I’m going to take a deep breath and own up to something. Since starting this blog, and mostly since my business has really taken off, I have gained 30 lbs. (It hurts just to write that.) A year ago, I had to have my gallbladder removed and it was a wake up call to me. Well, I hit the snooze button a few times, but last summer, I started making changes. I wrote THIS POST about the limits I was going to set for myself dealing with food, health, my business, etc. and I thought I would give an update.
So, here I was pre-blog… It’s hard to see in a frumpy t-shirt, but I had lost 38lbs after having my second son and was only about 10lbs heavier than when I was in college. I was running every day and at a very healthy BMI and I felt awesome.
Here I am 3o lbs heavier. Again, it’s hard to tell with the layers, but those 30 lbs were there and they were really hard to handle when I was trying to find the perfect outfit to wear on the Nate Berkus Show.
So, in August, there was total upheaval. I gave/threw away most of what was in my pantry and fridge. Anything with MSG, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and anything I couldn’t pronounce was outta there. Grocery store trips took me an eternity as I flipped over everything to read the label. This meant giving up the thing that has been my “one thing” since I was 16 years old. Diet soda. I always said, “It’s my one thing and I’m not giving it up.” Well, I finally decided to give it up. I’m not saying it’s bad, but I couldn’t make a case that it was good for me. I went from drinking 2-3/day to one and then none. I felt terrible and craved them intensely for about two weeks, but then it got easier. I had no idea how addicted I was to them! I haven’t had a sip of diet soda since and I don’t want to. I don’t view it as a treat or as an occasional thing. I view it as a slippery slope if I take one sip, so I don’t even mess with it.
I also became a vegetarian. This was easier for me, believe it or not. I’ve never been a big meat eater anyway. What was awesome, too, is that my husband went semi-vegetarian with me, so we eat vegetarian at home and he has gotten used to it. He gets meat when we go out or sometimes buys some salmon or something for himself. Being a vegetarian has limited a lot of unhealthy options like fast food, rich casseroles, etc. and has made me get creative with the way I fuel my body. Since making that change, I’ve lost 6 lbs.
I know. That’s not much. Especially over seven months. I felt it was important, though, to establish a healthy eating pattern…to totally change my tastes and cravings, so that when I started to focus more on weight loss, it was very natural. And it’s worked. I would rather pack a veggie wrap and nuts than stop in fast food place. I can’t handle candy that I used to like, like peanut butter cups and even my precious chocolate covered raisins. They are just too sweet and taste really fake to me. Oh, I can still put away a good homemade brownie or something like that, though!
So, this is the kind of stuff I crave and eat…
…raw veggies with hummus, sliced cheese…
…a bunless black bean burger with avocado and baby romaine…
…and stir fried veggies with cashews, brown rice and quinoa. Of course, I still have my guilty pleasures like all-natural kettle-cooked potato chips, Izze Clementine soda and Ghirardelli 60% cacao dark chocolate chips. So, now that I’m eating the right kinds of foods, I’m tightening up a bit to focus on weight loss. I’m also adding a workout routine.
I’ve done this in the past. I go to the gym for a few weeks and then I get busy and stop. One problem is that I’m just picking this class or that class to go to and I’m not very purposeful about it. I used to be a major gym rat, so I know how to train, but I need someone to push me and I need a plan. I looked around for something I could do at home and settled on the P90X Video Workout. I just started this week and it is pretty brutal, but I like that kind of punishing workout. It’s about an hour a day six days a week for 90 days. So, I’m committing to do it for 90 days and we’ll see what happens.
I bought a comfy new pair of tennis shoes and I’m ready to go. I’ll only take a day off if I’m really sick, traveling and the two days of the Lucketts Fair in May (those are workout enough!) Otherwise…no excuses,
This isn’t going to be a main topic on my blog, but it’s a big thing going on in my life, so I wanted to share it. I am also positive that I have a lot of readers who struggle with weight and it’s always nice to talk about common struggles. I was initially thinking it would be my own secret makeover project and I would just show you in the end, but I kept finding myself wanting to talk about it. I’m hoping some of you wonderful ladies can cheer me on and hold me accountable. Hopefully I’ll be showing some lean, muscular pictures of myself in 90 days…maybe 180 since I expect I’ll have to do the program twice to get where I want to be. I’m just going to give it all I’ve got and we’ll see what happens.
As far as the other limits I set in August…well, I’ve been stinking it up with going to bed at a reasonable hour and I’m going to get back to that. I’ve asked for a snazzy bracelet for my birthday that tracks and records your sleep patterns and I think that will help. It means I might neglect my Facebook page more than I already do or I’lll be a bit slower at responding to e-mails, but I know that years from now, I’ll be glad I took care of myself. I can never imagine my future-self being glad I stayed up until midnight or 1:00 regularly and was exhausted and stressed all to answer some e-mail and hang out on Pinterest.
I have been better at saying no, but that I-can-say-yes-to-everything-and-it-will-all-work-out side of my personality has been rearing its head again and I need to tighten up. I just need to have another pep talk with myself about it and give myself permission to disappoint people who want something from me that I can’t give 100% to. That’s hard…
So, here’s to limits and balance! (I’m raising my Izze…don’t leave me hanging.)
I’ll give you updates here and there to let you know how things are coming along. Have a great Easter weekend.
Awesomesauce!!! Sounds like you’re making some great changes! I actually started P90x this week too! I have been sooo sore but it’s a good sore. I needed to do something after 3 babies in 4 years. I’ll think of you when I’m not feeling like working out. Please post updates, we can all keep each other accountable.
Ok, I just have to say, take care of your health, Good plan! Eat healthy as you are, but believe me, you still look cute as hell even 30 lbs heavier then that favorite weight you might have in your head Not suggesting you give yourself an excuse not to take care of yourself in a healthy way, but don’t beat yourself up about a number….Life is tooooo short!
GOOD for you!! I went through a very similar makeover this past summer as well and went vegetarian to pretty much vegan now. Feel great!! By the way, I’m sure you realize this now, diet soda is deadly poison for your system…. you are SO rid of it!! 🙂 Onward and upward and you are NOT alone.
I would NEVER leave you hanging.
CHEERS! (I had a Clementine Izze tonight, too)
Thanks for sharing – once again.
-b.
Marion, about 7 months ago I had to radically change my diet due to health issues. As a side bonus, I’ve lost 25 lbs. I never thought that I could stop eating sugar, flour, and dairy products because they were so ingrained into my lifestyle. Well, I have to say that the negative effect they had on me was not worth the momentary gratification. I had to be the boss, so to speak and not the other way around. So, “I have set my face like flint” with the Lord’s strength and He has helped me to stand strong. With the amazing talents He has given you, I know this will be another success story for you.
Cheering you on,
Judy
You go girl!! It is so hard to make time to work out with so many projects in front of me, and then I’m exhausted at the end of the day! You sound like you’re on the right track and once again inspiring me and many others, I’m sure!
Oh Marian you are sooo brave…! P90X is hard core! Go for it! If you are like me, you make these statements “out loud” so that you are committed to keeping them! But I can tell you are going to do great, and it ain’t easy so don’t be sooo hard on yourself. I share your passion for those dang chips, and I’ve been a yo-yo dieter my whole adult life but can’t resist them in my weak moment! *emotional eater*…. So all the best to you, I hope to meet you at Luckett’s!!
Good luck with your wellness goals. You will sleep better and have more energy. I know and I am 71. I still try to workout on a regular basis but I let my volunteer schedule get in the way. Changed my tune last month and set the alarm earlier so I could get to the gym(I am not good about working out at home) before I need to be anywhere. Feetling better and sleeping better. Maureen
Girl, I could use some accountability in the exercise department. I have got the food down, the chemical free medicine cabinet, chemical free cleaning etc… but I CANNOT seem to conquer exercise! I don’t know what my problem is! I am so passionate about health, I have even swayed my blog over that way A LOT. I just really feel like its more important than ever for my family right now. Let me know how the P90 thing goes. My sister says its awesome. I’m thinking of joining a 21 day fat blaster program at the gym by my house. We shall see…….
You have totally inspired me again Miriam. I hate to admit it, or own up to it, but I will. I have gained about 15-20 lbs since blogging. It kills me to look at past pictures compared to now. Every day I say I will start tomorrow, or I will get up and get to the gym. The days come and go and still I am not motivated. I am NOW, I can do this. We are not alone, I know a lot of women bloggers who have gained as well…it’s what we do, SIT and BLOG! UGH, it’s a love hate relationship for sure.
Amen sistah!!! You go girl!
Oooh, I do P90X. Tony Horton drives me nuts and I’ve done the program three times now, so I just do the workouts without him on strength days. It will really, really change your body.
I read something today about secrets of really happy people that said we need meaningful relationships, good health and purpose (which for most is work of some sort). So good on you for catering more to the “good health” part. You’re a very motivated and inspirational person, so while I have no doubt that you’ll be successful in your endeavor to get fit and trim down, I think you’ll also help a lot of others through your sharing. As I’d like to lose a few pounds myself, I think I’ll join you for the next 90 days and hope I can meet my goal too! Thanks for this post. It was just the kick in the rear I needed! You go, girl!
Marion
THis was so timely. I have been struggling with my weight and lack of exercise and really have felt that God is telling me it is time to do something. You are an encouragement and I cheer you on. Thanks so much for being open and sharing.
thanks
Kellie
I eat that way too….not to lose weight but to keep my body healthy. It’s the unseen things that are happening inside your body that make you really sick from eating what I call “not food”.
I think its great that you wrote it out. I have learned that if you write down your goals you will complete them 90% of the time as opposed to what I do – tell myself I’m going to work out 3 times this week and then I get busy and it doesn’t happen! Accountability is awesome too. I wish I had someone to be accountable to…… I suck at goal setting and follow through! Good Job!!
It is so hard to deal with your feelings BEFORE you reach that place where you say, “enough!” but once you get to that place, it feels incredible to take charge of your health and happiness. I discovered a few months ago that I have a finite amount of energy, and I was giving it away to everyone else (*cue martyr). It takes a great deal of energy to take care of yourself, and it is not wrong. In fact, it is much better for everyone else if you are happy. Best of luck. I have been swimming 6 days a week for 2 weeks, and I feel amazing! As I’ve told you before, I admire so much your honesty and grit and how you’ve never forgotten who you are – the MMS that we all love!
Good for you!!! I started Weight Watchers at beginning of the year but made it my “clean eating” version and have now decided to go meatless 3-5 days a week. So far, I am down 18 pounds! I needed to measure my food and stuff for a while. I knew my idea of a portion was probably 2 (or 3)! I am using Jillian Michaels Revolution (like P90X but not as long) and the Nike Training Club (a free app on the iPhone). It has excellent training videos ranging from 20 – 60 minutes.
My husband has this great trick – he eats frozen bananas. It sounds crazy but try one! Without any sugar or syrup or anything else on it. It has helped him greatly reduce sugar from his diet and loose 20 pounds. He was the biggest cookie monster in our house but no more. He has much better will power than me 🙂 I have stopped purchasing snack food and my kids are eating more fruit and look healthier. Its lots of little steps but they all add up to a healthier all of us! You can do it! You’re already on your way! Take care! — Pauline
Just a note on P90X – make sure you use body measurements and not a scale as the basis for your results. When I did it the first time I lost only 5 pounds in 90 days which was really unusual for me. However, the inches lost brought me down two sizes. There is truth in that old “you’ve gained muscle mass” adage. The second time I did the P90X I did ONLY the cardio routines 6 days a week and I lost 15 pounds.
yahoo for you! Diet soda is the devil! I gave it up several years and feel so much better. I want to be healthy and in shape for me and myself. And to enjoy my grandchildren. I do Insanity six days a week. Seeing great changes. You have inspired me to keep going!
You are a delightful inspiration to us all! I will cheer you on and pray for your success. Thank you for being such a “real” person and allowing us to see the aspects of your life that are less than ideal; we all are works in progress. Easter blessing to you!
Thank you. Just thank you. SO MUCH.
Awesome! I’m with you. I also had emergency gallbladder surgery, so I know of what you speak. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll be working out and eating well right along with you. Hang in there and good for you!
Hey ‘Seed,
I’ve been in a rut since my move from Texas to Colorado back in November. I’ve been following the Virgin Diet (no sugar, no gluten, no soy, no corn, no eggs, no dairy, no peanuts), and have really been successful. I have totally clear skin for the first time in my life at 34 years old, and I’ve lost about ten pounds since the beginning of January. I now know that I have a gluten intolerance. I’ve been toying around with the idea of starting a workout regimen… You may have just inspired me to get my butt in gear. I’m glad you decided to talk about your journey. I’m raising my Diet Dr Pepper to you.
You go girl!
Melissa
Good for you! I’ve been trying to focus more on plant based foods as well – do you have any favorite cookbooks you would recommend for recipe ideas?
I just started The Blood Sugar Solution 1.5 weeks ago, have lost 8 lbs. I also was addicted to diet soda, it all needed to go. I’m 63 and have 14 grandchildren and a great grandchild. I have to ask God everyday for his help. Good luck to you and keep us updated. I will add you to my prayer list.
It’s been a couple of months now since I found your website and ordered your book. You really are an inspiration, and we have decorating style and Jesus in common! And now I see you’re a vegetarian, and I eat Plant Strong. Oh yeah, your husband is a youth leader (pastor?) and mine is a pastor. Are we related?
Remember this when you are exercising “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13 NLT
Awesome. Just one quick thing. Please don’t eat those carrots. The mini ones. If you read up on them you will find they are soaked in bleach. That is why they have that white film in them. Choose regular ones or better yet organic they taste much better and no bleach. Keep up the good work. Cheers Frances
Baby carrots are not “soaked” in bleach. The dilute chlorinated water rinse is to kill bacteria. The white film is not the bleach coming out. Rather, the white film is the carrot drying out. All veggies, including organic ones, are disinfected with some type of disinfectant rinse (ozone solutions/peroxyacetic acid/ peroxide, etc.). Research is on-going, but current studies indicate that organic veggies are not more nutritious than non-organic produce.
I agree with Frances. I would not touch a pre prepared carrot or pre cut veg as it’s been dipped in diluted bleach and residues remain on the surface. If it’s not treated it would go slimy and have a shorter shelf life and this is what the food manufacturers don’t want.
Organic food may not contain more nutrients but it will have no pesticide residues either.
Well done on changing your diet!
Do you ever drink or cook with water from the tap without a filter? Bathe in it? Unless you have your own well for water, you are consuming chlorinated water. I would never tell anyone to avoid organic veggies; my concern is mis-infomation stated as facts.
Stop it then with YOUR mis- information. Chlorinated water is not as bad as a dilute bleach bath. You really think it’s the same strength? Is it so hard to peel a carrot? It takes seconds. If you want to carry on with your bleach dunked pre peeled veggies go ahead, but don’t knock those who care enough not to and want to share information.
Good for you! I often think of making such changes,but I that’s as far as it goes. Also ,everyone I know who has had their gallbladder removed gains weight. Apparently your body can’t digest fat without a gallbladder.
You are so honest and that is what I love about you, your products, and your blog. Good luck and keep up the good work. You are inspiring.
I’ve never done P90X, but have done Insanity (which by the way is INSANE) and a lot of JM. The exercise produces worthwhile benefits to be sure–mental clarity, physical fitness, etc.–but the most helpful tool in my shaving off the last bit of pregnancy weight was a food diary. I used MyFitnessPal; the site is super easy to use, there is a supportive online community, and the user can see exactly how many calories one eats. Very helpful in getting a sense of the caloric values of various foods, i.e., 3 cups of spinach is a mere 20 calories while my favorite cookie is 150. It makes eating reasonable amounts of food much easier. It may be a tool worth trying. You can do it!
Go to the grocery store and pick up a six pound bag of rice. It’s a LOT! Six pounds! Your heart is thanking you! You are also setting an excellent example for your children, although I think they were probably the biggest impetus of all!
You will be in my prayers. If you fall down, HERE is my hand pulling you back up! You are not alone.
xo
Andie
Awesome! You sound like you are on your way! I have recently lost 46lbs after years of struggling! My treadmill is my best friend, I never thought I would say that! There is no quick fix just keep focused and it will happen… Eggs have been a great way for me to keep feeling satisfied and peanut butter on anything is my go to snack! My fitness pal is a great way to track your food…you’ll get there!!
Yeckk – I just read the carrots soaked in bleach comment. Is that true? I have added a few, myself. So difficult to take it off! It takes so much time to lose it and I feel like it just jumped onto my body in like – 3 weeks. ugh. Thanks for the post! Nice to know that you are ‘real’ -even though you seem super-human with all that you have accomplished in the past few years.
-Trish
You are amazing and will suceed!
Kudos to you! Congrats on making changes and sticking with them, especially when they are not easy. It is NOT easy eating clean in a world of uncleanliness. If you want to see REAL change, and feel REALLY good, look into Mark Sisson’s Primal Blueprint. He writes a fantastic blog, is a NYT Bestselling author of the Primal Blueprint, and proposes we eat as nature intended, free of all grains, most dairy, and of course, all artificial anything (colors, flavors, preservatives, etc). Check him out–its a life-changer, and for some, a life-saver, literally.
Wishing you well on your weight loss and exercise plan. One word of caution though regarding the P90X. I tried Insanity and doing so aggravated a back condition I didn’t realize I had. With that said, I encourage you to listen to your body and not dismiss any pain you might be feeling. Also, as per Dr. Oz lack of sleep and not getting the sleep you require daily will contribute to weight retention so all the more reason to use that pretty bed of yours even more. Good luck!
I’m proud of you… really! I enjoy reading how someone
as yourself takes a look at their lifestyle and food. It’s
not easy I know since I had to do the same. To save
my life. 9 years ago I went through CHF (heart failure).
No one seems to know how I got it (Dr thinks it was a
virus that killed the left side of my heart) then I chose
to totally change my lifestyle and after a pacer/defib
was implanted I set to getting healthy once again.
Food was totally changed to veggies and loads of
greens, beans and fruit. No packaged anything and
no sodas of any kind.
Today I’m doing great. Lost about 20lbs and
now know the foods we eat are what determines
how healthy we are.
Keep up the good work because your worth it!
Happy Easter
Sandy
Awesome Marian!! Isn’t it weird how fake, too salty and too sweet all of this proceeded food tastes after you got used to the natural stuff? I can’t stand all of it anymore!
And It’s great to get to know his own body and to feel what it’s in need of.
Way to go! I wish you a lot of great time doing it!
Btw, the barley salad recipe you posted one day is also great without the chocolate chips! 🙂
My whole family loves it!
…oh and I add a lemon-cinnamon-oliveoil sauce to it! 😉
Thank you.
I too have struggled with my weight over the years. I put on 50 lbs when I started to work nights after going thru hurricane Katrina. The most I’ve lost is 20 lbs then rebound back up to starting weight at the holidays. This year I’ve decided to change my workouts all together. I am also doing a 90 day program similar to p 90x. Some things I’ve learned is plyo workouts are killing my knees w the extra weight, so I’ve had to switch to some low impact workouts. Also, working out 6 days a week kept my body in a state of stress and I wasn’t able to get the full benefits of my workout bc of physical exhaustion and low stamina. In first month I put on 2 lbs rather than losing. I had to bring my workouts down to 3-4 days/wk and do them on off days from work, then I could put 200% into my workouts and reap the benefits. I will say, I’m a lot stronger from when I started. I can now do regular plank pushups and pull ups, where 7 wks ago, I couldn’t do 1. Good luck on your endeavor and thanks for letting me rant!!!! 🙂
I read this and felt two completely different things. One was excitement that you are facing a struggle similar to my own. I have 30ish lbs to get back to pre babies weight. Second was frustration to be forced to face my weight issue that I haven’t been doing anything about. So as I sit here with a diet soda next to me I say thank you. Thank you for making me feel like I really need to make time and make me a priority. I have been so caught up on getting our house ready to rent, getting furniture painted for the new house and so forth, but the business of life isn’t going to be over when we move. In July we want to start trying for baby number three so now is the time to make the changes. I’m not too happy about waking up and having to face this issue haha, but thank you none the less. You inspire me in so many more ways than just to create and decorate.
I think it’s great your becoming healthier.I am on the verge of that myself.My friend is a P90X coach. Chad Pink,look him up,he’s pretty intense. My oldest owns a gym my daughter is training for a fittness comp. My middle kid,he’s at college. Anyway they are really into fitness. My son’s gym is really intense,the one’s where they flip 1000 lb tires and all.I noticed you had those carrots on your plate. I stopped buying them because my daughter let me know they grind down reg. carrots and then saok them in chlorine to keep color.So know I but fresh ones with the greens still on. So anyway hats off to you and your p90x .
Mary
You go girl!! You actually have me thinking about giving up diet coke…..but just THINKING about it 😉 I’ll have to try one of these izzies you are talking about and see if it could quench my need for fizzy drinks 🙂 I would love to eat/drink healthier but for me a big part of it is budget too, it’s sad but highly processed food is so much less expensive when feeding a family of four. I’m sure this is kind of a cop-out and with enough work and thought it could be doable, but that’s hard!!!
Ok you have inspired me. I went on line researched the exercise program and bought it!! I’m about 15 lbs overweight and cant fit into my clothes. I will be 49 this year and feel like I have to work even harder to get the weight off. I’m going to try to quit the diet coke!!
Thank you for sharing! Good luck on your journey …….my weight has always been a struggle for me, I have been on every kind of diet and have failed at everyone!! I gave up diet soda three years, I new it was the best thing I could do for myself(didn’t see any weight change), I just signed up for a Zumba class, maybe that will help get things moving in the right direction.
I enjoyed reading your post! I am making changes slowly & started working out again in December. I’ve lost 10, and have 20 more to go!
You go! I am really proud of you!
I am so glad you shared how your fitness journey is going. I have been focusing on changing my eating habits and expectations with food as well. I haven’t given up Diet Coke yet, but I think April is the month. I thought I ‘d be ok with one a day, but it’s just too easy to have 3 when there’s a 12 pack in the fridge. And I started using the My Fitness Pal app on my iPad to count calories. I’ve lost about 8 lbs since Jan, which makes me happy because I was trying for a lb a week for this whole year. It’s kind of cool how you feel so clean when you take care of your body. It is always a battle though. I think it will be worth it, even if I just feel better and have the satisfaction of being proud of myself for gaining some major self control. But I won’t complain if I lose a bunch of weight as well.
Thanks for your transparency- it is refreshing- and motivating. You can do it!
Well, that’s some major vulnerability. Thank you.
I’ve been in a journey the last year. I had lost 50 lbs by running and eating smaller portions over about 2 years. It was slow and healthy.
May 5, 2012, everything changed. My love of running came crashing down. I sustained an injury in both Achilles tendons that lasted to January. On January 21st, I tumbled down the stairs in my house (on my way to get ice for my Achilles). A stress fracture that won’t heal for anything.
I tried running 10 second intervals a minutes. TEN SECOND! That was a week ago. It still hurts.
My hips and thighs have grown. I miss my toned bottom and thinner thighs.
It is hard.
Today, I’m going for a walk and enjoying the pretty spring day. All of me wants to take off running.
It is a journey.
Thanks for sharing yours.
We are all human, but it’s nice to be reminded of it by people we admire. And honey, you’re a person I admire! I, too, am battling with my weight, and figure it’ll be for the remainder of my life, partly due to my age. I know you’ll be successful…
I’ve done P90X lean twice; it’s a great program! It took more like 180 days to do the program each time-I don’t exercise on weekends-but I love it and plan to do it again. I need to eat less to loose weight though, and myfitnesspal helps me track what I eat. I’ve lost 10 lbs in the last 6 months just tracking what I eat-and stopping eating when I’ve reached my goal calories. Best of luck! I know you can do it!
Trust me. This is “your mother” talking. Life is full of “live, correct, adjust”! I’ve had weight issues in the past and know how crappy I felt, looking through my closet, for something that looked half-way decent on me. Now, I’m focusing on strengthening my core, to protect my back and issues with scoliosis. Now, it’s about taking care of business, so I can enjoy my senior years, here on this earth.
Being aware of what I eat was very helpful for me. There are tons of apps on the iPhone, that will help you track your food/calorie intake. I do a lot of recreational snacking that can put weight on!
Just don’t beat yourself up, or think “Rome was built in a day”. It’s the journey.
Hugs, Mom
The hardest part, for me, is always getting back into exercise routines so that they become habits again. I’m just easing back into that now. As motivation and entertainment rolled into one, you might enjoy this brief TED talk by a sharp, fit, and funny 93-year-old: http://blog.ted.com/2012/12/05/this-93-year-old-has-a-message-for-us-a-beach-body-at-90-is-no-longer-a-dream/
Diet soda is sooooooooo bad!!! Aspartame (the artificial sweetener in diet sodas) turns into formaldehyde in your body. Yuck!!!!
Thanks for sharing such a personal thing! I think putting this on the blog will be a huge accountability booster, too. You’ve spilled the beans 🙂
I’ve never in my life been able to stick to an exercise program and it’s really starting to catch up to me these days. I’ve been doing a 30 min pilates video after my kids go to bed, so now I’m going to pretend you’re my exercise buddy and that will hopefully keep me from slacking off! Good luck!
You go girl! I’m so glad you are doing this for yourself. But those baby carrots are not good for you. They turn white because they soak them in chlorine! Not the healthiest of choices, just sayin.
Even the organic carrots? I’ve heard that’s a myth anyway….
You can check out the full story on Snopes. They tell you how they are made. However, they do say the whiteness is from dehydration not chlorine. I would just buy regular carrots and peel them and put the peels in the compost for the garden 🙂
Yeah, sometimes I do, but those bags of baby carrots are so easy!
Congratulations on making such a positive, healthy change.You’re a brave soul, taking on P90X – it’s absolutely brutal, yet rewarding. I used to do it with my neighbor and it’s a butt kicker for sure. My husband and I both went vegan a year and a half ago, and it’s the best thing we could have ever done for ourselves. I’ve lost so much weight, which has been a long awaited blessing. I finally don’t cringe when I see photos of myself, which was always an obstacle for me in the past. You are a very inspiring woman, and I’m excited to see your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I want to encourage you on your new plan and also provide a caution. My husband and I went vegan about 5 years ago after his cholesterol and blood pressure were high enough that the doctor wanted to put him on medication. I didn’t want that, so I researched diets and decided vegan was the thing. So for 2 years, we were vegan – and had so much gas and bloating that we finally had to laugh about it and accept it as normal. I lost weight initially, but after about a year, I started to put weight on around my belly, while losing muscle mass everywhere else. I even had to go up 2 pant sizes just because of my bloated belly. At the 2 year mark, I had the tell-tale “vegan gray” pallor, was always tired, foggy-headed and listless. At the same time, my hair started falling out, I lost a ton of muscle mass, and bruised easily.
Finally, I went to my doctors (a naturopath and my regular doctor), convinced the bloating was a tumor. It wasn’t. My iron was extremely low, as was my B12, vitamin D and several other essential vitamins and minerals. I was also unable to absorbs fats. They both said, “start eating meat and greatly reduce your grain products!” I wasn’t convinced meat was the answer, but I felt so terrible, I reluctantly added good, grass-fed meat back in to our diet. It’s been a year now and my hair has finally stopped falling out. The weight around my belly is gone completely and so is the puffiness in my face. My joints don’t ache at all anymore and I’m able to concentrate again. I also have enough energy to get through the day. Unfortunately, I’m still unable to absorb fats as productively as I should, but I’ll keep working on it. And since we’ve been eating more meat and less grains (not cutting out grains altogether, but much less grain and grain products) my husband’s cholesterol is 158, the lowest it’s ever been – lower than when he was on the vegan diet.
Your results may not be like mine. I hope and pray they are not, but please, if you start to feel bad or see signs that concern you, don’t ignore them. A vegan diet was great for me for a year, but devastating in the long term.
Good information. yes, I think it’s so important to watch your health and eat in a way that encourages your body to be its best. While I don’t eat meat, I load up on veggies more than grains. I do still eat dairy and eggs, too.
I would like to add that you may wish to have your Free T3 and T4 tested as well as your hormones from a naturapath doctor that specializes in thyroid deficiencies and hormones. A good place to start would be a compound pharmacy in your neighborhood.
Happy Resurrection!
Maria
I’m proud of you for sharing first of all! The best of luck to you in your journey to get healthy again. I am learning (as a mom of 3 who is also trying to get in shape) that it really is ONE DAY AT A TIME!
Celebrate YOU and your accomplishments…the rest will follow!
Thank you for sharing. I never had a problem with weight until I retired and quit smoking. Now I’m trying to figure out how to lose 20 pounds when I have never had to diet before. I have taken up walking and watching my portions. My husband eats mainly fish and chicken so we don’t have much red meat in diet. I had to quit the night-time snacking and I mean cold turkey. I’m with you in spirit.
I never comment on blogs but I am a faithful reader of yours.
Sandy
All your lifestyle changes sound great! I’d love to hear your progress on P90x…that infomercial gets me so close to calling every time I see it but I’ve still resisted – good luck and let us know!!
Most of us have been there and can relate to what you are feeling!
The easy button is to continue on your path( but dump the dairy and OIL)
Engine2 diet = plant strong.
I tried to talk myself into thinking that just veggies were safe and not so drastic.
Meaning it could be a lasting lifestyle change ( plus I got to tell people I was a vegetarian!)
Bonus points right?
But leaned so far into the dairy, eggs, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and olive oil.
The only phrase that fits this type of behavior that came to mind was:
Self Sabotage.
So if you really want to fix the underlying issue there is the blueprint.
If you are text book reader..get The China Study.
It will scare you straight.
Best Wishes.
Debra
great post 🙂 I haven’t run in months now that the weather is nice I too hope to start taking better care of myself by getting out and running1
Congratulations on telling us all of your new life style change..I am patting you on your back and wish you the best; can’t wait for the updates…good job!!
Awesome! I’m sure this means more to your parents and your family than a best-selling book and popular blog. Good for you!
Ruthie
Bravo for sharing, since many of your readers can identify with a lot of the issues you are going through. When I reflect on how far you have come from when I first began reading your blog, I know that you have the drive to accomplish any goal you set your mind to. Also, your goal is about improving the quality of your life and not just about loosing weight. Embracing healthy, long term changes are a win win situation and sharing with your readers is a wonderful bonus.
I have never been a soda drinker and I think you have made a great choice to give them up. When I shop, I try to purchase items that are not overly processed. I basically follow a Mediterranean type diet which has an emphasis on fruits, veggies, good fats, small portions of meat or fish and sweets as a treat. I do not get the amount of daily exercise that I should. It is hard to find that motivation, even though I feel better and look better when I exercise.
Good luck to you and do keep us posted, we are all rooting for your success.
Thank you for the post. I have always been a big girl (not too fat though) but the last couple years I’ve added some pounds and it’s fat! I am trying the secret makeover however it’s nice to share. Being vegetarian is not an option for me because I need the balance and I know vegetarians that struggle to get the nutritious needed. I’m cutting back on everything but not cutting out anything. I’ve lost 3 pounds in 4 weeks! Congrats on the P90X routine! I’m older than you and wouldn’t be able to move for a week if I did that!
I think thats so great! My husband and I started eating organically and juicing. He has lost 27lbs and I have lost 7lbs. Its amazing what a difference just 7lbs can make. Congratulations on starting your journey!! We are all cheering for you and know you will do great!! Keep taking care of yourself!
Congratulations on all your progress. I know how you feel when you have to write down anything about weight. I have major health problems and even walking a distance is hard for me, so it is very hard for me to lose weight. I recently started eating far far less meat and far far more vegetables and it seems to be helping. Thanks for sharing your journey – it makes those of us with weight issues feel a little better that we are not alone in the long hard struggle.
I am 100% cheering for you in this endeavor – sometimes this is one of the most difficult accomplishments. I know you can do it, but don”t beat yourself up if you have a tough day. None of us are perfect – you have already surpassed the most difficult hurdle which is making up your mind (mind over matter). I believe all in moderation
and exercising when you can – I do believe the adage eat less and move more. Best of luck.
Congratulations on your challenge. You will feel better and more energetic for those little boys. I’m short and have always had to watch what I eat and exercise to not get large. So, I became a personal trainer and fitness instructor to make me keep with it and to help and encourage others, Let me know if you ever need a kick in the butt.
Congrats!! I too did the P90X routine when we were going on a sailing trip and going to wear bathng suits all day! It is a hard work out but you will feel so much better. I wasn’t about losing weight but toneing up. All of a sudden my clothes fit better and my middle roll and love handles were gone. I did it 6 days a week for the 90 days and would recommend it. Good Luck!
Marian,
Just wanted to share with you that 2 years ago I had my gallbladder removed and promptly starting gaining weight even though nothing in my life changed. I am 56 and eat healthy and have a very busy lifestyle with lots of exercise. The only change was having gallbladder surgery. I researched this and found that one thing they don’t tell you is that you may gain weight. If you look on the internet and read posts in forums you find that this “side effect” is quite prevalent. I know my surgeon said, “You don’t need your gallbladder” and that may be true that you don’t need it to live but my experience is that maybe you do or God wouldn’t have included it in your body. Maybe in some of us it does help with regulating something that has to do with weight gain. Just sharing my experience and what I found out through researching it. We have lots of company. I have had to become even more diligent in food intake and exercise just to get the weight off and keep it off. Not too much fun, but being 30 lbs. heavier and not fitting in to my clothes and not liking the way I looked wasn’t much fun either. Good luck to you.
Congrats on owning up!!! This is the FIRST step in your hard work to accomplish but I do know, you can do anything when you set your mind to it and WILL achieve!
I too struggle since my gall bladder was removed and ended up with a hysterectomy at the age of 27 BUT my Chief Peripheral Vein doctor of the Texas Health Science Center gave me a book to read called:”In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan. Since reading this book I have learned NOT to like or crave all the BAD foods I was eating. It seems that over night I stopped drinking soda, eating candy or sweets and yes, even my Starbucks has changed! When I get a sweet craving I usually grab a coffee and it seems to vanish. The comment on carrots, the ONLY reason to back off of them is because they do turn to sugar in your body and if too many carrots are consumed you will develop too much vitamin A and begin seeing your skin tone change like orange or yellow toned. People thought I was jaundice:))
I am and do struggle to get over the hump of weight but i refuse to beat myself up over this. I am taking better care of myself and eating so properly and workout as much as possible and I have lost the 6 pounds in six weeks BUT my doctor informed me that a woman who diets will see her results at the end of ONE YEAR!!! It has been proven that females shed the pounds but not as quickly as a man, due to our hormones and body type. I am NOT giving up and I WILL continue my struggle until I WIN, which will take a LOT of prayers and hard work but I will WIN!!! NEVER give up and don’t be a QUITTER, you will regret it later in life.
Good luck and PRAY before any bad food enters your mouth, it works!!
health is EVERYTHING. you can’t move mountains without it (and milk paint, of course!). i have changed my diet for other health reasons, and i would not have been able to give up my very favorite things unless i could see a marked improvement in my energy level and overall health. it is because of this that i stay on the path. hats off to you! i am excited for you! take courage and be healthy! hugs, karen
Keep up the good work!! Your body will tell you if you need to make changes in your diet….just listen to it.
I decided to get healthy in October 2011. I’ve lost 95 pounds….205 to 110, size 22 pants to size 4. I feel better and am healthier than I’ve ever been!! My lab results are perfect and I feel 25 years younger. Able to move freely and easily…with NO aches and pains!!
I’m feeling so good that I may reward myself with some of your chalk paints!!…LOL
Hang in there……you CAN do it!!
Right there with you girl!
Good for you. I lost 45 pounds last year and gave up my beloved Diet Coke. On the one year anniversary of my last Diet Coke, i had one for old times sake. I HATED it…it was so acidic. I guess my mouth used to just taste like that all the time because I swore that it just tasted like water.
I used myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercised at the gym during my lunch hour and walked with my hubby in the evenings. It was alot easier than I thought it would be. I need to lose another 30 to get down to my college weight but i feel pretty good about how far i’ve come.
You can do it…i know you can. Good luck and keep us posted. 🙂
As usual you inspire me Aaaagain! 🙂 Thanks for sharing a personal struggle & your plan of action! And maybe you already answered this question & I missed it ~ what is the bracelet & where could I get it. I have fibromyalgia & sleep is VERY important in my plan of action.
Although I don’t leave comments often I do absolutely love your blog & one of things I look forward to reading during my day!
Thank you for writing with such compassion– about the conclusions you have come to and about the necessity of taking action. Your writing this just now is instrumental in keeping me on track!! Whoo-hoo! It has also strengthened my resolve to get more exercise. We’re all on different paths, but I feel such a sense of humility and compassion in your writing, for everyone who has these issues including (and most important) yourself…because that reflects back into each of our own attitudes to ourselves and how we each deserve compassion for ourselves! We do tend to beat ourselves up about perceived shortcomings. Your “owning-up” and sharing is a sweet and different kind of gift from someone with whom I share so much– passion for making a home and appreciating the beauty all around and in each of us!
I’m older than you, and I can tell you that it only gets harder as you age. It’s great that you are making these changes now. I had my gallbladder out last year, too. I was so miserable with it that I don’t regret that it’s gone; however, I have put on quite a bit of weight in the last year. My husband and I agreed that beginning Monday (no point in fighting Easter brunch) we are totally changing our eating habits to get healthy. I also have to really focus him on serving size. In this world of super-size meals, he has lost all concept of appropriate serving sizes. Yes, dear, a serving of meat is SUPPOSED to be no larger than a deck of cards 😉 Best of luck to us all on this journey!
I wish you all the best on your new endeavors. I have recently come across a book and a new way of eating that is finally giving me hope of being at a healthy weight and keeping it there instead of constant dieting, losing it then gaining it back or exercising a lot and it just not helping. I’ve been telling my husband and family that I feel I can finally enjoy eating and also love and enjoy eating desserts. Because, I know I can enjoy them and be losing weight, without exercising much, except that we all need to move anyway.
This new way is from the book Trim Healthy Mama. Two dear at home mamas, sisters, wrote this book and it makes sense like nothing else I have ever read. I feel it finally ties it altogether and makes it all so do-able and practical. It also confirms what I felt the bible says regarding eating. This way is all about not mixing carbs and fats, which spike your blood sugar and therefore makes one gain weight as we keep repeating that every single meal, even if it’s the healthiest and the best, could even be organic.
It is different than your way of eating now, but I would encourage you to look into it. You can also join a private facebook page that has over 2000 women members, all asking questions, encouraging one another, coming up with recipes ect… Some new things are being added to my ingredient list, and the major one is new way of 0 glycemic sugar substitute, stevia, or truvia. I’m super excited although I have only done if for 3 weeks, but have already lost some. Not so much this week because I cheated twice this week. 🙂
Here a couple links in case you are interested.
http://www.gwens-nest.com/natural-remedies/trim-healthy-mama-book-review/
http://www.trimhealthymama.com/
If you are interested in the private facebook page, just let me know and I will send you the link. Just passing along my good news.
Wishing you all the best. I love what you do, and visit you often.
I understand where you are at. I had to give up diet soda also. I was so addicted and it actually made my joints ache. I knew it and still drank it obsessvively so last year for lent I gave it up and like you–I just can’t go back there. I am also a vegetarian and recently am trying for vegan eating–not perfectly, but trying. My mother has been having health issues and we have been doing Dr. Furhman’s Eat to Live. It sounds a lot like what you are doing. I am in my late 40’s but am thankful that I am still a learner and am thankful that “Old Dogs can Learn new tricks”. Good health to you as you continue this journey…Blessings and Happy Easter.
You CAN do it – you’ve done the hardest part already. I know what you mean about the gym – I’m in the same predicament – start and stop, start and stop…and that’s only walking on the treadmill! LOL I was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. That shocked me into changing my lifestyle – diet and exercise – because I couldn’t take the meds (and didn’t want to). I didn’t lose much weight but did lose two dress sizes which was fine with me! I too threw out everything in the house – especially anything white – rice, sugar, flour, potatoes (whaaaaaaaaaaaa) and religiously watched and counted carbs. Started exercising and worked out with a trainer once a month. In less than a year I had my sugar back under where it should be. But this year I’ve fallen off the wagon somewhat so I have to get back on track – literally. So hang in there – I KNOW you can do it.
Good for you and good luck. I let my life get out of control for many reasons and last year, I dedicated myself to me. I managed to lose 35 lbs without really trying but I dedicated this year to FUN and control is slipping away again. You’ve inspired me to rededicate myself to taking of myself. PS I bought your paint today. I’m going to do a post on the store. Will let you know so you can see the cool store that is carrying Miss Mustardseed.
You are doing great Marian! I too became a vegetarian a year ago.I tried everything to lose weight and nothing really worked.Seems like the older I got the harder it was.As soon as I gave up meat the weight came off.But I need to start working out.I am so out of shape.Can’t tell by looking at me but I feel it in my bones.It is hard when you blog and have a business.I am busy BUT I need to get out and start a work out program.Something I am going to work on this week.I need to set a schedule and plan! If I do that I should be able to stick to it.I can’t afford to go outside of the house right now to work out.Maybe I can eventually!
xx
Anne
I lost 70lbs about 2 years ago and then hit a brick wall. I was so religious about workouts and diet that I simply burned out. …And the weight piled right back on. So I, too, went and bought a new pair of running shoes this week and am determined to get back on the wagon but do everything in moderation this time. Thank you for sharing your story. It provided the additional push I needed this week! Can’t wait to read more about your journey!
Inspiring post… those are some beautiful pictures of food… eating those kinds of food, you will be feeling as good on the inside as your furniture looks on the outside… and that is saying something!!
Be brave and at the same time be forgiving… you are perfect just the way you are which is, of course, totally imperfect and wonderful!!
I hear ya, sister, on the diet soda cravings! As I was reading your post, I was finishing a diet coke. I, like you, have the diet coke thing bad. Its a struggle to limit and hopefully, delete it out of my diet. Thanks for writing about the struggle and hopefully, I can beat the diet coke addiction. I workout 5-7 days a week, but have not lost weight or seen any difference. I know the diet coke is not helping.
Thank you for sharing!
I am just a simple Okie girl who is always AMAZINGLY inspired by everything you do! You are an energetic, creative, beautiful and talented woman, but the two things I am most inspired by are your sense of faith and honesty. Thank you for always being willing to just lay the truth out there…even when it’s a tough thing to do!
The same thing happened after I had my gallbladder removed. I just started putting on the pounds and had never had a weight problem before. I was also addicted to diet soda. I cut out the soda, started exercising and using “My Fitness Pal” to track my calories and lost the weight……..I slipped, however, and gained it all back. I was so disgusted with myself until I realized its ok to mess up. Just get back on that horse again. I am back on my weight loss regimen and it is hard but I know it will be worth it when I can get back into all those clothes I bought when I lost the weight. Good luck! P.S……… Peanut butter cups and chocolate covered raisins were my favorite candies too!
Good for you Marion!! I think you look beautiful in all your pictures!!
La Croix, the carbonated water, is a great pop substitute. It’s inexpensive and has a variety of flavored like berry, lime, lemon, pamplemouse (grapefruit). Free of sugar and calories. It’s just water.
call this “notes from the other side”
I’m 54 and have had a great but too stressful life (so far)… until it all turned upside down on me.
I had to quit working after 23 years because my doctor said if I didn’t change something, I was going to die…. I had a stressful job (one of those jobs you start until you decide what your “real” career will be but end up staying because, 2 kids later plus promotions, it’s now too scary to start over – emotionally and financially). I worked in retail so had major sleep issues from all the crazy hours and shifts (on salary, not hourly, so worked 60+ a week), then did all the “mom” things and “home” things, and occasional “me” things…..long story short, both the 23yr job and 23yr marriage ended. (oh, btw, tired to do the “us” things with husband but he had long since checked out).
So, now, 1 year “retired”, 5 yrs remarried, life is s l o w l y getting better. I struggle with sleep issues (just getting to bed!!) mid-life weight gain and lack of motivation.
My advice…..stay the course…you will feel better, your family will enjoy you more and life will be good. You have some sound plans….don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip a bit (we’re only human) but be healthy. You didn’t start blogging and homemaking for someone else, you started doing it for you…..remember that…. remember you.
My best to you!!!
Way to go, Marion! I started a weight loss and exercise plan last Nov 1st. To date I’ve lost 50 lbs with about 40-50 to go. I feel awesome already and can’t wait to see how my attitude, outlook and body continue to change. I’m not vegetarian, but I eat small portions of lean proteins, mainly organic fish/seafood and chicken. I don’t eat much dairy, choosing almond, coconut and soy products as replacements (this because dairy just doesn’t sit very well with me-but I love my plain greek yogurt!).
I think eating a good balance of food, ensuring you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs and finding an exercise plan that is doable and realistic given our hectic lives, is the key. And after battlng my weight for 15+ years I finally wanted it bad enough to make change.
I look forward to your occassional updates and cheering each other on through our journey(s)!
That sounds great. I’m happy for you. I hope I will get something going in my life soon to get me on the healthy track.
Thanks for your honesty, Marion, I know it wasn’t easy to admit all that!! I’m a little different in that the weight is not my issue, I’m in my mid-40″s and 115 pounds (wait people, don’t hate me, please), but I have terrible eating habits, crave junk, love my diet soda and don’t get much exercise. As a result, I’m cranky and tired with low energy most of the time. I would love to eat better but my bad habits are so ingrained and I don’t know where to begin. I would love it if you would share some of your recipes…the food you showed looks so good, I know I would eat it, I just need to know how to make it!! Anyone else out there with me?
We are so much a like. I love what I do too and sometimes I also take on too much, and other things suffer for it. I’ve learned to give myself a break though. Whenever I need to slow down I pray a lot more and God shows me what I should do. Listening and waiting on Him is the only thing that makes it easier to slow down for me. He guides you all the time. I know you know Him like I do. Sometimes, we just need to hear it from another sister in Christ. He gives us seasons of activity and rest. Don’ t let satan make you feel like you are doing something wrong if your activity level is sometimes super charged. The Holy Spirit will guide you and let you know when you need to rest. Your hearing Him and that!s beautiful . Be in peace and enjoy no matter where you are at
Glad to hear you are happy with your lifestyle changes. Good luck with the P90X. I started doing P90X alternating with my gym workouts about 5 years ago. I have really bad knees (as in no meniscus in left knee and severe arthritis) so it is essential for me to exercise regularly. We also got P90X2 last Christmas (2011) and I love it – even more than the original. Do your best and forget the rest!
Ladies, if you would like to read a fantastic book(s) on nutrition and weight loss, Dr. Natasha Turner, naturopath, has two books out which explains the reason why we gain weight. It is a must read! Marion, now I am interested in the P90X. I will have to check it out. For myself, keeping a daily meal journal, helps me along the way making sure my diet is healthy. I also find the time goes by really fast spending time at the computer reading blogs and pinterest. I literally have to put a timer on and stop! Thanks for sharing your journey and I pray for patience, dilligence and commitment.
The only thing leaving this life with you is you and putting the leaving off for as long as possible is a worthwhile goal. Pay now or pay later…buy healthful foods, leave off the unhealthful foods or pay the doctor later…being heavy is hard, losing weight is hard…choose your hard.
You can do it.
Good for you! Glad you are starting the healthy lifestyle early because the older you get the harder it is. I’m 70 and I know it is not to late to improve but boy it is hard to do.
Right there with you – Best of luck and I love your work—I will never forget the time you took the minute to email me when I was down after loosing my friend and job – You said God would open another window and my first project was good work….Don’t know if I will ever make Furniture Friday – But, you gave me strength and I wish you the same…Can’t wait to see your update…
Linda, I am 72…………tell me about it! Even after 5 children, I was a skinny minnie but when menopause starts, something goes haywire! Good luck with your journey. Hope it works for you.
YOU GO GIRL!!! You are so real to me its ridiculous. If you apply one tenth to your health as you do your blog you will win with leaps and bounds. Good luck to you my friend
In January I, too, decided I needed to take control of my weight. I turn 66 this year and have discovered I have gained 30 lbs. over the last 30 years. Yes, menopause and metabolism all has had its affect, but I could & should have stayed on top of my weight long before now. I started on a protein shake system the first of January and have lost 17 lbs in three months. I drink two shakes a day and eat a reasonable dinner and an occasional glass of wine. I am full and satisfied by the shakes. My weight has plateaued for the last couple of weeks and I know that happens. My husband and I walk every day for an hour. I dropped a size & lost inches and I feel so much better about myself.
Marion, I’m so happy to hear you’re taking control of this issue now. Don’t wait until all the aging things start happening. Slow and steady can still win the race. If you fall, just pick yourself up and get back on your plan. You and your family deserve for you to look and feel your best. You’ll be taking care of yourself along with your beautiful family.
Good Job!!
So hard to set a new routine. You are doing awesome!!
I will be cheering you on!!
I also share doTERRA products with people and wanted to mention that our SLIM and SASSY blend of essential oil is AMAZING for weight loss and overall health. And it is 100% all natural. It would help your body to detox too!! Amazing for type 2 diabetes!! Beast used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices of course which you are conquering!!
I would be happy to send you a FREE SAMPLE to try. You can email me if you’re interested.
I wish you the best and take inspiration from this new path you are choosing. It can be so hard to take care of ourselves. We live in such a fast driven.
GO KICK SOME BUTT!!!!
-Keri
Would love to have a sample of the product you mentioned… how do I go about getting this?
Thanks!!
Marion wishing you the very best on your journey. I know it will be tough, but as the old saying goes ” When the going gets tough the tough get going!” You can do it! You are so successful in your business you can do this too 🙂 After battling severe stomach problems for several years I found out I am gluten intolerant. So first I had to fix that and found that eating gluten free doesn’t mean low calorie. Now I too am trying to lose weight and I know that it is not a diet but a lifestyle change. So you have many sisters out here in the world with the same struggle and same goal – you are not alone! Thanks for sharing because it helps us all! God Bless!!!
Good for you..I gave up pepsi 3 years or so ago and have never looked back..
Happy Easter..
Fast driven world!! oops!
Good for you. I can relate, and I wish you all the best. We all need to support each other.
You are awesome at every single thing you do, so you will be awesome at this. I can’t wait to watch your journey… and now you’ve got me thinking that I might travel along with you.
I am so with you! I still have a diet soda addiction and have tried several times to give it up. There’s just something about Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi! I’ve also gained 50 lbs since college and have recently begun a workout routine and better eating plan. I will start praying for your journey as a fellow sister in Christ…. Remember, You “can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
Thanks for be so transparent with those of us who struggle with some of the same issues, it is quite refreshing. I will be praying for you in your endeavors to gain control of your health. My weight has always been an issue and with age it is even harder to control.
You are on the right path and let us know if you need any encouragement. It sounds like you are off to a sane and healthy plan. I myself have tried every diet almost known to man. Falling short every time, until I envolved God in the plan. You have given me some inspiration to go back to what I know works. Never doubt how God might be using your blog. Take care of yourself and remember you are not alone in your endeavors!
May God Bless!
Have fun Marion! I did 2 rounds of P90X last year. I love it and t is really addicting! I am getting ready to plunge in again next month. It never gets boring since the workouts change so often! Good luck on your healthy new lifestyle!
Thanks for sharing your journey and your inspiration!
Best of luck!
I am very interested in how the P90X works for you. I am considering purchasing it for myself but I don’t want to shell out the money if it isn’t worth it. I’m in the same boat as you. I had my gallbladder out last year too. I also changed my way of eating (thought I was Celiac before I knew it was the gallbladder) so now eating a modified Paleo/vegan diet feels right and the junk I used to eat now seems unappetizing yet I can’t seem to lose any weight (just the same 5 lbs over and over again despite daily exercise). Thanks for the post. I am surrounded by seemingly naturally thin people who think I am cheating or just clueless about losing weight. It is nice to hear eveyone here talking about how hard it really is to lose weight.
Great post & good for you! Sometimes it can be a bit depressingreading about all the superwomen blogging how perfect their worlds are. Your touch of reality will only endear you to your followers. Good luck with the program – look forward to your review of it
I’ve gained huge amounts of weight through becoming more sedentary in the last few years. I spend two hours a day in the car minimum and I babysit my baby grandson so I sit a lot with him. You are inspiring!
I have already been making plans to take him for walks in the park, and at the zoo (his parents say he never cries when outside, he loves it so much) I have taken him out a few times (finally warming up a bit in Ohio) and he loves it.
So, I am going to work on getting us all outside. My hubby has always been fit and urging the rest of us couch potatoes, and it’s time.
Thanks for being so real:)
Marion, good luck with your weight loss goals. You might want to check out the fast diet by dr. Michael Moseley from the u.k. , I don’t have weight issues but I do have some crappy genes.. I just attended my brothers memorial service yesterday…I want to be as healthy as I can be,so I do the 2 day fast every week…if you google the fast diet or 5:2 diet you will get all of the info.. I’m not telling you this as any sort of endorsement but just a make sense healthy approach..
Rock on sister~~~ I recently lost 54 lbs. and 57 inches (all over) by doing Metabolic Research Center. I feel oh-so-much betta! And you will too! I applaud you for taking this journey and better yet for discussing it w/ the world. I too have been interested in the P90X, though I work out regularly at the gym. Please keep us faithful readers posted about your results.
God Bless and Happy Easter to YOU~~~
I’m putting in a plug for T Tapp. It combines stretches, cardio and weight bearing in as little as 15 minutes a day. The workouts get harder. (better) the more you do them because form is huge. I plan to be a T Tapper for life! Highly reccomend!!
I’m glad to hear this as I just bought a dvd for T Tapp.
Good for you for taking charge of your life! I’ve been giving myself pep talks to get started with the same thing. I’ll be watching your progress and cheering you on. Best of luck to you!
Hi Marion. It’s wonderful to hear that someone else is in the same boat as me! I had my gallbladder removed in 2004 and have been very yo-yo ever since on the weight front. Lots of research into gallbladder removal has now convinced me that too often, too quickly and often unnecessarily the medical profession just yank out this important little piece of our anatomy! The gallbladder plays a significant role in filtering debris before it passes through the liver and pancreas. Without its presence, these two vital organs have to work much, much harder which in turn puts the rest of our body into stress. I’m a serious believer in getting the metabolism up and running in order for our bodies to function properly.
I have never been hot on diets, and despite reluctantly following the Dukan Diet a year ago to no avail, I have no intention of following any more “quick fix” diet fads! Then I stumbled across a book about a month ago, and it’s totally changed my life! Unlike other “diet” books, this book is all about why food intolerance is the real cause of weight gain, and about eliminating the so-called “healthy” foods from our diet that are actually holding our health hostage. It’s an elimination program to get those high-FI foods out of our system and give our bodies a chance to chill out, repair, heal…you name it….before re-introducing some of the healthier high-FI foods back into our diet. The top 7 HIGH-FI foods are: Gluten, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Corn, Peanuts, Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners.
Like yourself, week two saw me having huge withdrawal symptoms from sugar! I also suffered stomach cramps and actually threw up one night. It was without a doubt a horribilis time! Five weeks on, I have started to slowly re-introduce the healthier High-FI foods back into my eating program, and so far, so good! I have always had an issues with soy and corn, so having found alternatives that work for me, I doubt they’ll be finding their way back into my food! I always thought I had a serious problem with bread, but having spent three weeks making my own gluten-free bread and enjoying it with no side effects, I have tried “normal” bread and can happily report that I’ve had no reflux issues since re-introducing it into my diet. However, I absolutely enjoy the whole process of making my own bread, and especially gluten-free bread, that I doubt I will return to old habits.
The thing I wanted to mention most is my weight loss. I’ve been keeping a food diary throughout this whole process, and once a week I diarize my weight, hip and waist measurements, just for my own records. Interestingly, when I started this “diet” I weighed 78.55kgs; my waist was 102cm, and my hips were 108cm. Last Friday (Good Friday) my weight was 75.65kgs, my waist was 96cm, and my hips were 103cm. I was just 10 grams short of losing THREE kilos (in US speak that’s a whopping 6.61lbs!!). So my weight is now 166.78lbs (US).
Another point worth mentioning is that I have NOT exercised at all, outside of walking my dogs on the beach!
I encourage you and others to give this amazing program a go. The biggest hurdle for me initially, outside of sugar withdrawal symptoms, was constant fatigue. I still suffer with needing to sleep longer each day, but I put this down to the bad state my healthy must’ve been in. In time I am sure I will feel the energy once I have my food intolerances under control. The book is “THE VIRGIN DIET” by JJ Virgin.
Good luck everyone!
Hx
please tell us the name of the sleep tracker bracelet! I have a daughter with sleep issues who is between insurances, needs a sleep study but cannot afford one as they are so costly!
And I applaud you on your healthy choices journey!
Thanks!
The next step is to go (high) raw vegan!!! I recommend it highly 🙂 Best in health!
Good Luck!
Marion – Solidarity sister! Different reason, different goals, different methods… but the exact same struggle.
http://blog.coconutheadsurvivalguide.com/2013/03/26/putting-it-alllll-out-there.aspx
Keep it up – I know you can do it!
Hugs, Holly
Good luck with it! They say getting too little sleep is a big reason we gain weight (and yummy chocolates…) Happy Easter!
It’s an exciting and empowering feeling to take charge of your fitness! The extra energy is totally worth the blood sweat and tears. Great job!
If you have a chance, I’d love it if you could write about how to get started with the P90X workout program. When I’ve visited their website, it seems like there are so many options it’s hard to sort through what you really need.
Best of luck!
Good for you. I have lost weight through eating more often, eating less portions and exercising and felt wonderful. Pilates is a wonderful program that helped me.
I’ve fallen off the health wagon, so to speak, in the last few months and appreciate your words to inspire me. I already have the P90x workout program. It’s intense, but I have to set a schedule and keep to it. Nothing feels as good as being healthy and flexible. The ability to move is a precious gift. Keep moving. Happy Easter.
OMgoodness. I can relate. Since blogging and more since becoming a vendor in a mall it is so hard to get to the gym. I always figure I’m doing enough with painting furniture and moving it around. But, I, too have gained weight.
Tough choices to make for sure. I would so much rather be working on home DIY projects and stuff for the shop than workout or even eat right. I think its just another kind of addiction. I have been using the MYFitness Pal app, seems to help a little.
Did you read the post on Ana White about her weight and health?
Also don’t eat those baby carrots! So bad for you, they are washed in bleach. My uncle is a produce manager and he said he would never touch them. Oh and he says to wash bagged salad too! FYI.
love your blog and your honesty!
Cheers!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
Check out the film Hungry for Change. It explains so much about the foods we eat today, including how diet soda actually makes us GAIN weight. Very interesting. Good luck and we are all with you!!
Personally, I am excited to hear about your journey because I too, have done the same thing. I cut out all soda’s with only maybe a root beer now and then when we eat out. I used to drink 4 to 5 cups of coffee a day, (sometimes more) and feel I have given myself adrenal fatique but zapping my adrenal glands with so much caffiene. I am now down to just 1 cup of coffee a day and it took some HARD willpower but that is all I allow myself. I have also emptied my cabinets and pantry of chips and junk that have empty calories and have loaded up on fruits and vegetables. I’ve also cut back on meat. I’m making healthier choices because that is what it is… a choice. I want to be healthy and feel good. You are so right, when you eat that junk again, it taste horrible. Plus, when you know in your mind it isn’t good, it helps with your willpower. I subscribed to your updates because I want to go along on your journey of DIY’s and taking care of you because YOU INSPIRE ME ♥
Lisa form Indiana
Go Marion! I have gained 50 pounts in the last 17 years or so and knew I needed to get it off. After going through Breast Cancer and having digestion problems I realized I HAVE to take responsibility for my health. I started a plant based diet and have went back and forth because my husband wasn’t fully supportive of the idea. Finally after being sick of digestion problems and feeling certain it would be better for my health we had a talk and I committed to a completely plant based diet. I feel great and food tastes better too! This week my daughter and I started Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred and today is day number six. I’m looking forward to keeping up with your journey as I go through mine. By the way I’ll be 51 in June.
Marion… this is what makes you so special! Your honesty and your humility.. That’s why I like you so much. I could shed 50 pounds and be much better for it as well. Keep up your good messaging and I wish you (and me) good health.
I have started running again and I love those tennis shoes! I cant tell what brand they are and was wondering if you could tell me. 🙂
Best of luck to you! I hear P90X is a killer, but with incredible results.
Thanks!
Judy
Watch “Forks Over Knives” for more good reasons to give up meat. Also, as someone already commented, if you give up dairy you’ll do and feel so much better with the loss. It’s a high “reactive” food…as are soy and corn.
I just had my appendix out on Tuesday. I was really surprised by how depressed I became in a matter of a day with just sitting around. When you are used to moving around and getting things done, it is hard to sit still. Everyone says enjoy your “forced vacation”, but I am having trouble enjoying Netflix (even a good documentary) and web surfing.
This is completely off topic, but the day after my surgery my husband went to have my prescription filled only to find out my insurance had expired. Somehow I had messed something up in November during my company’s open enrollment. I have worked for this company for 8 years and was shocked my coverage lapsed without being notified, and in the year I had my one and only surgery.
The expense will easily cost far more than I make in a year. However, I learned something this week….I am not alone. I have a partner in my troubles, In other words, good things come from bad so often. This is our journey in life, rising above what could easily pull us under and doing it with grace. I am grateful people like yourself share that journey, as it also helps to know we are not alone. Thanks!
So nice when bloggers keep it real. Let’s face it, we can’t do it all but it is easy to pretend we can. I started WW in January and have lost 15lbs. I want to lose 15 more and hope to have those gone by summer. I feel good..congrats on your limits and lifestyle change too! Dianntha
I COMPLETELY understand how you are feeling. I too, used to be a gym rat pre- baby / we bought a fixer upper / I got a new job / LIFE!! And I just can’t seem to get back on track. I was very athletic all my college years and was even in the military, so at my best I was rockin’. And then we had a wonderful surprise pregnancy right after we purchased a big project fixer upper. While I barely have time to shower or pee [TMI? sorry, just keeping it real.] I couldn’t even imagine putting gym into that routine as well. I am exhausted after working 10-12 hour days, and when I look at myself in the mirror I don’t even know how I got here in the first place. I gained well over 50 lbs during my pregnancy and I’m still BF, so I worry about loosing weight too quickly. But I want to be a healthy role model for my little one.
Just know, Marion, you are not alone. There are a lot of us out here that have put our personal goals to the side to care for families/ jobs, etc and are in your very shoes. I believe in you. That may not be much coming from a complete stranger, but it is. Lord knows, we all need to stick together to get through this.
Hopefully, once Spring actually shows up this year I can start getting this house, and myself into shape.
God bless mama, you’ve got this.
Oh, I remember those days…showering quickly with the baby in the bouncy seat on the bathroom floor just to feel like a human again! Those are tough days. I’ll be cheering you along, too.
I read your blog all the time and this is the first time I have ever posted a comment. 2 years ago I lost 29lbs. and felt great. I took a job, (punching a time clock) as an interior designer for a large company. I loved the job and was totally dedicated to it, but the long hours and the work load didn’t love me and I gained back all but 6lbs of my weight loss. I have now quit that job and I am in the process of returning to my first love as a “Realtor”. I will still use my design degree, l will just have more to offer my real estate clients because I still love all things “Houses”. I have always found your blog very inspiring and wouldn’t you know it, when I opened it up today, here you are talking about weight gain. I’m 57 years old now and I know it get’s harder to lose the weight, the older you get, but I’m starting my daily food journal today and getting back into yoga. I know how to do this, it just takes commitment. So I’m right here with you. Good luck to you Marian. I’m excited to watch your journey, as I travel mine. Thanks once again for being inspiring.
“In Jesus All Things Are Possible”
You have encouraged me today! I want to make the healthy choices I know work & are good for me, but I have not been committed & am getting frustated! THANKYOU for being REAL & open! Love, Tara
You go girls!! I have done the P90X workout and can attest to the fact it is a brutal workout. It will definitely help get you the results. Best of luck on your workout and weight loss journey. Cannot wait to see your transformation. I hope I am a little bit transformed also as I am trying to lose weight as well.
60% cocoa? come on kick it up to 80% or more. From what I understand a small square after a meal revs up metabolism Also, the benefits of vinegar I use a red wine vinegar olive oil garlic powder. Fresh cracked black pepper on salads. My Salad bowl looks like Jethro Bodine’s bowl of cereal Also look into the benefits of pepper the capsacian compound is good for us. I do not add salt to my foods But I add chick peas to my salad. I bring a salad every day to work R U a vegetarian they ask I don’t think so oh look here is a piece of chicken in my salad. When I add broiled salmon I make an announcement Salmon is on sale a the market Yes we can have fun with those soda swilling Vending machine aholics Oh Good luck Miss mustard Seed stay the course you will find a yummy bowl of oatmeal with dried cherries almonds a dash of milk and honey in your future. My microwave just beeped I just did!. PS plain carbonated water gets me carbonated every now and then.
totally feel you on this one. I keep meaning to “get to it” since gaining about 20lbs since baby #2. If you haven’t been over to http://www.goinghometoroost.com Bonnie has an amazingly gorgeous blog and lots of delicious looking vegetarian/vegan recipes.
You go girl, I was a two Diet Cokes a day girl myself. I gave them up
two Lents ago and never looked back. I spin on a stationary bike for 1
hour each night while my favorite shows are on and I take my dog for
a long walk on Sundays and I only eat good carbs. It ‘s not easy being
50!
Marion, I have been reading your blog for a year now. You are so inspiring! I myself battled my weight after my 3rd pregnancy. Beachbody was my answer! I am now a Beachbody fitness coach so let me know if you have any questions about P90X or need help! My “soul mate” workout is ChaLEAN Extreme. It’s a weight training circuit program that fits me better than P90X. I’ve tried almost all their workouts and Chalene Johnson is my favorite trainer. You have to find what works for you! I lost 25 lbs but more importantly shrank 3 sizes and reshaped my body. Weights are your secret weapon! Best of luck!
just wondering what type tennis shoes those are? Look really comfy and I’m on the lookout
for a good pair… I too, have gained about 20 lbs in the last several years…I walk routinely but I need to do more apparently.. more motivation for the biggest part! Reading that there are others out there with the same issues does help… best of luck and keep the encouragements coming!!
Good for you! I used Power 90 and I loved it. It is not as brutal as P90X but gives you a great kick start to get used to TH’s moves. I lost 50 # using the workouts in 4 months and of course eating right. Power 90 is nice too because the workouts are shorter and can be fit in a little bit easier then the longer P90X workouts. I THEN went on to more brutal workouts like P90X. (Insanity) .. Keep up the good work
I’m living a healthier lifestyle, as well and I love it. The site I use to help me along is http://www.sparkpeople.com and it’s truly amazing….you can find me as “healthierlynn”.
Remember to measure yourself….smaller measurements are what make your clothes fit better and make your body leaner and more trim, much more than seeing a smaller number on the scale. 😉
Great post Miss MS. In February (birthday month) I decided enough was enough and detoxed off sugar/processed food. What a horrible experience. I cannot imagine what detoxing off of drugs is like as bad as this was. Anyway, since then I have started eating more fruits, veggies, nuts. Limited sugar and almost no processed foods. Makes a huge difference. Some weight has come off but that was not my primary purpose at the time. Like you Marian, I wanted to learn to eat different foods before I started to try to lose weight and I also wanted spring to finally get here so I could get outside to walk/run. I will be interested in your journey!
Miss MS- I am in the same boat– 30lbs. from my 3 babies. I recently found this:
http://www.dietbet.com
In a nutshell– lose 4% of your weight in 4 weeks and earn money.
I found this about a month ago, after reading and determining that it was legit. I decided to do it. I am in the last week of my diet bet, and I have lost 8.5 pounds. This is my first time doing this but it has been a great motivator for me– winning money by losing weight.
I have no stake in this company, I just think it is a great idea. A way for all of us who have put on 30lbs. or so to win money.
Praying for you as you go thru this journey. God bless.
-Suzanne
Thanks for being so real! I’m sure you’re going to get everyone’s story now so I’ll add ours to the mix. My husband and I started eating Paleo (The Cave Man diet) in June. He lost 30 pounds in 6 weeks without exercising. The premise behind the diet is to eliminate any foods that cause inflimation and are hard for your body to process. This includes ALL grains and legumes. It’s the opposite of vegetarian in that you eat meat and eliminate the grains – rice, quinoa, oats, wheat, barely, etc. These are hard for our digestive track and stay in the body longer (which is why we’re full longer)…. and cling to our abdominal area. I’d encourage you to start researching the effects of grains on the body. You most likely see the weight come off faster and feel much more energetic.
Best to you. And congratulations on your new habits. It takes a lot of discipline to do what you’re doing.
I ha e been out if work for over a year and in that time I have gained 10 lbs on top of the 10 I put on the year before. I have recently been sick…..and today I have finally gotten fed up with being sick and tired. I need to make some life style changes and start feeling good about myself again.
WooHoo!!! I am so inspired by and excited for all of you. I loved reading the comments and as always Marion is giving us all a boost in our own lives. Being healthy is a choice we make every time we put anything into our mouths, solid or liquid. It is hard to eat some things after you really research and learn what is in there and what it does to your body.
After being on a mostly vegetable and whole grain diet with not a lot of meat for about 15 years, I can say I am truly healthy, no weight issues ( I walk and hike, yoga) and I have not needed to take an antibiotic in over 7 years. My cholesterol is good, and i have a nice consistant flow of energy almost every day. At 47, people say I have the body of a teenager, now of course that is not true, but it’s nice to hear.
NEVER STOP MAKING POSITIVE CHANGES THAT ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH! YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY AND YOU ARE SETTING A FANTASTIC EXAMPLE TO ALL THOSE AROUND YOU!
once again, I feel like I am living in a parallel universe with you! (except for all the fame and talent!) 😉
I just ended up at the chiropractor for the second time in 5 months. The only time I ever have to go is when I am overweight and out of shape. I hit my bottom over the weekend, hitting my heaviest weight I’ve been at in the last 10 years.
It’s awful.
Yesterday was my January 1, and I am committed to getting back to a weight that I know is healthy for me, and exercising regularly. It’s not about vanity, it’s about living!
Kudos to you on your success and commitment to health!
Good for you. I read recently that diet soda increases the rate of depression by 30%. I wonder if that was why is was so hard to get off it. You seem like quite an upbeat person. I’ll be curious to know if you feel a difference over time.
Good luck and cheers.
Natalie
Good for you!!! I think your black bean burgers, and quinoa and salad look really yummy! I find that once you start eating green food, you crave it. Diet soda would be hard for me to give up too. Phew! and apparently sleep is a big deal with dieting, if you don’t get enough sleep it is harder to lose weight! Thanks for sharing it all with us, it’s so much more real when our blogger friends share their struggles and imperfections and warts.
Cindy
I’m right there with you!!! I started boxing/working out about month ago. I was just feeling blah. I’m not huge, but my clothes didn’t fit. I’m short so every extra pound counts. I was a diet coke addict and feel the same way I can’t even have a sip or it will be like starting from scratch. Anyway please keep us updated, I kind of get focused and it’s good to hear others stories. I feel great now, and hope the weight starts dropping soon.
Marian,
Thank you for sharing this along the way, rather than waiting until the goal is achieved. I think it is so important for many of us to hear this, and we can relate to it! I need to take better care of myself too. So many of us take care of business, family, friends and there is little left for oneself. I have been working on being and eating healthier as well and I love all that you shared with your readers, thank you, you inspire us!
Good job!!! Getting healthy is a process and SO important for both you and your family! I’m convinced your children will reap the benefits! Isn’t it amazing how good you feel (and you probably didn’t think you felt bad before…)
I’ve been on a whole- food, plant based diet for 18 months and my blood pressure, cholesterol and health in general is great. And I’m 56 and weigh what I did when I was in college…who’d have thought?
You’re an inspiration…keep up the good work!
It is SO hard to give up those “one things”, and healthy living is definitely a learning process and a fight for consistency! Great job taking those steps for you and your family Marian!
good for you! Keeping balance on all those things (and esp diet) is so hard esp when one is as busy as you are. I’m quite sure you will meet your goals.
And I know what you mean about soda. It’s the one thing I was truly addicted to but I did manage to give it up. And, happily, once I gave it up (and got well past that tough, first withdrawal) I found that I didn’t like it anymore. It just tastes like chemicals and it’s the opposite of refreshing.
Hang in there – you’ll do great.
David
I have admired your work from across the computer screen and in my mind I make these stories up about people living perfect lives with no worries or fears………..your work is beautiful……………….you, even more so. keep up the great work.
I’m with you. I’ve totally changed my diet this year. (I never did the soda thing and have always exercised.). Weight loss is slow but I’m sticking with it. Good luck with your quest for health and balance. I will keep routing for you!
I’m right there with you! I’ve gained 25 plus pounds since dating my (now) fiance. I have less then a year to lose it!! I just started two weeks ago committing going back to the gym like I used to before I met him and I’ve also committed to tracking my food again. (on my fitness pal app). its just in the beginning stages but hopefully I’ll get there.
Oh and I also have a diet coke addiction. I’m cutting it out right now with a cleanse I just started today.
We can cheer each other on! Keep posting your updates, it will help motivate me!
Good for you – I’m eating clean these last few months and feel so much better!
Bravo Miss Mustard Seed! You can do this : )