Moving along...

Well, when I weighed in at work Friday morning, I had some good progress on the scale. It showed an 8 lb. loss. That's great!! I was very happy. Although I know I won't lose quite as fast every week, I was still glad to see a good jump on the weight coming off.

The girls are gone this weekend and I am getting some much needed rest!! I was suppose to go weight in Friday at the center, but I tried to go shopping with Jess for a dress and then went home to rest after a long week working. Today, I truly spent most of the day in bed! As much as I miss the girls when they are gone, it's a time I can truly rest and recoup from the week.

Just keeping on the path of trying to stay on this very strict diet. I need to find some variety in the diet. I know I am eating the same things out of habit and because I'm not crazy about a lot of different things on the plan, but I need to change it up a little. Will try to go shopping Sunday! :)

Lazy Sunday

Well, today was Sunday and was actually a rather difficult day physically. Not sure why, I kind of knew the signs yesterday because I was feeling exceptionally tired but still managed to get up and run some errands in the morning anyway. This morning however, I woke up in extreme pain in my joints and muscles. I definitely knew I needed to rest today. And rest I did. The girls were great in helping with cleaning, laundry and cooking. Thankfully, we have a full pantry and frig thanks to going to the store Saturday.

I felt okay for most of the day but in the afternoon actually had some stomach issues. I won't get into details but that being said, I didn't get all my "foods" in for the day because I couldn't bear to eat heavy food in the evening. I missed out on 1/2 protein, 2 veggies and 1 milk. I managed to eat an apple and drink a QWLC supplement drink with some diet sprite.

But....I definitely won't let it get me down. I'll jump back on the program completely tomorrow! Feeling a little better this evening now that my stomach has finally stopped hurting. Not sure what's up with that but sometimes, things just happen. Keep on plugging........TTFN (ta ta for now) he he he

The "Before" picture

Well....here is my "before" picture. I'm certainly not proud of them. But it is what it is. I used a picture taken on July 18, 2009 which was Maegan's 13th Birthday and we were dressed up to go to see Phantom of the Opera. I remember being so uncomfortable going because I felt so....well...huge in that outfit. The girls actually helped me pick it out and of course said I looked good. Gotta love them!!! But I knew how I looked and it wasn't what I wanted. But did that make me take action then?? NO! Duuhhh I know my weight was the same at that point. I actually have remained around 235 for the past several months. Which on one hand, it kind of a good thing in that at least I haven't GAINED more weight.

So today is the last day of the "prep phase". I went to weigh in and have actually lost 3 1/2 # in the three day prep. Not unusual and I expected about that much. I will be glad to begin eating more regular food tomorrow. On the "prep" days, you eat eggs for breakfast, an unlimited protein (beef, chicken or fish) for lunch and dinner and unlimited raw green veggies, 2 oranges and 2 glasses of the Quick boost drink. Needless to say, I'm sick of raw green veggies and only meat!! I will be happy to be able to eat a couple of fruits and also add the supplements. The supplements are a variety of things from juices to soup, pudding, bars, and other drinks. They are actually pretty good!

So...tomorrow starts my "18" week....or 126 day journey to a new improved better healther happier "ME"!!!! :) (The prep phase didn't count in the 18 weeks)

In my next blog, I will try to talk about some of the "rewards" I have in mind for my weight loss goals.

First day of Prep for QWLC

Well, today was the first day of the "Three day preparation phase" of the Quick Weight Loss Center program. Feeling okay this evening with the exception of a slight headache. Today was actually day one of the preparation phase, two more to go on that...it's three days long. Then we'll kick into the "weight loss" phase.

They have me on an "18" week program. Supposedly I am guaranteed to lose the 60# I want to lose in 18 weeks. I am not really in that much of a hurry to lose it. I just want to stick to it long enough to go through the "stabilization" and "maintenance" phases so I can KEEP it off this time!!

Lastnight I watched the premier of the 8th season of "The Biggest Loser". As I sat and listened to the contestants, I could see so much of myself in them. The "reasons" they were overweight. "Reasons" to not lose the weight. "Reasons" to eat. I could go on and on. It made me really stop and think about why I eat, why I keep the weight on, my "excuses" for being overweight. Well.....NO MORE EXCUSES!!! There is NO good reason for me to not lose weight and start feeling better about myself!!

I could list all those reasons and such...but I want to focus on the positive.......

Reasons I SHOULD lose the weight and keep it off!! These are some of the things I listed on my QWLC "goals" when I signed up.
1. Being able to walk up the stairs of my apartment and NOT be out of breath.
2. Wearing the "cute" clothes again and liking shopping again.
3. Taking the strain off my joints and possibly helping the pain.
4. Gaining confidence to get out more and not be self conscious about my "size".
5. Being able to walk around the mall or anyplace for that matter....without getting tired or out of breath.
6. Being able to "fit" in the stadium seat at the Astros game and not have bruises on my hips the day after. (Yes...I'm totally serious!!!)
7. Improving my overall health by getting the extra weight off.

Those are a few really good reasons to lose the weight. These are the things I will focus on...on this journey.

I am involving the girls in this journey because they too need to "get healthy". We have fast food WAAAAAYYYYYY too much!!! Neither of them "need" to lose weight, but they do need to get into some healthy eating habits. They both understand my reasons for this and support me. I don't want them to think that there is an "image" they have to live up to by being skinny. That's why I stress to them that my reasons for losing this weight is for my health! I thank God that I do not have more health issues right now.

Two more days of the "preparation" phase. I'll go weigh in Friday evening and also attend a nutrition class. I've been before but it's a good refresher. So....hope to see some progress Friday as a kickstart!

Oh yeah.....I will post a "before" picture as soon as I can take one.

Are we really here again???

I can hardly believe I'm back in this place of being so much overweight. I think I have truly lost count of the times I've done a weight loss program and lost a lot of weight. My problem.......keeping it off!!

August 30, 2009....I turned 39 years old. My weight being the highest I have ever been (not pregnant) at 235#, I knew I didn't want to turn 40 a year later being overweight!! Five days after my birthday, I stepped into the Quick Weight Loss Center inquiring about a program I have done before and managed to lose 45# on, but didn't "finish" and ended up gaining the weight back (no thanks to a hysterectomy to top it off).

What's different this time? I'm older....and I hope a little wiser. I didn't join the program the day I went. I spent time thinking and praying about it. Finally, today, September 15, 2009....I decided it was time to make that change and make it PERMANENT!!!!

So now...I officially start the QWLC program on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 with a commitment to lose 60# I have committed to getting to 175# because I know in the past I was rather comfortable at that weight. However, I can always lose more should I feel my body can handle it. So I'll see how I feel at that time and go from there. Right now....the long term goal is 175#!!

Although I am using the QWLC program and weigh-ins and the counselors at the center....there is one other who I will turn to for the MOST support needed through this journey and that is God!

Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---His good, perfect and pleasing will. Romans 12:2