I MADE IT HAPPEN!!

So, I was in ketosis this morning!! WOOOHOOOO!!! I am able to eat fruits and veggies again today....there is nothing like fruit let me tell you! And today, my clothes are even looser! Also, I feel I hit an accomplishment. I have felt for the longest time that I need a shirt under my regular shirt to cover the "rolls" if you will. Today, I just wore my regular shirt and for the first time in a long time I feel comfortable...now, if I have a metal button or latch I will have to wear a shirt (nikel allergy)but knowing I don't have to feels great!!!

Yesterday was hard eating nothing but protein, but I kept myself busy with work, the gym :-), and by the time I got home and fixed my turkey burger there wasn't much time left in the day before bed so it all worked out.

I feel so great, healthy, skinnier (not skinny yet), my face looks smaller, my clothes fit better...I smile more and I don't have to cover my "roll" as much as I used to.

Yay for a gallon of water a day! Yay for Lean protein! Yay for low carb, low starch veggies and fruit!! Yay for me!!!

I'M NOT IN KETOSIS

For those of you who do not know what ketosis is...let me explain.
"Ketones are produced by the liver from fatty acids, which result from the breakdown of body fat in response to the absense of glucose/sugar." (Taken from my book given to me by the weigh station.) The diet I am on requires you to be in ketosis. For the first two days of this diet I ate nothing but lean and very lean protein...that's right-No Veggies, No Fruit...nothing but protein. By eating nothing but protein and not having any carbs or sugar in your diet your body goes into "ketosis" state. At that point you can add some fruits and veggies to your diet. (We find out if we are in ketosis or not by peeing on ketostix every morning)

I checked yesterday morning...not in ketosis.

I checked this morning...not in ketosis.

The doctors have told me that you can sometimes go out of ketosis and be fine and that some people never go into ketosis but are still losing fat and inches so they assume the diet is working. I just feel more comfortable about what I am doing, since this isn't easy anyway, knowing I am in ketosis. For that reason, today is a protein only day. For breakfast I had a hard boiled egg (Very Lean protein), a piece of turkey sausage (lean protein because it is processed) and water. For lunch I am having 2 oz tuna (very lean), and 1/2 cup cottage cheese (very lean). This may sound gross to some, but to me I am okay. I don't have a problem with it; I just want to know I am losing although I have done nothing wrong.

Something good did happen this morning that made me smile. Well, my pants have been rather tight the past few weeks, loosining up as time goes, but I had this one pair that I had gotten from New York and Company that I loved. When I got them they were a bit tight, then I ate more and they got even tighter, to where I would not even wear them. This morning I decided to put them on and wouldn't you know that before long I won't even be able to wear them cause they are LOOSE!! I was able to look nice and springy today with my shirt that Michelle gave me here while back that I wore once when we went out (hadn't been able to wear it because it has been tight, today it is LOOSE!) and my NYC jeans with my little while see through shoes and of course, my tan. I feel better than ever, but I am not done yet. I am starting to worry though about my clothes...if everything starts getting to big what am I going to do?? I can't go buy a closet full of new clothes....EEK! (but I'm not complaining)

If you know anyone or if you have any springy summer clothes that you may want to give away I will gladly accept...At the start of this diet I was uncomfortable in my XL shirts and now I am into mediums feeling great. My pants were up to 14-16 and a little snug...I am not sure what size, but I do have a pair of 11's I wore over the weekend...I am so excited to see how much more weight I am going to drop...I'm loving it!!!

One more thing....I AM GETTING A MUSCLE IN MY ARMS!!!!

Blah Blah Blah

Today I feel a little blah, but that happens every once in a while...I know it will pass. I am still awake and wanting to go to the gym and all...just a little blah. I don't really have anything to talk about...I am still dieting...eating between typing this up...Chicken, broccoli and califlower...yumm!! Lots of water as usual...but I just feel blah....Later.

The Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend although it was a little cold. I was able to see my friend Christi and her two wonderful daughters. It had been since October since I had seen them so time was way overdue. The day started at a church in Roanoke watching the girls decorate cookies, make crafts, hear the story of Jesus, and hunt easter eggs. They had so much fun and it was great watching them smile. Lexi rode with me afterwards from place to place so we were able to catch up on missed times. She has gotten so big, but still so beautiful. She made me an easter bunny ornament, which was very special to me...that she thought of me; they really make me smile. Ayanna was shy at first, but warmed up after a while even to hold my hand while walking through the mall. I was able to shop around with Christi while the girls played at the play place in the mall. Being able to catch up and talk was wonderful. We used to spend so much more time together, but it is harder when you live a distance away. We will definately have to get together more.

I was able to eat lunch with them and we went to Country Cooking. It was hard to pass up the wonderful cornbread rolls and dessert, but I did it. Lexi had made me a cookie, but Christi let her know I couldn't eat it...it was thought that counted.

After spending time with them I met up with Michelle to get pedicures and our nails done. We were able to talk as well...just about life and it was good. We went to another restaurant where it is hard to pass up the good food and desserts, K and W, but we did it..Times haven't been easy lately with certain things that have gone on in both of our lives, but we talk and we don't let food, for the first time, get in our way.

I came home early this morning and have just relaxed today. It has been nice...took a nap, grocery store, a good hot shower, and a healthy dinner. I am ready to take on the week and look toward the future...I no longer dwell on the past; it's not worth it. You can't do anything for things that have happened in the past, but learn from your mistakes. God brings us through many things and we have to be happy for what He has done for us and I am. I am focused, and not worried about what tomorrow holds, yet excited for what He has in store for me.

Matthew 6:33-34
33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

ONE POUNDER

Okay, really...are you serious?!?! I worked so hard this past week by going to the gym, scarfing down that last bite of broccoli that I just can't seem to stand anymore...passing up that cheesecake at TGI Friday's....and all I lost was ONE POUND!!! Maybe that buger from last week snuck up on me after all, that burger that was probably more than that one pound I lost. And let's talk about inches....I saw that I was only down a pound so I thought, well, I must have shrunk a little...Nope...only in the BOOBS! I shrunk half an inch in the boobs but that was it...everything else stayed the same. THEN I WAS ANGRY!!! Like a raging bull on a Saturday Night Fight...I HAD to talk to the doctor...

Well, I got fussed at. I know doc this isn't going to happen overnight but from the "crying, I have to eat a hamburger" state I was in last week to yesterday, I felt I did pretty good this week. I went from wanting everything in front of me to wanting hardly nothing at all, but instead making myself eat...WHAT THE WORLD...I was reassured that sometimes this happens and next week I may drop 5lbs...it just varies, but OH was I wanting so bad to get down to the 150 range...it will happen (as long as I don't need a hamburger, and I DON'T). Also, I was told not to run, not to do weights and I was like WHAT?? I have been training myself, see, to run because in September I want to run a half marathon and now I CAN'T EVEN TRAIN! I have went from not being able to run a minute on the treadmill to running 15 minutes at a time...I have been sweating and it has felt so good!! I was upset that feeling that I did so good by eating right, running...to find out I haven't done so good..But I still feel that I did.

Well, (I say that a lot) I went to the gym after my weigh in and I set my incline to 1% (doc told me to) and set my speed at 3.5 (doc told me to) and I was walking, walking...feeling like I was doing nothing and my poor little finger just somehow raised itself up to the speed button and made it go up to 4.5....I don't know what happened?? That run did feel good though..very good!! (I am proud of you little finger)

Another day on the scale, that old dreaded thing, at least it was today.
I work so hard to please you so PLEASE TAKE MY WEIGHT AWAY!
Doc says "Do this", "Do that" and I do all that I can
But when that scale does not go down I blame it on YOUR plan..
Although your plan has put me down 10.6 in 27 days,
Okay, I take that back doc, at least your making me healthy, anyway.
I feel so full of energy, so full of life.
I'm not sleeping after I eating and my body is now taking a beating..
WE'RE BEATING IT DOWN, MAKING IT SMALLER!!
"DROP AND GIVE ME 50!" Okay, not yet...but you said once I reach my goal you will teach me how to get fit.
I am on my way doc and I'm not stopping until "The Skinny Lady" sings.
It's time for walking, eating protein, and going by the rules so MOVE OVER fat blobs on my body cause I'm working my way to FINALLY BEING COOL!

Okay...so ARE YOU PUMPED AS I AM??? Skinny is the new me!

The Food Deal

Okay, so yesterday was a great day, besides my food incidents and you know, this really doesn't help on a diet...

The day started fine and I was so excited for my haircut...Well, I had lunch and decided to eat my fruit a little late...Later, I took a bite of my apple to find a hole, no worm...I cut through the apple and found more holes and no worm...I think I ate him...GROSS!! I threw that apple away...Well, I got my haircut (as seen in the pictures), got a sticker on my car thanks to my brother and then my brother and I decided to go eat. We chose Fridays. I was excited because they had a meal I could eat...Shrimp, chicken, onions and peppers with cheese, and broccoli. I was almost finished with my meal then I pulled out a STICKER with my fork...The waitress walked by so I showed it to her. We got my meal for free, a free appitizer card and an offer for dessert, which I wanted so bad, but could not have. It was just an odd day for me and food, but I still haven't stopped this diet because of one worm (hey, it's protein) and a sticker (Made me feel special). Besides, today is weigh in day and this is just another story to tell. These are the things that make life interesting. I do have a doctor's appointment before my weigh in, but I am determined not to look at the scale because as much as I want to know, I don't want to know until my actual weigh in.

Stay posted....

It is time for some new panties...

Yes, you read the title correctly...It is time for some new panties. I have discovered this the past couple of days while being at the gym and constantly having to pull up my underpants as I am trying to do my run thing on the treadmill (and yesterday eliptical)...I guess this is the bad, but good part about losing weight; you have to spend money once you grow out of the clothes that don't fit you...I guess I could put a belt around them for now, but that might be a little strang..haha.

I have been proud of myself, as I have stated before, but there is nothing like looking in the mirror everyday seeing yourself shrink...it is kind of crazy, but so great. Things just get more exciting as they go along. I don't have any complaints and I hate when people complain all the time...I used to be that person, but I have done something about it....can I inspire everyone NOT TO COMPLAIN..wait, I'm complaining, but complaining about other people complaining doesn't really count as complaining...does it? Anywho, I am so excited about my haircut I am getting today from my wonderful hair-do, and now most inspirational, hero! She has asked me to grow this mop out and it is to the point! Tomorrow, I have a weigh in and I am so excited because I know I have done well this week with my eating and my exercising...It is going to be good. Then, this weekend...finally time for me. I am getting out of town..well, not too far, just out of Radford...getting my nails did, my toes did...and hey, I guess I can buy those new panties!

A Cold Day

The leftover chili is perfect for this cold day; you know, one of those days when you just want to snuggle up in a blanket and sleep....low on energy; a day like this would stop most, but not me.

Yesterday I was full of SO much energy. I felt like a ball bouncing all over the place and I just didn't want to stop. I got a week's worth of work done at work and was just happy to be here. I went to the gym and WORKED OUT! I did my running on the treadmill, which I am always proud of and broke a nice sweat. After I returned home (around 8) I wasn't hungry at all, but I knew I had to eat, so I did. After that I feel like someone poked a pin in me and made me flat...I was suddenly exausted! Needless to say I got a good night's sleep.

Now, if only I could take some of that energy from yesterday and use it today. The weather will not stop me though. After work, I am going to do my usual and go to the gym. I know I will feel better when I am done, besides only a couple more weeks till that walk for Breast Cancer. I want to make sure I am fit. I am starting to see some toning going on with my body and that makes me feel good. Other people are starting to notice my weight loss....I get "Wow! You are losing weight! How much have you lost?" I weigh in Thursday and this will be the 27th day on the diet. I am hopeing to move into the 150's range, but not getting my hopes up too much; that would mean 4 lbs in one week (I did 5 not too long ago). Whatever the outcome is I know I have worked hard and I know I am going to keep going for me, for my family, my friends, and for my dad who I know would be proud of me.

Life is pretty nice even on "chili" days (excuse the pun). God Bless!

From the Cookbook!!

Last night I stayed up later than usual to fix a healthy meal from a cookbook. My experiences with cooking have been just that, experiences. While growing up I never was really in the kitchen unless I was washing dishes or making my dad a birthday cake (from a box); my dad did all the cooking, I did the cleaning...that is how we worked it. When I started living on my own I soon became to realize that maybe that wasn't such a great idea, but there is nothing I can do about it but learn on my own.

Being on a diet, I soon become bored with my food choices so I have to "spice" things up a little from time to time. I got this cookbook from the Weigh Station of recipies that I can make and eat. Well, last night I decided to try my hand at some Texas Chili...I completed the task!!! Today I am enjoying my first, and very filling, bowl for lunch. I have decided that I am going to add some peppers to it when I get home today and let it simmer on the stove for a while...it could use a little more spice. I also made some dip for my fruit last night. CPT R tried it today and I got a thumbs up...WHEW!!

Usually when I look at a recipe in a cookbook I get overwhelmed and discouraged and then I just don't make anything except the same ol' same ol', but now I am changing that. I watched that show on tv about the unhealthiest place in America and some of the things on that show were startling. It is hard to believe what America has fallen into and can't seem to get themselves out of. Step by step we can make a difference. By changing my eating habits and sharing my journey to a healthy lifestyle with others I can be an inspiration and that in itself makes me feel good.

I'm still going stong (without a hamburger).. :-)

A Beautiful Day!!

The past couple of days have been beautiful! Such a nice start to Spring. I did go to the gym, but haven't made my way outside to do the exercising...my nose has been itching...other than that...

Last night I overcame something. I picked up the girl I am babysitting from school yesterday afternoon. Since Thursday night I have been wondering "What am I going to do about eating this weekend while I am babysitting?" Well, I packed up a few things and said I was going to continue to eat what I am supposed to eat. Last night, the girl wanted to order pizza and chicken tenders. Pizza is a weakness for me..MAJOR weakness! I decided to go ahead and fix my food while she was waiting on her pizza to be delivered so I would not be tempted. By the time I finished eating the pizza showed up smelling SOOOOOO GOOOOODDDDD!!! I wanted a piece so bad and I ALMOST caved in, but instead I grabbed my apple and kept my eye on the tv and my nose toward the apple (the smell) and I said NO to the pizza. When I woke up this morning I thought about what I had done and I was so proud of myself, still am. Today I ate a healthy breakfast, went to the gym, ate a healthy lunch and dinner and even treated myself to the apple chips at Lucie Monroe's....they are sooooo goooodddd!!

Now I am ready to settle down for the night and wake up in the morning and be proud again...Go me! I can do this!! And I will!!

God Bless everyone!!

Day 20

Well, yesterday was day 20 of my diet and I had a weigh in....I also had a little talk with one of the nurses, Judy. I had sent an e-mail to the Weigh Station about my struggles with the diet and they wanted to talk to me. I got fed an apple chip, which was OUTSTANDING!, was able to talk and get things off my chest about the diet, and find out how much I lost...drumroll please....2 POUNDS even though I had a hamburger, french fries, diet coke, and hershey pie!! Go me! I was a little worried, but I wasn't going to fret if I hadn't lost anything knowing it would have been my fault. To date I have lost a total of 9.6lbs in 20 days...pretty impressive. I am going to keep keeping on. I am happy with my progress and I see a difference in my skin and how my clothes fit. I am still eating good and getting full and I know there are other options out there for me that I just haven't found yet...in the meantime, I think I may stop by Lucie Monroe's coffee shop to pick up a bag of those wonderful apple chips made by Nurse Judy!!

Have a blessed day everyone and eat healthy!!

Sometimes you just need a hamburger...

So, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the blog thing or not, then I thought...what the hay!

So, for the past three weeks I have been on this diet. I never really knew how obsessive I was with my weight until I wanted a hamburger...okay, until I got sick (just a stomach bug). This diet is not the easiest in the world. With other diets there is room for cheating. On this one if you cheat you have to start all over...Well, I started over. I had been sick for a few days and when you are sick sometimes you need things and those things to me are food. I couldn't take it anymore!! I was tired of eating lean meat and veggies all the time and drinking nothing but water, a GALLON OF WATER A DAY!! IT WAS MAKING ME ANGRY!! So....

Well, sometimes you just need a hamburger...from Wendy's...and french fries, and a diet coke...and a stop at Burger King for the Hershey Pie....sometimes you just need that!!

I knew after this adventure with the fast food world that I didn't want to give up on my weight loss so I just started over. I had protein, nothing but protein (and a gallon of water of course) all day yesterday. Was I hungry? No, I had satisfied myself and my tummy with the fast food.

I really wasn't sure what I was getting at with this first posting of my new blog, but I think I know now and Michelle said it last night...

You control yourself and what you do. You control what goes into your body and if you choose to eat Big Macs and Chocolate shakes all the time that is on you (and believe me it will be too). There are things in your life you can control and before I went to that fast food joint I knew what I was doing....I knew this wasn't the greatest thing in the world, but it is what I wanted and it is what I got. I knew that I was going to eat protein the next day and I was fine with that..I just needed that fix. I am not angry anymore, not upset....I am satisfied.

Today I have my 4th weigh in and I know that it may not be the best this week and that is because of something I chose to do....If it is not...well....Sometimes you just need a hamburger..

God Bless!!