I felt as though I had really followed program through the past 2 weeks while we were moving Jack to Berkeley, but you can never be sure until that fatal time - weigh in! You could have knocked me over with a feather. I lost a little over 8 pounds in the 2-week period. I only have 8.4 pounds left to reach my goal. I am elated!
We have had such a busy summer!
What can I say? I have had so much energy since I have lost weight that I must believe we are "super human". I have filled every moment with an activity - usually involving travel of some sort. When we are not traveling for fun, we are running around for work.
I had hoped I would be on maintenance by the time we leave for Hawaii, and I was beginning to believe that was much too optimistic. However, maybe! I still have 8.4 pounds to lose before graduating to Phase 2 of the program. Phases 2 and 3 each are designed to last for 2-week periods. During that time, I gradually wean myself from the protein packets, and reintroduce some carbs back into my diet. I have mixed emotions about this - Phase 1 is so regimented that once you learn the basics, it is easy to follow. Phase 2 looks easy, too, but Phase 3 and maintenance are a little intimidating. Also, some of the protein supplements are delicious. I would just as soon have one of my protein bars as a hot fudge sundae! Never thought I would think that, much less write it down to share with all my best friends.
"It's never too late to become the person you might have been." - George Elliot
We spent last week helping Jack move from Elko, NV. to Berkeley, CA. During our time together, I was able to have him explain the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates. I have never spent much time trying to understand what effect the foods I choose have on my body. But, I have developed a sincere desire to do whatever is required to maintain the new me. He finally likened the different carbs to a stack of Legos (that I can understand). He explained that if I have one Lego, it is easy to pick it up and move it. If I put two Legos together, I have to break them apart before I can move them individually. Still not a difficult task. But, if I have 1,000 Legos - all put together - and I want to move them individually, it would take some effort to break them apart. And, that is how my body reacts to different foods. If I have to break them all apart before using them, it is much more difficult to expel them. As a result, they stay where they are and instead of being washed away, they create -- FAT!
"Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing." - William Feather
I have always wanted to wait for just the "right" time before I jump into a new project. That may be why I have put off embarking on an exercise program. I have known that we are going to be out of town in a week - or two - all summer. And, I didn't see much advantage of starting to exercise when I would have to lay off for long periods of time in the middle. Well, I have come to the conclusion that this is a cop-out. For years, I put off starting a weight loss program because Christmas was in a couple of weeks - or my birthday - or Mother's Day - or Bob's birthday - just about any activity that involved large quantities of food was an excuse not to get started. And, look where that got me!
"There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting". – Buddha
This week, I made the commitment to begin an exercise program. I have a friend who is a personal trainer for a health club. I went into the club on Monday and signed up for a year - I have almost a month before we leave for Hawaii. I am very pleased with my weight loss, and I do look a lot better than I did. So, why not go for the 'gusto'? So, stay tuned for the results to follow. And, wish me luck that I can find the same commitment for exercise that I did for the weight loss portion of the program. Until next week----
"What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination." - Zig Ziglar
I have learned to manage my life. I have learned that I - and I alone - am responsible for me. I can choose to be healthy - or I can choose sickness in both mind and body. My journey has been about so much more than simply losing weight. It has been a learning experience - in order to change, one must take a long, hard look at herself. I am constantly amazed at what I have learned about 'ME' and about those around me. Life is, indeed, GOOD!
"...I can express gratitude for the simple act of being able to breathe in and breathe out. I can move away from darkness and depression to light and hope. I can be happy with who I am, not what I should be, or what I might have been, or what someone tells me I must be. I am me, the true me; you are you, the true you - and that's good. That's beautiful. That's enough." - Janet Jackson (from her new book "True You")
If you like your progress that youve achieved with food, wait until you see what you can achieve with exercise! Be sure to include weight lifting in your regime and you'll see incredible results. I am SO impressed with your accomplishment and diligence during this journey. What an incredible feat, It's really fun to read about all of the new found energy you have and what not. Congratulations, and please update me on your exercising!! I would love to hear about it! :)
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