It's your story. Be Fabulous

So it's January, 2016.  I hope you fabulous people didn't do the same resolutions that didn't work last year. Or make ones that are impossible to reach.

Last year, my resolution was to learn another language because I figured I had the food thing down. I jumped in both feet and worked hard at it. I took classes, bought books and I was going to conquer this. However, life gets in the way and I had to put it on the shelf to study for a work thing. Exceptionally boring stuff I might add.  I'll get back to it this year.

This year my goal or resolution was simple. I wanted to lose 20 lbs to get my eating back on track. All the summer craft beers and margaritas can catch up with you.  Healthy eating and movement have always front and center but something about the end of the year that makes it so final.  A new year makes it feel like it's a free pass to start over and be great at it. I'm working on with some gal pals that have the same mission. When you can network, you have power to get thought situations to vent about and to celebrate victories and there is success in numbers.

Make this year all about you. As I get older it's about pampering yourself a little more, be with loved ones and enjoy life. Over this past year I've met some wonderful people that I now consider friends. New relationships and new ideas have blossomed. In 2015, I took a belly dancing,a burlesque class and I learned yoga.  I accomplished more in 2015 but these ones were memorable moments.

Pole dancing popped up in conversations recently, but that one is on hold. Not sure about that one. I can see myself sliding down a pole flat on my face. My point is try something new. Take a dance class, join a team, yoga or get a dog or cat.

So far January 2016 is working out for me and my food plan. Using hCG Activator I'm down 10 lbs and feeling great.  I keep my self accountable with my chalk  board cupboard doors. I get excited to cross of each day.

Whatever big or small just do something that you can call your own and be fabulous about it.

It's been a week

It's my first week on hCG Activator and I've lost 6 lbs in 3 days. I put together a 6 week challenge of a consistent exercise and an eating plan. I've cleared my calendar so nothing is to get in my way.  I've taken the time to set this up, but what really put me over the edge was my waist measurement. I gained 3 inches around my middle.  I thought I was going to lose my mind. I knew my pants were getting tight and I would try on 12 tops before settling for the one that hid the muffin top the most. I don't even like muffins!

I know you gain weight rather slowly but you always seem to justify it until something happens and BOOM where that 20 lbs come from? Time to reel it in.

My first experience with hCG Activator I lost over 60 lbs in 2010. I know the plan works, and as a creature of habit I will do what works for me again. I have been so unsuccessful in the past  with my weight control that I did not want that frustration again. Plus, the food plan makes perfect sense. It's full of energy and it makes me feel good. It's all fresh wholesome foods how can you go wrong?

My opinion is that processed food companies want you to buy their crap. Yes, it's all crap. if you want to eat right, pretend you are eating like your grandparents or great grandparents. They didn't run out to a fast food joint or open a box or eat a cereal bar. Okay, maybe a little of my consumerism came out there but you get my point.

This year is a bit different, I have a lot of friends and co - workers that really want to make positive change too. So, we all jumped on the band wagon and are positively reinforcing each other.

It's nice to know that you're not alone in wanting to better yourself. Facebook maybe full of crap, but having online friends that share positive words help motivate and send good vibes. Heck, we share recipes, suggestions, questions and stupid memes.

With all my success in the past I was asked to do an ad in a GNC magazine for hCG. I did this  photo back in 2011 and I can honestly say it's not altered. I have the original photo in file. It just looks weird cut and pasted. But this helps remind me of what I need to do.

Along with my food program I have incorporated Hot Yoga a few days per week. I'm not totally busting my ass, but Hot Yoga is no walk in the park, and its great workout Mentally as well. Plus, a few of gals are doing a monthly physical challenge to keep us on task.

I'm on a a restrictive meal plan of lean meats and veggies but yoga allows me to stay active and strong. Its' a win win combination.

Moving forward, its only begun!

WTF?? Welcome 2016

Ok, I'm back.........
I would be perfectly happy with doing a blog all day long but it doesn't pay the bills... just yet.

I've apparently taken off a year (by the looks of my last blog post) from this form of expression, and now realize that it was a mistake. I love my family to death and would kill anyone that harmed them, But, as women we tend to forget about ourselves and this blog is my way of making sure I'm OK.
I have high hopes for the next decade of my life and I need to get started ASAP. Never to late to start right?


Its a constant battle,  but, I have maintained my weight loss decently considering I've only gained about 10 lbs in the last 4 years. But, more of a surprise is that I've gained 3 inches to my waist line.  WTF? The unexplained muffin top is now explained and I need to do something about. I plan on getting  my ass back in gear and pay better attention to me.

I did do a couple fun things in 2015 though. I took up Hot Yoga (more later, its awesome) and I joined a couple new online groups that I'm allowed to laugh, cry, and share anything I want. It's a nice outlet to be able to talk about whatever in a group of total strangers that probably could care less. But, it feels good to say nice things to people even if its posting a smiley face.

Anyway, I'm gearing up for a 6 week program using my old faithful hCG Activator to help me get back to my MILF status. Got clothes to fit back into minus the muffin top.

I have so much to share but in due time..

Discipline

10 days in on my food plan with HCG Activator and I've lost only 4lbs. The vodka was probably not my best idea but, I have to admit  this is more difficult to do than in the past. I'm sure its because I worked so hard at losing 80 lbs that It's really hard to get back on the wagon and handle restriction. I have a stubborn 15 lbs that needs to come off and its a slow process.  Fighting the aging process is no walk in the park either. To be totally honest I'm 98 % with the plan.  I'm not eating bad stuff but maybe a mouthful of peanut butter here or an extra tomato there or a bite of sauce on a piece of chicken which was probably more chicken that I was suppose to have. I know this program works, I just have to be honest with myself.

Plan for Success

I just came back from a week long conference for work. Very enjoyable, great food, friends and business. They had a expo of samples and expos are a weaknesses for me. I'm one of those people that if its free, I take if and figure out what to do with it later. Its like Christmas watching my kids (and husband) riffle through it. I brought back a lot of food goodies for quick snacks

See what I'm talking about? Lots of little things that are great for lunches and snacking but not so good when I'm on a food plan.
Now, I do have pretty good discipline and have learned to make good decisions but, every now and then you just get a hankering for something and you have to learn to walk away. Over the last couple of years I did gain a little weight back. I used my work conference as a way of getting it all out of my system. I now can put all my energy on the next 6 weeks and focus. My goal is to lose 20 pounds! I planned, plotted  for 3 weeks and today is my first day on my HCG Activator program. My first order of business is to hide all this booty so it doesn't find my booty. Second order is to hit the grocery store for all the food on the plan to avoid deviation.

And the rest goes something like this.
1. Start my journal
2. Record my weight and measurements (pictures of needed)
3. Add in moderate exercise. I'm on a low calorie plan which means I don't want to beat myself up.
4. Begin my accountability: My blog and facebook. The trick is to NOT to keep it a secret. Let your friends and family help you. They only want the best for you.
Follow my on the ups and downs of what it takes to lose weight and all the dirty details. I know it's not going to a piece of cake, (ok, bad pun) but, I do know that if I don't plan I will  fail.

Kitchen Cupboard

My timeline is written in my kitchen for all the world to see, in Chalk. I plan to cross off each day. This is my accountability, What's yours?

Time to take the comforter off.

This winter was hard, or at least it really felt like it. It finally appears to be spring now and I'm ready to cast aside the tights boots and dark sweaters. As I look at all my colorful spring clothes I begin to wonder.... will I fit into them? Panic sets in.  I dove in and pulled stuff out like it was sale rack. I tossed clothes on the bed to re-antiquate myself with my wardrobe. Better outcome than I thought. I did fit into most everything but, I felt like I had a coat on.

Let me better explain. I got the clothes on but I didn't feel quite right. Muffin top here, pound cake there. Yup, I had added a layer all over from the winter and my stuff was uncomfortable.  Now, I have to tell my body WINTER IS gone and its time to put together an action plan. I need to shed the comforter skin suit that I gained over the winter so I can wear my swimsuit.

I decided to do a round of HCG Activator this month to get kick start my spring/summer plan. Ive done it before and shed 62 lbs, I can do this again to take off a mediocre 15. My food plan is all prepped out for the week, I have everything prepared, my alarms are ready, water bottles filled. I have a wonderful support group of friends and family to lean on. You know, for the those days that you just can't make it without that cookie.

I have my pals at The Institution that for sure will make sure I'm getting my sweat on. So, you see I have NO excuse as to why I can't be successful with my success plan.

I got this!

New Years Resolution

I vowed that I was never going to make a New Years resolution. Feels like it's a set up for failure to me. So many people say they are going to eat healthy, move more etc.  But, its a trap and its hard to stick to it especially when it's 10 below zero and the last thing you want to do is go outside. Plus,he healthy foods you need are not available or a poor quality from some 3rd world country filled with pesticides. Get my point?

I lost my 80 lbs with better planning and better weather. I'm the kind of gal that always has to have challenges or projects to keep me moving or I get bored. Never stop moving and learning, plenty of time for sleep when your dead right?

I decided to learn Italian. Why not? it's a romance language and after all my husband is Italian and has lots of family in Italy. I have always found the country beautiful and intriguing and I hope to visit one day.

I vowed to do a little bit of work in it each day to keep myself going. First, I visited the local library for some world traveling in books and got my hands on some Language audio CD, to listen to on my commute to work. My kids think I'm nuts but they are stuck with it.

Then I downloaded as many free apps I could find and I visited the local library to get me started and I found an adult language class in my community  to take advantage of.. Even my dear husband has been supportive and bought me some books and we are attempting to learn it together. For Valentines Day he even made me a little Italian gift basket. He is so sweet to think like that.

Now, my schedule is already tight so between my food prepping fresh foods and my workouts at The Institution, I can do this.

It's Finally Here!

How's it going so far? Feel like you're not getting results? Don't feel alone, we've all been there with the bad days, and unmotivated moments.When I was on my journey I always looked for information on fitness, healthy foods and nutritious ways to stay motivated and most of all way to stay positive. Sometimes you just want to throw in the towel, but you can't. Don't give up.

I worked with Stephen Adele on this book to share my transformation story and I'm so proud. My goal is to help others that are going through what I did. This book is packed with great advice and many success stories to keep you charged and motivated.

Meet The Author- Stephen Adele

Keep it up, you CAN make a difference.

Buy the Book

It's warmer on Mars than in Michigan

I don't feel like I'm in Michigan anymore. It's -30 wind chill, my boys are on their 3 snow day, my car won't start, and we are buried under about 14 inches of snow and its too cold to go out and romp around.
So with that, what does one do with your time when you want to be nothing by lazy. Because its so cold all I want to eat is cook comfort food and keep the oven on. But, alas I'm holding pretty good on making sure I don't eat everything in the fridge. I prepped some healthy options in the house for me to eat as I'm spend time in the kitchen. I always make sure to eat first. The real trick when you are bored is to not exceed portions by snacking. If you're lazy, you need less food. I am also on my low calorie with HCG Activator right now so I have to mindful of how many calories I am eating and I need to add with I add exercise.

I have to admit that I have not worked out in the last couple days since we are not allowed to be out on the roads unless its necessary. In order to counteract, I am really limiting what I put into my mouth by drinking water and staying focused. I have a goal and I don't like to fail.

I finally dragged myself to the The Institution and boy, am I glad I did. I took a PiYo Strength class- It's a combination of yoga and strength training. You'll be amazed how much you sweat doing yoga poses and feeling your body stretch, feeling taller and straighter. It was a tricky few days but I still managed to lose 3 lbs in the wake of it all. Keep it up

Setting up a plan for 2014

I have some pretty good things happening at the end of this month and I am on a mission.

Thanks to The Institution I have definitely been moving. With all the different options in classes no way can I get bored. They have been kinda slow because of the holiday but its been a bonus for me as I get the individualized attention. Maybe that's why I can hardly walk today.....Thanks Paul and Jennifer. Anyway, it's getting my year started off right.They offer personalized training and nutritional support. And, the best part is they make you feel like family. Check it out. http://institutionfitness.com/ They much more than what I can explain here.

I would like shave off 10 to 12 lbs while I'm working out to get that cutting edge feel. So I'm doing a double whammy with workouts and food plan.I decided to jump back on a round of hCG Activator for this month and see if I can rock this out. I lost a  over 60lbs with this eating program and I feel good about using it again. You know, if you ever want to see me in action I'm a success coach for this product on FaceBook.  https://www.facebook.com/HCGactivator Meet the whole community and see for yourself how this works.

Its 2014 Give it all you got!

Holiday trouble?

The holiday's are around the corner and you're expected to dress up, drink cocktails, and eat. How are you suppose to avoid the enviable whirlwind of food and drink over load.

When I started hCG activator over 3 years ago it was in March. I carefully mapped my spring and summer with no real big holidays, no parties and a good season for fresh veggies. I lost over 60lbs in about 6 months and that took me into September. School starts, schedules get crazy, gets cold and holiday parties.

This is the real test. My new body and how would I handle it? Will I stay at my current weight or will I fall into old habits?. I was done with my program and I was on my own. I learned what I needed to learn and now I had to put my knowledge forth and perform.

I had Thanksgiving dinner to prepare, cookies to bake, office parties, school parties, news years eve parties and champagne to drink .No wonder gyms memberships ramp up and healthy eating books fly off the shelves. We all go nutz, we binge and we suffer the consequences later.

The trick............Start early. Map out your holiday parties as best you can and know that you are going to indulge. You only live once, make the most of it but be smart about it. Don't eat like tomorrow will never come, because you will sober up and feel like jumping off a building.

Feel free to sample goodies and enjoy a glass of wine from time to time. It's called Balance.

I planned my holiday stretch to the point of ridiculous. I plotted,I planned, and I prepared. I wrote down my starting weight as I always do. I kept my journal next to my bed for daily entries about everything and anything.

Here are some strategies that might help you.

• Eat before you go to a food party. (that way you can be polite and still eat and not be piggy)
• Drink water along with your wine or cocktail. (Yes, at the same time)
• Chew gum. Probably not double bubble but something to keep your mouth busy.
• Look at least 3 days out. Plan your meals before and after the party. Good choices so you feel good emotionally and you feel good going into the party.
• Wear a sexy outfit when you strut your stuff.. If you already feel sexy, your self confidence will win and you won't want to feel pudgy in your outfit.
• Develop a routine of eating. Your body will thank you and it will control cravings.
• Don't starve your self. We all know that doesn't end well. 
• I would say exercise, but we all know that this time of year is tough, so do the best you can with that. Just survive the holiday.
• Don't be the new gal/guy in a matching jogging suit and headband fighting for the treadmill. 

GOOD LUCK!

Don't be afraid of the fat

Getting through the grilling season in the summer can be tough if you're are not prepared. How many back yard parties have you attended with all the tasty hot dogs, brats, chips and potato salad? No kidding Right!
I have found that on my new way of eating is don't be afraid of the fat. I do still try to stick to grilled chicken, fish and veggies but have no fear, eating that hot dog and brat is not the end of the world. I do however forgo the bun and chips (sometimes).

I do have a weakness for a good Hot dog but, skip the white doughy bun that looks delish around that grilled doggie.
We're all taught to eat cereal, fat free this and low-fat that, and diet soda and told to stay away from  avocados, nuts and butter. WRONG. I eat all those things now and avoid anything that is made with white flour. Pasta, breads, cereal snack bars. etc Eat out of your garden, your body will love you.

Sporting a New Body

By September 2011 I was at 186 lbs. into a size 10 and stepped up my exercise program My aches and pains went away and I was more motivated to keep going.   I loved to go shopping because now I could find things that fit without grabbing several sizes of the same thing. It was horrible shopping when I was heavy, Things didn't fit right or I had to try on multiple sizes and that would take forever. The problem I had now was I kept trying on things that were to big. That has never happened to me.
I found a new love for thrift shopping  In the past I would go into thrift shops but the bigger girl clothes were not stylish or was there a good selection. I was dropping weight so fast that I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I hit cheap stores. As a matter of fact the top in this picture I picked up from Goodwill.
My measurements from July to September were:

Waist 40.5 to 35
Hips 43 to 41
Thighs 23 to 21.5
Bust 36 to 34
It was summer and I was sporting a new body. One that I have never had before and I wasn't sure what to do. I fit into clothes off the rack and I wanted to show off all my hard work. Now to look for a 2 piece swim suit. Could I should I, HA, who cares- I'm going to do it.
I added some weights to my exercise routines but I gotta be honest. I wasn't working out that hard. I had beat myself up for so many years that I was done with the pain. I now understand that I can win this battle in the kitchen.

Over 60 total inches lost

The month of August was epic for me. I swear I would try on something too small and then a week later it would fit.  I have so many pictures of my weight loss that I had to put it all in albums. And, now I am so glad that I did it. I can look back and it makes me proud every time of  I have done for myself.
This is me at 195 lbs. I was at a new low weight and I wanted to keep going. I originally set small goals but when I blew past 200 it was game on. Not only was I losing weight I was losing inches fast. It was round this time when I had my fat dream and scared myself awake.

 Now my measurements are getting impressive
July 2010              July 28th 2011
Weight 262           Weight 195 lbs
Hips 54                Hips 43
Thigh 39.5           Thigh 23
Bust 49                Bust 36
Waist 51              Waist 40.5
That is 61.5 inches of body that is GONE.
Totally amazing how I was feeling inside and out. I was really getting into reading about health and fitness. All about how food works in the body, the advantages of eating clean. I LOVED shopping for fresh natural foods and cooking in my kitchen. I had put in a garden and we grilled everything on the grill.Loving my 40's.

hCG Activator Day One and Two

Its March 27th, 2011, My weight is 245 lbs. I had my hCG Activator from GNC  in hand and my grocery list ready for the food. I was suppose to load for 2 days? Really? I had to look at my make up for oils? I had to survive off of 500 calories a day? What was I getting myself into? M husband admitted later that he was afraid that if I couldn't eat I would kill someone. I guess I'm crabby when I'm hungry. I read read and read the instructions repeatedly, I was so worried that I would mess up for some reason. It was a very limited menu and pretty simple so my chances of screwing up was low.  I followed the instructions and I loaded for 2 days and I ate whatever I wanted. I really had a hard time eating so much as I had no appetite from the pills and I have always restricted myself from the foods that I loved and I just got used to not eating much.
By the end of the 2 days my weight climbed to 248 lbs. OMG!I was freaking out and I prayed that this program  worked.  It said in the directions that this could happen, the weight will come off. I shopped, cooked and prepped my food for the week ahead. I planned it all on my my calendar day by day, I set an alarm on my phone at 7:00 am and 3:00 pm to remind me to take my pills, I bought Vitamin D and a good Multi vitamin to make up for the lack of Dairy, I planned everything for 30 days. Every birthday party, holiday or school function. I was NOT going to have an excuse to mess this up.  And most importantly I used my www.www.fatsecret.com to record all my weight daily and my journal to write down how I was feeling, if I had any side effects or problems it would all be in my journal.

I kept this journal my by bed and the scale in the closet with a pen close by.
I absolutely positively hate this picture but it was the only one I had for a before picture. I really avoided the camera feeling so uncomfortable in my skin.  Its hard to see this again but I really wanted to show that's it possible to be successful with the right program and the right support.
What I really hate about this picture is that my son took this picture  He was 7 at the time and had to stand on a chair to take it. I felt so awful looking at it and as I looked into his eyes I wondered what he thought of me for having him take the picture. Just as my eyes filled up with tears he stepped off the chair and told me that I was a beautiful mommy. I was speechless, I gave him the biggest hug ever and said thank you dear, I love you too.
What a tough day!!!

HCG Activator- Do your homework

Its late March 2010 Not long after I was shot down with the bariatric thing  I was home watching the Dr Oz show. It was a show about something called HCG. Tom and I watched it together. My husband is so awesome for supporting me with all the stupid things that I've tried in the past. I guess its his way of watching over me so I don't do anything completely carzy. Anyway, Dr Oz  had on 6 people that had lost a significant amount of weight on this stuff   along with a restricted diet plan.. They had both pros and cons of the product but overall the reviews were good. After the show I spent some time on line to find out more about this product. It turns out that it was a shot and you had to have a doctor for it. I would have to get with my doctor and see what his thoughts were. But I never did because I had heard that insurance wouldn't cover it and the the price was something like $900. Really? no way.

A couple weeks later my husband went to GNC to get some vitamins, because we're Gold Card members and we have to go the first 10 days of the month to go to get the good deals.  Anyway, he saw a big poster advertising hCG Activator. He came home and told me about me about it and we hit the internet. We Googled hCG Activator and did our homework. It had good Reviews, not to expensive and I figured I wouldn't be out much if it didn't work. See my optimism bubbling? We got the product and sat down with the directions. I had to read them a few times because of all the things to follow with the food types and lotions. I was afraid that I would do something wrong and I really wanted this to work.

I planned out the foods and what I could eat and not eat. I looked at all my makeups and lotions as required, I looked at my calendar for holidays that I have to contend with. I surfed Facebook and found the hCG Activator site and immediately started following it, like surveillance work. I wanted to see who was on the page, was it real, were people successful. Only about 400 people were on the page at the time but I stuck it out to see what this was all about. I carefully read the side effects page and we decided that if I experienced any side effects at all  I would stop immediately. Health is my main concern, nothing is worth giving yourself a heart attack or worse.. He said he was going to watch me like a hawk and anything changed he would notice. I shopped for my specific food, got my scale out and I was ready. It felt like this was my last ditch effort to take control of my weight. This HAD to work.
LET's DO THIS.