Please report your progress...

[Shasha]

I'm here waiting... waiting to see YOUR progress {cheerleader}

Come on: Who's going to be first? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???????

[MrsPeel]

All right, I'll start:
I will have been on my 1PD for 4 weeks as of Monday 1/14 - so you'll have to wait for the actual weight loss so far - but I can tell you that I have had trouble with persistent swelling (edema) of the ankles, feet, and sometimes lower legs for the last couple of years. I have a job where I am on my feet 12-15 hours a day, and that sure didn't help with the swelling! By the second day of the diet, the swelling was pretty much gone, and hasn't returned.:laughing:
At the same time, I noticed that the other change I saw right away was in my face and neck. That slimming appearance has continued down to my shoulders and clavicle, so it appears that my weight loss is starting at both ends and working its way to my middle! If it keeps up like this, I guess my waist will be the last to slim down. :P
I notice that my energy level is fairly steady throughout the day, without the ups and downs that sugar causes.
My husband says he notices a big change already!{boing}

[Shasha]

{hi} there Mrs Peel

THAT IS FANTASTIC!!! I am thrilled to hear that since DAY 2 of dieting you no longer have swelling of the ankles, feet, and sometimes lower legs, which you had been suffering from for the last couple of years. How wonderful to be free from this for the last almost 4 weeks!!! That in itself is a real added bonus!

It is always so nice when you can start seeing yourself slimming down - sadly we cannot pin point the problem and tell our bodies to loose from a specific area first (he he he - that would be great!) - but at least, you know that if it is fat, it is going to go!

We are very pleased that your husband is noticing a big difference - when the man in your life can see the change, that is very encouraging!! - remember he sees you every day!!! So, can you imagine the change that someone will find who has not seen you since you started dieting! {rofl} They will surely be in for a big surprise!

Most men are actually very proud of their wives when they slim down and this is very encouraging! :love: just another reason to keep on going!
I'm glad that you are having steady energy throught the day! That is always a good sign of stable blood sugar.

All in all, {goodjob} Mrs Peel!!! - but, I can hardly wait to hear how many pounds have gone for good! Are you keep a record of your inches as well???

We are all here waiting in eager anticipation to see your progress Mrs Peel! Coming up live in 5...4...3...2...1...

[MrsPeel]

. . . and at the end of the first four weeks, my official weight is 231! {superman} With a starting weight of 251, that makes me 20 POUNDS DOWN!

I'm off for a follow-up blood test, per the doctor's instructions - and then on to the next four weeks!!!

[AZKAT]

Congrats, Mrs Peel Isn't it amazing to lose so much in 1 month!

I experienced the same things you did! My shoe size has gone from 9.5 to an 8! No more swelling, migraines, hot flashes, acid reflux, heartburn and my knees are so much better.

I started in June, so it's been 7 months. I needed to lose 130 - 140 lbs. It was overwhelming to think about! I have lost 116 to date. I am down to a size 8 pant (almost into a six) and a small top! Here are my numbers for the diet.

Official Start (6/7/07) 267 lbs; size 26 top - 24 pants

(7/4/07) 4th week - 243 = 24 loss

(8/2/07) 8th week - 227 = 16 loss; size 22 top – 20 pants

(8/30/07) 12th week - 212 = 15 loss, size 20 top – 18 pants

1st 12 week total loss = 55 lbs

(9/27/07) 16th week - 200.5 = 11.5 loss, 66.5 total; size 18 top- 16 pants

(10/25/07) 20th week - 188.5 = 12 loss; Size 16 top - 14 pants

(11/22/07) 24th week - 175.5 = 13 loss; Size 14-16 top - 12 pants

2nd 12 week total loss = 36.5 lbs

(12/20/07) 28th week - 163 = 12.5 loss; Size 12-14 top - 10 pants
(Reached 100 lbs off goal this month!)

Inches lost breakdown:
Bust - 10.5"
Stomach -17"
Waist - 14" (which is different than my problem stomach. There used to be a 7" difference, now there's a 3" difference)
Hips - 12"
Thigh - 7"
Arm - 6" (my worst spot)
Wrist - 2.25"

I'll add this month's totals in a few days. I've enjoyed the journey so far and feel that I've made a change in the brain as well as the body!

I was at a Scout Awards dinner the other night and people I haven't seen for a while didn't recognize me! I had to explain who I was!

I weigh once a week and some times more often. Can't seem to help myself, but it works for me and I have learned a lot about how my body works. So I don't freak out over plateaus and such. I know my body's cycle. I record monthly loses though.

For those of you just starting, hang in there - don't cheat (my only cheat on the diet was at Christmas - awful experience) - and know it works!

I love this diet!

[MrsPeel]

Azkat, you are super-inspiring! You have done an incredible amount of work, sticking with the diet for the long haul and reaping fantastic benefits. I can well imagine you have to reintroduce yourself to people!:flower::flower::flower:
Thank you for sharing all your info - I am so energized as I head into the second four weeks!

[Shasha]

{band} for Mrs Peel!!!

We are so proud of you for having lost a whole 20 POUNDS!!! in your first 4 weeks! {congrats}

:clapping: That is WONDERFUL!!! A VERY WELL DONE!!

YOU'RE ON A ROLL GIRL!!! . . . Please don't stop now!!! :bighug:

[Shasha]

{boing} Hi there AZKAT

WOW GIRL!!! - we are sooooo very proud of you for having lost over 100 pounds!!! {wave}

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR INSPIRING STATS with all of us !!! :bighug:

I just love the way your pants has gone down and down and down and down .... and down and down... and down : 24, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10... what an awesome count down!!!


This is SUPER TERRIFIC!!! No wonder people did not recognise you at the Scout Awards dinner!!! How WONDERFUL that must have felt!!!



Girl, in my official capacity as Moderator, (he he he) I now officially crown you
QUEEN OF PROGRESS for the 15th of JANUARY 2008!!! {king}
We salute your dedication, determination and your wonderful progress!!! WELL DONE!!!

[iggyjoh40]

You all are so inspiring and motivating!!! AZKAT congratulations - your whole experience just motivates me to keep on going - {boing}

Mrs. Peel - congratulations on your 4 week mark - :clapping:

I'm only at day 16 and am looking forward to my four weeks being up. I had only one bad day, and that was this past Saturday, we went to a Monster Truck Show and forgot to eat before we left, so my choices were very limited at the arena. All in all though, I'm proud of myself for not indulging on popcorn or chocolate. I think the most amazing thing about being on 1stPD is that I haven't had the first headache, like I usually would get coming off of caffeine, no cravings and not as tired as I was before and and when I get my sweet tooth, I'll grab a fruit and try to stay focused.

My husband has been more motivating this round than he has in a long time, and with us both working at achieving our new lifetime goals, it has brought us closer together as far as talking more and encouraging each other. Hey, he bought asparagus the other day, I never had it in my entire life, it actually wasn't too bad.

I'll report back in 14 more days with my total weight loss for my 4 weeks -

Inger

[Shasha]

{hi} there Inger

You are so right!!! Seeing the progress of Mrs Peel and AZKAT is indeed very, very inspiring... it just makes you feel like you can do it too!!!

And, that's the whole point of having a forum and your DIET BUDDIES!!! {boing} They sing your praises when you do well {band} and help to keep you motivated, focussed and encouraged!

It's wonderful that you and your Hubby are doing this thing together - that is really great!!! 2 r beta than 1 !!!

How did you have your asparagus? I love it warm with melted cheese! Also either hot or cold with tuna. It's also very nice to use when making chicken soup...

I really look forward to seeing your progress - only 14 more days! Please always plan ahead - this will make sticking to your diet so much easier - remember the saying:
if you fail to plan, you plan to fail...

Please don't wait another 14 days before writing to us again - there is always a buzzz around the Forum and people wanting to chat... so, come for coffee and a chat and tell us a bit more about yourself, your favourite recipe's, your goals, visions, dreams... how you plan to make this happen! whatever... hoping to chat to you soon! :bighug:

[MrsPeel]

Inger, thanks for the attaboy! I am really happy to be lighter on my feet and thinner of face!!

I thought I'd share with you what I did when I was stuck away from home the other day: I had jury duty, and knew that I couldn't eat at the courthouse cafeteria, so I packed a 1PD lunch. I took two fruits, all my crackers for the day, and my allowance of celery and non-fat cream cheese. I packed it all in a heavy paper "keep it cool" sack (like you get when you buy frozen food at the market) with a freezer pack at the bottom (one of those chemical ice packs). For breakfast, I ate my yogurt on the way to the courthouse, and picked up a black coffee along the way. I had one liter of water with me, and as I sat all day waiting, I ate my fruits and crackers at the appropriate intervals, and when lunch came, I had a nice cool snack waiting! :drool: By the time I was released at 5 PM, I had finished everything and was home in time for dinner and my other liter of water.

Everyone, keep up the good work!!! :bighug:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Mrs Peel

{goodjob} That is really GREAT!!! Thank you for sharing this - I'm sure some of the guys and girls reading this will learn by your good example!

Planing ahead means PLANNING TO WIN!!! This is key to your success!!! and, this is the kind of thing what will make your success on going...

With the planning that you did, your day with regards to your diet food was hassel free and healthy and better than this, 'guilt free'!!!
In that because you planned, you did not have to go off your eating plan, fuss about finding healthy food and feel guilty about not getting it right later...

ALL IN ALL, YOU HAVE A WINNING SOLUTION!!!

Which goes to prove the saying: WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY!!! {goodjob} {bighug}

[AZKAT]

Thanks everyone!

Mrs Peel, Great way to plan ahead!I think that is the key to making this diet work. I like to buy meat in bulk when it's on sale and then I weigh out my portion sizes and freeze it either cooked or raw, clearly marked. This prevents me from using the excuse of not having anything ready-made or that it will take too long to eat and I'm hungry now! I also cut up my veggies for the week. I hope I keep it up after the diet as those are my favorite excuses to eat poorly. I'm still caught off guard sometimes though.

Well, like I said in my last post I was close to another 4 weeks. So here's my latest:

(01/17/08) 32nd week - 150 = 13 loss; Size small - medium top – size 6 pants

Inches lost:

Bust - 12.5"
Stomach -20"
Waist – 17.5" (which is different from my problem stomach. Edging closer to my tummy measurement)
Hips – 13.5"
Thigh - 9"
Arm – 7.5" (my worst spot)
Wrist - 2.25"

Next goal is another 15 lb loss to weigh 137. Then I'm almost done!

[Shasha]

{hi} there AZKAT

{congrats} on having lost ANOTHER 15 POUNDS!!! {cheerleader} WELL DONE!!! That is really good going!!!

I think it is incredible that you have come down from a size 24 to a size 6 pants!!! You must look so very, very different now from what you did 32 weeks ago!!! I guess all the boys are wanting to dance with you these days ??? :dance:

Please keep up the good work!!!

[smrf]

I have been on the diet for 2 weeks tomorrow... I love it.. but ( I know Ishouldn't have) I have weighed each week... the first week I lost 5 pounds and this week I have lost nothing...........ahhhhhh I have followed the prescription.. anyone else out there experience the same........:crying::confused::thinking:

[MrsPeel]

Smrf, DON'T WEIGH YOURSELF!!! :noway: There's a really good reason to check the scale only at 4 week intervals - you will definitely experience "plateau" phases where you aren't losing. But your body is retraining itself using the 1PD foods, and sometimes it has other business to attend to. I don't know about you, but I experienced a quick loss in the beginning because excess water weight and inflammation was the first thing the diet attacked. Gearing up to burn fat is tougher. Don't forget: it took most of us a long time to pack the fat on - it will take a while to lose it again.
Don't lose faith - it's working!!! :bighug:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Smrf

Sorry that you've experienced a stand still, but please now that this is 100% normal!! It's all part of the loosing fat process {bouncing}

{bighug} WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH IS 100% PART OF THE PLAN - NO NEED TO WORRY!!!

I would like to draw your attention to your New Customer Guide, pages 10 and 11 where Dr Cohen suggests the following points:

Only weigh once a month, and note the difference in clothes size.

The body does go through stages during the weight loss where is might seem as if you are not losing actual weight (on the scale), but note the drop in clothes size!

Remember that you are still breaking down fat during these “plateau” periods, but the growth hormone is dissolving the fat in the water so you will weigh water when you get on the scale, and you’ll notice that you are not running to the rest room as often in this period!

If you weigh only once a month, you will focus on the total loss for the month, and the small plateaus in between will not de-motivate you!!!!!

In the light of the above, please don't be discouraged and please continue to follow your eating plan 100%... And, by 100% we mean please follow Dr Cohen's advise of only weighing yourself once a month... rather focus on how you are feeling, on how your clothes are sitting...

The weight on the scale will move down again... just please do not make this your focus... for more discussions on this... please click SEARCH at the top of the page and go to search and type in the word 'plateau'...

PLEASE ONLY WEIGH YOURSELF AGAIN AFTER COMPLETING 4 WEEKS ON YOUR EATING PLAN...

[Rose]

Help.... I did the whole diet. Lost 67 lbs. Did the refeeding. Everything went well. I have been off the refeeding since the beginning of Dec. I messed up a little over the holidays but got back to my goal weight. The last 10 days I have messed up badly and gained 10 lbs.
What do I do? Do I just go carb free for a while like it said in the refeeding (that helped when I just went up a few lbs) or do I start the diet again? Do the refeeding again? I'm so upset with myself today. I have been so good since I started the diet last June and lately the cravings have really been bad.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Rose

:bighug: I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment and that you have gained 10 pounds. 10 pounds is a lot and it's a sure sign that you are not managing to implement the Maintenance Guidelines correctly.

Please go right back to following your original diet 100% until these 10 pounds are gone!!! Then please do your entire Refeeding Program again.

Following this please STUDY and IMPLEMENT the Maintenance Guidelines in the back of your Refeeding Guide.

These are all aimed at helping to you to form healthy new eating patterns for the rest of your life so that do not keep on and on and on triggering too much insulin throughout the day each day.

After completing the Refeeding again, you will need to follow the Guidelines very closely ie: only have starch once a day, sweets and chocolates not more than twice a week... all foods in moderation and if you gain, slow down because you are having too much starch etc.

Are you still taking your multi-vitamin and still drinking your 2 litres of water every day?? Upkeep of these are very important.

Can you identify what seems to be triggering the cravings ie: are you craving chocolates and eating them often?

It would be good to identify the foods that you are having a problem with and then to set a rule as to how often you will allow yourself to eat them. If you find that when you eat chocolate you are not able to follow Dr Cohen's tip of not more than twice a week, then you need to eliminate these from your diet or go to a sugar free alternative which will not result in as much insulin being triggered.

The last day of your Refeeding Program is a good indication of how much of which types of food you need to eat on a daily basis in order to keep healthy and well - always use this as your guideline!

I will try to help where I can, but YOU must go right back onto your original diet right now, 48 hour no starch will not work if you gained 10 pounds... By going back onto your diet 100% again we hope you will look wonderful soon again! :flower: :flower:

[iggyjoh40]

Hey - my 4 weeks were up today and I weighed this morning and am down 19 pounds!! :)

I was hoping for a few more pounds, but I know the next four weeks will be even better, as now the plan seems much easier and routine.

All in all, 19 pounds is a new start for me as in the past it always seemed like a struggle just to lose 10 pounds, so I'm thrilled!!

[Shasha]

INGER {congrats} ON LOOSING 19 POUNDS:
WOOOOW!!!!

THAT IS FANTASTIC! REALLY TERRIFIC!

I JUST KNEW YOU WOULD DO WELL!!!

:bighug:
WAY TO GO!!!
I salute your progress: {king}

DIETING ONLY 4 WEEKS AND LOOSING 19 POUNDS IS WONDERFUL!!
I would like for you to do me a favour please... the next time you go to the shops... take a basket (or shall I say a trolley!) and load it full of butter to the equivalent weight of how much you have lost... and then see how much FAT IS GONE FOR GOOD!!!
I am so very, VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!! {cheerleader} WELL DONE INGER!!!
YOU MAKE US ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!

[MrsPeel]

Inger, that's really fantastic! You must be so pleased - I'm almost at my 8-week weigh-in and I hope to have news as good as yours to report! {goodjob}

WE CAN DO IT!!!!

[cyberella]

hi, mrs.peel and all u other inspiring and determined ladies--- i hope i'm not wrong but think i havent come across one single man in this forum--

i really love 2 read about your success!
u all must b sooo very proud of yourself!{wave}
{congrats}

hi, mrs.peel!
i only realized now that the day your first 4 weex were over was the day i started the program! i think thaz cool, as the day u start the next round will b my (officially) "first" weighing day-
i like that, because from what i read from/and about u i like u, as u r very considerate and supportive!!

i have 2 admit though that i weigh myself every morning, as i know how 2 motivate myself.
and as i refused 2 get on a scale 4 very long, i dont want 2 fall in2 the habit of refusal again! :hypnotic:

but the big "day of truth" is only one week from 2day and i cant wait 2 share the success with all of u!!

[MrsPeel]

Why, thank you, cyberella! That's a very sweet message to read - I'm happy to be a 1PD Forum buddy of yours! I look forward to my 8-week and your 4-week weigh-in next week!! :praying:

There is at least one gentleman posting - superhauck - and my husband is dragging his heels logging on, but he is on the plan, too. He started about the same time as you did, so we should see his progress next week as well. I can report that he is off his high blood pressure meds, though - the diet has restored him to a nice low BP!!! :dance:

[iggyjoh40]

Thanks Shasha and Mrs Peel and welcome cyberella!!!

I'm more determined these next four weeks and to see my progress and reach a new goal!!

SHASHA - what would we do without you?? You're support and straightforwardness is what we all need to keep going and achieve something we all have longed for!!

MRS PEEL you've definitely stepped forward and have already inspired and motivated others, as well as myself - thanks for all your kind words.

Oh, Mrs Peel - my husband hasn't started 1st PD but has been doing his own thing and exercising more than myself, but we both started at the same time and he started at 293 and weighed himself this morning and is now down to 268 (25 pounds)!! I'm really proud of him and having our hubbies along for the ride really helps, I just sometimes have to turn my cheek when he eats something that I'm not allowed. LOL

[Shasha]

{hi} there Cyberella, Mrs Peel and Inger and Everyone Else of course... {grouphug2}

Iggie: I'm still smiling about your wonderful progress! I am really Chuffed with you for doing so well!!! Girl, it is YOU that did the hard work!!!

Mrs Peel: You're just a born SUPER STAR! I do hope that your hubby will pop in to say Hi and let us know how he is doing... of course excitement is climbing to see your weigh-in...

Cyberella: That's just amazing! So, we will expect you to follow in the heals of Mrs Peel...

Men mostly have faster weight loss than ladies... that's just the way it is... (sigh...)(go green...)

Mrs Peel and Iggie: What to expect now that you're heading for your 8 week weigh-in's. Remember, that most clients report their BEST progress in the first 4 weeks. Following this and providing that you continue to follow your eating plan 100%, you should still continue to see steady progress. Tip: Don't set your goal for the 8 week weigh in too high - it's better to set a lower goal and to achieve this than to set a higher goal and not achieve it... You should loose quiet a bit of inches between weeks 4 and 8... (I know Mrs Peel already has!!!)

Cyberella: You naughty thing! If you are weighing so often I want you to please be very careful of two things: the devil and plateau's... Plateau's are a normal part of every weight loss program and during the plateau you still continue to burn fat but you will just stand still on the scale. The problem comes when you stand still on the scale for a week or 10 days, the devil :devil: comes and whispers into your ear that the diet is no longer working for you... when you begin to believe this lie, you will loose heart and thoughts like: this diet's no longer working for me, what's the point?... can creep in and before you know it, a piece of pie looks really inviting...

That then just a word of caution to be extremely careful when weighing often... best would be to go on a SCALE HOLIDAY for now, pack the thing away... because during the Refeeding Program you will be asked to weigh yourself every day and you can then do this for the rest of your life...

It is always better to follow Dr Cohen's advise 100%... that includes his advise to only weigh once in 4 weeks... Cyberella, We ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR PROGRESS AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, 4 WEEKS WILL BE UP!! I will be posting: SPINACH & RICOTTA CRISPS just for you in the recipe section in a few minutes time... enjoy! ;-)


HAPPY DIETING ALL YOU SOON TO BE SKINNY DARLINGS!!!{cheerleader}

[cyberella]

i might start 2 bore everyone here in this forum, but once again,
shasha!! {cheerleader}u r sooo sweet!!!! i'm not only a little impatient, but also a curious person and thaz y i want 2 know where my plateaus r. and i know that standing still in terms of weight is not a lack of progress! i'm aware of that and i'm a big girl 2 know how 2 handle my mind- i'm actually exighted every morning b4 going on the scale and even when i dont "see" progress, it still helps me 2 focus on the spirit of forming my body -4 not 2 say: spirit of dieting (actually: "reforming"my body after pregnancy and 2 years of breast-feeding..)
i'm not scared of the devil and would tell him 2 get lost, when he wanz 2 talk crap!!
but your warning was just sooooooooooo cute!

i can imagine that people could get distracted from their goal, but as it takes a while b4 i get going, i am also quite stubborn once my mind is set.- i'm not a quitter, luckily!

and u know: u turn around twice and next thing u know: iz summer and i dont want 2 feel like i felt the last 2 years anymore!!:noway:

mrs peel!
would u please say {hi} 2 mr. peel 4 me?
must b good 2 have company on this way... or on any way!{rofl}
iz sooo very great tht the diet has already helped your husband with his blood pressure!!!!
thaz so amazing! this means once more that this program really is the answer!!!
so, then i'm in the league of your husband- well, he's gonna win by a clear margin! i'm looking 4ward 2 next week-

a successful week 2 all of u(s)!!!!!

(gotta hit the sheez, as my growth hormone otherwise wont come round 2nite!! - iz waaay past one am)

[/COLOR]

[Shasha]

{hi} Cyberella

There's no way of saying or predicting when you will go through a plateau. Everyone is different... if you see that you're standing still on the scale and emptying your bladder less often, that is probably a sure sign that you are going through a plateau...

On the subject of reforming your body... it's nice idea to keep a progress diary... complete with measurements, regular photo's etc... some ladies really enjoy this. They even spend time in books looking for pictures of clothes they want to wear when they get to goal...


{boing} HAPPY DIETING!!! {boing}

[cyberella]

hi, shasha..
well u r right-
i sometimes spend a moment or 2 with a catalogue thinking of what lovely dresses and outfiz i'm gonna b able 2 wear again..:laughing:
and thaz really inspiring as thanx 2 dr. cohen's it is an idea thaz achievable...god bless the man!!!!:praying: hallelujah-
shasha, u r right, i really should sing a gospel 2 him:
so, this one is 2 our hero, dr.cohen..


the desperates bow down at the thought of u,
our darkness gives way 2 the light 4 u,
the program u made gives us live brand new,
hosannah 4ever we worship u
hosannah 4ever we worship u!!!
{rofl}

ps. and about the plateaus: when i know at what weight my plateaus r, iz easier 2 keep my weight, as i learned in the past that i also do not put on weight as easy "underneath" a plateau..
in this aera i used 2 tend 2 b light-headed, cause i could eat more and didnt put on as quickly-- haha, and once it was on my hips, it took ages 2 go away again! (my plateaus were always at the same kilos (lez see how this is now, as i'm 15 years older than when i found that out)

[AZKAT]

Inger, 19 lbs is fantastic! Great job! You should be really proud of yourself.

All of you are doing great!

[Shasha]

{hi} there AZKAT


And when will you be coming for your next weigh in???

:party5:

[MrsPeel]

Hey, gang! It's that time - {drum roll} - today I'm 219.2 pounds!
I started at 251, and yesterday I was able to wear my size 34 waist A+F jeans again. :jumping2:

Cyberella, I think that means you have a 4-week weigh-in today, right? And Inger - aren't you at the same point as me? I can't wait to hear!!!

Also, thanks to cyberella and Shasha for welcoming MrPeel so nicely! He's looking mighty fine :love4: if I do say so.

[GailStout]

VERY WELL DONE!!! KEEP GOING!!! Gail

[MrsPeel]

Thanks, Gail!! I'm in hot pursuit of my old self! :P

[Shasha]

{band} AWESOME MRS PEEL!!!

{congrats} ON LOOSING 31.8 POUNDS
IN ONLY 8 WEEKS!!! :clapping3:

YOU ARE NOT JUST IN HOT PERSUIT OF YOUR OLD SELF!!!
YOU ARE CATCHING UP TO HER!!!
And you are getting there very fast!!! {motorcycle}
THE RACE IS ON and all you need to do is KEEP ON GOING!!!

34 waist ... When last were you able to wear this???

[cyberella]

hi, my dear "diet-family"!!
sorry 4 reporting only now, as i was very busy yesterday.
my weigh-in was ok, but as i had the same weight 4 almost 2 weex, i was a bit frustrated! :aint:
remember? the consultant allowed the wrong vitamine- supplement {explode} and as long as i took it (till i asked again) my weight didnt change! :crying:
(that was about 10 days)...

[Shasha]

{hi} there Cyberella

I'm so sorry to hear that your weight did not change in 10 days... :bighug: we still love you!!
How much are you down for the 4 weeks though???

On the positive side: At least you are not longer taking the wrong vitamins any more.

Please don't be discouraged :comfort:
Always remember that Vegetarians do loose weight slower than people who do eat meat...

(Also remember that you should not weigh yourself prior to having your monthly periods as you will retain water at that time.)

Please DO NOT :noway: compare you progress with anyone else, cos you are unique and your journey to health and wellness is also going to be a unique journey... besides, we know that you are doing the very best you can and that you have been eating right... WELL DONE FOR THIS!!!

[cyberella]

hi 2 all my dear frienz out there,
hi shasha!
well, iz not that bad, as i lost 19 pounz in my 4 weex....
i'm actually a metric person, but as all of u go by pounz, i converted my 9 and something kilo's i lost in2 your measure system.
iz still ok, but as i lost soo very much in the first 2 weex, i was a little sad 2 b stuck 4 quite a while!
but lez not b incontent as someone else wrote that she was stuck with the same weight 4 1 whole month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! :disagree:
what a good girl that she didnt stop the diet as i'd think: ok- i seem 2 b done and my body says "stop" right here-- i'm sure i would break up! but this way i'm still in the game :party6:- what r 10 days in comparison 2 a whole month!!

btw: i drank my first coffee in the last 15 years yesterday!!

now i know y u girls dont suffer from hunger!!!
i was content waay longer!
but this diet spoils my "healthy attitude" a bit-
i didnt put on weight the last years due 2 all that bad eating-habiz- exept 4 the sweet treaz :innocent4: i had 2 give myself (was unhappy quite often), and due 2 pregnancy obviously!! ....

[cyberella]

.. sorry, mrs. peel, but by putting up with my own "stuff" (and being busy the last couple of days) i stumbled {oops} over congratulating u straight away 2 your amazing success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very very well done!! {bouncing}
u rock!!! :party6:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Cyberella

Remember all the talk about Plateau's??? if you don't, hit the search button at the top and select all posts containing the word: plateau...

You've typically fallen into the plateau trap... you weighed more often than once a month, saw a fast progress and then expected this to continue all the time and you didn't anticipate the plateau that must follow the fast drop on the scale... and as such you feel a bit disappointed by your progress...

:noway: should you feel disappointed! YOU HAVE DONE VERY, VERY WELL!!!

{congrats} on loosing 9 kg!! Well done!!! We multiply that by 2.2 and get to 19.8 pounds!!! This is fantastic!!!

You are on a roll girl!!! WELL DONE {goodjob} I'm very proud of you!!! Please keep up the good work and please pack your scale away! Your weight should drop again, as long as you continue to follow your eating plan 100%! There is no point in fussing about the plateau's... rather focus on eating 100% right! I hope that you plan to treat yourself to something special - maybe go for a pedicure or a manicure or just something special (not food) to celebrate your progress!

[cyberella]

thank u 4 your kind worz!!!!:)
u r right, i might b a little 2 impatient by using the scale.. we'll see if i can do without....:thinking:
i'll b right on track though, whether frustrated once in a while or not... i'm 2 determinded 2 not quit or cheat!!! :disagree: and i'm very happy 2 have lost as much as anyone else! iz a great diet, and i looooove, love, love it!!! :party6:

[Shasha]

:bighug: Cyberella

YES! You are doing very well!!! :bighug:

You just need to KEEP ON DOING WELL and refuse any form of negativity...

It is time to push full steam ahead... and the best way to do this is to keep your mind focussed on how lovely you are going to look when you are at your goal again!! Remember, you re going to put your photo's on the WEB too!!! :bighug:

Have you decided what your pamper treat will be??? :bighug:

[cyberella]

as i get 2 have a massage every wednesday and my new piano-teacher is coming over in my house, so i dont need a babysitter and elias-leon can sit on my lap while i do my exercise), i dont need a pamper-treat!!! my treat is trying on my clothes and seeing what fiz next..
the only "sad" thing about that is that my bigger clothes r very nice and they hang on me like potatoe-sax already.. (i'm very tall so i dont look all that big!)
but iz sooo very exighting 2 see what i fit in2 by now!! and on i go....:jumping2:
i'll also plan 2 take a sewing-class, so i can stich my clothes smaller myself- i had them bought only after pregnancy.
sofar when i undid my wardrobe and stiched it up in a new size, it didnt look all that hot and i ended up buying everything new.:laughing:
so, my massage, my piano-lessions and my plans 4 new projecz r enough 2 pamper me!! :)

[Shasha]

{hi} there Cyberella

How nice that you are a stay home Mom and get time to do all these lovely things... massage, piano lessons, ...

I do think you will enjoy the sewing lessons.

One thing is for sure, you either need to FIX those too big clothes or bless someone else with them... We don't want you missing them to the point of trying to fit back into them :noway:!!!

It's better to close that door completely! {rofl}


SO, I WISH YOU HAPPY SLIMMING! :innocent2:

[GailStout]

Cyberella -- It's VERY IMPORTANT to do things for YOU while you do all this. Though my kids were college-age when I started, they still pretty much came first.

It's fun to realize that as you lose weight you WANT to do more stuff for YOU.

I would REALLY URGE YOU to GET RID OF YOUR BIG CLOTHES -- even if they're "special" "expensive" "whatever" -- it's too tempting to keep in your closet when you can think "Oh, I can cheat, I still have that great dress".

I'm pretty sure I posted part of this earlier, but TRY THRIFT SHOP SHOPPING!
As I was losing weight I’d often go through a size or two in a week….or stay at the same size for a month or so. I’d drop off my big clothes at the back of the thrift shop (doing that is important, more on this later!) and go around to the front of the shop and buy what I needed for the next couple of weeks, spending probably $15 USD at the most at any one time.

I bought nothing that wasn’t “designer”…and why spend $100 on a pair of pants you’ll wear for ten days if you can get them for $3?

There are a few tips & tricks to Thrift Shopping:
1) If you’re hesitant about “used” clothing: Think of it as the ULTIMATE in green living! Recycling R Us! You rotate clothes through like one would borrow a book at the public library, donating your larger size clothing and having use of the next size for a few weeks. The donations you make are tax-deductible, and the money you spend at the shop goes to a good cause.
2) Finding “nice” clothes at the Thrift Shop: go to a thrift shop near a larger city with a population of professional women (I live in a university town with lots of professors, doctors, lawyers, etc.). Many of these women must, necessarily, replace their wardrobes on an annual or semi-annual basis and are world-conscious enough to donate their clothing to good causes. What this means for you is that you have well-made, basically new designer label clothing available to you and at bargain prices!
3) ALWAYS GET RID OF YOUR “BIG” clothes – no matter how special they are or how important “oh, I wore that on that wonderful trip to…” – having larger sizes in your closet makes it SAFE for you to go off your diet. This is NOT a good thing. If you only have size 12 in your closet, it’s not as easy to eat your way back into a size 16!
NOTE: Always keep the one BIGGEST pair of pants you owned – it’s quite fun to be able to take the “here I am with both legs fitting into one leg of my size 22 jeans” photo!

Getting a manicure and a "new" thrift shop outfit = PAMPER DAY! The best is when you come home looking like a million dollars -- cuz you FEEL like a million dollars!

KEEP GOING!

[cyberella]

thank u, shasha and gail, 4 your ideas and showing interest in me...{grouphug1}
i wish i was a "real" stay home-mom and could raise my child till primary-school;
but no, i'm a single mother with a job.
austria is just -there must also b advantages, as so far i only reported of disadvantages (cant get this and that in the stores)- a country where mothers can stay with there newborns until they reach the age of 2,5 or even up 2 3 years!
good social system we have!!!:gurney:{cheerleader}{bouncing}

[GailStout]

I'm EVEN MORE IMPRESSED that you can do 1PD so well! That's an amazing amount of "juggling" you're doing...and I can't imagine having a small child and doing the diet!!!That's how I started my journey to "big beautiful woman" in the first place -- snarfing down peanut butter and McDonalds while I was handling my babies! (to whom, of course, I wouldn't EVER give less than healthy foods)

WELL DONE ON DOING THIS NOW (and not waiting for another 50 or 60 pounds to creep on!)

You keep going! -- your baby will learn how to eat well at the beginning from YOU!

[cyberella]

hey, gail :party8:
thank u 4 your very nice answers and your supportive attitude!! :love7:
yesterday i didnt answer 2 the clothes-tips u gave as it was almost 2 am and i was dying 2 find my bed, finally after a long day..
my clothes-story is quite simple: as i'm only about 1 inch less than 6 foot- i dont know, is that 5,10- (dont actually know these measuremenz) i will not really have panz- even after reaching my goal-weight- which i'll fit with both lex one sided.
imagine, a dress i only bought 3 months ago doesnt even seem impressed by my meanwhile loss of over 22 pounz- it loox almost the same than a month ago- but another one i just stiched smaller this morning.
with that height, the pounz kind of spread all over the show and r not as "obvious" as if i was shorter.

i did that after my last diet as well!
the nice clothes i had done smaller or sewed smaller myself.
well actually, after I DID IT, i had 2 give them away, anyway!! {rofl}
loz of thinx i'll certainly give away, some i will just change in size by my tailor or in sewing-class (we'll see bout that)!

about the stay-home-with-small-child-not-taking-care-of-yourself-putting-on-weight-thing:
iz not that bad being on a diet by taking care of a baby and a adolescent weirdo :confused:, but what is a bit of a prob is that i'm home very often and not really distracted from food a lot as i have 2 offer the little one meals almost every 2 hours due 2 the fact that he's not a big eater and very very slim, the doctor says.
and he was sick 4 quite a while now, so we couldnt even go 2 our every forenoon (latemorning) play-, swim-, sing-, and english-groups!!

and the other thing is just a change in mind, i believe: i'm healthy living since very early age- my parenz r slim and look stunning at the age of nearly 70 (they do loz of sporz such as windsurf ie, r very in2 nutrition, do meditation and my mom's doing iceskate-dancing as well aso)-
so i'm raised in this manner. what makes me fat always, though is that in times of depression (in the past) and times of stress & lonelyness (now) i try 2 pamper myself by giving me sweet treaz and starting 2 b needing that stuff. (no, thaz not rite: it sounz so controlled: i emotionally really crave/d these kind of fooz!)
now i try 2 look at it from that angle that i only really do myself a favor and pamper myself, if i DONT take those unhealthy nutrienz- well, wrong word actually as they dont really nourish the body well- wether iz organic chocolate (bars) or not..

[MrsPeel]

Hey, cyberella!

I am also 5'10" or a bit more - if I stand up straight! and you are so right, our weight loss shows up differently than shorter gals' does. It's part of the reason my weight got so bad, as it kind of sneaked up on me at first, and nobody really noticed. I think my loss so far shows mainly in my face and throat area, to the outside observer!

[cyberella]

wow, what a tall lady--
is that than 6 foot if u r more than 5'10 or is there a 5'11??
now U r someone who understanz how things r different in "thin air" :laughing:

well as 4 our "drop-zones", i lost 8 cm on my chest but only 4 on the hips..- i'm not so in2 measuring but they want us 2, otherwise i wouldnt b worried now.
but hopefully i'll have the same shape than b4 my pregnancies..{praying}
we'll have the shape of models with our heighz!! :jumping2:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Gail and Mrs Peel (up there on :cloud9:)


:bighug:

Just a tip about measuring yourself - make sure that you go across the same place each time... The widest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist etc. Use the middle of your arm. Best is to aim for a freckle or something so that you can use this same spot again next week...


Happy Slimming Girls! Soon you'll be able to :party3:

[AZKAT]

It's been a while since I posted and just finished another 4 weeks. So here's an update:

Official Start (6/7/07) 267 lbs; size 26 top - 24 pants

(7/4/07) 4th week - 243 = 24 loss

(8/2/07) 8th week - 227 = 16 loss; size 22 top – 20 pants

(8/30/07) 12th week - 212 = 15 loss, size 20 top – 18 pants

1st 12 week total loss = 55 lbs

(9/27/07) 16th week - 200.5 = 11.5 loss, 66.5 total; size 18 top- 16 pants

(10/25/07) 20th week - 188.5 = 12 loss; Size 16 top - 14 pants

(11/22/07) 24th week - 175.5 = 13 loss; Size 14-16 top - 12 pants

2nd 12 week total loss = 36.5 lbs

(12/20/07) 28th week - 163 = 12.5 loss; Size 12-14 top - 10 pants
(Reached 100 lbs off goal this month!)

(01/17/08) 32nd week - 150 = 13 loss; Size medium - small top – 6 - 8 pants

(02/14/08) 36th week - 140 = 10 loss; Size small top – 6 pants

3rd 12 week total loss = 35.5 lbs

(03/13/08) 40th week - 132.5 = 7.5 loss; Size small top – 4 pants

I am done with my 3rd (and last) session, and have my refeed!

I have 1.5 more lbs to get to Cohen's low goal of 130. I will start refeed next Monday. Can't believe I've lost so much in 9.5 months!

Inches lost:

Bust - 15"
Stomach -22.5" (I started 55" and am down almost 1/2! I never thought it could happen!)
Waist – 20" (which is different from my problem stomach. There used to be a 7" difference between my waist and stomach)
Hips – 16"
Thigh - 10"
Arm – 9" (my worst spot)
Wrist - 2.75"

I lost 7" this month! The lbs may be coming off slower than before, but that's ok when inches are disappearing! Good luck to the rest of you. I hope things are going well.

[WorthyQueen]

AZKAT, WOW!!!!

You are such an inspiration!!!! Thank you so much for sharing and for having the tenacity and strength to follow through to the end (or should I say the beginning!) You must have the most wonderful life ahead of you now!

{congrats}
{boing}

[MrsPeel]

AZKat, you are the Official Diet Goddess of the Forum!!!!
{king}

We, your abject slaves, wish only to see before and after pictures, soon!! Very exciting!

[Hugentobler]

WOW!!! To go from a size 24 to a 4...OH MY GOD!!!! I bet you love to go shopping now. Do people even recognize you anymore? You are a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your dedication.

[Bronwyn]

Hello Azkat!! I am so inspired and impressed by your accomplishment!!! W-O-W!!! I'm in my 9th week and am feeling extra tired and a bit demotivated, only because I wish things were going a little faster and I want to be done. Well, after reading your progress and realizing how long it took you to do this I will stop my whining. You are amazing and the results are incredible. Thanks for posting all of that - It is just what I needed!!! Please continue to post and give us your progress on refeed and maintenance. You are going to have such a wonderful life in your fabulous new body!! Can we see some pictures???

[Shasha]

WOOOOW AZKAT!!!


A VERY BIG HUG :bighug: TO THE VERY LITTLE YOU!!!

Official Start (6/7/07) 267 lbs; size 26 top - 24 pants
Now: (03/13/08) 40th week - 132.5 = 7.5 loss; Size small top – 4 pants

I agree with Mrs Peel:

You are OFFICIALLY DIET QUEEN OF
THE 1ST PERSONAL DIET FORUM!!!


{king}

{congrats} on having lost an incredible
134.5 pounds!!!

Have you realised that
you have lost MORE weight
than what you currently weigh???


It's ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE THAT YOU HAVE GONE FROM A
SIZE 24 TO A SIZE 4 PANTS!!!

You must look like such a different person - I'll bet you are having to show your ID to friends who haven't seen you in the last 40 weeks!!!


YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AWESOME GIRL!!!
:clapping3:
We are so very proud of you for your
teriffic transformation!!!


THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A SUPER STAR DIETER and SUCH A SUPER EXAMPLE OF
WHAT CAN & WILL BE DONE
ON THE 1ST PERSONAL DIET PROGRAM!!!

[AZKAT]

Thanks everyone! I weighed this morning and I've done it - reached goal! I start refeed on Monday. I'm not even worried about Easter dinner with the family. No way I'm messing up now. I'll do what I've done throughout my diet and take my own food with me. They are used to it and always are curious to see what I've brought!

For those of you who are getting discouraged, I feel for you. Been there, done that! There are times I have felt like a five year old and want to wanted to stomp my foot and whine! For me it was more than weight loss that motivated me. So when I felt like things were going too slow (which is almost laughable considering I lost 137 lbs in 9.5 months but I did feel that way at times) I'd think about how much healthier I was. I no longer have allergies and asthma, no more migraines, hot flashes, night sweats, or acid reflux. I haven't even had a cold or the flu and Arizona was hit hard this flu season! I really am better off eating this way and while looking forward to adding new foods during refeed, I want to continue this lifestyle and have good health. I love being able to do things I only could dream about before, because I was to heavy! With other diets I couldn't wait to eat what I was eating before and now I want to remain in my size 4 and be healthy more than I want those other foods. It will be a challenge, but hopefully knowing that it will be, will help me be diligent.

Oh, good grief, I didn't mean to go on and on! It's just that I know if I can do it, all of you can! I've been battling my weight for over 25 years.

Bronwyn, I would get tired occasionally, usually coming off a plateau. My consultant told me to try taking an extra vitamin when I felt that way. It did help me. I also ate my fruit and crackers and that would also help. I did discover that for me eating apples can bring on tiredness and hunger. So I would switch to citrus or melon salads.

Good luck to all of you. I know you can do it!

[AZKAT]

Sasha, I do realize that I'm 'half' the woman I used to be. I love saying that and that 'I'm a really big loser' and proud of it!

And you're right, people I haven't seen in a while don't recognize me. I still haven't convinced one guy that I'm who I say I am!

I'll have to post some pics. I didn't believe that I looked all that different until I saw the before picture.,

[AZKAT]

the picture are posted!

[Shasha]

{hi} there AZKAT


I'm so HAPPY FOR YOU!!! :party3: So VERY, VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!


:clapping3:

You are such an inspiration to everyone reading this!!!
Thank you for rambling on and please, please do ramble on some more!!! We would love to know what made you get started???

Everyone reading your posts and seeing your fantastic PIC'S is bowled over about your WONDERFUL PROGRESS... There are tons of Fatties who want to be Thinnies saying to themselves: If she could do it, so can I... and we all know it's a difficult road, BUT YOU'VE DONE IT!!!


AFTER 25 YEARS {cheerleader} YOU ARE AT YOUR GOAL!!!
AND LOOKING SOOOOO GREAT!!!!

WELL DONE!!!

About Refeed, if you have reached your goal, you may begin Refeeding right away, there is no need to wait until Monday...

What a LOL ''that people I haven't seen in a while don't recognize me. I still haven't convinced one guy that I'm who I say I am!'' That is really GREAT!!!

Thank you also for sharing more insight into your personal motivators: ''For those of you who are getting discouraged, I feel for you. Been there, done that! There are times I have felt like a five year old and want to wanted to stomp my foot and whine! For me it was more than weight loss that motivated me. So when I felt like things were going too slow (which is almost laughable considering I lost 137 lbs in 9.5 months but I did feel that way at times) I'd think about how much healthier I was. I no longer have allergies and asthma, no more migraines, hot flashes, night sweats, or acid reflux. I haven't even had a cold or the flu and Arizona was hit hard this flu season!"


I guess that old saying: 'you are what you eat' has a lot of truth to it!

In any case, I want you to know: AZKAT YOU'RE MY HERO!!! xxx

[Bronwyn]

And my hero too! I agree with Shasha.... You can go on and on all you'd like. Thanks for the advice about the tiredness... I do eat my fruit & crackers most days - space them out between meals and that seems to keep my hunger in check. I'm feeling better now and am also finding new inspiration in your story and with the others here helping. My joureny will be nothing compared to what you went through so I will suck it up and get 'er done!! Thanks for being there and have fun with the refeed!

[Hugentobler]

AZKAT- Please keep up update on your progress through refeeding and life after. I am very curious about this phase of the program and would appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks!

[Shasha]

{hi} there AZKAT

I agree with Bronwyn and Amylynn... please keep us posted on your progress as well as any pearls of wisdom that you would like to share with fellow diet buddies...

Hope your Refeed is going just GREAT!!! :bighug:

[GailStout]

WELL DONE AZKAT!!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of re-feeding!!

Please make sure that you give yourself some extra time during your re-feed to prepare and enjoy your meals!!! (By the time you get to the end, it's so much food you have to ask your consultant if you really have to eat it all!!):thinking:

GO GO GO!!!!

I'm interested, as always, that everyone's goals are SO different -- you and I started at about the same weight, but your goal was almost 15 pounds lower than mine...I love the "personal" part of 1PD, but am also curious as to what aspects of our bodies determine where our goal weights are!

At any rate, WELL DONE, and keep posting photos! (I lost three sizes during re-feeding, but no weight at all, so don't buy your skinny clothes yet!) :thinking:

[AZKAT]

Wow! Down 3 sizes during refeed?! I'm in a size 4 already! I hope I'll just fit in them better after refeed! I started my refeed yesterday and today I get to add bread. Yikes! I dropped .4 lbs this morning, so all is good so far!

I am 5'3" and wore a size 9.5 shoe @ the start of the diet, now I'm in a size 8 shoe. My friend is the same height, but started with a size 8 shoe and her goal weight is about 7 lbs lower than mine. Hope that helps you compare better.

How is life after Cohen's? I really want to be able to keep off the weight this time!

[GailStout]

Yep, three whole sizes. A friend of mine (the one who got me started on 1PD) lost 157 pounds and went from a size 26 to a 0 -- and she's still reshaping almost a year later. She says it's just as hard to find small sizes as it was to find size 26!

Life after Cohen's is probably different for everyone. I got into trouble on the part after the re-feed that says "experiment with what works for you"; my experimentation was not necessarily right nor good for me. I'd advise caution and good understanding of "Life after the diet" rules...because it's absolutely true that if you DON'T follow the Life After The Diet, you'll be right back where you started.

It's actually a bit scary how fast weight can come back on if you don't do what you're supposed to do -- so the answer is, you'll always be able to eat what you want, but you have to eat at the CORRECT time of day and in combination with the CORRECT foods for you. So, life after the diet still requires planning.

The one thing that CAN'T come back is "eat anything whenever you want it" !!!

That's interesting that you're 5'3" -- I'm 5'7" (I also changed shoe sizes: I went from a size 10.5 shoe to a size 9)...just interesting!

Anyway, enjoy your bread -- but be prepared for your body to HATE it. Mine did not (and does not) like bread at all anymore. Unfortunately, I STILL LIKE IT. My body protests when I eat it, though!

[WorthyQueen]

Okay, so I sent in my 4 week report. It's okay, I guess but I was a bit disappointed :( Here goes:

Starting weight: 203 Now: 188 Total Loss: 14 lbs.
Starting size: 16 Now: 14 comfortably
Inch loss: 17

I'm 5'4" and wear a size 6.5 shoe. My goal weight is 120-126 according to Dr. Cohen.

I think one of the reasons that the weightloss was not more is that I have been fighting this flu bug and my stomach has been uneasy and I have been fatigued. I am a business owner and my company is going through alot of changes and personnel changes, etc. so it has been a bit stressful and hard to stay away long enough to just get better. So the past two weeks my schedule has been off and I have inadvertently ended up missing meals here and there. Probably 3-4 times a week. I'm almost over the sickness now, but I still feel tired. I reported in and I need to take the blood test again, so i think the next 4 weeks will be much better. On a lighter note, this is the smallest I have been in more than 16 years and that is a really great feeling.

'Till next time.

[MrsPeel]

WorthyQueen, don't be disappointed!! That's a great loss in 4 weeks - and to be the smallest you've been in 16 years is a tremendous achievement! :applause:

I know your second four weeks will be better, now that you're getting over the bug that's been dragging you down.

Thanks for your kind post on my "12 Weeks" thread, too - I am fortifying myself for the second 12 weeks! :)

[WorthyQueen]

You are so awesome MrsPeel. Truly one of my favorites here! It's funny, but I posted this before i read through various other posts and i was not so cheery, but after reading yours and others I feel so much better about it. This really is an awesome support tool! and you're right. I am thrilled to be in a size 14 and to actually have a little room to breathe too!

Anyway, thanks again for your support, inspiration, words of wisdom, recipes... (speaking of which, I'm still waiting on my Zevia shipment!)

Hugs :)

[Shasha]

Starting weight: 203 Now: 188 Total Loss: 14 lbs.
Starting size: 16 Now: 14 comfortably
Inch loss: 17


{congrats} and a big YAAAAAY!!!! TO YOU!!!! on loosing 14 pounds and 17 inches and going from a size 16 down to a size 14!!! {cheerleader} I'm very PROUD OF YOU!!!

Having your own business is extremely hard work - normally this means that you never get to take a break and it usually means that even when you do go on 'holiday' that you are not really on holiday... few people understand the tol that the continued stress can take in the long run...


I think you need a :bighug: for doing so very well!!!

I would like you to work on one thing especially during the coming weeks and that is on EATING ALL YOUR MEALS ie: 3 meals a day. (If you skip meals your body will react by storing your food as fat.) If you know that you've been skipping meals, rather follow your eating plan 100% for two weeks before going for your blood test - otherwise skipping meals will show up as a deviation from the program.

YOU ARE WORTHY MRS QUEEN!!! So stop the busy schedule and make time for you to 1) recover from your illness and 2) to make your diet foods.

Please take a second vitamin each day at lunchtime, espeically if you are not already doing this.

Following are some tips for the busy customers that cannot or do not want to spend too much time in the kitchen - I trust you could use some of these:

1. Egg and Celery Sticks:

Cook several eggs until they are hard and cool. Buy a container of washed and cut celery sticks and spread them to portions by the weight of your meal 1 vegetables that goes with the egg. Store the celery sticks portions in small zip-lock bags with one hardboiled egg in each bag in your refrigerator. This meal is now ready to go with you when you leave the house.

2. Chicken Breast with mushrooms:

The preparation of this meal is very short and requires a use of your BBQ grill, a conventional oven or a pan.
Buy half a pound of fresh skinless and boneless chicken breast tenderloins. Separate the chicken meat to portions based on the weight of the specific meal. Spray a little olive oil and sprinkle with some of your favourite spices. Throw each portion on the grill / pan, or arrange the portions on a tray in your conventional over in a heat of 425 F until the meat is golden. Turn over half way. When ready and not hot anymore, store each portion separately.
Weight fresh mushrooms and separate to portions based on the weight of the vegetables allowed. Store mushrooms with chicken portions.

3. Fish and vegetables:

Buy fresh fish (see list of allowed fish in your guide) and separate the fish to portions based on your personal diet. Spice fish with some black pepper and mustard powder and arrange portions on a conventional over tray. Cook in over at 350 F for about 12 minutes. Add vegetables. Note that some supermarkets are willing to cook your fish for you. In this case, just ensure that when you cut the fish at home to portions, you calculate the weight of your prepared fish based on the weight of the raw fish as appears on the label.

4. Yogurt with Mango:

Peel and slice a small mango to small slices. Add to plain low-fat yogurt.

You can prepare the above for several meals in advance and store in your refrigerator.


{bouncing} WELL DONE!!!

[WorthyQueen]

Thank you Shasha for everything. You really are awesome! The problem that I was having with skipping meals was more like I slept in until 10:30am and didn't have my first meal until 11:00am, then my 2nd meal after 4pm and then eating the final meal at 9pm, but then forgetting to eat because I had eaten so late at lunch time. That happened several times and my schedule was so incorrect that I kept forgetting. I have now set my cell phone alarms and I get up no matter what and eat by 8am. It is going better now and I am nearly recovered from my illness.

[Shasha]

{hi} there WorthyQueen

Thanks for your kind words :flirt: :bighug:


I slept in until 10:30am...

May I ask what time you went to bed at night? Is this because you work long or late hours? :thinking:

[WorthyQueen]

No. It was because I was sick and unusually tired. My hisband figured if I really needed the sleep, then he would let me sleep. I usually (when not ill) go to sleep by midnight and wake up with the sunrise and without an alarm clock. It's just this bug has got me wiped. I'm recovering, but it's still there. I'm doing better this week though so far. :) Thanks.

[Shasha]

{hi} there WorthyQueen

I'm sorry to hear about the bad bug :comfort:

Is it a cold or flu? Please take a second multi-vitamin each day at lunchtime, I believe this will help.

To help your body to fight colds and flu, you may want to increase your plain Vitamin C intake - in tablet form, without any flavouring.

Hope you feel much, much better soon - try to get plenty of rest and lots of support from your hubby and family :gurney: so that you can recover quickly :bighug:

[GailStout]

Hey worthyQueen -- I got into real trouble with the WRONG vitamin C -- it had sugar in it that wasn't listed on the bottle! Yikes! (vitamin supplements do not necessarily have to list every single ingredient on the bottle). Ask your consultant and/or the pharmacist before you try anything. I ended up with vitamin C in a gel capsule (can't remember the brand right now)...but my consultant recommended it.

Drink water, sleep, and try to keep feeding your body the right foods at the right times! I actually lost five pounds the one time I picked up a bug (it was during re-feeding)...

[WorthyQueen]

Hey Shasha,
Thanks. It is some kind of virus. I have a dr I am seeing and I am at the end of it. I am taking C regularly and a lot. For previous health reasons, I have already checked my C out to ensure that it has no sugar, etc. It is in capsule form and has nothing to try and make it more pallatable. It's strictly C. I will be fine, but I have had to work while fighting it because you are right, as a business owner I don't have the luxury of blowing off work, even to recover (although I have worked shorter hours, etc.) Anyway, I am getting better. It just seems so long.

Thanks, Gail! You are really great, too! I am resting and I am eating well and checking my supplements to make sure they are okay. :party1:

I'll be fine in no time :)

[cyberella]

hey, my worthyqueen!!

late but still and from the heart: all the best and a quick recovery from your austrian buddy!!

(whos's cousine, btw. lived in clearwater as well-
if i'm not mistaken thaz where u live!

this world seems a village at times..)

[WorthyQueen]

Hey Cyberella,
Yes, I do live in Clearwater :) That is funny. It is such a small world after all. I don't have any family is Austria, but my family is originally from Germany and my daughter-in-law if also from Germany, which is close to you anyway. I am resting this weekend and working on some writing, so thank you. I hope that you will feel better soon as well and my heart is with you when you go on your doctor visit with Elias.

:praying:

[Shasha]

{hi} there WorthyQueen

I hope that the new week and new month finds you with much renewed strength and health: {grouphug1}