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!

I'm Hangry

There are some days that I just don't feel like getting out of bed. It's a Saturday and you could care less if the world had ended sometime the night before.

I know  most of you can agree, but  then you might have a family that couldn't feed themselves without you! Feels like that anyway.

In my case, I have all boys. And yes,  I'm including my husband as one of the boys.

The rest of my family doesn't have a weight problem, BECAUSE I feed them. But, if I don't prep food they act like the 3 stooges fumbling around the kitchen.

On Sunday's me and my husband tackle the local food store and load up for the week. I work hard to prep in the early evening as much as possible so we can just grab.  Otherwise during the week, we are taxed and start making bad choices.

I can't say every Sunday is open to just prep. but we do the best we can and the majority is done.

We eat leftovers in my house period. But they don't have to be boring.  Tons of recipes on the internet that you can spice things up. Just Google it!

I try to prepare as much food items as possible to last most of the week. I'll make rice, couscous, or quinoa as a base item. Maybe cut up veggies for a quick grab and sometimes I make a couple cold salads. My husband likes cucumber salad or coleslaw so that's an easy one. I grill a whatever meat for the week, that can be used tacos, stirfrys or strips on a salad.  Sometimes we eat vegetarian, its just easier than thawing burger or something. Casseroles or crock pot dishes are an option.

I basically make about 3 days worth of meals and the rest are parted out into create your own. My goal is to not throw food away so I'm careful  to not to over shop or prep. But, that's what freezers are for.

Got bananas left over? peal, toss into a baggie and freeze for future smoothies. Same goes for al berries and fruits if they are getting to ripe.

We don't do boxed meals as a rule. Loaded with sodium and words I can't pronounce. Actually, the only boxed meals in my house might be some mac and cheese or Stove Top stuffing left over from Thanksgiving.

GET YOUR STAPLES.We always have things like bread, milk, pasta, soup etc.Good standby's in a pinch. I also stock up on fresh tomatoes, salami, cheese, peppers, pickles, olives for a quick antipasto platter. Bada Bing! That is a big favorite in my house. We're an Italian family, what can I say. Capisce?

Moral of the story is, if you want to be successful in anything you have to make to plan. If you are trying to watch what you eat, you have actually know what you're eating. When we are hangry its hard to follow the rules.

The same concept goes for shopping. Eat first so you won't be the proud owner of Aisle 4.

Summer Loving

You have to love summer with all the wonderful choices of vegetables and fruits that are around. I bought a commercial Juice press at a yard sale and have not been able to put it away. I'm buying fruits to, squeeze smash, peel and muddle. 

I recently learned how to make a Shrub. Have you ever sipped a shrub? Not a bush, but a fruit syrup, preserved with vinegar and mixed with water or alcohol to make a tangy, refreshing beverage. An old-fashioned favorite, shrubs have steadily made a comeback, especially on cocktail menus, but they aren't solely the province of mixologists. Making a shrub syrup at home is a fun way to preserve and play with seasonal fruit,  In addition to drinks, you can use the brightly flavored syrup in salad dressings, as a glaze for meats, or add a splash to homemade jam.
The word "shrub" is derived from the Arabic sharbah, which means "a drink." "Sherbet" and "syrup" also come from this Arabic root. Although drinking vinegars aren't so common today, they have a long history stretching back to the Babylonians, who added date vinegar to water to make it safe to drink, and the Romans, who mixed vinegar and water to make a beverage called posca.  

How delightful that we can have all these combinations of fruit and freshness in nice seasons. Forget the sugar chemical shit storms of diet sodas and enjoy some fresh fruit.

This is how to live large.

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!

Read All About it. DIETS SUCK

It's finally here. It's here?I've been sworn to secrecy until now. As my readers know my whole blog has been about up hill battles that I faced trying to lose weight and keep it off for good. The good, the bad and the ugly. Well, its paid off. My friend Stephen Adele explains it all and much more in this book called Diets Suck. Look closely, my picture is the smallest picture on the bottom but it's there. I'm pretty proud of Chapter Fourteen Week Five. Autographs anyone?? Little more about the book...

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In Diets Suck! (www.DietsSuckBook.com), we share an incredibly powerful, page-turning story, written narratively as a parable, based on seven very real, truly inspiring weight-loss transformation stories (losing from 50 to 113 lbs, and keeping it off for years). Inside each story, a valuable life-changing “Lesson” is delivered. As Audrey (the main character) soon learns, as those before her already have, the Seven Lessons are relatively simple, yet remarkably powerful, and if followed, will transform your body and help you regain your health and life.

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

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.

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.

Giddy

Usual trips to doctors. It was time to visit my family doctor. No one had seen me for over a year and I was 62lbs lighter from my last visit. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face to see how much I have changed  from the old me poor whoa is me crying hating the way I looked into a pretty proud hot mom. The nurse walked in and did all my numbers. check check, everything is better than normal Blood pressure 95 or 65 Yeah, Ill take it. Doctor walked in reading my chart and said what ever I was doing keep it up. I had studied up on the hcg plan and I had no problems with it. But this was the icing on the cake for me. I had my proof that I stayed healthy and lost all the weight I wanted and then some.

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!!!

Feeling Selfish

After so many foolish diets, pills, gym memberships, doctors, nutritionist, clinics, nutritional shakes, and starving myself. I was at my wits end. Or at least I thought I was. My body was breaking down physically and mentally I was a basket case.
I saw a commercial for Baratric surgery on TV and thought maybe this was a possibility. I was really nervous to call but I sucked it up and called.
It was an evening appointment and I went after work. I remember exactly what I wore that day almost 3 years ago like it was yesterday. I had been down to the clinic before when I visited the nutritionist a few months earlier. This time the room had long tables with folding chairs in a lecture setting. I was early so I could get a seat and I had no idea of what to expect. They had information  folders on the table with pens to take notes about a dozen were laid out. I was the first person in the room and I got a sudden fear. What if someone I knew came in? What would they think? As people began to make their way into the room I started to feel really foolish for this decision. It was clearly a life or death situation for these folks and I felt horrible for wasting anyone's time. One women came in a wheel chair and others had assistance and oxygen tanks.  What was I thinking, I felt so selfish. I was afraid to leave because I would get noticed so I sat quietly wishing I would vanish into the corner. I sat through the hour long presentation as the professionals talked about the different types of procedures available. It was all presented very well and the care that would be provided. At the end they had us each  figure out a BMI chart and a check list of any medical problems. High blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, etc. I filled out the chart, no blood pressure problems, no diabetes  no hypertension. All clean. When I got to the weight part I could feel my breathe getting shallower and quicker. I was 7 lbs short of the the allowable weight.  One comment sticks out in my mind. The nice lady that was helping me fill out my chart said that I was only 7 lbs short to qualify and that I needed to gain weight. I don't know if she was joking or serious but I will never forget it. I politely said thank you for you time, but no thank you, gaining weight was not an option. I quietly excused myself walked out to my car and sat there in the quiet for a few minutes, replaying the whole experience in my head.  While it was not a pleasant experience I did realize that I was not a bad off as I had worked up in my own mind. I had my health my family and friends. I was still in charge of my own destiny. I just needed to find the right combination.

I had a moment in our local grocery store the day before Easter. I had to go Easter basket shopping for my boys and this was a true test of eating clean and not falling victim to Holiday splurges.

Our store is remodeling and it's just a mess right now so all the Easter candy was on big pallets in narrow  rows by the baby stuff. Tall mounds of candy on wooden pallets line up. Must have been 10 pallets of  everything you can imagine at eye level. The choices of what you can spend your money on are overwhelming.

I paced back and forth trying to decide what candy to get for my boys without being overboard and having it lay around the house for me to snack on. I  tossed in what I thought was appropriate and moved on. I halted by a pile of assorted candies and I heard little voice in my head say Not so quietly " ya know, you could easily buy a single pack of candy, the ones that are 10 for $5.00 and eat it before you get home. No one would know." Amazing how the voices work. I hesitated, walked back and forth wondering if I should. I decided that I would finish my shopping first before I make a hasty decision on candy. I went over to the produce section for tomatoes to put on our dinner salad. They looked amazingly red and it brought back memories of eating fresh tomatoes out of the garden.  All the bright colored fruits and vegetables looked so vibrate and inviting. I grabbed a couple bunches and never went back to the candy aisle but directly to the checkout.
As I was putting the groceries in the back of my car, I decided to enjoy one on the way home. I ate two as a matter of fact and thought for a second how I beat that little voice in my head. Much better choice.

GREAT another Obstacle!

It was was a cold winter day in Michigan but the sun was out so I though I would take my pup for a walk. Dexter my Shepard was only about 8 months old and we were putting him through basic training and as part my homework was to keep it up. I bundled up and we headed out the door. We walked about 2 miles then headed home, I was cold.  We cut through a church parking lot and hit some ice. Dexter was to the left of me when his right foreleg slide out in front of my left leg. I saw his leg cross mine and in that quick second all I could see was me stepping on his leg taking a step forward. I was afraid that I would break it. It was instant reaction to fall forward on my knees to avoid it. This all happened in an instant. 250 lbs + of me crashed straight down on  my knees on  icy pavement. I screamed  in agony as I fell over in pain and poor Dexter was freaking out. I held on to his leash and didn't let go afraid he would run off and get hit by a car. I laid on the icy pavement looking up at the sky just screaming and crying holding onto to a cowering dog that was scared holding his tail between his legs.  Both my legs felt like they were broke. I wasn't able to get up, at least not yet. Cars driving by and  NO ONE  saw me lying flat on my back with a dog attached to me. I could have been bleeding to death.  The pain was overwhelming as it was surging up my legs into my hips and back. I was trying to think how am I going to get home? I was only a block away  but I had no phone, I had to try to walk and soon because it was getting really cold and it started to snowing again.

I managed to get myself on one knee painfully as the left one was getting stiff. I could hardly bend it to get myself up. Dexter looked totally confused  and scare as I was pulling on his leash trying to use him as leverage.  My  jeans were tight,  wet and cold and  restricted my movement. I limped, and dragged myself whimpering. Seemed like it took an hour to go one block.  Poor Dexter kept looking up at me very timid and ready to run. My husband was sitting in his lazy boy working on something and didn't really say anything but hello as he walked past him directly into the bedroom. I was trying not to sob.I don't like pain and I surely don't tell anyone when I am in pain. I dropped the lease and Dexter ran into his kennel.  I left a trail of clothes all the way to the bedroom, I didn't care I wanted to die. Trying to pull off wet frozen jeans was painful. I crawled on to the bed slowly and  put a pillow under my knees. As I warmed up they started to swell  more and the pain increased, there were throbbing now.
Tom heard me whimpering and came in to see why.  My face was red, my eyes full of tears. I looked up at him and began sobbing again. My right knee grew about the size of a soccer ball instantly and was turning all kinds of colors, red, yellow, black and blue. Tom said we needed to go to urgent care right away.  He helped me put a dress on to get into the car as it was the only thing I could wear given the circumstance. I had ice bags on my knees as I hobbled to the car. After x rays it turns out that I only had badly bruised the bones on both knees but the right knee was a bit worse. I managed to bruise the tendons and the bones. I had to wear a knee braces on my right knee and crutches for about a week, I have stairs at work and it was horrible experience. I was miserable and all I could thinking about is how am I going to work out if my knees don't work. What if I have damaged them to the point of I can't workout anymore? I'm going to get fatter and fatter. I'm DOOMED! I was really feeling sorry for myself and had no idea what I was going to do.
It took a couple months for me to not feel daily pain, but the pain never really went away. Now I had another obstacle to deal with as if I didn't have enough.

Biggest Loser

Seeing myself with Gerard Butler and having my  fan picture go global I had to take the weight off. I used that experience as a motivator. I was back to journaling all my food, and activity. I walked every day dreaming about meeting Gerard Butler again.  One evening in 2010 I was flipping channels trying to ward of the evening cravings and I caught an episode of the Biggest Loser. I used to watch this show all the time and loved it. How hard the exercised, how they had meal plans to follow but the last few years was more about the drama. Who hates who, all the crying and how mean Jillian is. It was less about the food and exercise plan. I sat through the show anyway and at the end, they had a blurb about tryouts for Season 11 in Canton Michigan. Do you qualify? I thought for a second, what if? I have always dreamed what if I had the opportunity? I was getting excited and I called my brother, who is a real large guy as well. I asked him if he would like to join me. They were looking for families this season. All my family struggles with weight issues why not try this.
The first words out of my brothers mouth were HELL NO! He's a truck driver and works hard at his job and was not about to doing something crazy like this. I pleaded with him to try out with me, I called my mother in hopes that she could talk him into it. NO luck, I was on my own

I downloaded the application  for the Biggest Loser Season 11 and started to plot out my plan. The applications was over 11 pages. They wanted a lot of detail and it was quite time consuming to fill out. I was at home and I had no one to take my picture. I had my 7 year old son stand on a chair and take my picture. After multple pictures I found one that was worthy.

This picture is very hard for me to post, as it is not very flattering and it reminds me of how sad I was. You can tell by the look on my face that I wasn't very happy but they wanted the facts and I was going to give them the facts. Canton, was only about an hour away, I could make the trek and be home by dinner. I set my alarm for 4 am. The website said auditions were at 8 am. I packed a light lunch, a blanket, umbrella, coffee and a chair. The forecast was for rain that day, but at least it wasn't cold.
I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I packed the car and headed out by 5 am. No traffic, just me the radio and darkness. I had on cropped pants, flip flops and a long flowing earthy colored shirt. I wanted to look nice but needed to be comfortable too.
I got to the location and not many cars yet, that was good news. It was being hosted in a furniture store interestingly enough. I wonder how lazy boys were sold that day.
Mostly women lined up on the sidewalk running down the side of the building. I left my coffee cup behind as I wouldn't be able to take a bathroom break or I would lose my place in line. I grabbed my picnic chair, blanket, umbrella my sandwich and headed to the back of the line. Only about 30 people so far. I made my way to the end saying hello and smiling as I passed by people. It was very quiet, no one said hello back. I thought to myself this is going to be a long day if I can't talk to anyone.

Daylight broke and the misty rain stopped, hopefully the sunshine would lighten up the mood. People watching is always interesting. I saw people bring in bags and bags of fast food and coffee to their friends waiting in line. Some had big coolers of food and big thermoses of drink others had food delivered..I saw a lot of junk food and big gulps as I sat quietly and ate my apple.

The line started moving so we all gathered up our stuff and walked slowly in the front of the building. When we got inside the furniture store you could see all the lines wind around like we were waiting for a roller coaster. People passed each other in opposite directions and small chatter was beginning to start. Most of the comments were light, just conversation about the cool lamp or coffee table but it was at least talking. I was passing a very large women when she turned and looked at me and said in a rather loud tone "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? YOU'R NOT FAT!" I almost tripped and fell on a lamp shade as that comment hit me. I looked at her completely confused. I wasn't mad but more surprised and upset to hear something like that. I'm in line with a bunch of fat people and I'm getting yelled at for not being fat enough? Oh God, I need to get past this lady before she yells at me some more. Luckily, I didn't see her again as I approached the front. One of the workers for the Biggest Loser spoke up and said they are calling people in groups of 7, when you number is called go the right or left and follow the signs. My number was 5.
Me and my group of 7 waited in a hallway for about 15 minutes and then a door opened. A really  pretty girl with a name tag on smiled and waved us into a room. We all sat around a banquet table and folding chairs waiting for instructions. We were told we each had 5 minutes to share our story. One by one we each spoke as to why we though we should be chosen. We handed in our filled out application and photos and  then were escorted out the back door.
I got out to my car and thought, what just happened. All that uncomfortable waiting for half the day, being verbally yelled and it was over in 5 minutes? Needless to say I was not contacted. Congratulations to those that were.

Scrap Booking and Eating are a Dangerous Combination

When I took the BodyBugg off  it was like I put my life on hold. My weight started to creep up to 250 and plus. 2009 was just not my year, bagged it. 2010 will be better right? My husband turned me on to scrap booking with a starter kit that I got for Christmas. He knew I was down on myself and he thought it give me something to do beside moping around the house bitching and complaining about my weight.

All winter I scrapped booked, bought lots of stuff to master the craft. I found reasons to shop for the crafty items, cool bags and storage containers. I even started making holiday and birthday cards from scratch to send out to family and friends  Everyone loved them or said they did as they were original  I have to admit I was getting pretty good at the craft and have several books to show off. (Which are now stored and dusty) I went to a couple scrap booking party's and chit chatted with other mothers. Now, I don't want to offend any scrap bookers out there but its a free for all on eating when you do this hobby. I would unload my supplies and wheel everything into a school library or community center to set up. There was always a fee with these groups to help pay for the facility and food. Over flowing choices of high fat foods, high salt snack mix and desserts.  I remember one time we had chicken enchiladas and all the fixings. You can literally eat all day and  have no idea of what you are putting into you mouth. I would put on my elastic waist band pants and be gone all day eating and gluing pictures.

My weight really started to climb for a variety of reasons. I stopped exercising, I had a sit down hobby. I still didn't  eat fast food, soda or fried foods but I did eat and my will power was low and it was nothing to eat a box of crackers while scrap booking. By March I was 260lbs.

Summer of 2010 I'm sitting in my dream car. Big Black Camaro. But, no room for a car seat, and I was not feeling very sexy to drive it. You want to feel good if you are going to show off in a sports car and at that time I was in hiding as much a possible.

I felt like I had given up on life and stayed home more and more. I wouldn't go out with friends because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. I stayed home with my family and my garden. 

July 15th 2010, was a turning point in my life.For some stupid reason I weighted myself at 10:00 pm and I was 262 lb. I think I cried myself to sleep. I found a small notebook and I started recording all actives for the day including my beginning measurements and food.  I strapped on a NEW BodyBugg  renewed my membership and I was back at it determined to make a difference. Don't ask me why but I bought the new improved smaller black version of the BodyBugg. Yes, I could have used the old one but I wanted to new one to go with my new life. Only money right?

Here were my measurements:

Hips: 54"

Thighs: 29.5" 

Bust: 49" 

Belly: 51"

Biceps: 15"

I figured if some accountability and writing everything down helped I was going to do it.  I also started an online source to help keep track of my food intake. I used FatSecret it had colorful charts, graphs and a buddy system, it was really user friendly.

Every day I recorded my food, exercise and weight. I sometimes wrote down my moods or if it was a crappy day. It was all recorded in sloppy writing and barely legible but it was working and I so needed it to work. I exercised every day, mostly walking to start as my back was in bad shape. By July 22nd I lost 2 lbs. I was on a roll. WooHoo {Yea, sarcasm}

Below is an example of what my journal looked it. I have many stories to share while using this journal.

July 15th, 2010 Journal

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Learn to love an apple.

Over the last couple of years I have really learned to love apples They have been instrumental in my weighloss success. They are crisp, crunchy, sweet and filling when you are looking for a quick bite. They are so versatile and and can be added to anything. Learn to love and apple..

Back to the Grind

I hate being sick. I had been sick for about a week and couldn't exercise. I picked up a upper respiratory virus and had to wait it out. When I can't workout I get cranky. Tom is the first tell me flat out GO WORKOUT please.All talking stops and I just go. It's a great stress reliever. I have always had the workout bug my whole life, heavy or not I always did something to get my heart pounding, I had to. I have a whole workout gym and workout discs in my basement. But, of course I feel the need to leave the house to get my sweat on properly. At home I'm half assed because I have kids that want a snack, the phone rings, or the dryer buzzer goes off. As a mother you always have laundry.

I had an online coupon on Groupon for 4 weeks of  Fit Body Boot Camp. close to work and  I thought could I? http://www.fitbodybootcamp.com/mi/lansing-fitness-boot-camp/ I saw pictures of what I thought was more of a torture chamber than a class. I saw kettle bells, weights of all sizes BIG tractor tires, car tires, bags of sand, punching bags, cables, ropes, and scuffed up walls, very manly looking place. I immediately thought of the Biggest Loser Gym and wondered if Jillian or Bob were going to walk in. My first reaction was Oh dear, this is going to kill me, so I bought 8 weeks and planned it 6 weeks out so I could get myself motivated. I added it to my calendar, I talked about it on Face-Book me and Tom bought some workout clothes. I take Tom shopping with me for a couple reasons. 1.) He's an excellent shopper and 2) he makes sure I get clothes that fit. I had a habit of reaching for larger sizes before I realized that I lost weight.

My first day was here. All day at work I was was thinking about this class, I told all my friends so I couldn't back out. I was doing this. It's 4:20 I walk in the door and it smells of sweat and tears. I was greeted by Emeka, the owner.  Emeka Umeh is from from Nigeria, 6"2 and just about as wide. I knew I had just signed my death warrant.


The class is only 30 minutes of hardcore, old school exercises and  I a couple trainers  are ex military. The first week I dragged my butt to my car wondering if I was going to make it home. I sent a text to my husband after class telling him I was coming home but my arms were shaking so bad I couldn't get my words right. He sends back don't text and drive. I said I wasn't, I couldn't put my hands on the wheel to drive and I had to wait to gain some strength back. "LOL"


6 months later I'm still going to FBBC at least 5 days a week. Life is going fast and 30 minutes is all I need to. I'm happy, its pumps me up and I make better food choices. I love that each class is different and not to mention that I lost 5% body fat in 6 weeks. I can do man push-ups now.  Lets talk a little about a burpee. Not the kind that you burp when you eat but the kind that will make your whole body wake up. Imagine squatting down like a frog, jumping your legs out behind you, into a push up. Do the push up from the floor, jump your legs back into a squatting position and then burst up from a jump squat. Got that? Now do 15.