The "Plan"

Some of you have been asking what exactly I'm doing, and also for recipes. Since I'm sitting in the hospital with my hubby I don't have my recipes with me, but I can definitely share my weight loss plan.

I'm basically following Dr. Oz's Rule of 5 Foods to Avoid -- Sugar, Syrup (corn, high fructose corn, etc), no white/refined carbs, no trans fat, no saturated fat. I'm also eating lots of satiating foods - almonds, whole grains, tons of veggies. In addition to that I'm also "counting calories" so to speak, but not in a crazy obsessive way. :) I generally strive for between 1200-1400 calories a day.

I have a 200 calorie breakfast (my egg white wrap),
a 100-150 calorie snack (usually a fruit),
a 300-400 calorie dinner (usually my lentil soup),
another 100-150 calorie snack (usually Kashi Go Lean Crunch - high fiber, high protein), a 300-400 calorie dinner (usually a lean protein and a huge portion of veggies)
and finally I have a 100 calorie snack as long as it's not after 8pm.

I'll be posting my recipes soon. Most of them I've gotten from Nancy and I love them!!! :)

My secret weapon -- calorie free olive oil spray, fresh crushed/minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes! They make any meal delicious! :)

I think I have fixed the Temptations Post! :)

Of everything I've shared on this blog, this is the hardest. I feel like a failure. I know Dr. Oz tells us we will fail, we just have to accept that and keep going and do our best to eat well. But I feel like I've let Nancy down. I've let Dr. Oz down. And I've let all of you down.

This may be silly, but it is how I feel. Everyone is telling me what an inspiration I am and how strong I am... Well, now you know... I'm just as normal as anyone else with

flaws and cravings and temptations I give in to.

One thing that's been different lately (or rather back to normal I guess) is my reaction to stress. My old reaction to stress was to eat. Since day one after meeting Nancy and Dr. Oz I've found myself with no appetite during stressful situations. Well, the last couple weeks my stress level has been absurdly high and my old habits are rearing their ugly head!

Until last night I've been able to distract myself or at least choose foods they aren't horrible for me when I feel the "need" to stress eat. Last night however was the last straw... It has been a tremendously stressful and chaotic week or so that has literally brought me to my breaking point.

After 6 hours in the ER with my husband (he has severe pancreatitis most likely from gallstones that passed, he may have to have his gallbladder removed) I finally went home to get some sleep since they were admitting him. I was a wreck. I felt horrible leaving him but I also knew I needed to rest so that I wouldn't be completely useless today.

With tears in my eyes I pulled out of the hospital parking lot, and saw the glowing red wendy’s sign… the Sweet & Spicy nuggets were calling my name. On the drive home I devoured my nuggets, fries, and diet coke. All the while knowing this was probably the absolute worst choice I could have made in terms of food...

Since coming back from taping the show on the 13th I've really been struggling with being intentional. I've started a 30 day challenge to try to jump start my motivation and it's been a great way to do so. But I’m really struggling with the cravings and temptations in a way I haven’t for the last 12 weeks up to now.

Today while I'm at the hospital with my love I have packed nutritious and delicious foods. Taking it minute by minute trying not to get ahead of myself.

So there you have it. I'm getting back on the wagon and for right now that's good enough for me. :)

I guess my post was too long since I sent it from my phone. Lol I'll fix it when I get home tonight. :) you can try to figure out the order if you like until then lol

flaws and cravings and temptations I give in to.

Today while I'm at the hospital with my love I have packed nutritious and delicious foods. Taking it

eep going and doing our best to eat well. But I feel like I've let Nancy down. I've let Dr. Oz down. And I've let all of you down.

This may be silly, b

me I devoured my nuggets, fries, and diet coke. All the while knowing this was probably the absolute worst choice I could have made in terms of food...

minute by minute trying not to get ahead of myself.

So there you have it. I'm getting back on the wagon and for right now that's good enough for me. :)

ut it is how I feel. Everyone is telling ms what an inspiration I am and how strong I am... Well, now you know... I'm just as normal as anyone else with

Of everything I've shared on this blog this is the hardest. I feel like a failure. I know Dr. Oz tells us we will fail, we just have to accept that and k

out of the hospital and there it was. The glowing red wendys sign... the Asian sweet & spicy nuggets were calling my name and I answered.

On the way ho

s a wreck. I felt horrible leaving him but I also knew I needed to rest so that I wouldn't be completely useless today.

With tears in my eyes I pulled

to stress eat. Last night however was the last straw... After 6 hours in the ER I finally went home to get some sleep since they were admitting him. I wa

rearing their ugly head!

Until last night I've been able to distract myself or at least choose foods they aren't horrible for me when I feel the "need"

I've found myself with no appetite during stressful situations. Well, the last couple weeks my stress level has been absurdly high and my old habits are

t lately (or rather back to normal I guess) is my reaction to stress. My old reaction to stress was to eat. Since day one after meeting Nancy and Dr. Oz

eing intentional. I've started a 30 day challenge to try to jump start my motivation and it's been a great way to do so.

One thing that's been differen

chaotic week or so and basically brought me to my breaking point.

Since coming back from taping the show on the 13th I've really been struggling with b

Last night my husband was admitted to the hospital with pancreatitis most likely caused by gallstones. This was on top of an exceptionally stressful and

Dr. Oz Update!!

Tomorrow, Friday, January 22 my follow up segment on The Dr. Oz Show will air! You will get to see all of the amazing surprises they worked out for me. :) One of the cool things they did was to show my blog, this blog, as it is such an integral part of my success. So, if you found this blog because you saw my follow up show, welcome! I'm so glad you found me and I hope that by being honest, open, and sharing every detail, emotion, good, bad or indifferent part of this process I can inspire you to find the health and wellness you deserve. Because as cliche as it sounds, if I can do this, ANYONE can! Seriously!! :)

Today was the first day of my 30 Day Challenge. There are 5 of us officially participating so the game is on! Our goal is to lose 15 pounds in the next 30 days. Some of you may think that is unsafe, and for some people it might be. But, it's more than feasible for me as I am still over 300 pounds, and since day 1 have been losing an average of 4lbs a week. So, it's all good! :)

But, for those of you who want to jumpstart your own journey to health, but may not have such a substantial amount to lose may find the idea of losing 15 pounds in 30 days to be astronomical. That's ok! It's not about the number! It's about finding that motivation to maintain your focus on the goal. Maybe for some of you the goal needs to be 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days. Or, maybe it's time to purge the fridge and pantry, go shopping for the great foods that will keep you satiated, and commit to not eating the 5 foods to avoid for 30 days. Whatever you decide is an attainable, but still challenging goal -- go for it! Join us in this next 30 days to change your life!

This challenge will be hard for me physically more so than the food part will be. I'm Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and oh my goodness! I was feeling it (and still am!) LOL I had to do the modifications through several of the moves, and I found the push ups/plank moves ESPECIALLY difficult. It was the roughest 20 minutes of my workout history! LOL

So what is your challenge going to be? How can you push yourself these next 30 days to reveal just how strong you truly are? I had no idea I'd be able to do even half of the things I've been doing these days. It feels so good to look at something you thought was impossible, and actually accomplish it! What have you got to lose?

You CAN do this!! :)

Over the 50 Pound Mark!!!

I found myself losing focus after coming back from "Oz". :) Kind of felt some finality about taping the show again, and lost a bit of that motivation from having such a HUGE goal before going back to NYC. I talked to Nancy about it and realized that I am a VERY goal oriented person! I need small and big goals, short and long term goals to stay motivated and keep my focus. So, we came up with yet another challenge! My next goal is to lose 15 pounds in the next 30 days!

I'm going to be doing Jillian Michael's "The Shred" for 30 days along with my same eating habits I've picked up these past 12 weeks. I'm still keeping it as lean and natural as possible. Eating less pre-packaged/processed foods, and eating more "whole", natural state, from the ground foods. Also, I'm using as little salt as possible and have found the beauty (and taste!) of Mrs. Dash and all her wonderful seasonings. :)

Today was weigh day, and I'm down another 3 pounds for a total of 51 pounds lost to date!!! By the end of my challenge I will be out of the 300's for the first time in so long I don't even remember!!!

Yesterday I did the elliptical for 45 minutes straight! It was incredible, painful, exhausting, and so very rewarding! I wanted to quit after about 30 minutes, but I just couldn't. Something I've taken away from The Biggest Loser is that you need to finish what you start. I set my goal for 45 minutes and I needed to not give up until I got there. :) I didn't keel over and die, I wasn't even sore this morning. So even though my body was tired, and my mind kept telling me to just stop, I'd done enough, I couldn't stop. :)

So if your goal is to walk, or bike, or whatever, set a time limit and do it! Whether it's 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. just don't stop until you reach that goal. It made me so proud to have done it, and I know that you will feel so empowered by not giving up! :)

Well... It's been a very interesting week and a half. The Dr. Oz crew came and filmed the 5K and some interviews with me. It was a very long weekend!!! Lol

Taping the follow up show was amazing. It was great to be back and know that it was all positive. :) I have lost almost 50 pounds!! I lost 10" in my waist!! It was incredible to realize I'd done it all in only 12 weeks!!!!

And then I came home... And it was like I lost my focus. Life hit me in full swing and I lost my balance. I'm still eating according to my plan and working out every day, but something is missing. I'm an emotional mess thanks to PMS. Lol.

I think a part of it is that I had such a big goal to focus on before going to New York. And now it's just back to daily life. But I'm trying to keep my next goal in mind and stay focused.

My next big goal is to get to the 100 lb mark! To get there I'm going to continue to ramp up my workouts, eat as much fresh & natural food as possible to avoid excess sodium and chemicals. I'm going to focus on getting under 300 for the first time in years!!!

I can do this!!! I AM DOING THIS!!!!

Ahhh... That feels better! Lol

Recipes from Nancy

For those of you looking for healthy, but yummy, recipes check out Nancy's Blog.

5K Pics :)

The last lap!! We did it!!

interviews with the Oz crew

My dad, brothers, and husband

I've lost about 5 more pounds than that now!!! :)

more of me with the cameras... :)

Everyone signed this poster at the end for me. I will keep it forever!!! :)

11 Weeks, 42 pounds and 7.5 inches down!

I did it!!!

Well, I did it! It was a very long, very cold day but we jog/walked the 5K in 42:59!!! I surpassed my goal of 48 minutes by 5 full minutes!! I could not be happier with how things went. :)

There about 15 of us who actually ran the race with several more who cheered us on our way!! There was a huge surprise guest, but I'll wait to let you see who when the show airs. ;)

I was so touched by everyone who came out to support me yesterday. I was overwheled with all the love and support everyone gave. I had no idea my story and my journey was touching people so deeply. It was an incredible day in so many ways!!!

Thanks to everyone who braved the freezing, windy, arctic day to be there for me!!! 

Running my 5K on Saturday!!!

Well, the Dr. Oz team found out about my informal 5K I'm jog/walking at Lake Eola and they are coming down to film it!! I am trying to get as many people there to cheer in the crowd or even walk/jog it with me. I'm going to need all the support I can get!! :) It's going to be a ton of fun, with friends, signs, and of course, the film crew. LOL If you live in the area and want to join me please please come! The more the merrier! :)

When: 2pm-4pm Saturday 1/9
Where: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
Dress: Wear a solid color top (NO logo's please) with any style pant

For more info click here.

Losing weight, but gaining so much more...

Hitting the 40 pound loss mark has truly amazed me. I have been working hard, and focused so much on being intentional in my eating and exercising that that I hadn't really taken time to reflect on all of the changes taking place. Not just the physical changes, which are of course amazing, but also (and more importantly) the mental shift that has occurred has been nothing short of miraculous...

I have struggled with low self-esteem for as long as I can remember. I have never felt "good enough" (whatever that would actually be). Someone else was always smarter, thinner, prettier, quicker, better, more deserving, etc, etc. I have let people walk all over me, take advantage of me, and use me not only because I let them, but because I thought if I didn't, they wouldn't like me. I didn't believe I deserved to be treated any differently. I didn't believe I wasn't worth being treated any better.

Over the past few months, and even more so the past few weeks, I have noticed a shift in this thinking of mine. I don't notice it as it's happening, but later as I reflect on the events I realize that I reacted and acted much differently than I would have several months ago. Instead of just saying or doing what I think is expected, I voice my actual opinion. I say what is really on my mind rather than just "sucking it up". I have to say, that I haven't been rude or snotty LOL but I've been more honest when I might otherwise not be.

It's been small steps forward, but it's truly amazing to see how much changing how I view my body, and what I put into my body, has changed my thinking as well. I have never felt particularly beautiful, and I still struggle with feelings of insecurity. But I see the progress and I know that rather than being a fat girl forever, I am healthier and I'm going to get smaller and smaller, and I feel better too. I am making better choices nutritionally, and it's impacting how I feel about myself just as much as my physical energy and strength.

A big part of this is also due to the fact that I've been practicing taking my thoughts captive. For every negative thought that goes through my mind, I replace it with a positive truth. At my desk at work I have several verses at eye level that I can focus on when I'm feeling particularly negative, or down.

Don't get me wrong, I still have down days. LOL But they are getting fewer and farther between (and usually come at a particular time of the month lol). I'm changing my thinking and growing my knowledge about food and nutrition and in turn am doing the same for my thinking about myself and my worth. I never realized how tied the two were... but it makes more sense as time goes on... Our bodies are temples. What we put into them and how we care for them are just as important to our physical health as to our mental health...

40s are fabulous!

So much has been going on lately! I have wanted to post so many times and am finally getting the opportunity to do it. New Years was great, and I have to say the best part was that for the first year my resolution was not to get healthy! LOL I'm already doing that! My resolution is to focus on thinking more positively and not being so hard on myself.

This weigh in I finally broke the 40lb mark and have lost a total of 40.4 pounds to date! I'm still hoping for 50 pounds lost by the 13th, but I'm not going to stress out about it. I'll keep doing what I'm doing and trust God to do the rest! :)

I've continued my 5K training and it's almost here! It will be either the 8th or 9th, still working out the details. Just going to do 3 laps around Lake Eola with my friends and family cheering me on! My goal is to run as much as I can, and power walk the rest. If I could finish in under 50 minutes I'd thrilled, but my goal is to just finish it! :)

Unfortunately, I seem to have injured my heel. After doing my workout the other day, I noticed pain in my left heel. I just thought it was from the impact of running the majority of my time on the treadmill and just thought it would go away... well, yesterday it was worse and I did a little research and it looks like I might have planter fasciitis (a heel spur). They typically go away in 12-36 hours with rest and mild stretching. I'm hoping it gets better soon because I'm missing my treadmill time! Wait, did I just say that?? LOL

I have gone from literally FORCING myself to go walk, to now enjoying them and actually finding myself looking forward to them! I'm pushing myself and doing more and more every day. I never thought I'd be running at this point, and to be honest, I'd never believed I'd get to this point at all! It's been incredible.

Rather than being discouraged about my injury and giving up, I've had to get creative to get my workout in. Nancy gave me some great floor exercises that we worked into 4 circuits done 3 times each. I have to admit, I thought the reps would be a nice change but I never thought they would compare to my walk/runs... boy was I wrong! LOL So now I'm not only getting my heart rate up, but I'm also building muscle and toning up which is fantastic.

I hope everyone had a great holiday and that this new year is full of health, happiness, and well-being. :)