbed...

Just checking in for a quick post/update before Gregory gets back in here. We are about to watch another movie.

I am still staying OP!! Wow!! Usually by now I've already cheated a little.  Feels good to know I am staying strong. 

Today has been a GREAT day! We got SNOW!! that STUCK!!! We got outside today with the kids and played around in the snow with them.  SO MUCH FUN!!!

Goal Revision!!

I read a Blog Post today from someone on the Medifast Forum and she has 45 Pounds to lose.  She said that 45 was overwhelming to her so she is breaking it into 15 pounds 3 times.  For each 15 pounds she loses, she rewards herself.

It got me to thinking....... 156 pounds is HUGELY overwhelming.  Sooooo..... I'm breaking it into 25 pound increments, with maybe an extra small reward when I get below 200....

Starting weight 278
-25lbs =  253   Manicure and Pedicure
-25lbs =  228   Kuerig Coffee Maker
-25lbs =  203   $200 Shopping Spree
-25lbs =  178   Cannon 7D EOS SLR Digital Camera
-25lbs =  153   Hair cut, colored, and styled.
-25lbs =  128   Acrylic nails and Pedicure
-6lbs =    122 GOAL!!!!  $500 Shopping Spree!!

Day Six -

Day Six has come to an end, and I am still staying OP. 

Today was hard for me...... But only in the sense that I had trouble fitting all my meals in.  My youngest two children slept with me last night, and my daughter is a kicker.  I got kicked and punched all night long, and didn't sleep well.  As a result I did not wake up until 10:30, so by the time I got up and got everyone something to eat, then made my meal it was a little around 11:30.  (BTW - I don't know WHY I didn't think of it sooner!! I poured my pancake batter into my waffle maker and it came out great, slightly fluffy.  A lot easier and faster than cooking up the pancakes. )

Day Five -

Day 5 is here, and I have survived the week ON PLAN! Woohoo!!

Weekend is coming up and I know that will present a challenge.  The kids will be home, my husband will be home, and instead of bearing through seeing them eating 1 meal a day I can't have I will see them eating 3 meals a day plus snacks.....all of which I can't have.  Now one of those meals, I could serve them the same Lean and Green Meal I am eating, and maybe give them more options such as potatoes or something.... Wonder if my husband will be on board with that? LOL

Day Four on Medifast

Day Four is here and I'm hoping it will be better than yesterday.  So far it is not looking like it will...

Stomach cramps woke me up this morning, and not the PMS kind.  I also woke extremely thirsty, which is hilarious really, considering how much I have been drinking lately.  Headache is still there, but that is typical for me.  Migraines run in the family, and I ALWAYS have a slight headache.  Sometimes it is just worse than others... I still feel a little bit weak today, hoping that goes away after I eat my first bar.

Yesterday was the hardest day so far, but it wasn't horrible.  Yes, I was tired and sleepy all day.  Yes, I did get hungry in between meals.  Yes, I did feel temptations to eat Off Plan.  BUT, it was mild, and not anything that I couldn't handle. And honestly... I have had worse days before I started Medifast.

Day Three -

This is my third day on Medifast.  I've been able to stay completely OP so far.  Not that temptation hasn't been there, but I have not had any SERIOUS cravings yet.  I had a moment yesterday, when I was dishing out Lasagna for the kids dinner, that I thought how nice it would be to grab a plate.... but it was a fleeting thought that passed quickly.  I never gave it any serious consideration.

Yesterday morning and afternoon were great.  I wasn't really hungry.  The pancakes I had that morning really filled me up.  As evening hit, I began to get hungry and stay hungry after my bar was eaten.  But that is better than the first day, where I had a nagging hungry feeling all day long. 

Goals and Rewards!!

I have been thinking for a while now about what Goals and Rewards to set for myself. 
Small attainable goals will help me keep the incentive.  156 lbs to lose is SO daunting!! But I know I can do it.  I will work towards smaller goals, and as each one is reached, I will be that much closer to reaching my ULTIMATE Goal of 122!

Goal 1 -  Lose 14 pounds or 5%. 

Reward - Pedicure

Goal 2 - Lose 29 pounds or 10%

Reward - Keurig Coffee Maker 

Goal 3 - Lose 50 pounds

Reward - Manicure, Pedicure, and get Hair styled. (highlights?)

Goal 4 - Reach 199

Reward - $250.00 Shopping Spree

Goal 5 - Reach 150

Reward -Makeover and $500 Shopping Spree

Goal 6 - Reach 122

Reward - $1,0000 Shopping Spree! And a day at a Day Spa!

Update - Day One

It is 7:31pm and I'm hungry, despite that, I've done really well today.  I've had 5 of my 6 glasses of water (although I'm drinking diet tea instead of water, it is allowed) and for dinner I had Chicken Breast with Taco Seasoning over salad and 1tbsp of Ranch Dressing.  I've managed to stay completely On Plan (OP) today.  WOOHOO!!

I went to the MyMedifast website to log my water and food, and realized I have only had 3 of my allotted 5 Medifast meals! No wonder I'm hungry!! So in a few minutes I am going to make myself a MF Soft Serve Shake (Yum), and then I can still have another bar before going to bed.

And so it Begins........

I woke this morning smiling from ear to ear.  I felt wonderful! 

Not in an euphoric feel good kind of way, but in an INSPIRED, Determined,  

THIS IS IT!!! kind of way.....

I woke late...... 9:00am.  I took my Thyroid medicine, and had to wait 30 minutes before I could eat anything.  For my first meal I ate a Peanut Butter Crunch Bar at 9:30.  I have also been drinking Diet Citrus Green Tea.  Getting enough "Water" in is vital to success.... The Bar is rather small in size, but it does have a good flavor.  It wasn't the most filling thing, and now at 10:00 I do feel slightly hungry.  I set my alarm for 12:30, which is when I need to eat another MF Meal.  I'm trying to schedule my meals every 3 hours instead of every 2 so that I don't run out of meals too early in the day.  Evenings are usually my worst time of day....

Choices.........and New Beginnings

It is 12:23am, and I am about to turn in for the night.  I sit here on the computer, looking over the My Medifast website, drinking a Mikes Hard Black Cherry Lemonade as a last Hoorah.  It was left over from our Bonfire/Weenie Roast New Years Party. 

As I sit here, finishing this drink off, I think back on today and all the "last minute" things I have eaten, prepping for my Diet tomorrow........ or rather today, since it is after midnight......  and I am MISERABLE!  I'm stuffed!! at 12:26am, I am still feeling stuffed!  I didn't eat that much, but I did try to cram a lot into my night.  I had some Hershey's Chocolate, I had some Nachos with Avocado, and 2 Mikes. 

This miserable feeling is not a new one.  How many times over my adult life, have I felt this way?  Like a stuffed sausage.  In WHAT way is this a good feeling??  ...........  NONE!! So why have I done this to myself? Now and in the past? 

And the Nachos were not great.  The chocolate was not great.  The Mikes is not great.  

I'm so glad I have made this commitment to join Medifast, and do the program.  In just a few moments I will go lie down in bed next to my sleeping husband feeling fat and miserable.  But when I wake, I will be waking to a new life. New choices...... 

A New Me.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!!

Tomorrow I Officially begin the MF Weightloss Plan!!

I gained 3 pounds over the weekend! But after 2 parties and a last hoorah, I'm not too surprised.

I got weighed and measured today, so I know exactly what my starting point is.  I'm very excited to start the plan tomorrow, and take CONTROL of my life. 

I AM SOOOO READY!!  I look forward to seeing the changes this year is going to bring!!