Follow Faith's Progress

DETOX

2008-11-17T15:24:00.003-05:00

If you read my last blog you know that I have had a really hard time since October 10th. I talked to Gloria, my trainer at Body Dimensions, and she has put me on a detox program. I am so thankful for Gloria and how she understands and works with me at times like this. I started yesterday, Sunday November 16. I will continue on the detox for the next 12 days. I eat every three or four hours and have only protein and fibrous veggies for the first three days. Thank the Lord for Lorin and Living Lean meals. She has been such a blessing in preparing some of the protein I need for this detox.
I will keep you posted on how I hold up!! Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Faith

The Worst Month Since January

2008-11-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

Well, I think this is the hardest blog I have written. I haven't written in a while because I was too ashamed to do so. Since I got back from vacation on October 11 I have struggled with my eating. I am hungry all the time--I eat things I should not and more than I should--feel guilty as sin about what and how much I eat-then eat some more!!!! It is a vicious cycle. Even though I ate meals from Living Lean I would eat more.

I am addicted to food. Some foods like white starches, (potatoes, white rice, white bread) just trigger my urge to eat. Then it takes me weeks to get through it. I know this yet I do it anyway. Now I have been really faithful to my eating program and my exercise program since January 16, 2008. But since Oct 11 I have really struggled.

I have tried so hard to get myself back on track. I did not want to disappoint anyone so I did not say anything to anyone about what I was experiencing. It is unbelievable how food can take hold of your life. I would lie in bed at the end of the day and swear that tomorrow I would do better. But would not!!! I would even---this is so hard for me to say---sneak and eat something so no one would know. How pitiful it that!!!

I had to go for a yearly physical and when I stepped on the scales on Nov 4th and they read 288 tears came to my eyes. I had gained 8 pounds. I had lost 74 since last going to the doctor in April of 2007 but through all the praise of the doctor all I could think of was, "I gained 8 pounds. How can I face Gloria." I did not want to face Gloria, Lorin, my fellow gymsters, my supporters at work, those of you who read my blog and especially my husband, who makes sure to tell me how proud he is of me everyday!

I finally decided about 2 AM this morning that I was going to talk to Gloria. So after 30 minutes of cardio (mind you I did not miss my workouts until 11/7 and I had a stomach virus that day), I told Gloria I needed to talk. I confessed to her all that I have told you. To my surprise she said she expected something was wrong.

You are probably thinking 71 pounds is nothing to ignore. You are right and I am pleased more than anyone knows with the progress I have made. BUT!!! now is not the time to get slack. I have learned from this that I have to watch every single morsel I put in my mouth. I will never be able to eat without thinking about what I am eating.

I weighed this morning--a new beginning. Gloria told me not to beat myself up over this. I just need to put it behind me a begin anew. The scales showed 285.8. I hate having to lose pounds twice. I know that I need to weigh in every two weeks no matter what. It is a way of being held accountable for my actions. I also know that a food diary is a must!!! When you write it down you are more conscious of what you have eaten.

Well I am sorry if I have disappointed any of you. Truly, truly sorry!!! I especially apologize to Gloria and Lorin who try so hard to help me get healthy!! I know I can do this!!! I am beginning again. As of Sunday November 16 I will have been on this healthy journey 10 months. It seems so long but has gone by so fast. I will do my very best to get as close to the 100 pound mark as I can by January 16, 2009!! I will have to lose 35 pounds. I hope each of you will stick with me through this valley and be there when I reach that ultimate 100 pound goal.

I have a new email address: healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Email me anytime. I would love to hear from you. Love, Faith

Approaching the Finish Line

2008-10-20T12:31:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Well I am approaching my first major finish line. I have made little goals along the way and am now working towards that grand finale, my first 100 pounds. I have 29 pounds to go by January 16, 2009.

We had a wonderful vacation on Oak Island. The weather was great!!! I walked everyday. Most morning my husband and I walked on the beach early. He was my time keeper and my body guard (against the dogs). For some reason dogs love me and just have to sniff my feet. We walked an hour or more, 30-40 minutes out and then back. Some days we went sightseeing in Southport and would walk for hours in and out the shops and looking at the old homes. We visited Brunswick Town and walked around the historic sights. To my surprise I really missed the cardio and workouts at Body Dimensions Fitness. Eating on vacation is another story. We ate in a few meals but most meals were eaten out. I tried to keep it healthy and watch the portions. Portion control won out over healthy most of the time. One can eat only so much broiled and grilled seafood before one gives in to fried. My chicken was roasted and I ate sandwiches open faced. I ate omelets and pancakes with light syrup. Needless to say vacationing for a week is hard on one's eating program.

But I am not going to dwell in the past and got right back on my Living Lean as soon as I returned home!! But oh!! the temptations of life!!!! We had a birthday celebration at the office last week, a home-coming style meal at my church on Sunday, we are having a grilling at the office on Wednesday and my assistant is on vacation this week. The birthday celebration wasn't too hard because I stay in my office away from the kitchen as much as possible and there is usually something healthy amongst the dishes brought for birthdays. The meal at church was harder because my husband and I spent most of the day on Saturday cooking for the meal on Sunday. Then on Sunday there is so much food it is hard to resist. However my mother, God bless her, brought grilled tenderloin and there were some healthy veggies. My mother also brought sugar free banana pudding and I had a small portion. So I fared pretty well. Now as for the grilling at work I do not have a clue what is being served. BUT!! I need to learn to eat as healthy as possible in these situations. As for my assistant being on vacation---well I am addicted to food and stress really turns up the appetite!! When things get stressful I turn to food to help me over through the situation. So this week will be a little harder than usual.

I have had a few days of asthma problems. Changing seasons is always a challenge. These challenges kept me from attending the Race for a Cure on Saturday but I am so proud of all who took part. One of my goals is to be able to walk in this race next year. Congrats to all who crossed the finish line!!!

Well until next time enjoy the cool crisp mornings and the beautiful fall season. I love this time of year. I look forward to hearing from you. Write me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. Thanks for coming along on my journey to a healthier life. Faith

Was I Ever Shocked!!!!

2008-10-03T13:40:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Well today was weigh-in. I had resigned myself to be happy with whatever poundage I shed this last two weeks. You see I have a roller-coaster relationship with my body. One weigh-in I lose --next weigh-in I maintain or gain-next weigh-in I lose. So after losing 8 pounds the last weigh-in I figured this time would be a maintain :). I do not weigh at home-much-I hardly ever do but sometimes it is so tempting I cannot resist!!

I hopped on the scales--remember I can weigh on the digital now-and to my awesome surprise I have lose 7 more pounds!!!!! A grand total of 71 pounds!!!!!! I treated myself to 10 extra minutes on the elliptical.

There are always challenges just around the corner and my next challenge is vacation week in Oak Island!!!! I will let you know how that works out!! I plan to walk everyday--eat small portions--and eat healthy!!! (Instructions from my Drill Sergeant -GLORIA) Just kidding-you know I love ya!!!

Remember to email me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net and thanks for reading my blogs!!! Faith

Striving for that 100 pounds!!!

2008-09-22T12:23:00.005-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Saturday September 20th was a weigh-in day for me and I am completely satisfied with the results. You see I maintained. Yes I am still at 287 lbs. I have been struggling for the last three weeks with some side effects to new short-term medication I have been taking. A menu of soft foods that would not challenge my digestive system has been what I have been eating. You cannot eat 1200-1500 calories of cooked veggies in a day!!! So I have been trying to get my protein by drinking protein drinks, eating peanut butter and eating eggs. This has been a real challenge!!!!

Thinks are fine now and I am back on the Living Lean meals! But I have set a new goal for myself. I had to step back and re-evaluate what I want to accomplish. I would really like to reach my 100 pound mark by my first anniversary at Body Dimensions Fitness. I have 17 weeks to go until January 16, 2009. I need to lose 36 pounds in that time!!!

I will also have to see my doctor for a six months check-up on January 16, 2009. I would love to go to the doctor 40 pounds less that I was in July 2008. So this is a new road I am on. The journey continues but I am taking a different road. Gloria, my trainer, has altered my daily cardio workouts and I am looking forward to the change. I will keep you posted.

If you have comments or questions please email me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. I would love to hear from you!!! Thanks for coming along on this journey to a healthier life!!!! Faith

Continuing the Battle--Addicted to Food

2008-09-04T10:59:00.004-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

I know that many of you received an email from Gloria on August 28th. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Gloria and all that she is doing for so many people, especially me!!! I have been overweight all my life, been to many doctors, on hundreds (literally) of diets, took pills, taken shots, gone to Weight Watchers, joined TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and struggled with every pound!!!! I can honestly say that no one has ever mentioned to me or hinted that I have a food addiction. Reading those words was like running into a brick wall. Addicted to food---that really threw me. I thank God that she is honest and outspoken. No doctor has ever said that to me and I needed to hear that a long time ago!!!!!

I never thought of myself as having an addition. But it is true. So many times I find myself craving certain foods, especially those starchy carbs. Creamed potatoes, corn, peas, white rice, bread, pasta--all these things are an addiction for me. It really is not so much the sweets-like cake, pie and candy as it is the starchy carbs. As long as I do not indulge I am fine. BUT!! give me a small portion of creamed potatoes and I have to have more!!!

Many say there is nothing you cannot eat as long as you do so in moderation. Well, for me, that is not true. There are some foods, like starchy carbs, that trigger a feeding frenzy for me and the best thing for me to do is stay away from them!!! We are all different and we have to learn to know our bodies and how we react to certain foods, etc. No one is going to monitor what you eat but you!!!

So let me tell you weight loss is a struggle--I am continually battling with myself. The sensible, health conscious Faith knows that starchy carbs are not good for me---the human, self satisfying Faith yearns to jump right in and have those potatoes, that bowl of white rice with butter or that pile of pasta with the rich sauces.

If you have these same urges remember you are not alone!!!!

Email me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net and let me know that I am not alone!! I would love to hear from you!!! Thanks for coming along on my journey to a healthier me!!! Faith

Back on Track!!!

2008-08-29T12:31:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

I am overjoyed to let you all know that I am out of the "sink hole" and back on the road to a healthier life. I last weighed-in on Tuesday August 19th and I gained FOUR pounds!! I was really fighting the urge to eat the whole livelong day!! I blogged about the hole I was in and was overwhelmed by the emails of support I received. I thank you all for being there for me!!! Your words of encouragement helped me more than you know. I picked myself up and brushed myself off, climbed out of that hole and today when I weighed-in I had lost those FOUR pounds!!! I ALSO LOST FOUR MORE!!!!!! 287!! I have not been this weight in more years than I want to count!! Only 36 pounds to the 100 mark!!

My next goal is 30 pounds by October 16th. Well that is 21 pounds to go now. I am not going to say that I cannot do this. I have seven weeks to do all I can!! I began this journey on January 16, 2008 by joining Body Dimensions Fitness and beginning to workout with Gloria Trull, my trainer ( I love that she is my trainer!!) who has become a good friend. Soon after I was introduced to Lorin Gryder and Living Lean Meals. Lorin is great and her meals have been a life saver!! Portion control is my biggest problem and her meals have helped enormously!! I am determined to step on the scales on January 16, 2009 100 pounds lighter, smaller and 200% healthier!!!!!

Again thanks for all the emails. You can contact me with questions or comments at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. Have a wonderful Labor Day!!!!! Faith

Catching Up and Confessing

2008-08-19T07:14:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Catching Up
I am sorry that I haven't blogged in a while. I have no excuse except that I just have not taken the time to do it. I have been quite busy and have neglected what I declared I would not do when I started this journey and that is time for myself. Since my last weigh-in, it seems everything under the sun has come across the road I am on and I have detoured from my destination. I feel like I have dropped into a large sink hole and can't get out!!! That brings me to the second part of this blog----confessing!!!

Confessing
I have not been as diligent as I should have been in the past few weeks. I have let the overwhelming temptations take control me. You know the occasional Snicker bar or the piece of cake and ice cream at a party or the fried foods when going out to celebrate an important occasion. I am sure you may also know how it is to let the cares and chores of this life keep you from the exercise you know you need everyday. You see I am human and while I have lost 60 pounds on what seems to have been an easy road to health believe me it has not been easy. I weighed in today and gained FOUR pounds. I did not cry or give up but am determined to carry on, crawl out of this sink hole and lose those four pounds plus several more before the next weigh in!!!!!!!

We all have these times. After sixty pounds and being able to get in new clothes or clothes I haven't been able to wear, hearing all the praises my supporters, the aches and pains of carrying around all that excess weight are gone and I feel great; the mind (an evil thing at times) seems to settle back and suggest things as "Take a few weeks and relax. Don't be so diligent. Enjoy the weight lose. You deserve to eat what you want for a while!" Well all of this is bull!!!! If you let your guard down, as I have, that weight will creep right back on your thighs, and middle and wherever else it looks the worse!!!

I feel like I need to apologize to Gloria, my wonderful trainer at Body Dimensions and Lorin my expert chef at Living Lean Meals for failing them and all their hard work. I feel like I have let them down!!!!

Enough Whining and Confessing!!!!!!!
I am going to pick myself up and brush myself off and get right back on this road to a healthier life!!! This sink hole that I ran into on my journey is not going to take up any more of my time and energies!!!

If you would like to comment or have any questions please email me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. Thanks for coming along on my journey to a healthier life. I will try really hard to avoid those detours and sink holes in the future!!!!
Faith

Mind Over Matter

2008-08-04T12:20:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

I have never liked having my picture taken. I was always the one taking the pictures and that is the way I liked it. When video cameras came out and my brother got one he "videod" every gathering the family had. I hated that camera. Actually it was the way I looked that gave me the discomfort not the camera. When you weigh over 300 pounds you avoid really looking at yourself for fear of what you will see. The picture attached was taken this week at the office where I work. A friend, who is a "photographer", took this picture with her digital camera. She insisted and I obliged. I was really surprised at the results. Now mind you I have another 100 pounds or so to lose but I was pleased and surprised at the change the 60 pounds has made.

I have never had a problem with who I am. The Lord has been extremely good to me in my 56 years and I thank Him daily for His blessings!!! I had a good childhood and was taught to be the best person you can be. I trusted the Lord as my Savior when I was young and have been richly blessed through my relationship with the Lord Jesus. I enjoy my Christian life!! I have parents and siblings that love me, my husband loves me and I have a full and rich life. I say all this because with a great life and the love of so many I have learned to love myself. Not in a conceited way or a boastful way because I know that I am nothing without the help of the Lord. I have never sat and cried about being "fat." I have always "made the best" of my weight whatever it was.

I learned at a very early age to laugh at myself. Who I am and what I am does not depend on the number on the scales or other people's opinions. However, I am not happy with my health. I would like to not have to go to the "Plus Size" dress shops to buy my clothing. I would like to not have to order from special catalogs for "plus size" women. I would like to not have to take so much medication and go to the doctor every three months. I would like to be able to spend the day shopping without my feet and legs hurting so badly. I would like to be rid of diabetes medication, cholesterol medication, blood pressure medication and asthma medications. This is the road losing 60 pounds has started me on. The road to good health and healthier living.

I am sorry!! I meant to blog about MIND OVER MATTER:

The weight is coming off slower now. The first thing I think of is "you need to eat less." Whenever I do not lose 6-7-8 pounds as I have in the past months I tend to be tempted to cut back on the food I eat. Now I am eating three Living Lean Meals a day and three small 100-200 calorie snacks for a total of about 1350-1500 calories a day. I workout with Gloria, twice a week and do 30 - 45 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week. So my meals are set and it is not a matter of counting calories because mine are already counted. But everythime I weigh and lose nothing or just a couple pounds that little demon, remember her, jumps on my shoulder and says, "You are eating too much!!!!!! You need to cut back on the calories!!!!"

This is a real problem, I believe, with people trying to lose weight. I have heard it over and over again. "I hardly ate anything and still did not lose." Our mindset is that eating alot is the cause of all the poundage. Sometimes it is in the beginning but when you are trying to lose weight after eating anything and all you want for so long. Cutting back on the food isn't as simple as it sounds. Many people I talk to have said this to me, "I hardly eat anything." There are two things wrong with this statement:

1. It is not always the amount of food you eat but what you are eating. If your menu, however small, is laden with fat and calories then the amount may be more harmful than you think.

2. Even the most nutritious menu is harmful if you are not eating enough calories. Eating too little triggers you body into thinking that you are starving and the pounds are security that you won't.

I have learned that eating too few calories can sabotage a weight loss, healthy living program as much as too many calories. It is very important to calculate the correct calorie intake for you individually. The time spent in doing this is so worth it. There are tools on the Body Dimension Fitness website that will help you do this. Or you can do like me and let Living Lean Meals do the calculating for you by ordering from their menu. However you choose to calculate those calories please make sure that you are eating a nutritious menu every day and don't get discouraged!!!! Get plenty of sleep, exercise daily and drink lots of water!!!!

Please let me know how you are doing. I would love to hear from others who are on a healthy lifestyle journey. If you have questions, comments or just want to chat email me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. Thanks for following along with me on my journey to a healthier me!!!

Another Milestone

2008-07-25T09:42:00.002-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Just a short blog to let everyone know that I weighed in today. I have lost 4 more pounds. I have now lost 60 pounds!!!!! I cannot put into words how great I feel. I have 40 pounds to go by December 31st. My goal is 25 more pounds by October 16th. Then 15 pounds from then to the end of the year.

Thanks for following my progress. Comments, questions or just to chat; contact me at healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. Just click on this link. Faith

Bittersweet Success

2008-07-24T13:17:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Yes, bittersweet success is what I feel today. I got my lab work bad from the doctor. My cholesterol is 165 and the LDL and HDL and well within the target range. My A1C is 6.2 which is also below the 7 or 6.5 (depending on who you talk to) range. BUT!!! the doctor is not going to reduce or eliminate any of my medications at this time. Since my next appointment is in six months I will have to wait until then and try again to get this done. I was so sure that she would at least reduce the medications so of course I am very disappointed!!!!!

I refuse to have a pity party and let this discourage me from trying even harder to continue on this healthy road. I am switching up my cardio. I am on level 8 of 10 on the elliptical machine and I now switch the programs between cardio-hill intervals-weigh loss-strength. The variety helps alot. I still burn around 600+ calories during my 30 minutes.

I am facing new challenges now. The weight seems to come off slower and I am so tempted to eat less. I will talk about that next time!!!

Thanks for following my progress and listening to me chat as I become healthier!! Remember to contact me just click on this link: healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. I look forward to hearing from you!!!!

Doctor Appointment

2008-07-18T12:19:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 KJB

This will be a short blog. I will have more to say when my lab results come back next week. The doctor was very pleased with my progress. I was in to see her in April and have lost 20+ pounds since then. My blood pressure was good and she was please with my heart and lungs. She also advised that depending on the results of my blood work she may decrease my medications. The best part of the visit is that I do not have to go back for another visit for 6 months. For 10 years, since I was diagnosed with diabetes I have been going to the doctor every three months for blood work. She indicated that if I continue on the same healthy road I may be able to come off the medications. This is my goal!!!

I also have something to share with you. Many have told me that they do not comment to the blogs because of the hassle of an ID and Password. Well I have come up with a way to make it much easier to contact me. I have an email address you can send your comments to. Just click on healthierfaith@bellsouth.net. If you click on this link I think you will be able to just drop me an email with any comments, questions or even advise. I look forward to hearing from all of you!!!
Thank you coming along on my journey to a healthier lifestyle. Faith

Six Months Into My Journey

2008-07-15T14:36:00.005-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

It is hard to believe that I have been on this journey to a healthier lifestyle for six months on Wednesday July 16th. I am amazed at the changes I have experienced in these months. So many little things, as well as the big things, have changed.

I have so much more energy!! I do not have the aches and pains I did have!! At 56 years old and 351 pounds, believe me, you have aches and pains from the time your feet hit the floor in the morning until you lie down in the bed at night. Now I am ready for each day!! I get so much more done in the course of a day. I sleep so much better. I have seen a great improvement in my blood sugar and my breathing. I have lost 56 pounds now. I weighed on Saturday and lost another pound and several inches.

I weigh 295 and have gone from wearing a size 30-32 to a size 24-26. All of my clothes are too big and I have been shopping twice in order to have something to wear. I am getting into clothes that I have not worn for years. Oh yes--I have (or had) a regular clothing boutique in my closet. A vast selection of sizes and styles. I do not know about others but all my "large" life I have varied in size, one diet after another, and either kept the large clothes as safety nets or the small clothes as wishful thinking!! But not anymore. I have cleaned out my closet and plan to get rid of the big clothes because with the help of the Lord, Body Deminsions Fitness and Living Lean Meals I will not go back to wearing them ever again!!

I have a doctor appointment on Friday July 18th and am anxious to see if I can come off some of the meds!! It will be interesting to see what the doctor says and of course I will share my visit with all of you. I plan to have a full blood panel to check how my cholesterol and A1C are doing. I will share those numbers with you as well.

Thanks for following my progress. I would be glad to hear from you!! Faith

New Picture

2008-07-07T10:35:00.006-04:00

January 2008 June 2008

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

It has been a while since I last blogged. I have been very busy. The pictures above are of me when I first joined the gym in January 2008 and of me as I reached my last goal on June 16. I have lost 55 lbs!!!!

I have set my new goal of 30 pounds by October 16. The Fourth of July holiday was great. I took a few days off from work and since Living Lean Meals was on vacation I was able to try my hand at making my own healthy meals. My husband and I bought a nice gas grill and away we went. With all the fresh veggies available at the Farmer's Market I have done real well. I weigh in this week so we will see.

The cook outs for the holidays were not too bad this go around!! Of course the proteins grilled to perfection were fine in moderation. Then there is the baked beans, potato salad, homemade ice creams, etc. I chose to eat protein (3 ozs) and just a taste of slaw. There were steamed potatoes and I had a very small portion. A little desert (I will share that recipe with you) and only two small plastic spoon bites of homemade pineapple ice cream. Not too bad.

My sister made this really good dessert. I had a small piece. She took frozen strawberries (no sugar in them) and put them in a bundt pan. Made sugar fee strawberry jello and poured it over the strawberries. Then she took an angel food cake and pressed it into the bundt pan down into the jello mixture. Put it in the frig and let the jello set. Turned it our on a plate and filled the center with light cool whip. It was really good and not too high in carbs or calories. I had a small piece.

Well I will blog more after I weigh this week. Thanks for tuning in!!! Faith

What Do You Eat????

2008-06-24T12:36:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4;13

So many times I am asked what do you eat? Well a friend ask me recently this question and voiced her frustrations over trying to be healthy, eat right and lose weight. I thought I would share a little of what I told her with you. Well, it can be frustrating!! That is for sure!!! But we can do this !!!!! If I can do this anyone can!!!

Here is my menu that I shared with my friend.
>I begin my day with breakfast of either the Ham, Egg and cheese casserole from Living Lean or I have the new Cran Muffin from Living Lean with 1/2 a protein drink (EAS ADvantEDGE-chocolate fudge) this is about 345 calories. Then I do 45 minutes of exercise at home or I workout at the Body Dimensions-30 min cardio and 30 min with Gloria.
>At 10 AM every day I have a snack. Usually it is Yoplait lite flavored yogurt with 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese in it, sometimes I add some fruit (if I have fresh fruit on hand) and sometimes I just eat the yogurt. This is about 150-200 calories.
>At lunch I always have a Living Lean meal usually around 300 calories. Sometimes I add a small salad with lite raspberry vinaigrette. In the past few days i have started steaming fresh veggies from the garden. About 50 calories. So I have between 300-350 calories.
>At 3 PM everyday I eat a snack. The yogurt mentioned above (no fruit) or sometimes I have a Protein Shake mentioned above. 110 calories
>At supper I have another Living Lean meal. Sometimes a small salad and sometimes steamed veggies. 300-350 calories
>Then about 8 PM I have a Protein pudding from Living Lean 160 calories or a yogurt and cottage cheese (no fruit).

I average between 1350 and 1500 calories a day. I write down everything I eat and on the week ends I stay on my program. I do eat out but very seldom. Last Tuesday my husband took me and bought me two new outfits for reaching my goal. We went to Mooresville to shop and we ate supper at Sonny's Bar B Q. I had three ribs, green beans and 1/2 of a small sweet potato. It was delicious and I had a great time!!!. Shopping--DUH!!!

This is hard sometimes and I do face challenges everyday. Like hot, fresh donuts in the kitchen at work OR a cook out. We grilled last Friday where I work. We had pork tenderloin, slaw, baked beans, roasted veggies, potato salad and fresh fruit for dessert. I had some pork tenderloin and roasted veggies with just a bite of slaw (very little mayo in it) and a little fruit. I stay out of the kitchen on days there is food in there that is tempting and as for the cook out--I try to find out what is being served and plan ahead of time.

Talking over your menus and eating habits is good therapy for tracking down what might be hindering your goals. I talk to friends at work, some have the same eating temptations I do, and it helps to talk things out. I also talk to my trainer, Gloria, at Body Dimensions. She is great!! She tells me plain and to the point. That is what I need!! She has good suggestions, too. One I want to share with you is this. Breakfast is a hard meal for me. Egg whites or egg substitutes get old real quick. The meats commonly served at breakfast are all filled with fat. I like the Ham, Egg and Cheese casserole and Cran-muffins from Living Lean. Another good breakfast, Gloria's suggestions, is a Kashi waffle with just a tiny bit of peanut butter spread on it and a drizzle of honey or I use sugar free pancake syrup. I am diabetic and sugar is sugar, rather honey or the granulated kind!! Anyway, this is a nice change for breakfast. With fiber and protein to get your morning started right!!!

I hope this has helped some of you. I would love to here from you!! I hope to have my new picture on here real soon. Meet a goal have a picture taken!! Thanks for coming along on this journey to a healthier lifestyle

Rewards and Sabotage

2008-06-17T12:08:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Rewards and Sabotage!! These two topics have been a torment to me every time I begin a new "diet". I have been on many, many diets but never a healthy lifestyle change as I am now. At one time I was a member of an organization, which I don't know if I can mention the name or not, anyway we met every week and weighed in. Every week if I lost weight I would go right out and have chicken tenders for supper afterwards. My thinking was that I had lost and I deserved a reward of something I really enjoy--well I enjoyed good old fried chicken. Sometimes I would have ice cream, another favorite. Of course I knew that I could not eat these again until I had a successful weight loss so I would eat all I could. Then struggle the whole week to lose the pounds I gained from this reward.

Well, on Monday I met my second goal of 25 pounds!!!.. I have lost 55 lbs. since January 16, 2008. BUT!! I certainly am not going out and binge on fried chicken or ice cream. My husband is taking me shopping tonight for a couple new outfits. A much better reward than food!!! So the next time you reach a goal don't think food as a reward. Think real hard of something that will make you feel that you have reached an achievement in your life not something you are going to have to work off your hips and waist!!

The other thing I have trouble with is sabotage. This seems like a harsh word and I am sure those around you do not mean to do it. But it happens. As a diabetic it seems that the hardest thing to get family and friends to realize is that you must eat differently than before you knew you were diabetic. The same is true of trying to live a healthier lifestyle. When someone says, "Oh, I made this new cake and brought you a piece." For two reasons I cannot eat it. Well what do you do!! Most of the time I thank them and take it home and my husband eats it. But I have been thinking about this. The next time I am just going to politely tell them thank you and I appreciate the thought but I cannot eat this cake. I am diabetic and I am trying real hard to stay with a healthy eating program.

I have had several ask how I handle the "food in the office" scenario. Well I just do not eat it. I always take two snacks with me to work. Most of the time it is Living Lean Protein Pudding, yogurt or yogurt with cottage cheese (mixed together this is really good and full of protein). When donuts or cake or candy or other items show up in the kitchen I avoid the kitchen as much as possible and have my snacks at 10AM and at 3 pm as always at my desk.

The bottom line is that you have to make choices for yourself. You have to put yourself first when it comes to eating healthy and living healthy. Some people will understand and some will not. Some may think I am selfish. But for 30-60 minutes a day what I do, exercise, cardio and workouts, is simply just for me!!! My food choices are just for me and what I want to achieve on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Faith
OH yes, I have set a new goal--30 pounds by October 16th!! Stay tuned!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!

2008-06-13T11:56:00.002-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

I do most of my blogging on my lunch hour at work. So I am sitting here eating Teriyaki Chicken with mixed steamed veggies and new red potatoes. A Living Lean Meal, of course. It is delicious!! It was weigh in day today!! When I weigh in it is not simply standing on the scales and reading the verdict. Gloria, my trainer at Body Dimensions Fitness, does not allow me to bend and peek. I stand perfectly straight and still. Today she solicited the help of a fellow gymster. I stood there and waited, what seemed like forever. You see I set a goal to lose 25 pounds by the 16th of June. This 25 pounds has been a more difficult journey than the first 30 pounds. I have had quite a few challenges. Anyway she finally asked for help in reading the scales exactly right. Now these are the "older" kind, not the digital, because of course the digital would not read up to 351 pounds, where I started. So Gloria reads off the numbers 92, 94, 95, then she announces 297. Well I was elated!! I am finally below 300 pounds. It is very hard to express the joy I feel in words. But believe me I am gloriously happy!!!!! Then it hit me I have lost 10 more pounds for a total of 54 pounds!!

Now as for my 25 pound goal, well I missed it by one pound. However today is the 13th and I am going to weigh again on Monday the 16th and be one pound less for a 25 pound goal. I had to make some phone calls and announce the news to my husband and my closest friends and supporters. I went to work, after a 30 minute cardio and 30 minute workout, and some of my co-workers were eagerly awaiting the news because they knew it was weigh in day!! My precious, most attentive and loving husband offered to take me out to eat to celebrate. However, celebrating weight loss with a big meal is a little ridiculous, wouldn't you agree!!!! So he is taking me shopping for a new outfit!! Much better!!

I would like to share with you a couple of incidents that happened to me this past week that makes all this hard work worthwhile. First I was in Wal-Mart early on Saturday morning waiting for my sister. I do some shopping at Wal-Mart in Hickory because it is on my way to work and I can do a little shopping before I get to the office. Well this Wal-Mart associate came up to me and said that she had seen me in the store quite often real early in the morning and that she almost did not recognize me. "You have lost so much weight and look so good" she said. I waited for the next question. "How are you doing it." So I begin to tell her about Gloria Trull and Body Dimensions Fitness and how great I feel and how good a trainer Gloria is. Then I tell her all about Lorin Gryder and Living Lean Meals and how delicious the food is and about how it is formulated with the right amounts of good carbs and protein, etc. She asked about the websites and I wrote them down for her. All of this explaining takes a while. It really is not simply exercise and watch what you eat!!!! It is a lifestyle change that means you are putting yourself first for that time of working out and planning your menu!! (This sounds like the subject of another blog) It is really nice to be complimented on the hard work you put into a healthier lifestyle!!

When I got home I got to thinking there must be a way to give the information on Body Dimensions Fitness and Living Lean Meals to others. So I came up with a business card which includes my name and the two websites. I just love handing them out to people who ask about my weight loss.

I also ran into the mother of someone I work with at the Farmer's market in Hickory on Wednesday. She almost walked right by me. When I spoke she was amazed and said that if I had not spoken she would have walked right by. She had some very kind words to say and expressed her pride in me for taking control of my life and trying to get healthy. She is the dearest person. She also, in the most honest and kind way, expressed how run down and ragged I look the last time she saw me which was before Christmas. I was appreciative of her honesty. I knew I was just about at the end of my rope at that time. I had just had the worse case of bronchitis and with the weight I could barely make it through a day at work. I was so exhausted when I got home that I sat down and feel asleep. I could not hardly walk down the hall of the office building, where I worked, and back to my office and still be able to breath. I dreaded going anywhere especially shopping. I had honestly considered asking the doctor about a handicap tag for my car. Oh yes, this is true!!! Thank the Lord for a dear and precious friend who encouraged me to join the gym!!! This sweet, precious lady continued to praise my achievements and told me how great I look.

Now I know being modest is very becoming and I was humbled by both these experiences but I would be lying to you if I told you that I was not effected by these encounters. I felt great and the compliments were wonderful and it made me want to try even harder to lose the next 50 pounds!!!

Thanks for joining me on my journey to a healthy lifestyle. Faith

Not Always an Easy Journey

2008-06-03T12:14:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

You know how you go along through life and everything is going just fine and then there is always something that comes along and brings everything to a screeching halt. With the Lord's help you get through these hard times and the challenges that we face day to day. Well losing weight is no different. You loose steadily and suddenly something throws a wrench in the mix. I had several wrenches this last two weeks: four social occasions, stress, sickness, etc.

When you are letting the whole world in on your journey to a healthy lifestyle it is great to announce every success and every pound lost!!! It is harder to say I gained or I maintained. Well this two weeks I maintained!!! Yes, I did not lose a pound!!! Disappointed? I certainly was. Ready to cry and dreading telling all my supporters that I only maintain I voiced my tearfulness and dread to who else but my trainer, Gloria Trull. I have come to trust her completely and many times share the ups and downs before you ever read them. The Lord has blessed her with a great talent in knowing how to reach her clients. After our little talk and her encouragement that, yes I did not lose but that I had four social occasions, stressful week and sickness and I triumphantly managed to maintain my weight and not gain, I felt so much better and was ready to go to work and face my co-workers with a positive attitude!!! And then she said, " WE NEED TO PUMP UP THE CARDIO!!!"

Now this is not an excuse to go out and eat unhealthy foods and indulge in self pity or give up. I intend to try even harder and pump up that cardio. I am still focusing on that goal date of June 16. I am not thinking of anything but success in the future.

I do want all of you to know that I really appreciate the comments and encouragement from each of you. I really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks for following my progress! Faith

A Lesson in Eating Right

2008-05-28T12:22:00.002-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
Have you ever had someone say to you, "You know, you don't eat much. I don't understand why you don't lose weight." Or maybe they say, "I don't eat much but still can't seem to shed the pounds." Well, as I have confessed, I am really, really bad at portion control. Food taste good!!! The better it taste the more I want. Of course that it not good for the waistline. So my first lesson was in portion control. It seems to me that everywhere you go food is "super sized" and of course we want all we can get for our money. But when you are working out you think more about how much you eat. This is old stuff. Most everyone knows if you take in more calories than your use up you will gain weight. We many times have a deluded perception of what a portion should be. Measure and weigh is the answer until you can eyeball -correctly!!!-the portion size you should be eating!! The Living Lean meals take care of this for me but sometimes I go out or eat something I or my husband prepare at home. Here are some tips that I have been given lately from the Diabetic Association:

Three ounces of meat is about the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards or an audiotape cassette. A medium apple or peach is about the size of a tennis ball. One ounce of cheese is about the size of four stacked dice. One-half cup is about the size of a racquetball or tennis ball. One cup of veggies is about the size of your fist. One teaspoon of peanut butter is about the size of the tip of your thumb. One-half cup of rice is about the size of half a baseball. One cup of pasta about the size of a tennis ball.

I hope this helps.

Now not only do I have to watch my portions but then I have to watch what I eat. Many times we think we are eating the right foods but we are not. Slaw seems harmless enough. Cabbage, carrots, a little vinegar and mayo. Well the mayo is what we need to be careful of. What started me thinking about this was a conversation I had with Gloria Trull, my trainer. I went out with some family to celebrate my husband's birthday. I ordered off the Senior Citizens menu. We were at Big Daddy's on Hwy 150 and my order consisted of a small piece of flounder, about 8 shrimp of which I ate 5, two oysters, slaw and green beans. I thought I did pretty good. However.....Gloria asked me, "Broiled?" "No, it was fried--lightly battered and not greasy," says I. Gloria said, "We eat broiled or grilled." So actually I had not eaten as healthy as I thought. Eating healthy is not as easy as eating less---we need to consider eating less of what!!!! and how it is prepared!!!!

I just thought I would share the challenges I face. This is a life style change and something I need to embrace as my way of life---eating less and eating healthier!!! Thanks for tuning in to my journey to a healthier life. Faith

The Little Demon on my Shoulder

2008-05-19T11:43:00.006-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
Well I try to not only share all the success with you but I feel I need to share the trying times as well. The past few days have been difficult. It seems that when I weigh in immediately a little demon jumps on my shoulder and whispers all these temptations in my ear. On my way to the gym Thursday morning my thoughts went to the fact that I was weighing in and should I lose I should treat myself to a Southern Chicken Biscuit at McDonald's for breakfast. I passed the McDonald's and sure enough not a soul was at the drive thru window. Well I resisted that temptation and drove to work and had a protein shake for breakfast. One for me zero for the little demon!!!

All day long all I thought about was food that I should not eat. We celebrated a birthday at work earlier in the week and my thoughts went to the kitchen and what might be leftover from the celebration. The temptation to eat something rich and full of calories was almost overwhelming. I made it through lunch eating my Living Lean meal!! Two for me and zero for the little demon!! At home Thursday night all I thought about was food. I ate my supper (Living Lean) and once I settled down for the evening I tried to read a book. All the commercials on TV were about food. My husband flipped to the Food Network and I told him, "Oh no I cannot watch food all evening!!!" He found something else to watch. While reading my book, honestly this is what happened, my mind was scanning the kitchen cabinets for something to "nibble on". I could not believe the torment I was putting myself through.

That little voice kept saying, "Go ahead, it is two weeks before you have to weigh again!!" "Indulge a little!!!" Finally about 9:30 PM I just went to bed. Three for me zero for the little demon!!! Then the pity party began. Why should I have to watch every mouthful of food I eat. It is in my genes to be fat so accept it and learn to live with it!! I finally went to sleep really ticked off at myself for not being able to eat what I want to and for being so weak!!!

On Friday I did better through the day but my family was celebrating my great niece's birthday that night and where did they pick to celebrate-----Ryan's Steakhouse. Yep!! all I needed was troughs of food laid out before me with a waitress constantly filling up a basket of rolls, right at the table!!!. ALL you can eat is, in my opinion, my number one enemy!! While waiting for the others to arrive the hot rolls on the table were so hard to resist. And, well, the little demon won that round. I ate half of a roll. Three for me and one for the little demon!!! So off to the food I went!! First I went to the salad bar. A nice salad would not leave any room for indulging. I spotted roasted chicken so I retrieved a piece of that and a few green beans. I immediately went back to the table. I ate the salad, chicken and green beans and was happy with my choices. Four for me and one for the little demon!!! Then it was time for everyone to go to the dessert bar. I was just glad my sister did not make one of her delicious birthday cakes and bring it with her to the gathering. Well I went and looked, decided on a very small amount of strawberry frozen yogurt. It was very good. Since there was plenty of those rich, full of calories cakes, pies and cobblers I felt victorious at having a little frozen yogurt. SO I marked one up for me!!!

Thank goodness on Sunday morning I awoke and the little demon had decided to retreat!! I say retreat because I know she will probably be back. I just wanted you to know that this journey is not without its "work zones" where I have to really work at not indulging my cravings!! If you can relate let me know. I have been on this journey four months and know that I have many months to go. I did not put on all this weight overnight and I will not lose it overnight. The road is rough at times. So share your hard times with me. I would love to hear from you!!!

Thank you for coming along on my journey to a healthier lifestyle. Faith and her little demon!!!

Losing the Pounds

2008-05-15T07:33:00.007-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
Good morning, it is 7:30 in the morning and I could not wait to get to the computer to blog today. I just came from the gym and today was weigh-in day. I am working on losing 25 pounds by June 16th. Within that goal is a small goal with a greater satisfaction and that is to get below 300 pounds. Today I weighed, are you ready, 307!!!!! That is a 4 pound loss for a total of 44 pounds lost. I have lost 14 of the 25 pound goal set for June!!!! and only eight pounds until I am below the 300 mark!! I also lost 4 3/4 inches this month (I measure every 4 weeks and weigh every two weeks). My total inches lost are 28 3/4 inches. If you are just tuning into my journey to healthy living I began this journey on January 16, 2008. As of tomorrow May 16 I will have been on my journey 4 months!! Pretty good, right!!

I could never thank enough those who are responsible for this journey I am on. I could not have accomplished what I have if someone very special had not suggested that I "join a gym". I cannot tell you how frightening those words were when she made the suggestion!! Gloria Trull at Body Dimensions is the best!!! I trust her completely, she knows exactly what I need to continue this journey I am on. Thanks, Gloria!!!! I also am very grateful to Lorin and Living Lean Meals. I am really bad with portion control and Living Lean takes care of that in a very delicious way. I also want to thank the supporters I have around me, my husband (most of all), my family, my co-workers, my fellow gymsters, and all of you who read my blog!! Thank you for coming along on my journey. I would love to hear from you!! Faith

Food by the Yard!!!

2008-05-12T08:08:00.003-04:00

I started to name this blog "Another Bump in the Road" but Anniversary Sunday at church along with Mother's Day was more than a bump. I started by cooking most of the day on Saturday. I made a dessert that we will not discuss. This was taken and put in the frig at the church as soon as it was made. It was so decadent I dared not keep it at home!!! I also made calico beans, veggie lasagna, ham and potato casserole and a seven layer pea salad. We have quite a number of visitors and I like to make sure there is enough for everyone. My husband helped and was the taster and I got through the day without a taste of this and a taste of that. Those little spoonfulls of food can add up.

The Sunday school hour and worship service was wonderful and uplifting. I love going to church. Then came time to go to the fellowship hall for the noon meal. There was food on tables for yards and dessert tables as well. I prayed that I would get through the day without temptation and without alot of questions. I began by taking Turkey meatloaf, green beans and sweet potatoes, one of my Living Lean meals. There is always meatloaf, green beans and a sweet potatoe casserole on the menu at our church fellowships. So my plate looked similar to any other plate. My mother, God bless her, brought a large toss salad which I enjoyed with my own salad dressing. I ate my meal considering my sweet potatoes as my dessert and kept to my plan. I was satisfied but not stuffed as I usually am when we have a meal together at the church. I guess we sweep gluttony under the rug on these occasions. HEHE!!!!

I enjoyed my day much more knowing that I did not stuff myself. Oh, in case you are wondering I always drink water. I never mention what I drink but it is water all the time now. I use to drink 8 to 10 cans of caffine free diet coke a day but I can hardly stand the taste now. Thanks for coming along on the journey to a healthier me!! I would love to hear from you!! Faith

Website Launched

2008-05-05T12:16:00.003-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 KJB
Well the website is launched and welcome to all who are reading this blog. I have been trying to keep my journey chronicled since March 2008 when I was asked to blog my experiences on the road to live a healthy lifestyle. If you are just "tuning in" you can click on March to begin at the beginning and then April to continue the journey.

As some of you know I weigh in at the gym every two weeks, or try to stay on that schedule. I do not weigh at home. I did weigh every morning before I started working out with Gloria but Gloria says that can be discouraging. I had weighed in on April 18 and lost 11 pounds since my last weigh in. Well on May 2 when I weighed in I had gained a pound. Of course I was disappointed because when you are trying to lose weight you would like to see the hand of the scales go down continually but it doesn't work that way. I have learned that as long as I eat the proper foods and portions and workout as planned I really have no control over the scales. So I put my shoes back on and went out and worked really hard with Gloria that morning. Now I am not just shrugging off the gain. Heaven forbid!!! I am however not going to let it hinder my determination to continue on the road to good health!!!

My sister and I took our Mom shopping on Saturday and out for lunch. The shopping was great of course!! and we ate at Olive Garden, my mother's choice. I usually eat soup and salad but my sister wanted me to try the "Taste of Italy". This is a portion of Parmesan chicken, linguine alfredo and lasagna. I ate salad and just a bite or two of the entrees. The rest I took home for my husband's supper. Supper for me was a Living Lean meal!! Being my mother's birthday, dessert was ordered. I had two small bites of the dessert that I was sharing with my great-niece. I was very careful about the portions of food I ate. We had a wonderful Saturday morning and lunch together.

I try to share with you how I handle situations that arise on this journey. Some I handle better than others. Saturday went well. However our Anniversary Sunday is coming up on Sunday May 11th. In case you did not know Baptist women, like Methodist, Luthern, etc., are wonderful cooks. On this Sunday we have lots of visitors and we try to bring as much food as we can in order for all to have plenty. The tables are spread as far as you can see with the most variety of delicious dishes and the dessert table is unbelievable. MY PLAN: To cook dishes for my husband and others but to take a Living Lean meal with me for myself. A restrauant setting is one thing you are brought a portion of food. However, to walk along a buffet and fill your plate with a taste of this and a taste of that turns into a feast and I am not ready to tempt myself with such temptations. And the dessert table!!! well that is off limits for me!!!

I do hope and pray that my experiences are helpful to you all. Please comment and let me know. Thank you for joining me on my journey to a healthy lifestyle!! Faith

A Week of Challenges

2008-04-30T07:51:00.006-04:00

My before picture January 2008 and When I reached

my first goal of 30 lbs in March 2008

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

I keep these pictures in my handbag. Sometimes I need a little reminder. This has been a hard week and today is only Wednesday. My thoughts keep going to foods I really miss. Some say have a little but I know me and a little would not be enough. Living Leans meals are really great but I am not going to lie to you all. I crave mashed potatoes and warm bread and white rice with butter and lasagna with real cheese. I would love to have a crispy piece of fried chicken with mac and cheese. I am having moments of weakness and it is really hard to resist. I would love to sit down to a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. I have shared all the successes and the encouragements with you but you need to know that I am only human and the temptations are still there. I do a lot of praying and Philippians 4:13 is one verse that I depend upon!!!!

So it is an on going battle with the "old" Faith to mold and shape the "new" Faith. It is a struggle at times but I try to think of the wonderful benefits in the long run! Better health, fewer or no medications, more energy, shopping in regular stores instead of plus-size stores, breathing better, etc!!!

This healthy living is an adventure but there are the struggles and temptations some cross roads and bumps in the road. This week the lights are all on caution and I have to pay close attention to the journey. I know there will be green lights ahead. Thanks for traveling with me on this journey. Faith

Overcoming Obstacles

2008-04-25T15:25:00.002-04:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 KJB
I just thought I would share with you an obstacle that came up this week. I had a little dizziness and nausea the last couple of times I worked out every time I would bend over. I could not figure what was wrong. Of course my first thought was "Oh, I am not eating enough for breakfast before I work out!" Yeah right!! I eat just what I should! Any excuse to eat! It is unreal at how I have become dependant on food to solve things. That is going to change!! Anyway, on 4/23 I realized, after a terrible bout of nausea and dizziness, that I needed to check this out with the doctor. I did and I have a touch of vertigo. Of course, you cannot work out with vertigo of any nature! But I knew if I missed a workout it would be even easier to miss the next time I have an excuse.

I called Gloria and asked if we could do a moderate workout on Friday and told her why. She agreed and at 6:40 AM I was at the gym. I did a shorter cardio (22 minutes) and the workout was just right. I still got a good workout and cardio even though I did not feel 100%. Gloria is great!!! I felt real good about the fact that I did not let myself talk me out of going to the gym.

Thanks for joining me on my healthy living adventure. I would love to here from you.
Faith