Wednesday, June 6, 2012

IS IT WORTH IT?

IS IT WORTH IT? It' amazing to me how many times I have been asked the question - "Was it worth the effort?"

I almost laugh when I am confronted with a perspective dieter who wonders if it was worth it? Worth what? The cost? The sacrifice? The tradeoffs that accompany any weight loss program?

For this update, I would like to concentrate on the answers to this question. Yes, the program is costly - about $85 a week. And, with weight loss comes a new wardrobe - I was ordering new clothes every 3 - 5 weeks for almost a year. And, yes, fresh vegetables cost more than pasta and heavy sauces. However, I was no longer buying large quantities of foods that were destroying my body and my life. And, I was able to eliminate the costly prescription drugs that were draining our bank account.

"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." - Mark Twain

The sacrifice?

I had to learn to not only eat lots of vegetables, but to enjoy them. We have tried vegetables that we never heard of before this program. And, we gave up some of the staples. It was hard to realize that carrots are not allowed on this program due to the high sugar content. Corn and peas had to go. But, we replaced them with so many great vegetables and prepared them in a way that the delicate flavor of each one could be truly appreciated.

The tradeoffs?

Let me share with you the tradeoffs and you answer the question. Was it worth it? At my highest extreme, I tipped the scale at 378 pounds. My knees were shot! I suffered severe depression! I could not walk without stopping to rest every few minutes. I was convinced that nothing would help me. I felt like a complete failure. There was no reason that I could not lose those pounds that were destroying my life. When I discovered Ideal Protein, I knew that I had to at least give it a try. I started the program on August 4, 2010, weighing 350 pounds.


Uncertainty? 
I didn't know what to expect when I started the Ideal Protein weight loss program. Could I change the habits that I had developed over my lifetime?

As I went through the weeks on program, I began to notice that changes were taking place - not only in my body, but in my entire personality. I no longer was the negative person that I had become. I looked forward to each new day with enthusiasm and actually enjoyed trying new vegetables that in some cases I had never even heard of before.
Your success becomes your motivation - and motivation drives you to greater success!

The most exciting part of the journey is that I have been able to maintain my weight for the past 9 months. I have fluctuated, which is to be expected, but I now have the tools to maintain my new lifestyle. I am loving life, and the exciting new adventures waiting out there for me to discover.



"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it." - Marva Collins

2 comments:

  1. Hi Peg,

    I started the Ideal Protein program last Monday and as I was searching the web for more information about the program and success stories, I found your blog. In two days I had read it through from beginning to end.

    Your story was such an encouragement to me. I have tried again and again to loose my excess weight with very little success and was doubtful the program would work for me. I am a morbidly obese 44 with bad knees and the mobility of an 80 year old - I felt I was a lost cause. After reading your story, seeing your photos and witnessing your positive approach to the program I knew I could do it, too.

    So thank you for posting your wonderful blog on the web for strangers to stumble across. When I started last week the scale read 288 and today I weighed in at 276. My knees thank you for the encouragement, too! I'm on my way!!

    Many blessings and joy to you,
    Lanza Teague
    Kerrville, Texas

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  2. By the way, you look FANTASTIC!!!

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