tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041929341116529942024-03-20T05:06:33.044-07:00I Can Do Hard Things "Losing weight is hard, maintaining weight is hard, being overweight is hard. Choose your hard."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-61227422272846634052017-01-26T23:54:00.000-08:002017-02-02T21:12:03.527-08:00Heart Attack/Tear in my HeartI have avoided writing about my heart attack because I didn't want to RE-LIVE the nightmare. Because it was a nightmare. It was shocking. It was traumatic. But since so many people have asked me about it (and I want to educate others on the signs) I have decided to finally do it. I'm hoping it will be therapeutic for me also...<br />
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First you need to understand some background information- From July to Oct 2016 things in my life were abnormally and extremely stressful to say the least. Without giving too many details about that I will just say that there were shocking events (cancer, suicide attempts, opposition) involving family members that broke my heart and rocked my world. I cried everyday for months and months. I am not even exaggerating. I literally cried every. single. day. I couldn't cope as well with my roles as mother and teacher and homemaker, everything was in survival mode. Not a fun way to live. I wouldn't suggest that to anyone. But it's really really REALLY hard to turn off emotions.<br />
<br />
After a VERY hard weekend and emotional breakdown we come to Weds, Oct. 5th 2016. I was at school, going about a relatively normal day, and noticed some back pain where I couldn't get comfortable sitting, standing, or walking. So I took some ibuprofen to see if it would help. The day before I had walked with a friend and thought it was hurting from that. Back pain for me is not unusual due to my weight and "blessings" in front haha. But this pain was different in that it radiated in the upper middle part. My parents called earlier and my dad asked me how I was dealing with the stress. I laughed and said, "Dad, I cry and I eat my feelings." He said, "Well you have GOT to find a different way to deal with stress!" (Yeah, no kidding, I realize it's not healthy, but I had NO idea what was coming) I kept working as late as I could before I went to pick up Chelsea from daycare. Because I'm a teacher and teachers work a crazy amount of time and NEVER feel caught up, like ever! I got my cute little nugget from daycare and started driving home when it HIT me! Like a huge wrecking ball through my chest. The pain was all through my chest, down both arms, and up into my jaw. My first thought was it's a panic attack because I had been an emotional wreck the past several months. Totally makes sense. Panic Attack. Crazy painful panic attack! I haven't had a panic attack in 15 years! I called Tom right away because he can usually talk me through it and calm me down. I could barely talk and I was crying because of the pain and I was scared. He agreed and thought it must be a panic attack. I kept repeating "I just have to get home, I just have to get home" I kept driving and talking to him (I only work a few miles from home) but looking back I really should NOT have been driving...<b> </b><br />
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<b>Lesson 1- do not drive if you think you are having a heart attack.</b><br />
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4:30 - When I got home all my kids were there, I threw my phone to Sydney and told her to talk to Tom. I went upstairs and tried to lay down for a second but the pain was too much. I asked Zack to get me some Excedrin and took 2 of those. I was pacing and crying and trying to breathe. I then called my mom on Sydney's phone and told her what was happening, she called Emma (my sister who's a Dr) on the other line while she and my dad were telling me to go to the ER.<br />
Me- "It's probably a panic attack but the pain won't stop, it hurts so bad! Why isn't the pain stopping?"<br />
Dad- "Let the paramedics decide if it's a panic attack! Call 911!" he was shouting because he was worried. :) <br />
Me- "I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do"<br />
<br />
My poor kids were just following me around, watching wide eyed and worried. Tom was already on his way home and we decided he would take me to the hospital.<br />
**** This is where you SHOULD call an ambulance**** <b> </b><br />
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<b>Lesson 2- If you think you are having a heart attack CALL 911, do not waste valuable time driving to the hospital. You need medical attention right away! Your heart is literally dying. Every second counts! </b><br />
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But in the moment none of us were thinking straight. Sydney helped me get to the van and I waited for Tom, crying, and trying to breathe. I couldn't catch my breath. I felt nauseous. It literally felt like I was having a baby out of my chest! No, It was worse! I can handle labor better than this! <br />
Zack stood on the porch watching me and waiting for Tom. It broke my heart seeing how stressed he was. The littles wanted to come with me. Tom got home super fast and we got to the ER around 5:00. They took me back right away and started tests. I just wanted the pain to stop. Everyone kept asking if I had been under a lot of stress, I would just chuckle then cry and say yes. They gave me morphine which did NOT do a thing for the pain! Stupid worthless morphine. I hate morphine. They did a chest x-ray, blood work, and EKG. Within 20 min they told me my heart was showing damage and they needed to transport me to Utah Valley because they don't take care of cardiac issues in this hospital. Now I really started to feel panic and shock. Seriously? A heart attack? No way. They gave me the miracle medicine- Nitroglycerin- wow, that stuff is amazing! It took the pain to a tolerable level. And then Heparin through an IV. Finally the pain subsided! I told the staff I actually wanted this to be a panic attack and not a heart problem. Can we go back to just a panic attack? Please? Please? Do I need to talk to my kids? My family? Am I dying? :( <br />
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5:30- They put me in the ambulance and turned the sirens on! Really? Sirens = near death. There is nothing that compares to that panic. Sheesh, my heart sank and I felt like I was going into shock. My blood pressure shot through the roof and it was already high! The EMT kept assuring me they have to turn the sirens on and I was ok. I didn't believe him. Tom had to drive separate. He said it was hard to watch. He told me it made him cry. Tom never cries. In 20 years I have NEVER seen him cry. Tear up yes, cry no. When we got to the hospital in Provo they took me to the Cardiac ICU, wait what? How serious is this??? I do not like the sound of "ICU" that's where people die.... more panic. Am I going to die? What's going on with my heart? More tears. At least the beds in ICU are totally amazing! It's like an adjustable air mattress but 100 times better! Lots of nurses and Dr's came to talk to me about what would happen next and asked me what I was doing here since I am so young. Seriously, I'm not supposed to be here, this is all a mistake, let me go home. And yes thanks, I am STILL YOUNG! They explained the procedure they would do- to go in through an artery (in my wrist or leg) to look at my heart and see what had happened. It could be a number of things, a blockage, or "broken heart syndrome", or heart disease. They didn't mention a tear. Since I was relatively stable they wouldn't do the cardiac catheterization until the next day. For the next 12+ hrs I had regular tests done every 2 hours and an echocardiogram. I couldn't eat until after the surgery. I wasn't hungry anyway. My parents came to stay with me when Tom went home to be with the kids. It was nice to not be alone. When I was alone I had time to process everything. I didn't like that. They did the cardiac catheter at 2:00pm on Thursday. I was very nervous since we still didn't know what had happened. Was it a blockage? Do I have heart disease? They keep you awake during the surgery though I was REALLY out of it. They tried going through the wrist first but said my heart was positioned different so they had to go through my leg. Lovely. That is not a fun recovery.<br />
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<b>THE DIAGNOSIS</b>- I had a tear in my LAD (left anterior descending) artery that caused a blockage. The LAD is called the "widow maker". They usually find out it was a tear <b>postmortem</b>. Wow. I am not meant to leave Earth yet. Thank Goodness! My condition is referred to as "SCAD" Sudden Coronary Arterial Dissection "SCAD is an extremely uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome with an
incidence of 0.1% among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
<b>More than 70% of the reported cases are diagnosed postmortem.</b> Typically,
SCAD involves the left coronary system (75% of all SCAD) and is usually
reported in women." My condition happens to women in their 30's-40's and can be because of stress, hormones, and genetics.<br />
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<b>Lesson 3 The signs of a heart attack- I had most of these but not all</b><br />
Back pain<br />
Severe chest pain or just pressure in chest<br />
Shortness of breath- like you just ran up a flight of stairs<br />
Pain down arms<br />
Pain in jaw and face<br />
Nauseousness, lightheadedness<br />
Stomach pain<br />
Perspiration <br />
<br />
So it's a miracle how everything happened and I'm still here. Miracle because of priesthood blessings and God's will. Miracle because of modern medicine. <br />
<br />
For more information see this link <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection/home/ovc-20243650">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection/home/ovc-20243650</a><br />
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It's a good outcome considering the alternatives-<b> </b><br />
<b>1.</b> I don't have any blockages and <b> </b><br />
<b>2.</b> I don't have heart disease...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>THE TREATMENT</b>-<br />
<b>1)</b> I get to be on heart meds for the rest of my life. And blood thinners for at least a year. Let's just say that being on blood thinners BEFORE menopause is no walk in the park. But I'm not complaining. #happytobealive Every time I ask my cardiologist something he says, "Oh yes, I forget you are younger than most of my patients and they don't have those problems..." awesome.<br />
<b>2) </b>No further surgery or stents. Time will heal my heart but I have to avoid stress and avoid strenuous exercise because it can happen again.<br />
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This can happen again???? Boo!!!! ... so how do I prevent it? Take heart meds forever AND decrease stress in my life. Oh yeah, like that's easy. Sure. MAYBE, just maybe... if I could cut out the stress of money, health, working full time, and if family members could stop breaking my heart....and if I had a house-cleaner, a cook, a therapist, and a personal assistant to help me at school...maybe, just maybe my stress would go down... :) :) <br />
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None of that is going to happen in this lifetime so how do you decrease stress in your life? Any suggestions would be welcome! I have tried really hard to get enough rest and not to take on too much. Tom has done EVERYTHING at home- cooking, cleaning, laundry. He makes me rest. The kids have also helped a lot. I try hard to not let others' bad decisions/actions/agency affect me as much. Do you understand how hard that is? That in itself is a miracle from God. I asked for His help. He gave it. I wish I had an emotion chip in my brain that I could just turn off (like Data from star trek). I am not a fan of opposition. Yes I am learning and growing and keeping my faith, but I do not like opposition. It stinks. Although it would be worse if I didn't have God in my life. I am thankful for that. He helps me get through the opposition. <br />
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All this time I was in the hospital my family, our sweet church community, and my work community took care of my kids, brought in meals, drove my kids around, and helped clean. It was amazing how well we were taken care of! Lots of people visited me in the hospital and after I was home on bed rest for 3 weeks. My whole family is SO grateful for the service that was given! What blessings! <br />
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It has taken a LONG time to get back to "normal". My new normal is an adjustment. When I first got home I could only stand for 30 seconds at a time. Now it's January and I can walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes at 2 mph. Don't laugh, I know that's only a stroll but for me and my weak heart it's a workout! As long as I keep moving forward I am happy with the progress. I wear a heart monitor to make sure my heart is not overworking. I have been going to cardiac rehab a few times per week and that has helped me SO much! I feel weird being there because everyone is 70+ yrs old, but they are all so sweet! I absolutely love my older friends! It's in Provo right next to the hospital and it's only open from 8:45-11:00 so it's hard for me to get there with teaching. But I go when I can. It's like having a personal trainer but you're all hooked up to monitors and your trainer is a nurse. If you ever have a heart issue DO the cardiac rehab! It works in multiple areas. When I first started I was so scared to exert myself in ANY way because my heart would race, I would get dizzy and light headed, and nauseous. But the comfort of knowing my heart was ok and being monitored gave me confidence. It's literally crazy how your confidence drops when you have a heart attack. It's kind of an important muscle. So to say I had some post traumatic stress is an understatement. And Tom for sure has it too, he's convinced I only have a year or two to live. I really hope he's wrong because I'm committed to be here until the second coming! Plus I am not going anywhere until my kids are all grown up! I refuse! And I hope my plan aligns with God's plan...I know I am in His hands.<br />
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Things I am doing now are paying attention to my eating patterns, trying to get movement into my day, and getting rest (physical, emotional, spiritual). I have also started going to weight watchers. Their eating plan is the SAME for a healthy heart diet! Yay! I love weight watchers! I love the meetings! Hoping to make small, permanent changes to my mindset and unhealthy relationship to food.<br />
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So now you know most of the story. The nitty gritty. Life isn't always cupcakes and rainbows. But I will never again complain about my birthdays and getting older. What a blessing it is to be here and have more time! Each day is a gift! <br />
<br />
Fun fact- when I found out it was a tear I had a song running through my head the ENTIRE time at the hospital and it will forever be my song- "Tear in my heart" by Twenty One Pilots. Thanks to my kids I love that band.<br />
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My cardiologist said something that forever changed my thinking on exercise. He said, <b>"You don't exercise to lose weight. You exercise to make your body strong and feel good."</b> I kind of knew that already but hearing it in the cardiac ICU made such an impression on me! Whenever I started an exercise program I always expect to lose weight, like immediately! And when I don't, I give up because why put in the effort if I'm not going to lose weight? Now my motivations are SO different. I do not think of weight AT ALL. Exercise is just to make me feel good and get my body (heart) strong. That Dr's statement changed my life. So little by little I am trying, I won't give up.<br />
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Now some fun pics- I don't have pictures of my littles because they were a bit traumatized seeing me in the hospital and wouldn't come too close. Chelsea was SO mad at me for being gone. Poor baby girl. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gifts from family and friends! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah surprised me and came from Idaho!! :) :) :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wrist ouchie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were so mean to me with all the pokes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My poor puffy feet but at least I had a pedicure done the week before.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel like a pharmacy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoKTeBgfcnF5_MaELsxqtkUBJk8164aBQskE7Yx19uk-xMLRbWjlTRHJgaJynX8Lh0olvWckU461pP3hN80fwYFLOKCExREdx-bePDVuSBVRdugaVgRCRkKgwitczJ6xReQ_UHhqAs58/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoKTeBgfcnF5_MaELsxqtkUBJk8164aBQskE7Yx19uk-xMLRbWjlTRHJgaJynX8Lh0olvWckU461pP3hN80fwYFLOKCExREdx-bePDVuSBVRdugaVgRCRkKgwitczJ6xReQ_UHhqAs58/s400/IMG_5837.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard being away from family so I loved when they came and snuggled with me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snap chat filters are fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney is making fun of me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKouhalG96FDYOjWC6d1wCagUFpCCTf-m155lpxRz_IsdPToapEowq-AkybanukJvqUSex51L3b6NOcYxMIrAshWW5Mz1kAE2fE0szrGIqNacBo5YLnA3b6v3XvoSKpemivm_w1QVlQQ/s1600/IMG_5859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKouhalG96FDYOjWC6d1wCagUFpCCTf-m155lpxRz_IsdPToapEowq-AkybanukJvqUSex51L3b6NOcYxMIrAshWW5Mz1kAE2fE0szrGIqNacBo5YLnA3b6v3XvoSKpemivm_w1QVlQQ/s400/IMG_5859.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsea just wanted to cuddle all the time when I got home! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzu1KUQ-FAYzrWyjHe35oSzb7w1wLeKKXmj_ghiIC_oJuxOAUMDC9VXUoXF3AYsZeuye3kUuGaZh4feLjnyNRrhYBPaxVzROF_54GnzOqgWDk7XXSGxAkzZWDr8McNztFvIbeaXo2ybA/s1600/Kung+fu+panda.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzu1KUQ-FAYzrWyjHe35oSzb7w1wLeKKXmj_ghiIC_oJuxOAUMDC9VXUoXF3AYsZeuye3kUuGaZh4feLjnyNRrhYBPaxVzROF_54GnzOqgWDk7XXSGxAkzZWDr8McNztFvIbeaXo2ybA/s400/Kung+fu+panda.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite quotes!</td></tr>
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If you made it to here I am impressed.<br />
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Take care of yourself, take care of your heart.<br />
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#heartattack #SCAD #cardiacrehab #cardiacICU #UVRMC #takecareofyourheart #heartattacksigns #happytobealive #preisthoodblessings #lds #faithheals #GodisGood #specialeducationteacher #workingmom #spedteacher #weightwatchers <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-15632605452947744202016-03-30T22:19:00.000-07:002016-04-07T05:21:25.457-07:00DecisionsI have made a decision...<br />
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I have decided to try Medifast again <b>AND</b> go to Weight Watchers meetings each week. I need to do something. I do not have $20k for surgery so this is what I have to do for now. And I realize this will be a lifelong struggle for me. I have family and friends who are on my side and are a great support. Tom is started to do this with me too, which is great! :) Even at work I have a bunch of people who want to do a support group and be a healthy, encouraging team. I am trying to psych myself up because I know how hard this is going to be...<br />
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On another note, I am going to start a war with my insurance company because I think it's disgusting and wrong that they flat out DENY anyone who needs surgery OR even any weight loss programs. There are many insurances that cover Medifast and other programs and surgeries. Mine probably doesn't because there are so many overweight teachers and they would make no profit. Why are there so many over weight teachers? Because we are stressed out times a million and work 60+ hours a week and literally have no time for ourselves! This is why we are teachers, we put others needs before our own needs. We also don't have time to eat regularly, or use the bathroom. I'll keep you posted on my progress if I make any...<br />
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It's Tuesday and <b>Day 2</b> of Medifast. The first 4-5 days are crucial and <span style="font-size: large;">the worst!</span> Detoxing from sugar and carbs really stinks (but I am keeping my diet Pepsi because come on I need some kind of treat!) Getting my body into a mild fat burning state is so hard, because the part of my brain that craves sugar starts a war, and it is a battle. It's also not the best timing to start right after Easter and birthdays, with all this chocolate and cake in the house, but I just <b>could not </b>do one more day of living this trapped, painful, depressing way. And I have got to stop making excuses and take care of me.<br />
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I definitely use food for comfort, and food to celebrate, and food when I'm bored, and food for social activities, and food for stress. It kinda sucks that I can't cut out food completely like when someone has a drug or alcohol addiction they can give it up completely and avoid situations involving it. How in the heck can I do that with food??? I cannot. My body will always need food. But what I can do is train my brain to have a healthy relationship with food and view it as fuel for my body. We all deal with issues differently and since I can't/won't self medicate with drugs and alcohol I have learned to use food. Way to go Sal. :(<br />
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I really hope I can keep this going. And I am really involving God this time because I need Him. And He can help me.<br />
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Here's how I feel seeing yummy Costco cake and Easter candy all over my house...<br />
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I am now done with <b>DAY 3</b> and so far everyone has survived. Hooray! Although I have warned my family to tread lightly around me...I am really cranky and really tired.<br />
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If I can make it through the first week I can make it all the way. :) <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-51557732436666569932016-03-22T18:40:00.001-07:002016-03-22T19:08:41.724-07:00Ok, Maybe I can't..It's now been 2 years this month since I started Medifast and lost 70 lbs! And 1 year since I transitioned to regular food. And...I gained back all my weight plus 20 lbs. I must've missed it... :(<br />
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I let myself down, I let others down, I let my family down. :(<br />
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I guess I can't do hard things, or at least I can for a while but not sustain it. :(<br />
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Why can't I get over this? I know my body is a gift from God and my Savior died for it, so why don't I take care of it???? Why is this so hard???<br />
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I think one of the problems is that I am completely overwhelmed ALL the time, no time for me, only survival. I barely take care of my home and my job. I am always last on my list. But I really am ok with that. I love taking care of my kids at home and at school. My brother recently told me I just need to eat better and exercise. He has done really well with this, he also has more time and only 2 kids. I am happy for him. Trying to do that with no time and no energy and no sleep is virtually impossible. And being a woman also doesn't help, it seems like men can just change a few things and lose weight easier than women. <br />
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So I am back to no hope. I am back to wishing for surgery...or a tape worm. Seriously though, it would save my life. I just had a visit with my Dr. and I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, decreased liver function, and a high risk for diabetes. :( And why doesn't insurance want to save my life??? Why won't they pay for weight loss surgery??? Would they rather pay for meds for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and diabetes??? Or maybe they would rather have me die??? Ugh. It's so hopeless.<br />
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I want to do Medifast again but I am so scared to fail YET AGAIN at something. It is SO hard to do. It also costs money but at the same time saves money and helps our family eat better. <br />
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I am feeling so lost and overwhelmed. I am so sick of being sick and tired all the time. I need some hope. I have been looking at surgery on and off for years. It scares me to death. It has risks. but so does staying on the path I am on now.<br />
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I realize that although I cannot do hard things by myself, I CAN do hard things with God. Maybe I have been going about this all wrong? I have a trial and weakness that I cannot overcome alone. Maybe if I let God help me I can conquer this.<br />
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I will let you know what happens. Either by some miracle I come into $20k and get surgery OR I do medifast again adding some classes on top of that (weekly addiction classes through the church or weight watchers)<br />
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Wish me luck...again...and again...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my cute family and brother at Temple Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating at Brick Oven</td></tr>
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I hate pictures of me...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-831237975179605972015-01-31T23:18:00.000-08:002015-01-31T23:20:17.000-08:00Finally, an update. A short one, like me. :)Wow, my last post was 5 months ago! And I'm sad to say not much has changed. That's not true. I have learned A LOT! My weight loss has plateaued because I haven't been actively doing my program. But the great news is I have only gained a few pounds back! I have been eating pretty much whatever I want the past few months and been maintaining. What?! Yep, maintaining. AWESOME!<br />
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Here are some things I have learned-<br />
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1. <b>I like to exercise. </b>Wait what?! I. Like. To. Exercise.
Me. :) Me- who is the WORST coordinated person on the planet (mystery
bruises on my body that I have no idea where they came from), Me- who
never played sports or did anything athletic. Me- who works full time,
has 7 kids (Tom is included) and has no time. Me. I like to exercise!
Exercise makes me feel strong, have energy, and just emotionally
awesome. I never regret making time to exercise. But I always regret
not exercising. And the best news is I never do it more than 30
minutes! So there's no more excuses. I love cross fit, tabata (that's
only 20 minutes!), and just plain old walking....and I will say very
cautiously that I maybe starting to kind of enjoy the occasional short,
slow run...I'm still an angry runner but it's subsiding...a bit. I'm a
dork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ9oNR6PAjaxNsNqCvy0qZ8s_Pg1rLWKcn8fE_fU4LChK3xvvsco_S5dtZu12pSNH0oJtS8peBHS3JkXhd-plPIKolGu4EZQ2fpQvN4bxOchQyM_VGrbNlsmWX5HtqrQ0gMIREqJ7Fmo/s1600/3images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ9oNR6PAjaxNsNqCvy0qZ8s_Pg1rLWKcn8fE_fU4LChK3xvvsco_S5dtZu12pSNH0oJtS8peBHS3JkXhd-plPIKolGu4EZQ2fpQvN4bxOchQyM_VGrbNlsmWX5HtqrQ0gMIREqJ7Fmo/s1600/3images.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a><br />
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2. <b>The scale is not my friend.</b> I have not lost more weight, but my body fat percentage has gone down to the lowest it has been in over 15 years! Yay for exercise! :) The scale messes with my head so I haven't been using it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6oyc3GKW2y3xuy8QMgvOPhmExnQl4vmFgQG9hm9WICT057vc9I0Q195AvVDs6jTq1kqC3COVAeK7cRWrCSXRwdUMzFNiLIC3R3AdFNQt1eOEEpEA9XWwC64eJBuz53_P7LY7AGBSxLE/s1600/IMG_9922_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6oyc3GKW2y3xuy8QMgvOPhmExnQl4vmFgQG9hm9WICT057vc9I0Q195AvVDs6jTq1kqC3COVAeK7cRWrCSXRwdUMzFNiLIC3R3AdFNQt1eOEEpEA9XWwC64eJBuz53_P7LY7AGBSxLE/s1600/IMG_9922_2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DfUS12LJA9I4mXgzFn9t2n0D0BcaLrBXfsSfVr0cKx4k1105ciU3FSCJVatqXqXDNapzrNnA95kVjjN2NvGLtJoGApsdZY8-I81h_dBFN910m5ogNyQocPDRwfIJkGh1-H_9ZZ6t6YM/s1600/IMG_0436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DfUS12LJA9I4mXgzFn9t2n0D0BcaLrBXfsSfVr0cKx4k1105ciU3FSCJVatqXqXDNapzrNnA95kVjjN2NvGLtJoGApsdZY8-I81h_dBFN910m5ogNyQocPDRwfIJkGh1-H_9ZZ6t6YM/s1600/IMG_0436.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>3. <b>I am not perfect.</b> I know, shocker right? I had gone 6 months without going off my program and losing 70 lbs! I was on a role. Then school started, then holidays start kicking in, then things start slipping. It is hard to get back on 100% after slowing down. But I did add exercise to my routine, so I was building muscle. And I have NOT given up. Still gearing up to lose the last 50 lbs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a4rQ7G9p3avhjlzXkhpZTXVGs8VO4ltrnvOZiwIcPFVE1sxdRdY-sEy1QMC64pSE5CDwV8Q6jGDOK0ruC8eUUI03TSskh_r1ONTupmTeZS5-uP4qMPgtzjInwawtRy8QnlCculrFzdY/s1600/31(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a4rQ7G9p3avhjlzXkhpZTXVGs8VO4ltrnvOZiwIcPFVE1sxdRdY-sEy1QMC64pSE5CDwV8Q6jGDOK0ruC8eUUI03TSskh_r1ONTupmTeZS5-uP4qMPgtzjInwawtRy8QnlCculrFzdY/s1600/31(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>4. <b>Eating crappy makes me feels crappy. </b> I noticed that when I
ate more carbs or sugar I felt more tired, got more headaches, and
thought "That was NOT worth it" every single time!!! I think this is a
really important lesson to learn. Before trying to lose weight I never
knew the effects of crappy high carb eating because that's all I knew. I
lived on carbs and sugar. I NEVER ever felt full or sick after eating
too much- what a curse right? :( Ugh! But no more. Now if I eat too
much I feel it and it's gross. It causes me pain. I hate it. And I
bless that feeling because now I know the difference. <br />
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5. <b>You gotta count your wins</b>. It's easy to be hard on ourselves
and let the negative talk enter, so here's how I talk positive and count
my wins- Did I eat a bread stick at Olive Garden? Yes, BUT I didn't
eat 10! Win! Did I have a cupcake? Yes, BUT I didn't eat 3! Win!
Healthy choices are still affecting my family positively! Win! I'm
still moving forward and I'm still better than I was a year ago and I'm
still making changes that will last. Win! Win! Win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG-Q9elIrMfSw5bMyjGOD8o0ow9Ypj3gjWxHM_ArjAGyY5SnCdiByaYV-uI3t-gHre0YgEFEpuauW1uy_dHfjMJ8kjToJ5YJbrhXEPj5njsKV_g0AXkezgJmLQ4pM-enKCk8Yo1lXbdI/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG-Q9elIrMfSw5bMyjGOD8o0ow9Ypj3gjWxHM_ArjAGyY5SnCdiByaYV-uI3t-gHre0YgEFEpuauW1uy_dHfjMJ8kjToJ5YJbrhXEPj5njsKV_g0AXkezgJmLQ4pM-enKCk8Yo1lXbdI/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this motto, STOP. CHALLENGE. CHOOSE. <br />
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And just a fun picture of me and my cute daughter! :) </div>
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Hopefully it won't be another 5 months to post again...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-50716285431623242812014-08-29T22:22:00.003-07:002014-08-30T07:41:17.796-07:00Week 25- Still going strong!It's been a few months. The summer got away from me. I thought I would have time and a routine- haha! Foolish! I have 6 kids and we went to a funeral in New Mexico, family reunion in Colorado, Bear Lake, my brother came home from his mission to Brazil, my sister and her 2 kids visited from Hawaii, and I worked a lot. It was a very good but BUSY summer. School started and thus began the late nights, getting up early, stress, etc....And I still managed to lose weight! Yay!<br />
<br />
I am halfway to my goal! I am down 61 lbs! It feels like a dream, it doesn't feel real! I am just amazed that I could do this. I am so incredibly grateful to have a program that works so consistently! I feel so overwhelmed because I have hope for the first time in years and years and years.<br />
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I took my girls school shopping at Maurice's (my favorite store that I cannot afford and want to work at so I can get a discount) and I took courage and tried on size 13/14 pants...and they fit!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!<br />
Yes, I cried, yes I felt like my heart would burst.<br />
You have to understand I came from years of <u>no hope</u> for losing weight. I never thought this day would come and guess what? I have hope that I WILL ACTUALLY get to my goal weight by February (or sooner)! Crazy, exciting, dreamy! And all without being on Biggest Loser or surgery or some other crazy diet. It's so hard to put my feelings on paper, it's hard to describe how amazing I feel. I'm just so happy!<br />
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I still have 59 lbs to go but I WILL DO IT!!! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduLceronOOvutJ5X6jRHw85QG0sNRpx0AcDEzfl8pXhZsnVYC9rk2SBZc8Gp1w2bbo7cb5_W2dtsgZ3iEWT82zethmuqNaVWUHruES09FsHiQAXlw9vyuZ1oLqwzYSiG5jAp5-iA-Tmg/s1600/IMG_8514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduLceronOOvutJ5X6jRHw85QG0sNRpx0AcDEzfl8pXhZsnVYC9rk2SBZc8Gp1w2bbo7cb5_W2dtsgZ3iEWT82zethmuqNaVWUHruES09FsHiQAXlw9vyuZ1oLqwzYSiG5jAp5-iA-Tmg/s1600/IMG_8514.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pants that were TIGHT on me 5 months ago!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h7pc0oxXEuE1l08B7MG_uLdNR2A666Yy-HQUs5zsnfQRyGWa-3YqjsAmd3twLHrDvhNn88ixmiZqX8yJsgzz-_BLmVoCYUjKZAMpqYG5BZjos3Y7a3o_TGy4yCvUGCkalk598Cs9uKI/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h7pc0oxXEuE1l08B7MG_uLdNR2A666Yy-HQUs5zsnfQRyGWa-3YqjsAmd3twLHrDvhNn88ixmiZqX8yJsgzz-_BLmVoCYUjKZAMpqYG5BZjos3Y7a3o_TGy4yCvUGCkalk598Cs9uKI/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same outfit, almost 6 months later</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfldJeDaMPbe2IiTwx9SxpOEMLU7b7JqXV3UwSvuWZKlPhzPyahSTfLl61xtU8rOzBaxU6dBMSmpRSCubrtrWggvcNxW8NHSWeBCUo83djfzILwHorpo1amAAQtKcH_Dc2Kl0j-bENfc/s1600/IMG_8517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfldJeDaMPbe2IiTwx9SxpOEMLU7b7JqXV3UwSvuWZKlPhzPyahSTfLl61xtU8rOzBaxU6dBMSmpRSCubrtrWggvcNxW8NHSWeBCUo83djfzILwHorpo1amAAQtKcH_Dc2Kl0j-bENfc/s1600/IMG_8517.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm actually crying in the picture on the left. I hated my weight, my hopelessness. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8INrmVEP_rcfVYsCtiaJPT1Uv5T6MZA9R3NAXJ9jOTa8zJ_una2LCON5LBrauC5-3LDKgA6nc58P1pfXKvB-R8d1p083n6FtuqYQ1e9zHS3m3zrlEtt2ySgwNVz1hLMa4IDDcTQ3ExM/s1600/IMG_8518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8INrmVEP_rcfVYsCtiaJPT1Uv5T6MZA9R3NAXJ9jOTa8zJ_una2LCON5LBrauC5-3LDKgA6nc58P1pfXKvB-R8d1p083n6FtuqYQ1e9zHS3m3zrlEtt2ySgwNVz1hLMa4IDDcTQ3ExM/s1600/IMG_8518.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Thanks to a great PE teacher at my school (who is doing a cross fit boot-camp for us) I started exercising this week. I am completely thrashed and sore but it feels so awesome! I am loving working my muscles (they've had a 10+ year break). So I will keep you updated on how the cross fit is going. :) <br />
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I had a Dr. appointment this summer and he said ALL my numbers have gone down to a healthy range! He was amazed! I wasn't surprised but so happy to hear it! Hooray for health!!!<br />
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I'm going to try to do a post at least monthly. <br />
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There's a health challenge coming soon- here is a video about it. They are a fun way to make health a habit. I'm doing it. Who's with me? You don't have to be a client to do the challenge. <br />
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#watchmelose #committedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-23769827688088818002014-06-16T15:54:00.002-07:002014-06-16T15:58:12.874-07:0013-15 weeks- Just Keep goingKeep going, trust the program, trust the healthy habits I am building. This is my mantra- what I tell myself all the time.<br />
I only weigh myself once a week because I don't want the scale to control me. <br />
<br />
And then I get on the scale on Saturday 5/31 which I was expecting not to be good because it was the last week of school...and it's down another 3 lbs! WOOHOO!<br />
<br />
<b>41 lbs and 34.6 inches lost in 13 weeks</b>.
It shocks me EVERY week! And I have a spreadsheet where I keep all
this data so I can see where I started. I have lost 8 inches off my
chest, 6.5 inches from my waist, 9.5 inches off my hips, 5 inches off
each thigh!!!! Holy crap!!!! Do I say that too much? But seriously! I
am a third of the way to my goal! 80 more lbs to be where I was in
high school and what's crazy is this is actually "doable" with the help
of my new best friend Take Shape for Life (and my health coach) My goal
is to be there by Christmas! What a present to me- getting my life
back!<br />
<br />
<b>But</b> the next week, 6/7, the first week of
summer, I get on the scale and it hasn't moved. Bummer! But I have lost
some inches so I call that success! I'll take it. I try to analyze the week and what I
did differently to get my results. So my evaluation of this week- I
got totally sick (fever, ear infections, sinus infection), worked 2
days, didn't sleep well, didn't track my water or eating every 3
hours...so yeah that explains it. I have also been really stressed
about Tom not having a job. I try to stay positive and hopeful but man
it's hard.<br />
<br />
<b>Depression sucks.</b> I am really having a
hard time right now. When your spouse is out of a job for months and
months and months and frequently over the last 8 years...it really
starts to take a toll. Trying to save change to put a gallon of gas in
the car or to get a gallon of milk REALLY hurts my positivity. I hate being poor! I remind myself of
all the things in my life that are blessings- like my family, my faith,
friends, a roof over my head (for now) and those ARE the MOST important
things, so why do I let myself get depressed and stressed? I get mad at
myself for not being positive. I'm sure not having my anxiety meds for
a few weeks is affecting my mood ;). I just wish I could get this
darkness out of my head. It also affects my weight loss. AND it's compounded
by my husbands' stress and depression, we're quite the pair. I really
want this to end, I hope I hurry up and learn whatever it is I am
supposed to learn so we can all move on and finally start living a
normal life- whatever that means.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY6oULORbIY5nAy2XuZd9kbqOV5QTBkQ597ZSxv3bQQjPBC6sQz5kbeFUxQPRrevto7O1xNGtd8Lj7DR9Grzswq_MFlr2fO8q28t_mfRvD9UVGMtHEuwlOIarPyF5kv-CSymwJqhMi64/s1600/il_570xN.193251240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY6oULORbIY5nAy2XuZd9kbqOV5QTBkQ597ZSxv3bQQjPBC6sQz5kbeFUxQPRrevto7O1xNGtd8Lj7DR9Grzswq_MFlr2fO8q28t_mfRvD9UVGMtHEuwlOIarPyF5kv-CSymwJqhMi64/s1600/il_570xN.193251240.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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Just keep going,
one day at a time. I am feeling good
physically, now just need to fix my head and my life. Haha. (I'm not
really laughing) I'm sure things will look better next week. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6/14- my weight loss is now...43 lbs :) I put on size 16 pants today! AHHHHHH!!!! That's 4 pants sizes smaller! :)</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #242424; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">We are completely in control of our own happiness! We have all
known someone who appears to "have it all", yet is perpetually
unhappy...nothing is ever good enough! On the other hand, we have probably all
known someone who appears to be completely destitute of positive circumstances,
yet beams with happiness.<br />
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We can start by wearing a smile, offering gratitude, focusing on those we love
and those who love us, and actively looking for opportunities to display
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Just keep going! Just keep going! <br />
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And here's a thought on how to tell if you're physically or emotionally hungry...</div>
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Here's to another week! One week, one day at a time! <br />
#watchmelose # committed #escapefromobesityUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-30497220009623866732014-05-26T15:26:00.001-07:002014-05-26T15:39:50.247-07:00Non-sick vs. Healthy"It's never too late to be who you might have been" George Eliot. I love this quote! Tom shared it with me. <br />
<br />
Being part of a healthy, supportive community is making a difference in my life. I learn something new each week, it inspires me and I will start sharing things.<br />
<br />
My current weight loss is 38 lbs and 32 inches in 12 weeks. I still have a lot to lose. Often the negative talk slips in and when I see pictures of me all I see is a fat girl instead of where I came from just 3 months ago. I am on the right path and I just have to keep going and trust what I am doing. It is working! Each week I see positive results with the scale and measurements and that keeps me going.<br />
<br />
The negative part of me says, "Ugh, look at you, still have a tire around your waist, look at how much the scale says! Gross!"<br />
<br />
So I am going to be brave and tell you where I started. The scale said 253... 12 weeks ago. Disgusting, despicable. It now says 215. I should feel good about that right? But it makes my stomach turn and makes me cry to tell you those numbers. I slip into thinking, "I will never be healthy so just eat whatever I want, why keep trying... you'll just gain it all back anyway...like every single time before." But then I say, "No! Look at how far you have come! Look at the path you are on! Look at how you feel 110% better and stronger and healthier already!" I really have to try hard to not feed the negative thoughts. If someone compliments me I usually say "thanks, but" Tom just told me I look awesome and I said, "Thanks, but I still have SO much to lose!"<br />
<br />
<br />
It takes commitment to keep making healthy choices and sometimes I feel weak but still in control. Being in control feels better than giving in to cravings, but I need to give myself an escape when I feel cravings. So instead of eating the oreos and chips (which my family ate in front of me Friday night) I got a sugar free jello and fat free whipped topping, or I go DO something. Cravings go away if you just acknowledge you have them and don't give them power. It just IS what it IS. They go away after 15 minutes, did you know that? I didn't. But I've tried it a few times now and it's really true. Tell yourself you can have it in 15 minutes and go get busy doing something else, I bet you won't give in to the craving. <br />
<br />
My kids have watched me and said they wish they were doing the program with me (even though they are not heavy) and I worry about their self image. So I try to focus on being healthy and not skinny. Just because the scale says a small number does that mean you are healthy? No! I need to listen to my own advice! <br />
<br />
Here's something I learned and have been thinking about- just because you're <b>not sick</b> does that mean you're healthy? Just because you are skinny does that mean you're healthy? Nope<br />
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This is from the habits of health in my program-<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If
you are not sick, you are healthy, right?</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<b>That’s often how the medical world sees it. But in reality, these two
states—non-sick and healthy—are vastly different.</b><br />
<br />
Health is a state that requires active maintenance. It is not something you
achieve and get to keep forever without additional work, even if you are at a
healthy weight and not currently faced with any health challenges. <b>When you
treat health as a destination, you are in danger of yo-yoing</b>. You put in
the effort to reach your goal, but then you drift back into unhealthy because
you are not continuing your healthy lifestyle indefinitely.<br />
<br />
Non-sickness is like purgatory—simply surviving, as opposed to a healthy state
of thriving. It is caused by eating an excess quantity of nutritionally barren
food, which overworks the pancreas and facilitates your body’s storage of fat. <b>Non-sickness
is a state in which your muscles become weak and flabby, a state of not enough
sleep and way too much stress</b>. It’s a state that leads you to progressively
depend on medications to relieve your symptoms—symptoms that are merely your
body’s way of telling you that you are not healthy.<br />
<br />
<b>To put it another way, maintaining your health is like maintaining a car</b>.
If you lock the newest, nicest car in a garage for 40 years, it will not run
like a new car if you suddenly take it out for a drive. The engine may have
rusted. That battery will likely be dead. The oil probably needs changed. The
rubber on the tires may be old and rotting. The dust and dirt may have damaged
the paint.<br />
Keeping a car running at peak performance requires diligent maintenance. You
take it in regularly to be serviced. You change the tires. You wash and wax the
exterior. A classic car may not have the glitz and glamour of the models coming
off the production line, but the engine can still roar, and the body can still look
great if it has been properly cared for.<br />
<br />
Your health is similar. You have to first decide that your health is a priority
and then organize your daily choices to support a new healthy lifestyle to
truly maintain optimal health.<br />
Being non-sick often leads to life-threatening illness over time, just like
driving a car without ever taking it to a mechanic for an oil change will
eventually lead to serious engine failure. This state on the road to obesity is
sometimes referred to as pre-obesity—a more apt description of the
corresponding negative health effects than the innocuous-sounding overweight.<br />
<br />
In a state of non-sickness, time is against you. It may go unnoticed until one
day you are so fatigued that you finally go to your doctor and find out you
have diabetes. Your health path has led you from non-sick to sick. The bad news
is that close to 90 percent of us fall into this non-sick category. The good
news is that the non-sick can usually reach optimal health in a relatively
short amount of time.<br />
<b>Your goal should not be to achieve non-sickness but to achieve vibrant,
thriving health. There is a difference."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do love seeing my before and now pictures, so here's the most recent one-</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLDblxc1ivH3zsigJf8HN3_U1-k83V3RwQAg_VOhzdSwRh-Jq3ATfk1WTVzgF5wUq_ZYpqwRLqei3S6Kdg5krmisdmDw1USoBqpR4qtNbIDhaUZd69q8pvWlqlvMaPpvui3DSXeKSZLY/s1600/2014-05-26+16.08.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLDblxc1ivH3zsigJf8HN3_U1-k83V3RwQAg_VOhzdSwRh-Jq3ATfk1WTVzgF5wUq_ZYpqwRLqei3S6Kdg5krmisdmDw1USoBqpR4qtNbIDhaUZd69q8pvWlqlvMaPpvui3DSXeKSZLY/s1600/2014-05-26+16.08.25.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can almost see my collar bone! Yay! </td></tr>
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And I can't get over the difference in my face!<br />
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I am 1/3 of the way to my goal! Only 6 more months to lose the rest of my weight. I can do this! This is the last week of school before summer starts, I hope I can be as good as I have been when my kids are all home. Wish me luck!<br />
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#committed #watchmelose</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-82038612301656218062014-05-14T09:32:00.000-07:002014-05-14T13:55:05.626-07:00MotivationI lost 2 lbs last week and 1 lb the week before. That's 32 lbs total and 30 inches in 10 weeks! That's pretty dang motivating! 8.5 inches off my hips! 5 inches off my waist! Amazing! I fit into pants that are 2 sizes smaller! In 10 weeks! I could cry!<br />
<br />
What motivates us? Why does something work where others have failed? Is it mindset? Commitment? The right program?<br />
<br />
I've been pretty committed to my health program. It's been easy for me because of my commitment and the desperation that I came from. It continues to be easy because I see results every week and I feel so good. I'm not stopping until I'm at my goal weight! I'm SO incredibly thankful for this experience to get healthy and to stay healthy!! <br />
<br />
I have learned some things watching my hubby (and others) do the program.<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 1</b>- that we all have our own experience. It's easy for me because of my commitment. And most days it really is easy. Sometimes I want to eat chips or have a dessert from Kneaders but I can resist. If you stick with the program it works, for anyone. Tom was a little upset with me because it was harder for him, he kept saying, "You made it look so easy!!" I think if you can make it through the first 2 weeks it does get easier. Your body fights you the first week and the sugar detox is rough.<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 2</b>- What makes the difference is the mindset, commitment, and taking responsibility for your own health. What are your motivations? Why do you want to be healthy? Are you doing it for you or someone else? Think of your ultimate health and what it would look like? How would your life be different if you were healthy? What would you be able to do? <br />
<br />
For me I was doing it because I was scared of dying young and missing out on my kids lives. I was sick of how my weight held me back from so many things- spiritually, temporally, mentally. I also saw the effects my eating habits were having on my family and was feeling guilty. I knew something had to change and since I am mostly in charge of shopping and meals it had to start with me. I am just thrilled I found something that works for me and my busy life! (and benefits my whole family)<br />
<br />
So the basics of the program I'm doing is this-<br />
<br />
* eating within an hour of waking up<br />
* eating small meals (balanced with protein and carbs) EVERY 2-3 hours<br />
* drinking 100 oz. of water a day<br />
* moderate exercise 30 min/day<br />
* getting 7-8 hrs of sleep a night<br />
<br />
<br />
I keep trying to figure out why I feel SO good?<br />
<br />
Why do I feel like <b>for the first time in 20 yrs</b> I can get up early and exercise?<br />
<br />
Why do I not need naps anymore? (my babies still wake me up in the night 60% of the time)<br />
<br />
Why do I wake up BEFORE my alarm goes off? (that hasn't happened in 15 years)<br />
<br />
<br />
I love doing the program with Tom. He is starting to see the benefits himself- more energy, sleeping better, feeling better. It's awesome! <br />
<br />
Hopefully you don't get sick of hearing me be so happy about all this! ;) I just love having ME back!! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-2582316301322856322014-04-27T22:29:00.002-07:002014-04-27T22:35:11.143-07:008 weeksWe don't succeed (as well) in isolation. People tend to do better when they have someone working toward a goal with them. Correct? Yes!<br />
<br />
The times I have exercised the most and consistently was when I had a routine with a friend. <br />
<br />
So I have my beautiful parents, a few friends, and now the hubs doing this program with me! It is SO helpful and I am loving it! One of my daughters might start soon too. <br />
<br />
This week- week 8- I lost another 3 lbs and 3 inches! That's 29 lbs total and 25.5 inches!!! I love this program! I love that it's pretty easy (or I wouldn't be able to do it), I love that I see results every week! (pounds AND inches) I love eating every 3 hours! I love the variety and that I don't feel deprived. I love the energy I have! I love that it's safe! It's no magic pill, it's eating right and lifestyle change. I can't say enough about this. So thankful to have help getting the weight off. I NEVER thought this would happen, I was sentenced to be big my whole life.<br />
<br />
No more! :) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 weeks 29 lbs and 25.5 inches GONE forever! </td></tr>
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I don't think I will get the exercise really going until after school is out, things are so incredibly busy right now, but I am trying to "move more" take the stairs more, park far away etc.. <br />
<br />
#watchmelose #committed #escapefromobesity<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-42788123140745544962014-04-19T22:57:00.003-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.489-07:00Week 7- ExcusesI lost another 4 lbs this week! 26 lbs and 22.5 inches total in 7 weeks! WHOA & YAY!!!! I am amazed! I am so happy! This is working! It is easy for me to have success, it is easy to follow, it is easy for me to NOT cheat. I am not hungry- ever, I don't have cravings (maybe occasionally but nothing I can't control). I am lovin' it! <br />
<br />
We all have excuses. They're not invalid, they are real for most of us. I think my excuses for being overweight are pretty good. (though they don't comfort me)<br />
<br />
~ having 6 kids<br />
<br />
~ working full-time<br />
<br />
~ haven't slept well in 15 years<br />
<br />
~ can't afford all the healthy food/snacks<br />
<br />
~ thyroid condition<br />
<br />
~ gain weight no matter what I do<br />
<br />
~ serious stress/trials in my life<br />
<br />
~ survival mode<br />
<br />
~ no time, no energy to exercise<br />
<br />
~ sometimes depression <br />
<br />
These are valid and real for me. My priority has shifted to getting healthy and that helps with most of the excuses. If you really want something you will find a way to get it. If not you find excuses, we've all heard that. But I think you need to recognize and validate the excuses for them not to have power over you. <br />
<br />
What are your excuses? What's holding you back? What has control over you?<br />
<br />
I cannot express the freedom I feel now that food does NOT control me. I control food. I still enjoy things but it doesn't send me into an eating frenzy. Food is NOT my friend, it is fuel, that's all.<br />
<br />
I have not eaten any Easter candy! It's my favorite too- I love mini eggs and cream eggs and jelly beans...but I HAD NONE! Success!!! I said I wasn't cheating and I'm not, I won't. I have lost SO much time being overweight, I cannot do anything to slow down my progress. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIjbhlStIe0EmkTv5IfR2poeLY9aXs1qoEPaVUylbrEFeXKTfQYNweO68mJuVt7rYTz9pMEo6cHAr5v2_M9kgPis7FtK35RRlcUAt6hUA7bbvLac64WFAkEnEaZkr6s358U0eS7Fksgc/s1600/2014-04-17+16.11.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIjbhlStIe0EmkTv5IfR2poeLY9aXs1qoEPaVUylbrEFeXKTfQYNweO68mJuVt7rYTz9pMEo6cHAr5v2_M9kgPis7FtK35RRlcUAt6hUA7bbvLac64WFAkEnEaZkr6s358U0eS7Fksgc/s1600/2014-04-17+16.11.43.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChMqG-tGPQ9-vvyEHLbzshetsuR_1AmP-KwXhBem6Gs-kqjJf8sQEQAKkbFCikJq5jVpK9CJE-yRU9wGPnjYBx3hqxcNTnMcQVN7Si2t9-plhtaigyFFerpL53UBesIQ9onp1wRnLJEs/s1600/2014-04-19+23.35.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChMqG-tGPQ9-vvyEHLbzshetsuR_1AmP-KwXhBem6Gs-kqjJf8sQEQAKkbFCikJq5jVpK9CJE-yRU9wGPnjYBx3hqxcNTnMcQVN7Si2t9-plhtaigyFFerpL53UBesIQ9onp1wRnLJEs/s1600/2014-04-19+23.35.50.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh, I still cringe at these pictures, but I have come so far and I LOVE where I'm going! :) And I SO need my hair done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmowAcFHQ19ykCPikrbkodMUKWDVAliPaY5Al6qWDMmnBe9Dw8D4mlQprxpFLtBZnh0dbSX1yH2_55cjO2WhHMIo2yaKXPXuYDbfvnmAj_wbErNBApANX_yyp8hsE-tR3hJgdsfixcfA/s1600/2014-04-19+23.29.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmowAcFHQ19ykCPikrbkodMUKWDVAliPaY5Al6qWDMmnBe9Dw8D4mlQprxpFLtBZnh0dbSX1yH2_55cjO2WhHMIo2yaKXPXuYDbfvnmAj_wbErNBApANX_yyp8hsE-tR3hJgdsfixcfA/s1600/2014-04-19+23.29.18.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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#watchmelose #committed #dailyhabits #escapefromobesity<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-17002462479021206902014-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.475-07:00CONTROLJust finished my 6th week on the program. It was spring break and I didn't do much this week so I wasn't expecting to lose much, if anything. But I lost 3 lbs and 4.5 inches. That's a total of 22 lbs down and 21.5 inches! Oh my goodness! :)<br />
<br />
More exciting than the weight loss is how I feel.<br />
<br />
My last post started with how much I love food. It controlled me- completely. I never realized how much.<br />
<br />
Guess what? Food DOES NOT control me anymore! Diet Pepsi doesn't control me anymore! It's an amazing feeling! It hasn't controlled me since week 2!!! That's how I can say "no thanks" to cake, ice-cream, chocolate, Easter candy, chips, french fries... AND I don't even care, I don't even WANT it! Wait what?! Yep, no desire for it. A few times I have wanted it emotionally, but not physically. I wanted to treat myself in response to a stressful situation, but I didn't. I had control. Awesome!<br />
<br />
I love being in control.<br />
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I love this program. It works. It's creating optimal health. I still have a long road ahead. But I love each week I get closer to my goal. I can do this! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrW6fv7L3uYudH20XlMMe3_EIJqFahDC4i9qAygomTDvPkPCf2kbNCPghLydgPwNnKocWHMtpw4uWnFjg3lvLd03LJhIcllc1mV-ByxpM9v-dzNzf2Zeshu66ufZebiwWI1w4Saetp0s/s1600/2014-04-12+12.07.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrW6fv7L3uYudH20XlMMe3_EIJqFahDC4i9qAygomTDvPkPCf2kbNCPghLydgPwNnKocWHMtpw4uWnFjg3lvLd03LJhIcllc1mV-ByxpM9v-dzNzf2Zeshu66ufZebiwWI1w4Saetp0s/s1600/2014-04-12+12.07.28.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22 lbs gone! Forever! :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHoH2aZL87203mtWsDE31eT84yZzOU5xtrJZzwRh7NuzTGKzieMNVQmNqsT_-MDExMIkR-SZ_aqzx9dj_rjUq7dSNMmOBbpDCrKdfKhK2t8lXkJ13DYkERR0ygikqghnNuzlOxu5tbo/s1600/tumblr_ldj475MUSu1qdecp8o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHoH2aZL87203mtWsDE31eT84yZzOU5xtrJZzwRh7NuzTGKzieMNVQmNqsT_-MDExMIkR-SZ_aqzx9dj_rjUq7dSNMmOBbpDCrKdfKhK2t8lXkJ13DYkERR0ygikqghnNuzlOxu5tbo/s1600/tumblr_ldj475MUSu1qdecp8o1_500.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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#watchmelose #committed #dailyhabits #escapefromobesity<br />
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<a href="http://www.sallycannon.ichooseoptimalhealth.com/">www.sallycannon.IChooseOptimalHealth.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-6964431964932036322014-04-09T00:31:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.497-07:00FOODI have a love/hate relationship with food. Mostly, I love food and then hate myself in the morning.<br />
<br />
I love food <br />
I love food so much <br />
I love to eat when I'm with friends or family<br />
I love to eat junk- ice-cream every night- chips and dip- candy- chocolate- fast food<br />
I love food when I celebrate<br />
I love food when I'm sad<br />
I love to go out to eat- Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Zupas, Cafe Rio, JCW's <br />
I love food when I'm stressed<br />
I love food when I'm bored<br />
I love food when I'm happy<br />
<br />
Obviously, I love food but it doesn't love me back. Haha.<br />
<br />
But that is all changing.<br />
<br />
My life is changing<br />
<br />
One habit, one day at a time.<br />
<br />
If I can do this health program then ANYONE can do it. Seriously ANYONE. I am the girl who has no self-control, no stop button, no feeling full, no getting sick when I over ate, would eat whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I was at a point where I said, "Who cares! I'll never lose this weight. Why try?" I totally enjoy candy parties with my family every once and a while. "Movie Parties" consisted of double stuff Oreos, chips and dip, candy, ice-cream. No control.<br />
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You don't realize how much being overweight restricts your life and not just physically. I can see now that it affected me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It held me back from my potential, it affected my relationships.<br />
<br />
Tom keeps saying to me, "I'm so glad I have my Sally back." I didn't realize I was such a zombie. I feel SO good! I can't even believe it. It's such a small miracle that I don't "need" Diet Pepsi anymore! I wasn't even trying to quit it. It just happened naturally. SO AWESOME!<br />
<br />
This week I only lost one pound. BUT I lost another 2 inches! That's a total of 19 lbs. and 17 inches in 4 weeks. I'm trying to think of it differently, and not say "Only one pound" Have you seen one pound of fat?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxCvVK7HeZYvbqGtcyeyjkPe1249fFIgYu0UFpUnOumwvz-5fyqcxrG_y7nLAa9esj_ju3-z1n6mKqeHBNrrMisgQ6ivdfPvwO_vAm-3STBn7QyDheZwD_lhZ-uq7cne6xgaz5oAABCs/s1600/1lb-fat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxCvVK7HeZYvbqGtcyeyjkPe1249fFIgYu0UFpUnOumwvz-5fyqcxrG_y7nLAa9esj_ju3-z1n6mKqeHBNrrMisgQ6ivdfPvwO_vAm-3STBn7QyDheZwD_lhZ-uq7cne6xgaz5oAABCs/s1600/1lb-fat.gif" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gross! </span> Goodbye and good riddance one pound of fat! I will NEVER see you again.<br />
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I LOVE this program. LOVE!<br />
I love that it's working!<br />
I love that I can do it!<br />
I love that it is easy!<br />
I LOVE having energy!<br />
I love how I feel!<br />
I love drinking water! <br />
I love feeling like "me" again! <br />
<br />
One month down and 8 more to go until I am at a healthy weight, then a lifetime of optimal health.<br />
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#watchmelose #committed #dailyhabits #escapefromobesity<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-9220544166453153902014-04-01T17:32:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.501-07:00Week 3I wasn't expecting to lose much this week, I know it's going to slow down and be consistent...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I lost 5 lbs!</span> That's 18 lbs total and 15 inches. Holy moly!!! In 3 weeks!!!! Without exercise!<br />
<br />
Things I am LOVIN- <br />
<br />
Clothes are feeling loose! <br />
My ring isn't tight anymore!<br />
My shoes are even feeling big! Sandals I couldn't wear last year I wore on Sunday!<br />
I don't need my diet pepsi anymore!<br />
I have so much energy! (Tom even wants to start the program because of my energy!)<br />
I don't need naps!!! (Whoa! Anyone who knows me will be blown away)<br />
I LOVE drinking my water! <br />
I am sleeping better!<br />
I can put my shoes on without being in pain!<br />
My baby fits better on my lap! ;) <br />
Did I mention my clothes are loose!!!??<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I AM SO HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!!!!!</span><br />
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I feel so much hope for my weight AND health. It's amazing! I haven't had hope for so many years. It's a great feeling!<br />
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I wish I could give this gift to everyone.<br />
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I wish I hadn't waited for a year to do this! But I am so glad I'm doing it now!<br />
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Here's my week 3 picture-<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis45vOtq1v2SGUpn2STHQ7m4PSNhjHNvqvozflEHlLv7vrwpN-HeKm0l4Ju2V3UTJpPoyGG-kqEAHzs626K8zDS6nY91ZLPeQqRBe9iHQ-xn3W_vsqO5AcEg2v0ZkccZ1YjMCqfrCjtqw/s1600/2014-04-01+17.33.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis45vOtq1v2SGUpn2STHQ7m4PSNhjHNvqvozflEHlLv7vrwpN-HeKm0l4Ju2V3UTJpPoyGG-kqEAHzs626K8zDS6nY91ZLPeQqRBe9iHQ-xn3W_vsqO5AcEg2v0ZkccZ1YjMCqfrCjtqw/s1600/2014-04-01+17.33.28.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniJJmLAuyZnUQJGknlYefKqbT52L6ZnHQswmKz4SXe5WC6G_Q6o771YhVgwPnuK2Zh4Zmlzf8n5CiczetlPML0dhfJD2CcBZjEN7wMZoYAHUO7mUYZR3S1-fTCaZ5_0lKgWx2ScXM7FI/s1600/PhotoGrid_2014-04-01_18_13_29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniJJmLAuyZnUQJGknlYefKqbT52L6ZnHQswmKz4SXe5WC6G_Q6o771YhVgwPnuK2Zh4Zmlzf8n5CiczetlPML0dhfJD2CcBZjEN7wMZoYAHUO7mUYZR3S1-fTCaZ5_0lKgWx2ScXM7FI/s1600/PhotoGrid_2014-04-01_18_13_29.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Before Picture 3 weeks! :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Excited for each new week! I start exercising this week! Yay! More energy and muscle! <br />
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My favorite meals this week-<br />
* Vegetarian sloppy joe with organic salsa and laughing cow cheese wedge<br />
* Mac and cheese with meatballs and a little sauce (the only way I like the mac and cheese)<br />
* Taco salad without the chips or tortilla<br />
* Pesto tilapia<br />
* French Vanilla shake with sugar free caramel syrup<br />
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#watchmelose #committed<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-48338741091145627472014-03-22T13:23:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.493-07:00Lifestyle Change<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Diets don't work</b></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">! </span></b> <br />
What I've tried and why it didn't work for me;<br />
<br />
<b>Weight Watchers</b>- I really like WW because the meetings are inspiring and they do encourage life style changes. But I lost weight really slowly and I had to plan every single thing that I ate. It took a lot of effort and time. I loved going to the meetings but I can't fit those into my schedule every week. So I tried WW 4 different times, I did lose weight. I would exercise so I could eat more points of junk food. See the motivation? But as soon as I stopped going to meetings I gained every thing back. :(<br />
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<b>HCG</b>- Oh my hard and expensive! $500 for 6 weeks of shots and you live on 500 calories a day- no carbs, no sugar, no fat- at all! I did it for 6 weeks and I lost 35 lbs. But I gained it all back because it wasn't a life style change. And I was so sick of living on salad and grilled chicken. Giving myself the shot everyday took 20 minutes of gearing myself up to doing it. It was really horrible. :(<br />
<br />
<b>Exercising</b>- I could say a lot about this. Let's be honest, the only reason I wanted to exercise is so I could eat what I want. Pathetic. I've done- Zumba, trainers, weight lifting, treadmills, workout videos...I do like exercising, I've tried many things. BUT I do not lose weight unless I exercise 90 minutes a day minimum! It's just how my body works. So it's hard to fit in my schedule. Maybe if I wasn't working 40 hrs a week plus another 10-15 hrs at home (I'm a teacher ya know) and had my kids to play with and run around everywhere, then I would make time. I'm not a morning person. My natural body clock runs going to bed late and sleeping in. So what happens is I stay up late and get up early for work. Late at night is when I get things done- cleaning, work, laundry, etc. It's extremely hard to get motivated to exercise at night. Another option is after school but I haven't seen my babies all day and all I want to do is play with my kids, plus help with homework and make dinner. The other option is the morning and that's never going to happen. I'm so sleep deprived right now. The other phenomena that happens to me when I start exercising is I get really sick, like really sick, I guess my body is allergic to it. LOL. But seriously, I want to incorporate it into my routine. It's my goal. I think it's vital for me and my family.<br />
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<b>Hypnotherapy</b>- Pretty much a joke, but I buy into everything, I'm not hard to convince. Tried it for a while, nothing happened. It didn't make me love vegetables or exercising.<br />
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<b>Weigh Down Workshop</b>- pretty good program, ties God into the weight loss and food addiction. I liked it, I lost some weight. But gained it back just like everything else.<br />
<br />
<b>Atkins</b>- Oh my goodness. So this is funny. I've tries this a few times. The most recent time I did it for 2 weeks. It was crazy hard. I remember at the end of 2 weeks just eating pure sugar (I have a problem). I went to my pantry and ate brown sugar right out of the bag! That's how deep my problems go. Sad. <br />
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<b>The Zone</b>- Good concept. Lots of planning. Too hard to do for me.<br />
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<b>Slim Fast</b>- Easy and convenient, not for long term success. Not filling, was hungry. <br />
<br />
There are others but I think I am making my point. And please don't say to me it's just a matter of input/output, it's not that easy and you don't know what it's like to have metabolic syndrome<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Diets Don't Work!</b></span><br />
<br />
So I needed something that<br />
<br />
1- didn't take a lot of effort or planning<br />
<br />
2- was convenient and not expensive<br />
<br />
3- had the support element (like in weight watchers)<br />
<br />
4- had long term success- the goal is health not just losing weight<br />
<br />
That's hard to find. But I think I've found it. A program that inspires health long term, has support, and is convenient. Just a little bit of planning so it works for me!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In 2 weeks I've lost 13 lbs and 13 inches</b></span>. Pretty dang awesome! I am feeling so energized! I know the weight loss will slow down but I also know it will be steady. I have a goal to get to my ideal healthy weight by Christmas, or maybe in sooner. I love what I am doing. Eating every 3 hours I have not been hungry at all. My emotional eating has tugged on me when I'm stressed but I chose not give in. It's awesome! The first few day I felt a little tired and had a slight headache but that's it! I kept saying to Tom how great I felt! It's like when I was so sick for 10 months being pregnant and when you have the baby you feel like you can run a marathon. I didn't realize how sick I was. That's how I feel now, just awesome!<br />
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Let's talk about my diet pepsi addiction. I would drink it all the time- morning, all day, and even right before bed. It runs through my veins, it has kept me functioning and awake for years. Guess what? I barely drink one a day now. I drink tons of water and I love it! I have never loved drinking water. And I used to get headaches a lot, but in the last few weeks only one! YAY! Success!!! I still enjoy drinking one every now and then but it doesn't rule me.<br />
<br />
I'm sleeping better, I don't feel hungry or have uncontrollable cravings. I think this is going to work. Watch me! Happy, Happy, Happy!!!<br />
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Best wishes to all of you who are struggling and trying to get healthy! Let me know if I can help you! I actually started as a health coach, it's awesome! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pjZyBJLEGsyCr-JLLuWO_xGfT1y674uRMH38O9JSmJNesf8imazLWhqFVSRA46xnvEO-8n7gg-HPSNucsvkdjVP5BuTTSuwbusYYikinqrDwuPeRtQKgILqyfaJnmTq0Zf59wzgVraM/s1600/2014-03-23+21.02.24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pjZyBJLEGsyCr-JLLuWO_xGfT1y674uRMH38O9JSmJNesf8imazLWhqFVSRA46xnvEO-8n7gg-HPSNucsvkdjVP5BuTTSuwbusYYikinqrDwuPeRtQKgILqyfaJnmTq0Zf59wzgVraM/s1600/2014-03-23+21.02.24.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before first week second week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am excited to see these weekly pictures get progressively smaller! <br />
#watchmelose #committed<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904192934111652994.post-26026376923939939992014-03-16T16:30:00.001-07:002014-04-27T22:32:17.484-07:00BeginningIf you are here, then I trust you to not judge me, but to be positive and supporting. This is an open, honest, and safe place for me to share my journey to a healthy me. And it is not easy for me to do.<br />
<br />
A little about me-<br />
<br />
<b>I'm a mom</b> of 6 kids, 7 if you include my hubby :) Family is my priority. I will always put them first and I don't mind that, I love doing it, it's who I am. I have always wanted to be a mom and have a big family. It is divine.<br />
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<b>I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints (aka Mormon)</b>, I love my faith, it is a part of everything I do, it completes me and fills my soul. I respect everyone in every religion. It makes me happy if people have any faith in God in their life. Go here if you would like to know what we believe. <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">www.mormon.org</a><br />
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<b>I love food</b>, I don't say no to food, I have no stop button, I never feel full, I never feel sick from over-eating, I am an emotional eater.<br />
<br />
<b>I have an addictive personality</b> (whatever that means), if it weren't for my faith I'm positive I would be an alcoholic, so instead I self medicate with food and diet pepsi, I also escape with technology (apps on my phone, social media)<br />
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<b>I am the oldest of 9 kids</b>, I love big families!<br />
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<b>I love being social</b>, I love being with people. I hate being alone.<br />
<br />
<b>I love nature,</b> going to the mountains is a spiritual experience for me.<br />
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<b>I am a special education teacher,</b> what's your super power? :) I love my job, I love the kids I get to be with all day! There's nothing like it, my students are like my own children, they are precious to me. It is a rewarding experience!<br />
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<b>I am a working mom</b>- it is stressful, it's heart wrenching to drop my babies off at daycare, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I would sell my soul to be with my kids all day. (I forgot to tell you that I am a VERY dramatic, hopeless romantic who wears her emotions on her sleeve). My life is extremely busy, like I have no time for myself, EVER, and that's the way it's been for the last 8 years when I started working full-time. Stress, stress, and more stress. Especially being pregnant and working and having a baby that keeps you up all night for a year until said baby gets tubes and finally sleeps. Then get pregnant again and throw up every day, multiple times a day, no sleep, and try to keep working and keep my family somewhat functioning...Sometimes I look back and say, how in the world did I make it? How did I function? I felt like a zombi. People said to me all the time, "I don't know how you do it." I would say, "Look at me, I don't do it very well!" I wear my hair in a pony tail and I rarely wear makeup, just because I'm usually getting my kids ready and frankly I'd rather sleep in then get up an hour earlier to make myself look pretty. I can look good, or my kids can look good, not both. So I choose my kids. <br />
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<b>I am obese</b>, very obese and have been obese for over 15 years. That is hard to write. Very hard to write. Just the word obese is disgusting to hear. Hard for me to wrap my brain around, in my head I am thin and healthy. I have always struggled with weight and have never been skinny. I remember never wanting to wear shorts in high school because I hated my legs (I have wide calves, its so unfair, I'm a girl, why can't I have nice skinny calves and tiny ankles?) I was skinny for a year before I got married because I ran twice a day. TWICE a day. I hate running, like hate it. I am an angry runner. Don't ever run with me unless you want to see my dark side...It's hard to explain. I wish I liked running. Maybe I will someday. When I got married I was 120 lbs (that's running twice a day!!!) I'm also what you would call vertically challenged, I'm 5'1". So in my mind, and on the BMI charts I should only weigh 105. On my honeymoon I didn't want any pictures that showed my body, I remember covering up my legs! I want to slap that girl! I want to shake her and slap her! Seriously?! GAH! Just accept your healthy body and be happy because you have NO IDEA what's coming! That's what I want to say to that girl. <br />
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<b>I am ready for change</b>. So, I have been having babies for 15 years, never focusing on myself (and that's ok). But now that I'm done having babies I am ready to take my body back. I have been in denial about my weight because I don't have a full length mirror in my house, I don't take pictures or allow any pictures to be taken of me- except of my face. If pictures do get taken I delete them or crop out my body. So in my mind of denial I'm not as big as I actually am. I'm still the girl who was 135-140 lbs. (before kids and not exercising) Except my body kept breaking my denial/reality. I have a hard time putting on shoes, forget trying to tie shoes, all my fatty fat/"Lane Giant" clothes are tight, my back and hips hurt frequently, I have plantar fasciitis<i>, </i>had diverticulitis (which is something OLD people get!), I can hardly do anything that requires exertion, walking up the stairs gets me out of breath, I can't play with my kids very well (it's hard for me to even sit on the floor), when my baby sits on my lap there's hardly any room for her with my front butt, I can't sit cross legged, I don't sleep well, and I have NO energy even though a constant flow of diet pepsi streams through my veins. I don't let my hubby see me naked, I cringe when he touches me because he's feeling my disgusting fat. It makes him very sad. I am very thankful that he loves me for who I am and I know HE thinks I'm pretty, he tells me all the time (but I don't believe him). Let me be clear- I hate my looks, but I don't hate myself. <br />
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<b>I am Desperate</b>. I got to the point where I was considering ordering a tape worm from Mexico. Terrible, I know! But when you feel desperation, you start thinking crazy. I used to dream that I was bulimic. I have never tried anything like that and I am glad for that. But I have tried weight watchers, the Zone, Atkins, hypnotherapy, fitness trainers, apps, workout videos, exercising, praying for help, pills, HCG shots- (which worked until I got pregnant again)- but I gave myself a shot everyday and lived on 500 cal/day for 6 weeks (I wouldn't do that again), only to gain it back PLUS more, <span style="font-size: large;">every. single. time.</span> Depressing, overwhelming, hopeless, trapped- all things I felt about my weight for years and years. And I'm sorry if you've never had to lose more than 100 lbs you will never know the depth of the hopelessness. Yes, every girl struggles and I don't know one girl in all my life that was happy with her weight. But when you're REALLY overweight (Obese), then you feel the loss of any hope of getting over it. It's just SO overwhelming. Unless you've been there it's hard to describe.<br />
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<b>I have Excuses</b>. I guess it's just my genes + my lack of self control + my stressful life + working full-time + my thyroid issue (why couldn't I have the one that makes you skinny?) + my lack of sleep + no time to exercise + exercise doesn't work for me unless I do 2 hrs/day + insert more excuses. I even tried to get on biggest loser. I needed Jillian to kick my butt because there's NO WAY I will ever lose this weight unless I can go to the biggest loser ranch and focus on myself while having Jillian scream at me. I'd like to see Jillian come to my house, live my busy schedule and find time to get me healthy- HAHAHA!!!!<br />
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So then I heard of a health journey from my sister in law, she lost 35 lbs and kept it off. It seemed to reset her metabolism. I looked into it for a year. I kept putting it off because of fear of failure of yet another thing I try that doesn't work. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long!<br />
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<b>I Have OPTIONS</b>...I got to the point where it's either <b><span style="font-size: large;">1</span>-</b> surgery (which I can't afford and is scary), <b><span style="font-size: large;">2</span>-</b> die young and not see my kids grow up or be a grandma (I already picked my grandma name "Sweetie" I call all my kids sweetie and my students, so it's perfect), or <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">3</span>-</span></b> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Try One more thing</span></i></span> to lose weight and get healthy. <br />
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My Dr recommended the program. I decided to try it for one month. I can do anything for one month. If it works out we'll do another month. I told myself I want to commit to 6 months. It's my life on the line. Any cost is my monthly prescription, it's not an option. And it's not even that bad, I get all my food except one meal a day! If you want to find out more please see my website on the side bar.<br />
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I am only on week 2 week of my journey, it's going to be long, it's not going to be easy, but it's already worth it. And honestly so far, it <b>has</b> been easy. I am motivated and committed. I want this burden gone for good. I want to be healthy, I want to thrive and not just survive. I've been in survival mode for too many years.<br />
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Here are a few pics of my past to the present. Some of these have never seen the light of day, they make me cringe, they make me nauseous, I want to rip them up and burn them, it's not <i>really</i> me, they make me cry...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0wvR_5PHeZ9qLyz37sM0uEdcAOXc6AHBdFJWL85fiaJQLJyegw2lCj29xODgk6Yc2fC3ZwlAKxc0pbqpdrhJX8CguuepJwRI8tdGZlo-mSOHRY7RPd3tab1jlO4CWiW8Vq5xSTybUJ8/s1600/25160002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0wvR_5PHeZ9qLyz37sM0uEdcAOXc6AHBdFJWL85fiaJQLJyegw2lCj29xODgk6Yc2fC3ZwlAKxc0pbqpdrhJX8CguuepJwRI8tdGZlo-mSOHRY7RPd3tab1jlO4CWiW8Vq5xSTybUJ8/s1600/25160002.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosh year at BYU</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HoodojOnfddQeaizIIkXaqEAwJ2oH7qxy1EGmYwy0nUh8b4tNjsRQ2uiNrpmrY0Urx77KwY7eTUrRy6FGjHX098kQcgTCTki0dSPHgquD0G_XCrV-82yWmdEOyxhoCm7oaR24IHEKsM/s1600/25160014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HoodojOnfddQeaizIIkXaqEAwJ2oH7qxy1EGmYwy0nUh8b4tNjsRQ2uiNrpmrY0Urx77KwY7eTUrRy6FGjHX098kQcgTCTki0dSPHgquD0G_XCrV-82yWmdEOyxhoCm7oaR24IHEKsM/s1600/25160014.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BYU with some great friends (I'm in the red shirt and black pants)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ejlfDW1Dj8au-0xUWBQ2RfDDuMfujC8GknNVa7JQE84LgW_zyikMy1y2fR2sLiPwKgWIhcauJO3KOmGCu-f6RpdThk0gM12FJGtrRhDjyBsOWnmfFmurtovr0fW7xV25HUb5d11jn8/s1600/Untitled24_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ejlfDW1Dj8au-0xUWBQ2RfDDuMfujC8GknNVa7JQE84LgW_zyikMy1y2fR2sLiPwKgWIhcauJO3KOmGCu-f6RpdThk0gM12FJGtrRhDjyBsOWnmfFmurtovr0fW7xV25HUb5d11jn8/s1600/Untitled24_3.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engaged to my hunny</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3c8CX94VfIsT2a8YHd1Yh4-K3YhNIHau5JSloxFY1jNyC0l1f-eWUlG4ZyypA_CO3mEX6aiFhQCORy-ZEiykONtDrKN7SjCMSOUb2zo9jZCZqea1dqFv7tPNFfDOYeZUimIYHDrTRs8/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3c8CX94VfIsT2a8YHd1Yh4-K3YhNIHau5JSloxFY1jNyC0l1f-eWUlG4ZyypA_CO3mEX6aiFhQCORy-ZEiykONtDrKN7SjCMSOUb2zo9jZCZqea1dqFv7tPNFfDOYeZUimIYHDrTRs8/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After first baby- I cried when I went clothes shopping because I had to get size 14 jeans ( I want to slap this girl too)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 2nd baby, got used to being a little pudgy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four beautiful babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSXfxgGMDQcVqItmCyhrQKkxCR08vLgOKsMnUMufi1f-Bi_puuhTEFnCf8ao6bDMy57iNkzhJz7D_kj6insF4aQs_ycf8_68VpIIecwHF-p2xu4fNI0xJeF5Zbgn7LJyPREJu9QY-wcI/s1600/100_9602.jpg" height="298" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching my cute students, but whoa...now size 16+ :( I HATE this picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOML76gZs1UC7IwPoKYsu5kmmK1ytDqCRRl1dAZr8zvvKyDwGQ7vtzkRyYWKseTiCbHflzABH1cZ122lDJaidQotS4ZuaUQzY9nIeEYh6z0hnm9Yjr1xyeSMrd5I5zpiLmZyHKxmDL48/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOML76gZs1UC7IwPoKYsu5kmmK1ytDqCRRl1dAZr8zvvKyDwGQ7vtzkRyYWKseTiCbHflzABH1cZ122lDJaidQotS4ZuaUQzY9nIeEYh6z0hnm9Yjr1xyeSMrd5I5zpiLmZyHKxmDL48/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby #5 and working full-time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7A1K7xU5Amb-AUUSO_wYxU5O3ud2mvpisJu7CbKy7WVbkT_9JkLk6S1bnwTYKqoS_Gd6VIiTgQ9EkiCzHHkkRWGxBpTuSQk08Po0b8Y_7U6aU0D0-0mn8oUWt3WHFjceSMn1uCq5yS0/s1600/IMG_2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7A1K7xU5Amb-AUUSO_wYxU5O3ud2mvpisJu7CbKy7WVbkT_9JkLk6S1bnwTYKqoS_Gd6VIiTgQ9EkiCzHHkkRWGxBpTuSQk08Po0b8Y_7U6aU0D0-0mn8oUWt3WHFjceSMn1uCq5yS0/s1600/IMG_2077.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now up to size 18 :( :( </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxomtNwyc2tQXMDnEGaLt9WWZSXfEiRg47LcCDTvN3BoJkAV1nr1xYfVPPECnxVTFGSCWH6Nf7zWQfBs7vKjgnPuqM_WHXWooiFUbvN0ThWh_co_vVtMS6dbb9-u69eEKiXzYSEQPiTr8/s1600/DSCF2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxomtNwyc2tQXMDnEGaLt9WWZSXfEiRg47LcCDTvN3BoJkAV1nr1xYfVPPECnxVTFGSCWH6Nf7zWQfBs7vKjgnPuqM_WHXWooiFUbvN0ThWh_co_vVtMS6dbb9-u69eEKiXzYSEQPiTr8/s1600/DSCF2692.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOEFdn0sayLZIOx4Bv14D1wIgTrAhYs8d5zlL8FI6b58gS9ZhHfiI5_hQLklaK9VzKE6VSmJlIzf0sqaH3Slkc9kQXa4L-ohTjNEZTOFiBpVWO5_vHKixVozKMOgG_kqBm9G0nHKQIDM/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOEFdn0sayLZIOx4Bv14D1wIgTrAhYs8d5zlL8FI6b58gS9ZhHfiI5_hQLklaK9VzKE6VSmJlIzf0sqaH3Slkc9kQXa4L-ohTjNEZTOFiBpVWO5_vHKixVozKMOgG_kqBm9G0nHKQIDM/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" height="332" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDANk5CuoA0UTeD8rBGffw4ad_Cd0SwU513dsru9RY7TQXIph0XUCLLLykBj8n1FlbE9hWquB1jaja-Ws1KoyrB6x-HTBHxUJpPnEse3WqgSiNAxURBhHcvGhBe5CD_-cMG4EsU2o4feE/s1600/100_7581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDANk5CuoA0UTeD8rBGffw4ad_Cd0SwU513dsru9RY7TQXIph0XUCLLLykBj8n1FlbE9hWquB1jaja-Ws1KoyrB6x-HTBHxUJpPnEse3WqgSiNAxURBhHcvGhBe5CD_-cMG4EsU2o4feE/s1600/100_7581.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOxlFfZFaojth3QkoxFttxiO5TxB6Okp-Lng6yQP-ouUNsbKs7-LEZR9qhsv2jaICQWWdhNc60pCg3Debzq4YqJWWvy5_heTJkdXjI2a96EdhcNnjAQK9nLev94GDs5FfpAXbOF3uHoE/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOxlFfZFaojth3QkoxFttxiO5TxB6Okp-Lng6yQP-ouUNsbKs7-LEZR9qhsv2jaICQWWdhNc60pCg3Debzq4YqJWWvy5_heTJkdXjI2a96EdhcNnjAQK9nLev94GDs5FfpAXbOF3uHoE/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby #6 I would never change a thing, love my babies, so worth it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDnGU3rSvganaIGYHfd9_cW6AYs_G7ZIg6J_PFyt-JJ5sCPl9Oew_wnH5ilSkOX6463eFZfKpdO4_SMzLZoGyxzLvUCnGJncROjqdE82iwmJUTGQzN4_-pWZACYeY2xm2i_OPnUNVtu0/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDnGU3rSvganaIGYHfd9_cW6AYs_G7ZIg6J_PFyt-JJ5sCPl9Oew_wnH5ilSkOX6463eFZfKpdO4_SMzLZoGyxzLvUCnGJncROjqdE82iwmJUTGQzN4_-pWZACYeY2xm2i_OPnUNVtu0/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up to a size 20...one size up and 20 lbs for each baby I had, but still worth it</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h0yUkyWOS9dmmb28rpMKv6_uC7OYXXsm_9_hUdlndwqJtuoTK5F-YEKD64uVp7pWN4NpX0guaB3ComK2jlwvsymMDhPWU0nO16WYrmUXIkgAmTZYFxKhKstSg_8p_uaoCAwAY0qhNGo/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h0yUkyWOS9dmmb28rpMKv6_uC7OYXXsm_9_hUdlndwqJtuoTK5F-YEKD64uVp7pWN4NpX0guaB3ComK2jlwvsymMDhPWU0nO16WYrmUXIkgAmTZYFxKhKstSg_8p_uaoCAwAY0qhNGo/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_csXOX1FQH5zc2Dc4CmCpgK6_4D8xZvP1uAKmHGw2M2XAbjNLj50phc4Tl0cgsfLATFjNc23FK2q3YB-EwaXVTTIUktEhWAA9l1up82z3y89LgUF39qJx_Y9y9mrxCPBjGX24Cc8uzzI/s1600/2013-12-13+23.58.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_csXOX1FQH5zc2Dc4CmCpgK6_4D8xZvP1uAKmHGw2M2XAbjNLj50phc4Tl0cgsfLATFjNc23FK2q3YB-EwaXVTTIUktEhWAA9l1up82z3y89LgUF39qJx_Y9y9mrxCPBjGX24Cc8uzzI/s1600/2013-12-13+23.58.52.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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How did I get to this point? How did I let this happen? No one WANTS to be like this. No one wants to feel ugly and hideous. I didn't want to look like this. No one WANTS to have a hard time doing EVERY single simple, daily thing, like putting shoes on, like walking up the stairs, like getting in your car....But you don't get fat overnight. It happens slowly like a fog, poison seeping into your life. One day you wake up and say, "Who is this person? That's not me in the mirror, it can't be. And now it's too late, I can't fix this...."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1UPuNYTPKtHWe_SVyCec6lZCwsKTk2VCEvMntRL07gD3xqfdItC7CBRiVxlUQNLym7fdBND5zthxCGYsnRjOKhMIYkebI22RJQpaiDm5ok7-PuIdIMUPcslGeTkxwZmvSEegRgSmQmQ/s1600/2014-03-06+09.05.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1UPuNYTPKtHWe_SVyCec6lZCwsKTk2VCEvMntRL07gD3xqfdItC7CBRiVxlUQNLym7fdBND5zthxCGYsnRjOKhMIYkebI22RJQpaiDm5ok7-PuIdIMUPcslGeTkxwZmvSEegRgSmQmQ/s1600/2014-03-06+09.05.31.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of my health journey. I can't believe I'm putting this picture on here! Yuck! I cried so much when I saw this. Worst picture EVER. I never see these sides to me. :( Seriously traumatic! It's my screen saver on my phone as a constant reminder to not cheat on my health plan! It works!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BUT</span></b>- I can't wait to show my final pictures- it will be a few months, but I WILL get there and it will be a great day!<br />
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So there you have it. The beginning of my journey to a new, healthy me started 2 weeks ago and will never end. I will never go back to being overweight, trapped, hopeless, and exhausted. I am freeing myself from these chains. Here's to doing hard things- overcoming weaknesses and fear of failure! People have asked me if I will cheat. ABSOLUTELY not! I have "cheated" with food for 15 years, so I am DONE with cheating. That sounds funny. But seriously, I am NOT cheating.<br />
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#watchmelose #committed #thiswillbehard #itsworthit #willpower<br />
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Wish me luck! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13