*Motivation for Medi in May*

[julesrnc]

Lins,
Hang in there, you can get through this. Take it one day/hour/minute at a time. You have achieved so much. Focus on the positive. Plan, plan, plan what you will eat and stick with it.

[Desert-Rose7]

Stress and situational preparedness? How about this: our team failed our client's internal audit so we are preparing for a "re-audit" in three months. Last Saturday, a wedding with HUGE buffet with few choices, Cinco de Mayo yesterday, big events this weekend...showers for wedding and baby..a couple of graduations to prepare for. And Tuesday thru Friday, vendors come to the office with food of all shapes and sizes. What you must realize is that this is LIFE. Nothing is meant to be super easy. Life is not easy. It is a matter of choices and decisions, and the realization that you, and only you can make choices for yourself, and then you must also live with the result of those choices. And prepare for events ahead of time, either by taking things with you, eating beforehand or finding choices among what is served that will be within your program. I knew what was being served at the wedding so I "banked" calories and carbs that day so that I would indulge in a few things, a few indulgences. I also walked a couple of extra miles that day, and drank a lot of water!

I guess what I am attempting to say is this. You alone are responsible for making the program work, for dealing with stress in a positive way. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, getting your exercise in. Focus on what you CAN do not on what you CANNOT do. Focus on what you CAN control and not on what you CANNOT control.

Off to shower for work...

Jo

[jbiggars63]

5/07/2010;
While the Today Show was an awesome experience and everyone there was extemely nice to me, I am a little disappointed in the fact they chose to focus on the artificial sweetners instead of the real reason I lost the weight. I understand they didn't want this to be a commercial for any business and wanted to remain focused on individual achievements, but the key for me was the doctor monitored, low carb diet at Medi Weightloss Clinics! As I do more of these things, I'm learning that I MUST turn these conversations around and focus them back on the real issues and fixes! I know that some of the main stream media (Dr. Oz for one) is beginning to "get it" but most still lag behind the times. I wish I would have had this revelation yesterday and I would have mentioned this in my local NBC follow-up interview at Noon (see link below). While Dr. Cobb and I had the opportunity on a local cable show to explain how the Medi Weightloss plan works (also in the link), I must continue to be the voice in the wilderness leading people to "The one that works"!

Video requests

[lins]

Well I made it through just fine even though I was stressed. I had a few bites of a crab cake, ate the salad, some of my beef in the main course, and skipped the dessert. I don't know exactly how many calories I had (although it couldn't have been too bad), but I was still in ketosis this morning so I am happy with that. I had no idea what would be served ahead of time, so that was a bit hard, but I survived. I haven't had a single thing that was off medi up to this point, and I've even been to a few parties before now, but I always took something I knew I could eat. Most of yesterday was really just stress over car trouble, and money to fix the car, it really wasn't about my WOE at all. Tonight is running night so maybe I'll add an extra loop in just in case I went over on calories yesterday!

[eptexy]

Originally Posted by jbiggars63

5/07/2010;
I am a little disappointed in the fact they chose to focus on the artificial sweetners instead of the real reason I lost the weight.
Video requests

I was thinking the same thing, Jerry. The average person would think, "hey if I cut out my diet soda, I can lose 300 pounds!" I think most of Joy's spots are like that - is there really anything you can do about it though? Plus from some reading I've done lately, it seems like any concept labeled low carb gets a strange stigma. People automatically think double bacon cheeseburgers without the bun. I tell people that I've started exercising and have cut back on carbs/fat/calories and no one gives me a hard time.

As a side note, I don't tell anyone I'm specifically doing Medi Weightloss. The few that I have have flipped out on me telling me it's unhealthy. I ask them now - "DO I LOOK UNHEALTHY?" I look better than I've ever looked in my adult life. My skin is flawless, my hair is thick from the omegas (sorry SCGirl), I smile more. So really I think the more people know about this awesome program, the better the perception will be. We need to emphasize it's dr. supervised though too. Sadly, yesterday my friend talked her doctor into prescribing her the appetite suppressant and she texted me saying she was having an iced tea for dinner. I feel as if I've failed her somehow.

[Amyloo]

Just wanted to check in and say how motivating all your updates have been this past week! Congratulations Sandra on completing your first 5K and reaching your goal weight! SO exciting. Jules: Congratulations on your 10lb weight loss your first week, what a great start! And Erin, congrats on your anniversary and being able to work that black dress. I'm officially motivated!! I weighed in this morning to a 4lb weight loss. I need to pick up the exercise though. Time to finally put my treadmill to use! Hope everyone has a great Mothers Day weekend!

- Amy

[jbiggars63]

Originally Posted by eptexy

I was thinking the same thing, Jerry. The average person would think, "hey if I cut out my diet soda, I can lose 300 pounds!" I think most of Joy's spots are like that - is there really anything you can do about it though? Plus from some reading I've done lately, it seems like any concept labeled low carb gets a strange stigma. People automatically think double bacon cheeseburgers without the bun. I tell people that I've started exercising and have cut back on carbs/fat/calories and no one gives me a hard time.

As a side note, I don't tell anyone I'm specifically doing Medi Weightloss. The few that I have have flipped out on me telling me it's unhealthy. I ask them now - "DO I LOOK UNHEALTHY?" I look better than I've ever looked in my adult life. My skin is flawless, my hair is thick from the omegas (sorry SCGirl), I smile more. So really I think the more people know about this awesome program, the better the perception will be. We need to emphasize it's dr. supervised though too. Sadly, yesterday my friend talked her doctor into prescribing her the appetite suppressant and she texted me saying she was having an iced tea for dinner. I feel as if I've failed her somehow.

You know, as the old saying goes..."You can lead a horse to water but you can't force them to drink it!" You are leading by example and have explained it to her, it is her choice as to whether or not to act on it or go her own way. You haven't failed! Keep your chin up and continue down what you know is the right path!

[GirlInJersey]

I have a question...probably for those of you that have or almost have reached your goal weight. So for my height (5'4"), with the goal weight I have, I will still be in the "obese" category for BMI. However, even at my slimmest in my adult life, I don't think I was ever less than 175. And on me, 175 will be very slim. I have big bones (seriously, I do) and big muscles (under all that fat ). So even my primary care physician says that 180 would be a realistic goal for me. But I'll still be obese! And I don't want to be!! (Insert temper tantrum). So what do I do? Is the BMI just a generalized number? Or for a person my height, age, and gender...is there only that one acceptable weight to put you in an average BMI.

I don't mean to sound whiney, I'm really concerned about this. And I know I might be too focused on the BMI. But if I ever weighed 130, it would be because someone cut off my legs or something.

Down to my question...at your goal weight, is everyone within an average BMI?

[jbiggars63]

You are correct! I don't live and die by the doctor charts as they don't account for muscle or bone weight! For my size I should be in the 155 - 175 pounds range. Yea right! My goal is 190-195! Right now I am at 200 with a 14.7% body fat well within the normal 12-22% for men! 190 still puts me at a 26.1 BMI, also known as obese! Whatever!

[suzanna1]

I would focus on the fat percentage, not BMI. Even though I am in the "normal" BMI range now, my body fat is still really high according to the scale at Medi. I have small bones and too little muscle apparently! The BMI range only relates your weight to your height; it doesn't take into account how much lean mass you have. Wikipedia (the ultimate source for information, LOL) says that body fat of 32%or greater is obese.

When you get to 180, decide at that point if you need to continue to lose or if you are happy and healthy with how you look and feel!

[eptexy]

At 30% body fat, I am also "overfat" but my BMI is normal. Good reason to ramp up my exercise. My muscles are so so weak.

[Desert-Rose7]

BMI

Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese


Jo

[LBsHotBride]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post! I am starting on Tuesday after seeing a freind of mine succeed on the program. I am pretty nervous about it though. This will be the first time I am trying anything like this. I used to run marathons and be in great shape before I was diagnosed with cancer. All the medications, the steroids, and being unable to be as active as I was before getting sick wrecked my body. I hate what I see when I look in the mirror. I want to get back to my old self, and regain my confidence. I hope this plan will help!

[jbiggars63]

Originally Posted by Desert-Rose7

BMI

Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese


Jo

I guess I'm only just Overweight! WOOT! 24.9 means I need to weigh 178.5 pounds.

[eptexy]

From the American Council on Exercise - Body Fat Percentage. (just FYI)

Description Women Men
Essential fat 10-13% 2-5%
Athletes 14–20% 6-13%
Fitness 21–24% 14–17%
Acceptable 25–31% 18–24%
Obese 32%+ 25%+


Well I guess I'm in the acceptable range but still on the high end.

[Fit2010]

Hmmm....

Last I noticed my fat percentage was 39.9% (obese)
and my BMI 27.5 (overweight)
But I feel so much better and look better so I've been slowing down and settling into this weight. OK, OK....good lesson....I'll be more serious again! Thanks for the kick in the b...!

Debbie

Eptexy (Erin)-Your #s and your photo looks so great!

Recently I heard that a more accurate way to measure body fat/risk for coronary artery disease central fat was size of your waist in inches and your height....does anyone know about this? I can look it up in a nursing article if anyone wants more info.

[Desert-Rose7]

I took another look at the printout from my last maintenance check:

BMI 19.4
Fat% 22.2

So I guess I am doing okay.


Jo

[Sshals]

Originally Posted by anewstart

Hi everyone... I wanted to share a few things... first.. this board is amazing as are all of you.. when Ive needed inspiration I come here...the second thing is that this past Saturday I ran my first 5k race... and I made it! I was tired and hot when I got done and it didnt sink in what I had actually accomplished until I was on my way home and the tears came.. I went from having a mild stroke and being 218 lbs to running a 5k!!! The last thing is Ive decided to start maintenance and not give myself up to a number on a scale. Ive reached my first goal and with the running my body composition is changing. Im good where I am, Im healthy and happy and Im between a size 8-10!! I gained 4 lbs of muscle,1 lb of h2O and dropped 2.5 in fat this past weigh in.. ! Thanks for the support.. I ll be checking in!! Best of luck to all of you!

Sandra

There are times when the word "congratulations" doesn't seem strong enough and this is one of them. Best wishes as you start the next part of your journey. And keep up those races! Being an athlete is a terrific thing.

[eptexy]

I'm wondering if I shouldn't aim a bit lower. My bmi is 23.1 but for once I feel like can choose how healthy I want to be rather than feeling like I'm victim to being chunky. They initially told me that 125 may be too thin but it's still in the moderate bmi range for me? Im 38 so they also said middle age women look better with more fat. What do y'all think?

Also I have a what would you do scenario. It's my 93 year old granny's birthday next weekend. She has requested chicken spaghetti casserole, Greek salad, garlic bread, and cake. It's only a get together of 6 people so hiding isn't an option. What do you think the best way to handle this would be? Everyone has been supportive but the last time I ate with my family, my mom made an issue of me having a diet coke over a beer which was embarrassing but whatever. I just want to blend in.

[Sshals]

Originally Posted by lins

I really want to go run but that's just not in the cards for today!

When things get crazy exercise can be the first thing to go (I am so guilty of that!!). However, I've noticed that exercise keeps me sane and reduces my stress level. I am also more productive when I squeeze in a quick 30 minute walk/run. Of course knowing and doing are completely different things. Hang in there and try to work in your workouts!

[Sshals]

Originally Posted by eptexy

I'm wondering if I shouldn't aim a bit lower. My bmi is 23.1 but for once I feel like can choose how healthy I want to be rather than feeling like I'm victim to being chunky. They initially told me that 125 may be too thin but it's still in the moderate bmi range for me? Im 38 so they also said middle age women look better with more fat. What do y'all think?

Also I have a what would you do scenario. It's my 93 year old granny's birthday next weekend. She has requested chicken spaghetti casserole, Greek salad, garlic bread, and cake.

Recently I've been traveling for conferences quite a bit - which include lunches that don't necessarily have food that is suitable. So I do my best to make it suitable. With granny's birthday - try eating just the chicken part of the casserole and the greek salad. That way you can be eating with your family but not going off plan. Also, visualize what you are going to say to your mom if she gives you a hard time so you are ready with a joke or light comment. It's a party! So have fun and keep your family focused on your granny not on what you are eating

As far as a goal weight goes.. I recently had my yearly check-up with my regular doctor. We spoke a lot about the medi-program and my goals. As an adult, I've never weighed less than 200 pounds, so I really have no idea what weight will be best for me. In my opinion, the number I picked at Medi was fairly arbitrary. Of course, they argue that it's not because it's in the healthy BMI range for my height on the chart. My doctor disagrees. Her feeling is that the charts are guidelines and do not account for individual differences. Health cannot be summed up as a single number on a chart.

So, I am going to keep working towards my goal, but let my overall health be my guide when it comes to figuring out what the final destination is. I am looking forward to being energetic and strong. I plan to complete a marathon and maintain a level of fitness that will keep that spring in my step well into my later years.

[eptexy]

Thanks for the advice! It's exactly what I needed! I still have anxiety in social situations. Because I haven't seen some friends and family in a few months, I realize how different I must look to them. Heck, I look different to myself! Which brings me to this...

Has anyone become obsessed with trying on clothes? Lol. I swear I change clothes 4 or 5 times a day. I'm loving shopping too which is verrrry dangerous! I made a huge leap of faith and threw out all clothing which was too loose on me today. I mean EVERYTHING minus a few sweatshirts and tees I can wear baggy. It was scary and my closet is pretty bare now.

[cjbee]

Originally Posted by suzanna1

Here are links to Jerry on the Today Show!

Once too fat to walk, dad sheds 293 pounds - Joy Bauer
Once too fat to walk, dad sheds 293 pounds - Joy Bauer

Amazing!!!

WOW! Jerry looks fantastic and more importantly healthy! I am so happy for you-you got your life back-no you took ! Congrats-CJ

[Desert-Rose7]

I went from a size 20 to a 8/10 in pants/dresses etc...and S/M in tees, sweaters. All and I do mean ALL of the large sizes have been cleaned, washed, pressed, folded and either placed in consignment shops (where they are selling very well) or if not good enough to sell, given to charity. I have given some to my coworkers who had admired my clothes in the past. I had a very large plastic box of clothing in the back of the car on the way to the consignment shop, and they ASKED if they could look and I said yes. (And may I say it is pretty darn wierd to see my clothing on someone else....and realize how large I had allowed myself to become).

I choose the next day's outfit the night before. I lay it out and that is what I wear. My time is way too limited in the time before work to dither about choosing what to wear. It may come from wearing uniforms in grammar and high school,who knows?

I went to a wedding last Saturday and saw people who I had not seen in at least 7 years. A few recognized me but most did not know me and were astonished when I re-introduced myself. What a major high that was! I have gone to events where I knew no one and to events where I know everyone. I guess growing up in a large family helped me to be able to deal with social events more comfortably. I was comfortable when I was obese, and I am comfortable now. I am comfortable in my own skin, even though it has shrunk incredibly since I began the program in 2008. It took a real epiphany for me to get out of denial that all was okay, and get myself on the road to true wellness. However, the comfort with who I am and the person I am inside has always been there.

Jo

[cjbee]

Hi Guys just checking in. I started in March am 30lbs down! I feel so good. I actually get a little shy when people notice and say something about it. I was in denial and then acceptance of how big I had become. I thought nothing is ever going to work but I kept living my life because I refused to give it up just because i was fat. It did effect my confidence though. Now that I am heading towards my size 10's (I am 5'7 1/2) so for me it looks pretty darn good. My figure is back-I have a waist! I still haven't been shopping-too busy and frankly I ddin't think I would lose this quick! I have 3 or 4 size 12's to get through but then I have to shop! It is exciting. Thanks for all of you who are and inspiration to me. My medi clinic asked me if I wanted to be on a commercial, but I am in Miami and don't speak spanish. which is kind of good because it made me nervous to think about.


I am looking forward to those 10's -these mini goals really keep me motivated!

[kristenb]

Originally Posted by eptexy

Has anyone become obsessed with trying on clothes? Lol. I swear I change clothes 4 or 5 times a day. I'm loving shopping too which is verrrry dangerous! I made a huge leap of faith and threw out all clothing which was too loose on me today. I mean EVERYTHING minus a few sweatshirts and tees I can wear baggy. It was scary and my closet is pretty bare now.

I know what you mean about trying on clothes! I put on a pair of pants that haven't fit for YEARS and they looked great! And that got me to thinking....would those cute khaki capris fit?....would that dress fit?.....how about those jeans I used to love?.....so I went through all my old clothes that I loved and never thought I would fit into and some of them are too loose! It was such a great feeling! I had a pair of pants that I paid over $100 for, still have the tags on. I LOVED these pants. I tried them on the other day, so excited that I might finally fit into them, and they are too loose! My goal pants were too loose!! I can't tell you how good that felt! So I am going to take them back for store credit and reward myself with a smaller size once I hit my goal.

[Sshals]

Originally Posted by eptexy

Has anyone become obsessed with trying on clothes? Lol. I swear I change clothes 4 or 5 times a day. I'm loving shopping too which is verrrry dangerous!

I go shopping a lot more than I did before. I don't buy a whole lot - and try to stick to the sale racks (mostly because anything I buy doesn't fit for long). I like shopping because it helps me see my progress. I still have quite a few pounds to go, so it's hard sometimes to see the changes in the mirror - but the changes in pant sizes are obvious! It's weird to shop though, because my mind has not caught up to my size change yet. I seem to pick out things that are too big because they look like they should fit. Well, they would have - 35 pounds ago!

I also check my progress every few weeks by trying on clothes in the "too small" section of my closet. There are some clothes for which I have missed the window of opportunity (i.e., they were too small and now they are too big). Like Jo, I get rid of everything that is too big.

[suzanna1]

Originally Posted by eptexy

Has anyone become obsessed with trying on clothes? Lol. I swear I change clothes 4 or 5 times a day. I'm loving shopping too which is verrrry dangerous! I made a huge leap of faith and threw out all clothing which was too loose on me today. I mean EVERYTHING minus a few sweatshirts and tees I can wear baggy. It was scary and my closet is pretty bare now.

Me! I spent most of today washing and pressing clothes that now fit, but had been shoved to the back of my closet. I organized everything in my closet by type of clothing and put in color groupings! I have put together some new outfits and made a list of basics that I need to pick up to round out my summer wardrobe. I am a bit obsessed!

I also have 3 more bags of bigger or non-flattering clothing that are going to be donated to a charity store later this week. I think that it is a great idea to get rid of everything that you never want to wear again!

[Fit2010]

We're all getting spring fever! I'm in 12's without spandex or lycra added in...that's different than just 1 1/2 wks ago.

[Azurro]

Hi all--
I am new to this site and have been inspired. This is my fourth day. So far so good...some headaches... today was the first day I had to see if I'm in Ketosis...It was just a trace.. IS this normal? I am on an 800 calorie plan. I am not allowed to use the appetite suppressants and havent had any shots yet..(I might be allergic to the base- but they are checking it out. In the meantime they gave me the sublingual B12.) So any help or advice would be great!! I have tried them all...Ive read the newbie site and have found that so helpful....Fingers crossed for my first week. Weigh in is Thursday
Thanks All!!