Outstanding October with Medi Weight Loss

[AshleyR]

Hey Melissa~ Whoot on the running.. you know it isnt my fav as well.. we just have to DO IT! MUAH! Have a great rest of your trip.

awesome Tracy!!

Thanks for the info Kate..

I am at 460 cals and need to eat a bit more.. sadly, I didnt get to the grocery today since my little one was sick..

[Carolina_Girl]

Sorry your little one is sick.

[Ree07]

Hello all. I started the Medi program last month. Immediately following my first appointment, I was googling the program to find out more information to help me along the way and stumbled across this forum. I started with the March thread and worked my way to the present. Reading this forum has given me such motivation and great tips that I never would have thought of. Thanks so much! Now that I've finally caught up on all the threads, I'd like to be more of a contributor than a lurker.

Jennifer, I was also in the large/very large ketosis zone during my first week. I felt like I was drinking all of the required water and brought the topic up with my dr. at my first weigh-in. Her response was that going into week 2 and adding vegetables would most likely bring the concentrations into the moderate zone. My thoughts are to (1) make sure that dehydration isn't the culprit since getting in all the water is so important; and (2) now that you're starting veggies tomorrow, see if that doesn't do the trick stabilizing the readings into the moderate zone.

Cheryl, we started the same week at the same clinic! The office being closed today slightly threw off my schedule since I've been going in Monday for the 2nd shot and Wednesdays for weigh-in. I don't think consecutive shots make sense, so I think I'll delay my weigh-ins until Thursdays from this week on.

Thanks again for all of the support through your posts!
Ree

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by shanlock

Just got back from my end of week 2 appointment. Down 3.2 lbs of fat! So a total of 11.8 in the past 2 weeks!

Shanlock,

I don't know how I missed you. You are doing great!

[katew1129]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

Thank you all a billion times - I feel like I have my own cheering section here rooting me on! I'll let you know my stats tonight!

Jennifer, so excited to hear about your results tonight! You have worked hard this week and should be proud of yourself!

[Carolina_Girl]

Originally Posted by katew1129

Jennifer, so excited to hear about your results tonight! You have worked hard this week and should be proud of yourself!

Me too!!! Do tell girl.

[Mommy-2-girls]

Wow, so many new folks! Welcome everyone!! This forum is an awesome source of support for you on your journey!!

[TriMom]

Originally Posted by Carolina_Girl

Oh I envy you! I wish I could build myself up to running. I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to run for exercise.

Medi has showed me that anything is possible. To believe in myself again. I never was athletic once I was out of 8th grade. You really only need an excellent pair of running shoes fitted by a professional at a running store. I am running 3 days a week, allowing myself to walk when I need to (2 miles per run, but yesterday was the 1st time without walking). I run M, W, Sat. I am on week 3 and now, I am increasing every Wednesday's run by .25 or .5 each week. I am also probably going to do the Jeff Galloway training when it starts this winter so that I have an in-person group to report to Saturday mornings! I really want to "be" a runner, but getting there is going to take a lot of perserverance because I don't find that I am naturally gifted at all!

Also, if you decide to start, sign up for a 5K. You will have something to work towards! You can walk parts of it, of course...

[MediInDallas]

Originally Posted by SDC2

Amber and MeltingMagnolia -

Andy - Two pounds is a good and healthy weight loss for 1 week. Please look at the big picture and try not to focus on your weekly losses. My losses went anywhere from .2 pounds to 4.6 pounds after week 1. Someone explained that when you have a big fat loss week your fat cells fill up with water. I'm not sure if it is true, but it made sense to me and explained my fluctuations.

.

I really love medi's results so far and I'm commited 100%. It's just was a little disapointing since I know for fact I was sooooo gooood this week and please don't bash me for saying this, it's just human nature to ask.

Wouldn't I be able to keep eating the way I am and still lose the 2lb by meslef? Why would I need to keep going there?

Is it going to be 2lb a week from now?

[chilibean]

Ree, nice to see someone in my neck of the woods lol. The office being closed yesterday threw me off too as my weigh in is on Mondays (they aren't open very much as it is so I was surprised they closed for the day). I go in this morning for my week two weigh in. I get my shots Monday and Thursday, I guess this week it will be today and Thursday.

I leave on a cruise next Thursday and will be gone 7 days, will they give you your weeks supply of pills for the week you will miss?

shanlock.. congrats on your week two results, that is great!!!!

Back later today with results.

Cheryl

[tracy_d]

I just signed up for my first 5k race in two weeks. I know 5k isn't that much (in running standards). It's only 3.1 miles, but I have made a goal for myself to finish it in 32 minutes. My time right now is 35-36 minutes. I have discovered that I LOVE running and the great endorphin rush it gives me!!! Who knows, maybe I will be able to do a 10k next year sometime!!

[meltingmagnolia]

Does anyone have a spouse that doesn't NEED to be on a diet? My husband can get a six pack just by jogging once a week (he's complaining that he's withering away because he hasn't been working out). He's a generally healthy eater, but he's not that interested in what I am eating (he wants real eggs, whole milk, rich sauces, cereal, etc.). He doesn't really see the "big deal" in having a slice of wheat bread or eating some rice. Obviously, that is not an option for me!

How have some of you "met in the middle" with meals or figured out how to make both people happy without cooking two separate meals?

[Sarah H.]

Originally Posted by meltingmagnolia

Does anyone have a spouse that doesn't NEED to be on a diet? My husband can get a six pack just by jogging once a week (he's complaining that he's withering away because he hasn't been working out). He's a generally healthy eater, but he's not that interested in what I am eating (he wants real eggs, whole milk, rich sauces, cereal, etc.). He doesn't really see the "big deal" in having a slice of wheat bread or eating some rice. Obviously, that is not an option for me!

How have some of you "met in the middle" with meals or figured out how to make both people happy without cooking two separate meals?

My DH needs to lose weight just like I do, but past experience tells him he does well on a low-fat diet to drop the weight. Being the "good" wife, I've always tried to feed him and not worry about me. However, I've decided it's my turn. He is losing weight, just because of how I'm eating (low fat meats, etc.). He eats what I fix, but then will fix himself a starchy side...just enough for himself. He's still getting a taste, but not eating more than one serving, since that's all he makes.

It's hard to have the willpower not to eat it, but so far, I've made it. He eats what he wants at work, just not in front of me. He does feel guilty when he eats things I can't have with me around, but I've told him I've got to be able to resist it at some point. I can't be an "at-home" eater the rest of my life.

I weigh-in this afternoon, so wish me good scale movement!

[crobyninc]

Congrats to everyone on their great losses.. And welcome to all the new members.

Remember to stay committed, exercise, journal and drink your water!

[AshleyR]

Does anyone have a spouse that doesn't NEED to be on a diet? My husband can get a six pack just by jogging once a week (he's complaining that he's withering away because he hasn't been working out). He's a generally healthy eater, but he's not that interested in what I am eating (he wants real eggs, whole milk, rich sauces, cereal, etc.). He doesn't really see the "big deal" in having a slice of wheat bread or eating some rice. Obviously, that is not an option for me!

How have some of you "met in the middle" with meals or figured out how to make both people happy without cooking two separate meals?

Sounds like your dh has a high metabolism. My dh and I are doing Medi together. He travels 99% through the month so it is like I am doing it by myself though. He is a big guy 6'5" and around 360. He's doing good so far. We are only on day two though.

You could always make him more carbs, ect a just eat the protein and veggies?

Good luck today Sarah!

[NOT2fat4fun]

Hi ALL- your fat cells do not fill up with water - not physically possible. The Tanita scales that Medi uses fluctuate with your hydration level. If you want a lower fat reading - drink all your water.
MedInDallas - I am curious - 2 lbs a week is a healthy weight loss - and you would be at your goal weight in a few months - if you could do it by yourself -wouldn't you have already?

[NOT2fat4fun]

Great job Tracy!!! Impressive weight loss! How did you get yourself running?
I weigh in on Thursday - will let you know how it goes.

[luvlonghorns]

Originally Posted by meltingmagnolia

Does anyone have a spouse that doesn't NEED to be on a diet? My husband can get a six pack just by jogging once a week (he's complaining that he's withering away because he hasn't been working out). He's a generally healthy eater, but he's not that interested in what I am eating (he wants real eggs, whole milk, rich sauces, cereal, etc.). He doesn't really see the "big deal" in having a slice of wheat bread or eating some rice. Obviously, that is not an option for me!

How have some of you "met in the middle" with meals or figured out how to make both people happy without cooking two separate meals?

Hi, Meltingmagnolia,
Since I'm the primary cook and bottle washer (real "only") in the house, my man eats whatever I prepare. He just eats more of it. When he either doesn't want what I'm cooking or doesn't like what I have cooked, then he'll call and order himself some Chinese or a pizza delivery. He would never think of lifting a finger to prepare anything himself. In addition to eating larger portions of whatever I eat, he tends to eat lots of cheese & crackers, chips and dips, and/or nuts before dinner (along with many caloric cocktails) and he'll always have dessert afterward, whether it be a large (huge) bowl of mixed fruit with cool whip or ice cream, cakes, muffins or cookies.
But, I definitely prepare only one meal. He eats it or he does not. I have all of the other "junk" food he wants around the house, and he eats it as he pleases. If he wants something different from what I'm having for dinner, it gets delivered.
Hope you are able to work out a livable compromise with your spouse too!
-Jane

[CAgirl]

welcome to all the newbies! and great job everyone! this is so awesome! i just wanted to pop in and say hi! i've been kind of MIA because my kids have been sick for the last week and now i have it. so i've had kind of an off week. nothing really bad as far as eating goes, but i haven't been journaling often and i didn't get to go to my appt. last week because i had an interview scheduled at the last minute, so i had to cancel and they didn't have anything left for that week. i've only been drinking about half of my water intake, so i got back on track with that and journaling yesterday. if i feel better by tomorrow, i will start working out again. whew, it feels good to get that out! :blush: i go for my weigh in on Friday morning, so hopefully i'll come back with good results. anyway, just wanted to update!

[QueenCityDiva]

Ok, here I come slinking in..... THANK YOU ALL for being concerned about me. Here goes:

I lost 7 pounds in the first week. NOT what I was hoping for. It's great, don't get me wrong, but I was hoping to be like 50 pounds lighter LOL. But I'm understanding that this is a process.

After my visit yesterday, I felt SO BUMMED OUT! It wasn't the weight, it was all of the advice my trainer gave me. He is super cool and I enjoy meeting with him. He seems to be REALLY rooting for me and he gave me some REALLY good advice. He looked over what I ate last week and fussed me out! He really let me have it about changing the times I eat and how I spread my food out. I didn't eat badly, but I'm not usually hungry until around 11 or 12, then I'll eat again around 3 or 4 then I eat dinner between 7 and 8. I don't usually go to bed until well after midnight, and he told me the hell I'm putting my body through. He is 100% right, and he was so encouraging about how I will see better results if I change these things, but I just felt so saddened.

(Cue pity party music here) I am having a REALLY hard time shaking off this feeling like I've got to not only change what I eat and start exercising, but I have to change EVERYTHING about my life - my schedule, my eating habits, and all that. I keep telling myself that this is a new way of LIFE and I should embrace it, but today I'm struggling to do that. I know that if I do the things I've always done, I'll have the same results I've always had. I know this and I do want to change - I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with it.

He told me to start in babysteps so this week, I need to be in bed before midnight and NO FOOD after 8pm. I also have to eat breakfast within an hour of waking up - and he said Jello doesn't count He also said sunflower seeds and a pickle do not count as a meal (who knew?). I've never been a big meal person - I like to eat little snacks.

BUT - THAT IS ALL CHANGING! I CAN DO THIS AND I WILL DO THIS!

The best thing I can say right now is that I don't want to give up! I'm not giving up at all, and I'm determined to keep pushing no matter how hard it is!

[QueenCityDiva]

To answer the question about husbands - my husband is naturally thin. He eats carbs like they are going out of style and I'm not kidding. His ideal dinner is fried chicken with rice WITH SUGAR ADDED and gravy, mashed potatoes and french fries. AY YI YI! But he doesn't gain an inch. In the 10 years we've been together he's gained about 8 pounds overall and I keep telling him that it's going to start catching up to him. His whole family was very thin in their younger years, but they are all overweight now. I worry about that for him, but he swears he'll never be overweight (uh, yeah, and I planned this? whatever LOL).

My husband does cook pretty frequently - he's an awesome husband. He cooks, cleans, does all the laundry, and is so stinkin cute on top of that! He has been really supportive of me throughout this process. In fact, he's the one who has measured out all of my meats and put them into individual serving sized ziplocs. He's planning on grilling me a bunch of stuff tonight and is really taking an active roll in this process. He's also starting to evaluate the things he's eating a little bit more. Instead of being a fast food junkie, he's starting to research healthier options, so I hope that this motivates him to eat better.

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by TriMom

Medi has showed me that anything is possible. To believe in myself again. I never was athletic once I was out of 8th grade. You really only need an excellent pair of running shoes fitted by a professional at a running store. I am running 3 days a week, allowing myself to walk when I need to (2 miles per run, but yesterday was the 1st time without walking). I run M, W, Sat. I am on week 3 and now, I am increasing every Wednesday's run by .25 or .5 each week. I am also probably going to do the Jeff Galloway training when it starts this winter so that I have an in-person group to report to Saturday mornings! I really want to "be" a runner, but getting there is going to take a lot of perserverance because I don't find that I am naturally gifted at all!

Also, if you decide to start, sign up for a 5K. You will have something to work towards! You can walk parts of it, of course...

This is exactly what I've started recently - just getting out there to do SOMETHING is better than nothing. I'm not up to running an entire mile yet, but I'm working up to it. I have a great supporter who runs 4 miles everyday and she is helping me through this! She says that running intervals (running then walking then running) is actually much better for your joints, so that's what I'm focused on.

I completely agree about the running shoes. I went to get a gait analysis and they taped me running on a treadmill and then pulled shoes for me to try. I tried on several pair and then found a pair that feels PERFECT! I love my shoes and everytime I put them on I feel inspired to get out there and GO!

[Bre321]

Jennifer-
Way to go! 7lbs is an AWESOME loss in one week! Does your clinic have the model of what 1lb of fat looks like? Imagine that coming off of your body 7xs! Also if you can pick up something that weighs 7lbs (even just a 5lb weight) I think you would be surprised at how it feels!
You are headed in the right direction! I know it is easy to feel down but you made it through the toughest part and you deserve a major pat on the back.
I think that losing a significant amount of weight is an emotional journey. I was on such a high my first month and have started to feel the pressure lately of how much work it is to keep losing. But we just have to keep telling ourselves that we can do this!
Looking at before and after pictures of people on this board that are in maintenance really helps me. Whenever there are days when I feel like I don't notice that I have lost weight, or there is something that I am really craving to eat and cannot have- I just keep reminding myself of how good it will feel to reach my goal weight.
To shop in the "normal" sections of stores, to want to go to the beach or pool without feeling self conscious, to be able to run and play sports with ease. All of these things are obtainable with some hard work and dedication.
For the first time I have found a program that I KNOW works. With the knowledge that I have gained and the support from friends and family (and money spent on medi!) it would be such a shame to give up. The thought of how dissapointed I would be in myself if I gave up is what keeps me going.
It certainly isn't easy... But I know that it is worth it!
Hang in there and remember that week-to-week your losses may be as little as .5 lbs- but that is .5 lbs less weight that you have to carry around!
Great job in your first week!!!

[Medi-Annie]

This week-end was a bit of challenge with both a wedding and the Panthers game to attend, BUT I did it! I got through both events with flying colors! I enjoyed beef tenderloin and green beans at the wedding (but ignored the bread, potatoes, and cake.) At the game, I brought a snack package of almonds, and it was all I really felt I wanted or needed. I drank water the entire game. It was great to see the Panthers win too!

Lost another 2.1 pounds this week for a total of 25 in 9 weeks. I want to be one of my clinic's 100 pound losers. For the first time, I beleive I can get there!

[MBP]

Hi everyone! I desperately need all of your incredible expert advice. I have had great results but I am now losing ALOT of hair (maybe half of my hair has fallen out over the last month and I even cried over it last night)!

I have been on Medi since May 22nd and have lost 60 pounds in about 4 months by being very diligent with my Medi diet and water consumption. I have always taken all my supplements to the letter with one change...in mid August when I started taking CLA (Natrol Tonalin 1200 mg 3x day)and I stopped taking my Medi Omega supplement (I have since started taking it again and have for several weeks).

My doctor put me on 30mg of armour 2x a day (60 mg total) beginning in mid May 2009. I am on no other medications and I have never taken the appetitite suppresent that the clinic offered.

The clinic told me that " Medi corporate" has been hearing about hair loss with individuals that have lost 30+ lbs quickly especially people who have lost 50- 60 lbs. (like me).

Does anyone have similar hair loss experience? What can I do? Any changes to my diet or supplements or any recommendations at all? My Medi Doctor (who is also my regular Doctor) is running another Thyroid Panel on me and I will have the results on Thursday. I am desperate!! Thanks in advance for any help!

[Medi-Annie]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

Ok, here I come slinking in..... THANK YOU ALL for being concerned about me. Here goes:

I lost 7 pounds in the first week. NOT what I was hoping for. It's great, don't get me wrong, but I was hoping to be like 50 pounds lighter LOL. But I'm understanding that this is a process.

After my visit yesterday, I felt SO BUMMED OUT! It wasn't the weight, it was all of the advice my trainer gave me. He is super cool and I enjoy meeting with him. He seems to be REALLY rooting for me and he gave me some REALLY good advice. He looked over what I ate last week and fussed me out! He really let me have it about changing the times I eat and how I spread my food out. I didn't eat badly, but I'm not usually hungry until around 11 or 12, then I'll eat again around 3 or 4 then I eat dinner between 7 and 8. I don't usually go to bed until well after midnight, and he told me the hell I'm putting my body through. He is 100% right, and he was so encouraging about how I will see better results if I change these things, but I just felt so saddened.

(Cue pity party music here) I am having a REALLY hard time shaking off this feeling like I've got to not only change what I eat and start exercising, but I have to change EVERYTHING about my life - my schedule, my eating habits, and all that. I keep telling myself that this is a new way of LIFE and I should embrace it, but today I'm struggling to do that. I know that if I do the things I've always done, I'll have the same results I've always had. I know this and I do want to change - I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with it.

He told me to start in babysteps so this week, I need to be in bed before midnight and NO FOOD after 8pm. I also have to eat breakfast within an hour of waking up - and he said Jello doesn't count He also said sunflower seeds and a pickle do not count as a meal (who knew?). I've never been a big meal person - I like to eat little snacks.

BUT - THAT IS ALL CHANGING! I CAN DO THIS AND I WILL DO THIS!

The best thing I can say right now is that I don't want to give up! I'm not giving up at all, and I'm determined to keep pushing no matter how hard it is!

I'd been thinking a lot this week about the various life stories I've been reading and it has made me be a bit more introspective than I typically allow myself time for.

Jennifer, your post about feeling a bit bummed over the changes you must make really spoke to me. I think, in some ways, I've find myself "grieving" my old life. Does that make sense to anyone else? I understand on a logical level that overeating was not really working for me; but it served its purpose - it calmed me, sedated me, made me feel safer, made me feel better - the list of ways it helped me cope it pretty long.

So I do feel some sense of grief that I am telling that "me" good-bye. And yet, every now and then, I feel a tiny flicker of excitement too. It's a glimpse of something that can be - the me I know I am.

I feel like for years now I've been stuck in some sort of fat suit (like the kind that put on actresses to make them look fat instead of their itty bitty selves.) Even worse, I have not been able to find the zipper to get out of this fat suit. It's hidden in the rolls of fat, and I've been stuck in here suffocating.

Maybe, maybe, I've finally located the zipper pull; and one inch at a time, THAT ZIPPER IS GOING DOWN AND I AM STEPPING OUT!

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

Here are my starting stats:
Body Type: Standard
Gender: Female (true)
Age: 32
Height: 5' 9.5" (I usually fudge it to 5' 10" but I was scared she would measure me LOL)
Weight: 266.0 (DANG IT!)
BMI: 38.7 (no clue what this means, I'll have to google it)
BMR: 8327 kJ
1990kcal (???)
Impedance: 428 (is that an Omega symbol???)
Fat %: 48.9% (HOLY #*%@%&@*^)
Fat Mass: 130.0 lb (this can NOT mean that I have 130 pounds of fat. )
FFM: 136.0 lb (again ??)
TBW: 99.6 lb

Desirable Range
Fat %: 21-33%
Fat Mass: 36. 2-67.0 lb (no clue)

And week 2 Stats:
Weight: 259.0 (-7 pounds)
BMI: 37.7 (-1.0 points)
BMR: 8199 kJ (-128)
1960kcal (-30)
Impedance: 463 (+35)
Fat %: 49.5% (+.6)
Fat Mass: 128.0 lb (-2.0)
FFM: 131.0 lb (-5.0)
TBW: 96.0 lb (-3.6)

Desirable Range
Fat %: 21-33%
Fat Mass: 35. 0-64.5 lb (-1.2 /-2.5)

So it looks like in week 1, I lost 7 pounds, dropped 1 BMI point, my body needs less energy to function, I INCREASED my fat percentage, decreased my fat mass, lost 5 pounds of water (although I took in about 30), and decreased my total water weight.

I guess those are all good things???

[QueenCityDiva]

Awwww Bre and Annie, I LOVE YOU GUYS! Thanks for the encouragement!

Annie, I'm going to forgive you (and the Panthers) for beating up on my beloved Redskins this week because what you just posted really touched me. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I've been really moody and sad the past few days which is TOTALLY uncharacteristic. I actually had a tear slip out at the thought that I'll probably never have another Krispy Kreme donut (and I'm only slightly ashamed of that). I think I AM grieving the girl I used to be. I really never cared about things like what I ate and at times I pitied "health-freaks" because they are constantly measuring, and worrying about what they eat. I didn't feel like that was LIVING, you know? I felt like I was living every day as a happy day and as long as I was happy that day, that's all that mattered.

But what I'm starting to realize is that in so many areas of my life (health, weight, finances) living for today is NOT a good thing. It's much smarter to live smart today and be able to enjoy the BIG PICTURE than it is to shove Poptarts down my throat. I'm absolutely going to change this, but it really requires a change in my total outlook. I won't be carefree, easy-going Jennifer. Now I'll be more adult, more responsible, and more controlled. Those words all feel negative and restrictive, but I think if I start to focus on the long-term benefits I can handle it.

At the same time that I'm doing this, I'm also working on Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace program. It's time for me to grow up (i don't wanna!) and get my life in order. It feels like such a huge task to undertake, but if I want to change my life, I guess I've got to CHANGE my life!

I'm so glad to be on this journey with other people who understand! Thank you for sharing how you feel - I'm right there with you, girl!

[Medi-Annie]

Originally Posted by MBP

Hi everyone! I desperately need all of your incredible expert advice. I have had great results but I am now losing ALOT of hair (maybe half of my hair has fallen out over the last month and I even cried over it last night)!

I have been on Medi since May 22nd and have lost 60 pounds in about 4 months by being very diligent with my Medi diet and water consumption. I have always taken all my supplements to the letter with one change...in mid August when I started taking CLA (Natrol Tonalin 1200 mg 3x day)and I stopped taking my Medi Omega supplement (I have since started taking it again and have for several weeks).

My doctor put me on 30mg of armour 2x a day (60 mg total) beginning in mid May 2009. I am on no other medications and I have never taken the appetitite suppresent that the clinic offered.

The clinic told me that " Medi corporate" has been hearing about hair loss with individuals that have lost 30+ lbs quickly especially people who have lost 50- 60 lbs. (like me).

Does anyone have similar hair loss experience? What can I do? Any changes to my diet or supplements or any recommendations at all? My Medi Doctor (who is also my regular Doctor) is running another Thyroid Panel on me and I will have the results on Thursday. I am desperate!! Thanks in advance for any help!

I had hair loss in my 2nd month of weight loss that seemed excessive to me. It just filled the shower drain each morning. I asked the clinic for advice and they recommended the medi-omega (I took Trader Joe's Fish Oil product instead) and Biotin. I took one of each every day, and I am no longer losing hair.

I take thyroid medication for hypothyrodism. I suspect that such a major life change can impact the thyroid pretty significantly, so it's important that you get all the details of your recent thyroid panel. I hope they checked your T3, T4, and Uptake as well as TSH. You may need more armour during this time.

Good luck in figuring this out and add the biotin to your supplements. I may not help, but it can't hurt!

[Bre321]

Annie & Jennifer- I can totally relate. I think especially right in the begining- out of frustration with myself- I felt upset and angry that I could not eat all of my favorite foods.
Food was my drug of choice. Food was my comfort in college- when school was really stressing me out and I was homesick I could always find something that I could order-in that would temporarily make me feel better.
Now looking back I realize that however unconsciously I may have made those food choices, deep down I knew that the food wasn't good for me. I lived in a heavy state of denial- I did not put myself first at all.
What I have realized now after almost 30lbs lost is that however much I may miss those foods, they were hiding the real me. I was finding comfort in food and not in human relationships. I had completely lost what makes me who I am.
Losing this weight (I think in some ways especially as women) makes us more vulnerable. That is a scary process. People start to treat you differently. But I think that once I reach maintenance, I will be grateful for my weight gain. This may sound crazy, but I think "What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger". We will have so much perspective on what it is like to be both thin and overweight. We will be able to empathize with others who are struggling with their weight. Also, what I think is most important, we will be able to appreciate our bodies and our newfound "freedom". Many thin people who have been thin their entire lives do not realize the struggles that overweight people face and do not appreciate their own bodies.
I think in a way, as hard as it is to lose this weight- we need to enjoy the process (does that sound crazy??). Enjoy the fact that we are awake now- and that we are doing something to change ourselves for the better. We are on this road together- and think of the people that we will be able to inspire and the great stories that we will be able to tell along the way!
These past 7 weeks have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows... But I am glad to be feeling the extremes again instead of numbing myself with food!
I cannot imagine reaching maintanance, but then again- less than 2 months ago I could not have imagined that I would be down 28lbs either!
I am so glad that we have such a supportive board of people- thanks for always being honest! As we all well know, this is not easy, but until they make that magical pill that makes you lose 70lbs overnight- I think that we have found the next best plan!