Miss Me? Missing 31 pounds of Me!

Well, it's been crazy busy lately, and I've been substitute teaching the last few Mondays (finally!) including today, so it has knocked me off my blog routine. But, I couldn't stand going another week without posting an update: After 8 weeks on the program, I've lost 31 pounds! I was definitely more valiant the first four weeks than I have been the last four weeks, but I learned some good lessons and really learned a lot about myself, my motivation, my body, and my spirit... and I have to tell you, I am on track for life. I have set a short-term goal with my health coach to be down 45 pounds by Thanksgiving day, so I can enjoy a few extras with no guilt. I have no doubt that I'll reach that goal, and I'm so excited to get there! I'll try to post once a week. Even if I don't make it on Monday morning I'll try to do it on Monday afternoon rather than skipping weeks again. And I'll try to post a photo today or tomorrow... It's been a LONG time since I've put one up, and I'm kind of excited to see the transition! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Still Chugging along!

Wow. Don't mean for this to become so mundane ... but another 2 pounds down! This is so fun! I just love how I feel, and I'm starting to get excited about how I look too. Still have SO FAR to go, but I know now that I can really do it! I have never had such consistent weight-loss, and this is just going so well for me -- I can hardly believe it!!! I will definitely meet my goal of 95 pounds by June 1. I'm on track to reach it WAY before then ... but don't want to get too secure. Have to keep at it every day! Back next week with a photo update!!!

Week 5 Goes Well!

Week 5 went fine. No hiccups, no trouble really. Still probably NOT drinking as much water as I should, and drinking MORE diet soda than I should... but I'm working on it!

I lost another 4 pounds this week. That brings my total loss to 24 pounds in 5 weeks! Not 5 months, 5 weeks! Wow is that exciting! I've never lost that much before without having a baby to show for it! My energy level is really up too. I was hoping to get below 190 this week, but I missed it by a little. Next week will be the week I get there, though!

Lots of people have told me I set my goal weight way too low. I guess I didn't realize just how skinny 120 lbs. is, but I have a long way to go yet before I start to re-evaluate what my low goal should be! For now I'm leaving it where it is!

I'll be back next week . . . 185, here I come!

Back on Track!

Just a short post today to let you know that I'm back on track! I lost the pound I gained PLUS two more, so three pounds total down this week! I'm so excited and I'm feeling great! Busy, busy week, so I don't have time to do a new photo, but I think I'm going to start doing them monthly instead of weekly anyway. I probably won't ever have a week as dramatic as week one, so a monthly photo should suffice! Thanks again for your support and encouragement! Keep posting and sending me emails when you get the chance! You keep me going!

A Little Stumble, But Not A Fall... And An Invitation

Well, this was a tough week for me. I was tired and cranky... and I gained a pound. I knew I would reach a plateau, I just didn't think it would come so soon. I also know I made a couple of mistakes this week... like not drinking nearly enough water, and eating fruit (a big no no right now). So, now I've just got to keep my chin up and renew my efforts, and stick to the plan precisely. I'm also planning to add some walking and weight training this week, so I'm hoping that will kick things up again. Overall, a pretty disappointing weigh-in this morning, but I guess I have to keep in mind that I am still ahead of my goal for the third week (goal was 6 - 9 pounds, I'm at 17). Just have to be patient and consistent, and it will all come off eventually.

So many of you have asked me about the program I am using, and have expressed a desire to also lose weight and get healthy. I'm very excited about the success I've seen so far (despite my off week). So, it just so happens that my friend who introduced me to the Take Shape For Life program is going to be in Atlanta this weekend for a seminar. He has agreed to have a little informational meeting at my home Saturday night to tell anyone who is interested about the program. I'll have samples of the foods that I've been eating available for you to taste so you know what it's like. This is not a sales pitch. This is a no-pressure, no obligation, friends getting together to reach a common goal kind of situation. I just feel so pleased with this program, and I'm interested in helping others do what I'm doing. I really feel passionate about this, and I just want to share my enthusiasm. If you want to join me on my journey, just give me a call or send me an email and I'll let you know the when's and the where's!

Meanwhile, please continue to pray for me and cheer me on. This is going to be a long, difficult journey. I'm off to a decent start, but I have so far to go. Thanks for hanging in here with me.

No photo update this week for obvious reasons... but I fully expect to have an awesome new pic for the blog next Monday!

Yay Me!!!

Well, another 4 pounds and 3 inches off! I was worried this week because I couldn't "see" the big difference I was able to see last week, but this morning's weigh-in went better than I expected. I have to keep in mind that my goal is 2 - 3 pounds a week, and not worry if that is all I lose. But so far, I have been able to exceed my goal, and it feels great! We even traveled (by car) to Chicago and back this weekend for Dave's Aunt and Uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary. I didn't give in to any of the multitude of sweets and rich foods that were around, and I didn't eat any fast food on the long trip there and back! A HUGE step for me!!!

I also got a haircut earlier in the week for the trip. My hair was really getting wild and wiry! A nice haircut always gives me a boost, so I'm really glad I did it.

I have to say, I have been so touched and overwhelmed by all of your posts and emails. So many of you have brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. I can't thank you enough for your love and friendship, and for the amazing support and encouragement you've offered. Thank you so much! I hope you can hang in there with me ... I'm 18 pounds down, but I still have 77 pounds to go!!!

First Weigh-In

Wow! I lost 9 pounds my first "real" week of dieting!!! I know it won't be like this every week, but I feel so excited and pumped up! I lost 5.5 inches total in my measurements, including 3 inches off of my waist! It really shows too! I am so ready to be rid of all of this weight... I'm never going to get back to that awful place again...I will eat to live, not live to eat!