-1.1 This week

I guess 3 good weeks was too much to ask. I am back to the saw
tooth pattern. I have lost a total of 33 pounds in 9 weeks however
and I am excited about that. Our instructor told us tonight that
in 8 weeks our class has lost 410 pounds. That was an average
of just over 27 pounds each. I am higher than the class average
and I can be excited about that too.
I cleaned out my closets last weekend and found a couple of "new"
outfits. I also donated a lot of clothes I will never wear again to
charity. My closets have never been so organized.
I told you last week about making a decision to either stick with
what I am doing or transition to including fruits and veggies in
my diet. I have not made that decision yet (prayers and comments
welcome), but I have learned a lot of good information about the
benefits of adding them.
Thanks to all of you who continue to encourage me. This is not
an easy journey, but one that is well worth the effort.

-3.2 This Week

Last week I told you all I was going to make an effort to break the
"saw tooth" weight loss pattern I was in - Well I did it. Typically I
would have only lost between one and two pounds this week, but
with the extra effort I was able to loose 3.2. All the "experts" had
been saying every other week my body thought it was starving and
I wasn't loosing as much, so this week I practiced the"more is better"
rule everyday. I had one extra shake or entree each day and my
body responded. My total weight loss now is 31.9 pounds in 8 weeks.

The best thing that happened this week was I put on a shirt I bought
two weeks ago and didn't wear right away because I thought it was
just a little tighter than I liked - now it is almost too big. I wore it
anyway because it is so comfortable. I couldn't believe how much
difference there was in only two weeks.

I have 5 more weeks to go in the "core" program, so we have started
talking about what I should do next. I thought I would probably be
told I should keep doing exactly what I have been for thirteen more
weeks. However, the nurse showed me a chart tonight and explained
I could add fruits and veggies, eat my minimum meal replacements, and
still average about the same number of calories as I would practicing
more is better. I'm still not totally convinced, so this week I have
decided to chart everything I eat and count the calories, then compare
to the calories in a 3+2+5 day. That is three shakes, 2 entrees, and 5 fruits
or veggies. Right now that sounds like so much food I can't imagine.
Anyway I have a few weeks to think about it, so if you would put that on
your prayer list (that I make a good decision) I would appreciate it.
See you next week :)

-28.7 pounds in Just 7 Weeks!!!

I am averaging 4.1 pounds per week so far. Not quite my goal,
but sometimes my goals are a little unrealistic. This week
I lost 4.4 pounds. I am just above the goals the program has
set for me, so I guess I am doing alright.
This past week was challenging with work stresses.
I told a friend in class tonight, it is a good thing I am single,
because if there had been any other food in the
house this past week I would have gone out of the box.
This week the challenge will be to see if I can break the every
other week small loss pattern I am in. I am going to make a conscious
effort to loose good again next week and see what happens.
Thanks for sticking with me. I have so many of you out
there encouraging me I know I am blessed.

-1.9 This week

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ this is my weightloss pattern.
It is called the "saw tooth" pattern. They explained it tonight.
One week my body thinks I am starving it, so it hangs on to
everything. The next week it will decide it is not really starving,
so it will let weight go. The solution, just keep on keeping on and
look at the totals not just one week. So, when I do that - I have
lost 24.3 pound in just 6 weeks.
The most exciting thing that happened this past week was on
Tuesday I put on a pair of slacks and looked down to find most
of them hanging on my shoes. I remembered I had a pair just like
them (one size smaller) in the closet, so I got them out and they
fit perfectly. This was good news because I also had a second
pair in the smaller size (different color) I had never worn before.
So, the next day I tore the tags off the second pair and wore them.
It feels really good to be getting into things that have just been
teasing me in the closet.
Until next week - Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!!!

-4.4 This Week!!!

This was a much better week for weighloss! I don't
really know what I did that much different, but I
sure have a better result this week. I did walk a
couple of times this week in addition to riding the
bike, so that helped I'm sure.
Last night I went to a BBQ for my lifegroup from
church and took my own HMR food. I enjoyed
BBQ Chicken with Rice and Beans while everyone
else ate hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans,
potato salad, chips and dip, etc. The grilling
smelled really good, but when the meal was over
I was just as satisfied with my meal as I ever
remember being when I ate what everyone else
was eating. In fact, I think I felt better because
it was my tendency to over eat and feel stuffed
at events like this before.
Today I had a meeting with some co-workers
that lasted until about 11:30 and they all wanted
to go out for lunch, so I warmed my Turkey Chili
at the office and took it with us to the resturant.
When I had finished my lunch I felt full and I
didn't really miss anything they were having.
Tomorrow, for my strong start day, I have to
get in some exercise at work. I plan to take my
tennis shoes and walk around the circle a few times
at lunch.
Thanks for all your continued prayers and words
of encouragement. I always rush home after
the graduate class I teach on Monday nights to
see if anyone has commented yet, and you all
have never disappointed me. THANKS!!!