It's Time to lose the Guilt

Today I attended an awesome class at Metabolic. It was called It's time to lose the Guilt. It was to help us target and explore the guilt that is associated with weight loss. To help move on from any weight loss perceived failures and emotional pain that may have resulted from it.

For me this class helped me to realize that I have no reason to feel guilty for the choices that I have made to eat healthier, to lose the weight once and for all ,and to take control of my over all health. It's my opportunity to do something that it completely for me. To love myself, and take care of the body that God has given me. I'm not changing to please others, I am changing for me. Losing weight is taking care of me, embracing that I need to love me.

Recently I had an experience with a cousin who is greatly over weight. And since learning that I had made the decision to lose my weight, and be healthier. She had made some very sarcastic comments that I let really bother me to the point that I was starting to feel as though she wanted me to feel guilty for doing something that she wasn't ready to do for herself. But just in the past few weeks I have come to the realization  that I have nothing at all to feel guilty about.  My choice to lose my weight is for me, no one and nothing has anything to do with that choice, but me.  It might make others uncomfortable with their present situation, but they need to find their need to change that situation for them. No one can tell you that you need to lose weight. Just like no one can tell you what you should or shouldn't eat. If you eat something that isn't the best choice for your plan then you are the one who made that choice. It's not that you cheated on your plan.

The truth is, you can't cheat with food! it's impossible. The word cheat refers to something illegal or immoral, and food is neither of these.  You do not have some kind of moral or character defect just because you chose to eat a cookie!  As of today, completely stop using the word "cheat" when you refer to your eating plan. Instead, use the words "choose" or "choice" to describe your behavior.  Stop excusing your behavior by blaming lack of will power or discipline.  You're in charge of your own choices.  Take responsibility for the decisions you make around food, and then when you talk about your actions, describe them in ways that maintain your personal power.

One of the challenges that we have with dieting is the way that we catagorize food in the first place. For example, who decided that a carrot was good and a brownie was bad? In most cases you simply measure your dieting efforts against a list of foods that are allowed or not allowed., then chastise yourself for eating from the wrong side.  To break the habit of calling yourself good or bad, follow the same logic as your did with cheating, (you can't be good or bad with food...it's impossible!)  When you discuss your weight-loss plan, refer to your eating choices like this..."I made a good choice this morning by eating a healthy breakfast.  This afternoon, I made a poorer choice when I ate 3 brownies."  By talking about each of you actions as a choice, you can eliminate the punishing self-messages that say you were bad.  Change your vocabulary!  Getting rid of old dieting terms such as cheat, good and bad will take practice.  At first you might feel awkward, but keep at it.  By changing your language, you take back your power around food.  You also acknowledge that you are personally responsible for your decision regarding food.

Before you can take back your power from guilt, you must courageously explore and discover the specific and underlying emotions that may have been at work taking it away. This means taking responsiblilty.  It comes down to YOU and YOUR choices.

Thought that I had plateaued...

This past week I thought that I had hit a plateau. But I guess it was a short lived one. I lost another 1.5 pounds since my weigh in on tuesday. So that puts me only 4.5 pounds away from the 50 pound mark. Makes me want to work that much harder to reach it. And hopefully I can by the end of next week. Or at least by the beginning of the following. Can't believe that I have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time.


Another thing happened today during WI. My blood pressure was the absolute lowest it has ever been. 109/84. So obviously my healthy changes have made a huge difference in my health, so much so that I will never have to worry about high blood pressure, or diabetes again. Yeah! Very happy right now. Never imagined that I could change such serious health issues completely around. It will be interesting to see what the results of my liver function blood tests will show.

All of these positive changes just makes me want to work hard to achieve goal weight in January. Can't wait!

A new Adventure that was Fun....

Today was a fun and exhilarating day. I took my Niece Ashlynn and her best friend Mackenzie with me and we went Hiking. We Hiked to the top of a 614 foot waterfall. And in 90 degree weather. But even though it was quite a hike to the top. And I had to stop several times to catch my breath. It was a lot of fun. And I am really proud of myself. Because even 6 months ago, I would not have been able to do it. So I know that losing nearly 50 pounds. And eating a healthier diet, with regular exercise has helped tremendously to improve my stamina and overall health. We even talked about finding other places to hike. And I think the girls might even go with me to do the Diabetes walk on September 12th. It is so much fun to be active now. And the more things I try and do makes me just want to do more. Which is such an incredible feeling when you consider that at one time the MS had effected my legs so much that I could barely walk. And was even close to being in a wheelchair. And now I am hiking mountains. Who would have thought!




 It really was a lot of fun. I highly recommend getting out and trying new things that you maybe hadn’t done before. Because you never know you might finding something new to add to your own fitness adventures.

Looking over from the top of the Falls

Mackenzie & Ashlynn as we neared
the top of the falls.

Enjoying the water before we hiked back
down

Run for the Fallen...

This morning I decided to do Run for the Fallen. It was a Charity 5k Run/Walk to help raise money for the Gold Star Memorial to be built at Willamette National Cemetary to honor the 113 Oregon service men & women who have lost their lives during the Iraq/Afghan wars.

It was Awesome and also rather emotional especially to hear from one of the mothers whose son was killed in action while overseas. But I knew that I wanted to do this not only because it would be a great workout. But because it would be one small way of paying tribute to the milltary service men and women who still serve to protect the freedoms that most of us take for granted.

So we began at just a little after 8:30 this morning and in just under an hour I crossed the finish. So for me that was amazing especially since it has been about 2 years since I had participated in any kind of fitness event.

But you know I want to do more!!! giggles. So in a few weeks I am planning to do a Diabetes walk and then Portlands race for the Cure. So it will be fun and all are great reasons to be involved. So stay tuned in the coming weeks as I share more about my fitness walks.

A Great Weigh In.....

Just got back from MRC and had another great WI. I have lost another 1.5 pounds. So that means that I only have 5.5 pounds to go to reach the 50 pound mark. But even more exciting it means that I am only 15.5 pounds away from my half way point.

I am going to work hard the next 2 weeks to make that 50 pound mark. It’s hard to imagine that just by focus and comittment to my healthier lifestyle I have done so much already. And I really cannot wait to reach my Goal weight in January. But even more, I’m looking forward to reaching the halfway point because it will be a weight that I haven’t been since shortly after graduating High School.

So my motivation and commitment is still at an all time high. I want to remain this healthier, fit person and I am not looking back. This is my year to grow and find the woman that I let get lost by blaming my weight on the MS and other health issues. No more baby! This caterpiller is becoming the Monarch butterfly that had been hiding inside. Time to spread my wings and soar!

Pretty Happy today....

This morning was a great morning. I got up and went to do my bi-weekly weigh in at MRC. And I had lost 2 more pounds since Satuday.  Yeah! So that makes 43 pounds. So only 7 more to reach a total of 50 pounds. So I should be there with in the next few weigh ins. Gonna work hard over the couple of weeks. Especially since this puts me at only 17 pounds away from my Half way point. Never imagined that this would come up already to be that close to half way. So looking forward to it. Because then there will only be another 61 left to go. And to think that when I started this I was looking at a total of 121 pounds that I wanted to lose. Now just 17 left till half way.

One way that I have been able to stay focused on the task of losing this weight once and for all is that I break it down and set mini goals of 5-10 pounds at a time. That makes it much easier and more fun to work to reach them. Besides the fact that there is the little rewards of being able to sign the boards at MRC for each 10 pounds lost. So making this something fun and easy to work towards has made it so much easier to want to work to lose the weight and keep it off for good this time. Besides the added benefits of being able to turn what have been some serious health issues completely around. I never imagined that my Neurologist would say that the MS is benign and that it will probably never be an issue for me again. What more motivation could I possible need to keep eating a very healthy balanced diet and exercise 3-5 days a week, especially if it means that I won't have the serious symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis to deal with. Life is hard enough. Besides I want to live the healthiest, best life as possible. And I am doing it now.....:-)

Begining to Realize.....

Last night I went to see the movie Eat, Pray, Love with my mom. I loved it! It really hit home for me. It made me a bit emotional too, because I think I am realizing that this journey that I am on is not just about losing weight. It's about finding myself again. It's finding balance in all aspects of my life. Which in turn is helping me to be that healthier, stronger person that I have longed to be.

When I started my plan through Metabolic to lose the weight they mentioned that it is not just about losing weight. It's healing the whole person from the inside out. And now I can see that is true. I think that it comes back the the fact that for me, I finally am listening to God with my whole heart and believing that I am a worthwhile person who derserves to be happy, and healthy and living the best life possible. And this time I am going to succeed at keeping the weight off because it's a matter of keeping all aspects of my life in balance and as long as that is happening everything else just will fall into place.

One of the biggest things that I think has helped me in being successful this time in losing the weight is the fact that I realized that I am the one that needed to start loving myself and taking control of my health. I for so long have hated being fat, and hated being unhealthy, and I would blame it on so many things instead of owning up to it that I needed to change the things that I hated. And I needed to stop blaming others and outside factors for my weight and health issues. I am the only person that can change how I feel and look. So that’s what I did. And I will never look back. That unhappy, unhealthy woman is gone for good this time.

So for me this is what is giving me the motivation and the strong will power to keep working hard and keep losing the weight and keep getting strong and healthy, so that I will not have the serious health issues hanging over my head anymore. And I can continue to enjoy life.

Another pound went Bye bye

Pretty happy now! Just got back from WI at MRC and I had lost another pound since Monday. So that makes 41 pounds total. Which means I have 9.5 to go to reach the 50 pound mark I should be able to do that by the begining of Sept. Never imagined to get this far this fast. I only have 19.5 to go to reach my halfway point. I will get there! I can see it and feel it now, I am that healthier, leaner, more fit person that I have always wanted to be and never thought that I could be and now it’s real! so looking forward to January now….giggles!

A New Milestone...

I just got back from WI at MRC. I hit a new milestone, and I cannot believe that I did it but I did. I lost another pound since Friday. So that means that I have lost a total of 40 pounds in 13 weeks. It seems like yesterday that I had started this jouney. And here I have already reached 40 pounds, 54 inches overall and have been able to change some serious health issues completely around.

In just this short amount of time I have been able to get off Blood Pressure medication, I have been able to reduce the amount of MS medication to once every other week and it has been great because I still have had no MS symptoms. I feel better and stronger than I have in at least 15 years. I am leaner and more fit even at this point. And I still have more weight to lose. So I know that by the time that I reach my goal weight in January that I am going to be a completely new person, inside and out.

I never imagined that by truly making the committment to myself to finally take charge of my health would already have such a huge impact. I can see it and feel it now. In the past when others would comment on my weight loss I never really believed that I looked better. Now I can see it and you know that also just gives me more motivation to keep living this healthier, leaner, fitter lifestyle for the rest of my life. If I can make these changes which are so simple, and it has changed my life so much. I really encourage anyone to do it too. It really can change your life for the better.

Life is Beautiful

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummningbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Getting Sooo Close now

Just got back from my WI and I am sooo close. Lost 2 pounds since Wednesday. So that means I’m one pound away from losing 40 pounds total. I will be there Monday! Hopefully even blow by it!!!

So over the next 3 days my focus is:

To drink 112 oz of water.
To go the Gym or get some kind of cardio every day.
To keep writing in my food journal as well as here in my blog.

I love how it feels to be healthy and stronger than I have been and felt in years. Just more motivation for me to stay on plan and keep living the healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life.

Lost another 1/2 pound

Just got back from WI and I lost another .5 pounds. That means I have lost 37 pounds total now. So only 3 pounds to reach that 40 pound mark. I am going to do it! I will be there by Monday! Lol

Heading to the Gym

Time to go workout....need to get back in the gym since it has been a few days. Never realized that I am craving  working out more than not Lol.

If someone asked me if I imagined that I would enjoy the gym and working out. 5 months ago I might have said no but now I look forward to it. Because I feel awesome. Never would have thought that losing nearly 40 pounds could have that effect. But it does.  And eating healthy feels incredible. Just keeps me even more motivated to keep making healthy choices and living the healthy, fit lean lifestyle.

Besides I am determined to reach the 40 pound mark by the end of this week. Because that means that I will only have 20 pounds to reach the halfway point of my overall goal. And I am going to do this.

A Day Just for You

A day of blessings filled to the brim,

a day of good things that come from Him.

A day of beauty, a day of grace...

a day of sunshine touching your face.

A day that keeps you in peace and rest,

a day that bring you all of God's best.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

5 ways to develop a Right Vision

In order to succeed at weight loss we need to have vision and focus. Here is some great information that I received during a great class at MRC so I wanted to share it with you and hopefully this can help you too to develop a right vision so that you can be successful in your weight loss journey.

1. Think and speak your reality into existence
a. Positive thoughts and words are a precursor to positive results and the good news is, YOU CAN CONTROL THEM. The question is- will you choose to? Regardless of what you say to yourself or to others, your actions will speak louder than your words… try this: Create your vision in your head. Write it down if you’d like. Carry this vision with you and assume the role “as if” you were acting out a role. Practice doing what the ideal you would do rather than what the “now” you would do. Almost magically, the “as if” you have become the “now you” and you’re no longer acting….you just are!!!


2. Manage your feelings
a. We are all emotional beings. Emotions are both positive and negative. Emotions produce feelings that aren’t always true. For example, feeling “unloved” can produce “sadness”, but that sadness doesn’t prove that you are unloved. Or, you may have eaten a carbohydrate that you’re extremely sensitive to that produced bloating. That bloating can make you “feel” like you’ve gained 20 pounds and your fear of weight regain can really play into it. One trip to the scale will prove that feeling wasn’t true at all. So don’t let your emotions manage you. You must manage your emotions. Help manage your emotions by meeting your physical needs:

Balance in nutrition will alleviate quick drops in your blood sugar (which may otherwise affect you emotionally leaving you grumpy, sad or confused)

Herb & vitamin support will ensure your physical cravings are eliminated

3. Assume the Best
Nothing ruins a good day quicker then dwelling on negative thoughts. When you get a negative thought, refuse to indulge it. Change your own mind. Decide first thing in the morning how your day is going to be and simply ” walk it out”. However your day is going, good or bad, we must of course acknowledge its reality - BUT … we can still choose to see good in it; even in the worst situations. You’ve heard the saying: “When life gives you lemons make lemonade!” Here’s another example: You go out to dinner with friends. It’d an anniversary celebration, everyone’s toasting with a glass of wine (that you’ve chosen not to have) and then they pass the desert tray your way. In the blink of an eye, old habits resume, you order and eat half of your chocolate cheesecake before you even realize it and then stop yourself! Do this: Nix the self-sabotaging guilt trip you may normally put on yourself. Instead, acknowledge and be ready to accept the consequence of your decision (it may slow your progress). Next, acknowledge that you ate only 1/2 of the cake and that in the past you would have eaten the whole piece! Take time to notice that this is an amazing achievement for you. It’s no small step, so don’t minimize it. Congratulate yourself on a job better done! Have you ever heard someone say, “Make it a great day”? This person is saying, “You choose”. So, regardless of what life gives you, it’s up to you to make some lemonade!


4. Get the Small Things Right and You Will Feel Better
a. Even if you’re not going out of the house, take a minute to fix yourself up and get dressed.
b. Go ahead, put on those perfectly matching earrings. Tweeze those brows! Clip those nose-hairs, put on some perfume or cologne. Believe it or not, these small things will alter the way you think about yourself, the way you talk to yourself and the way that you treat yourself. It may even change the way that others treat you.
c. Treat yourself to the little things that make you feel special. When’s the last time that you shut your bedroom door and told everyone that you’re off the clock for an hour? Just imagine sinking into a hot relaxing bubble bath. Your bathroom is dimly lit and scented by a few of your favorite candles! Imagine taking something that you so deserve…a little bit of time for yourself! You would give it to others that you love wouldn’t you? Now, give that same nurturing gift to yourself!

5. Be part of Something Bigger Than Yourself
a. Choose to believe that this struggle (and others from your past) may be a source of strength to others. We know that a woman with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more may reduce her life expectancy by 7 years! By choosing to lose weight, you are likely adding 5 or even 10 years to your life. That loved one, that Grandchild may need your life experience to succeed. There may be people in your life that are watching you succeed, or even watching you struggle. In either case, you may be the only glimmer of Hope that they have. At this very moment you may be imparting courage, saving a life or another person’s self esteem. Imagine that! How wonderful it can be!

RECAP:
•Think and speak your reality into existence
•Manage your feelings
•Assume the best
•Get the Small Things Right and You Will Feel Better
•Be Part of Somthing Bigger Than Yourself!

So why settle for being a firecracker …when you can be the BOMB!