I'm back...

Hellooooo… Anybody out there?

I know, I’ve been missing lately from the blog. Why is that? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Weight loss hasn’t been a focus at all. Transitioning our family to a different location, starting new businesses, and of course keeping track of a 2 year old have been on my to-do list.

So the numbers haven’t gone down. Have probably put on a few winter pounds. Don’t know for sure because there isn’t a scale with us (Hey Mom, if you’re reading this – will you bring my scale when you come down for Thanksgiving?).

I’m ready to get back on the losing side. I think I’ll reread Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman, because every time I do, it reminds me of why I eat what I do, and makes each decision to choose the right food easier.

So, if there’s anybody out there still reading this – thanks. I’m back. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up, and I’m determined to lose a few pounds along the way. How about ya’ll?

Travelin' Travelin' Travelin' On

I think that's a Dolly Parton song.

I leave on a trip first thing tomorrow morning and I now know that every part of my life must be different than "before." Before being when I was in the increase of body weight instead of the increase of strength, comfort, energy, etcetera!

Now I pack my good snacks - raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds. And I'm bringing along my copy of Ultrametabolism by Mark Hyman. Because when I reread sections of that book, I remember why I am eating certain things and not others. Oh, and of course, the workout clothes and running shoes. When I get on the plane, since I'm flying US Air, I have to pay $15 to check my first bag... So every ounce counts! But there's no way I could be gone for 5 days and not get some serious sweating in!

The one thing I need to bring along with me is a positive attitude. I will remember that I am on a great journey - one of weight loss, one of reformation, and that my main goal right now is to transform myself (mentally and physically). And that no matter where I am, all of my choices count towards that goal.

Thanks for reading and subscribing.

Are You Hungry?

I'm not. Really. I had always thought that being hungry was a part of losing weight. Something that you had to put up with in order to achieve the desired results. Now I know better.

About 30 minutes before every meal I take a fiber supplement called Glucomannan or Konjac Root with a big glass of water (or diet Pepsi, whatever liquid I'm drinking at the time). During that time, the fiber absorbs the liquid and takes the edge off of any hunger I have. This works so well for me that I am now becoming obsessed with eating enough!

The Glucomannan is a special fiber.

• Expands up to 10 times its size in water
• Blocks Cholesterol absorption
• Feeds Good Bacteria in digestive system
• Slows absorption of meals
• May help with hyperthyroid diseases

I love this stuff. I love not being starving. Could this be the key you need to unlock your weight loss?

I've got A Secret!

I sort of feel like I've been keeping a secret from some of you, and I don't want to any more!

I have one piece of my regimen that I believe is really helping me get the nutrients I need, feel great, lift more weight, and most especially stay healthy.

Before when I've been down this weight loss road, I got massively sick. I think it is very difficult to lower your calorie intake enough to lose pounds, and not deprive your body of the nutrients it needs. I do everything I can to provide the most nutrients with the lowest calorie intake. This time, I am staying healthy to an extreme degree. I have tons of energy all day, need less sleep at night, and I even think my allergies may be disappearing.

Anyhow, I am restricted from publishing in this blog about the secret. But I want to tell everyone I know about it - I think it's that helpful to overall health. So if you're interested in learning more, please send me a quick email, and I'll tell you everything you need to know!

Thanks for noticing!

As I go through my day I am so very blessed to have lovely friends and aquaintances who are noticing my efforts and give me sweet moments throughout my day.

"You've lost more weight, haven't you?!?"
"You're really looking great!"
"Wow - you can tell you've lost weight!"

It's pretty good to be me lately! So I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who boost me up. It makes a big difference - you never know when I've hit a little rough spot, and your compliment will keep me rolling.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. And especially thank you to the person who said this one the other day "You look so great! I didn't recognize you from behind - I didn't know who you were!"

Thanks for reading and subscribing! Love all ya'll!

Not 1 more minute...

An email from an old friend reminded me of how important relationships are. For me, life's all about relationship. And when I was in my old mindset it wasn't.

I'm no longer willing to give up one month of life, one week, one day, one minute to unhealthiness. I want every moment of life that God chooses to give me for my son, for my family, for my friends, for myself. No food is worth the trade.

It became very real to me that what I was doing was exactly that - trading life for fatty food, for laziness. Who knows what extra strain I was placing on my body and what time that was costing me. Maybe you're thinking, heck, you're only 30 years old, that's a morbid way to think. I wish I had gotten it at 20. Or 15, or 29 and 1/2! But I'm glad I know now.

What are you trading? Life for food? For laziness? For a chocolate bar?

I'd love to hear from you about your trades in email or in the comments section here.

Food glorious food!

What are you eating?

That must be the #1 question I've been asked lately, and the answer is.... Drumroll please.....

Lean protein, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. That's about it. Really.

I think I've had 1 Dove dark chocolate in the past 2 months, and that was when we were camping on St George Island and had just gone hiking for 3 (!!) hours.

My body loves being fed this way. And in small meals spaced throughout the day -- 150-200 calories at a time. I have caught myself eating too few calories on some days (like yesterday I maybe got 900 - whoops!) and my energy level has definitely paid for it. So that's what I'm working on now - making sure I get enough without turning to something other than... say it with me now....

LEAN PROTEIN... FRUITS.... VEGETABLES.... WHOLE GRAINS!

Rah Rah Rah!