Day 27 - Monday Motivation

Heather Sims (after losing 35 pounds)

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Heather Sims before she lost 35 pounds and kept them off for 6 years!

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This is a very motivational story! I think many of us can relate to the slow crawl up on the scale and how it accumulates, year after year. Heather Sims also shares her many failed attempts to losing weight, but then how she finally got her body back. Interesting twist to how she got her weight off and kept it off. Check her story out below:

Heather Sims, 35

Heaviest weight: 156

Current weight: 121

Lost: 35 pounds

Kept it off for: 6 years

My story: After I turned 20, I put on a few pounds every year. The main reason: I ate too much — my weaknesses were chocolate and pizza. I always felt guilty afterward, but I couldn’t stop myself. I tried Slim Fast, eating fat-free foods, getting Lean Cuisine meals, doing aerobics. But nothing worked. Not a morning went by where I didn’t wake up and think,How can I get this weight off? It consumed me.

Worst moment: The first time I went to a pool party with my extended family. I didn’t want my thin sisters-in-law to see how big I’d gotten, so I changed into my swimsuit and jumped in the pool before anyone could see me. It was humiliating to be so ashamed of my own body.

Turning point: A friend told me about the Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based diet program, so I went to a class near my old home in Marion, OH. I heard testimonials from participants, a few of whom had stayed skinny for more than 20 years. I was inspired.

How I lost it: When I was tempted to overeat, I’d pray, God, if you don’t want me to eat this, give me a way out. Then I’d find a hair in my food, or the phone would ring. Before Weigh Down, I would eat a salad and fat-free food and later make cookies “for my husband” and polish off half the dough. But now I’m free to eat whatever I want, as long as it’s in moderation. The weight came off fast — I lost about 17 pounds in a month.

Biggest payoff: Improving my relationship with God. Also, after I started the diet, I found a bunch of Cadbury eggs in a drawer. Before, I would have eaten them in one sitting. But I had stashed them away six months prior — and hadn’t thought about them since. It was monumental.

Stay-Slim Secrets • Cut your meals in two at restaurants and put half in a to-go bag right away. If you’re really still hungry after you’ve eaten the first half, then you can start on the second. • Indulge every once in awhile. If you want a cheeseburger, get it. Just eat it s-l-o-w-l-y, and take the time to really enjoy it. • Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fancy coffee.

If you want to check out more about the program that Heather lost her weight through, you can go to the link here.

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 26 - Sunday Success Stories

Anita, lost over 100 pounds!

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I love this success story! This gal is like many others, who gained a little more weight than they planned while being pregnant. Being that my daughter recently had a beautiful baby boy and lots of her buddies have recently had babies, I think this will be of a great encouragement to many of them. BUT, I also love this lady's philosophy of being the best "me" I can be! It is applicable to all of us at any stage of our lives and is very much in line with the 52 Club mindset.

Here is my favorite quote from her:

"Never, never give up on yourself and never settle for less than the very best you can be. Why? Because you are worth it. Being fit and healthy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Also, stop comparing yourself to the women on the covers of fashion magazines. Just do the best with the body God gave you and be proud of who you are."

Below is the article in it's entirety that was featured on Jillian Michael's website:

Anita, Maple Valley, Washington

Anita lost her pregnancy weight and then some — thanks to Jillian's program, she's lost a total of 102 pounds in just over a year!*

"I was never really overweight as a child, but I was always bigger and taller than the other girls. My weight crept up during junior high and high school, and by sophomore year I was about 20 pounds overweight. I've lost and gained that 20 pounds many times since then.

My biggest source of weight gain happened when my husband and I decided we wanted to have a baby. I wasn't even sure if I could get pregnant at my age. I was already 25 pounds overweight because an injury from a past marathon kept me from exercising. I couldn't run anymore, so the weight began to pile on. The pregnancy was an IVF, and I had to take a hormone shot every day, which caused added weight gain. I gained a total of 75 pounds during my pregnancy, and by the time my son was born I was at 240 pounds. I had never been so heavy in my life, and I knew I did not want to keep any of the baby weight. I was determined to get back into my PRE-pre-pregnancy clothes.

I decided to pick up Jillian's DVDs and books along with running on my treadmill. I figured Jillian was in the shape she was in because she follows the same eating and exercise program she delivers to her fans. It clearly worked for her, so why not for me? It's definitely healthy eating and the workouts are intense, but they're also fun and energizing. Jillian has been a long-distance mentor and inspiration to me. I followed another diet for a couple months, then started the Making the Cut food and exercise plan, and then I joined the JillianMichaels.com New Year Challenge and used the daily exercises on the site combined with the DVD and cardio workouts.

I had a food journal and wrote down my food every day, which helped me be honest about everything I was putting in my mouth. Did I ever cheat on my food plan? Yes I did, but I wrote it down. I'm not perfect, but if I slip up, I just hop back on the next meal.

Today, at 48 years old, I weigh 138 pounds. Losing the weight and getting into shape allowed me to become a personal trainer and help others achieve their goals just as I have achieved mine. I have more energy and stamina to keep up with my one-year-old son. I have more self-esteem — not only because I look good on the outside, but also because I accomplished really big goals and have been an inspiration to others because of my success story. If I never tuned into The Biggest Loser, I doubt I ever would have achieved what I have so far. Seeing Jillian's commitment to her team members convinced me that she is not only America's toughest trainer, but she is a woman with dignity, grace, and a warm and caring heart. Because of her, I am dedicated to my clients and commit myself to help them achieve their fitness and weight-loss goals.

Best compliment: I've been thin before many times in my life, but I've never been sculpted. I have women telling me all the time they want to have muscles like mine and that if I can do it at my age, there is hope for them too!

Activities now: Running! I was running marathons before I got pregnant. I suffered an injury and my body has never fully recovered from some spine issues, but with determination and persistence I have been able to resume running once again.

Advice for others: Never, never give up on yourself and never settle for less than the very best you can be. Why? Because you are worth it. Being fit and healthy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Also, stop comparing yourself to the women on the covers of fashion magazines. Just do the best with the body God gave you and be proud of who you are.

Yes, I like the way I look. Yes, I like that I can fit into my cute clothes again — but I love that I made a commitment to myself to get into shape and stay there for life. No more yo-yo dieting. I am committed to a healthy lifestyle and that's what I love!"

You guys keep up the good fight! And, let's all take Anita's advice to heart, as a lady who has done what we are all setting out to do ~ Taking our bodies back! Anita, thanks for sharing your story ~ We are right behind you!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

PS - I had a breakthrough this evening with my health. Will post more about it later! PTL!

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Day 25 - Something Sassy Saturday

Always the fashion trendsetter, Jess wearing one of her own trademark looks.

Oh Dear! I am feeling anything but sassy, this Saturday. Girls, I think I have a ladies plumbing issue. =( Going to get it checked out hopefully on Monday. My hubby has been a dear, running up to the store to get me a heating pad, making a Chick-fil-A run for some more soup, and even making my special concoction of tea from Pei Wei (1/3 chia, 1/3 orange spice, 1/3 chia). He's so sweet.

My dear sweet sister walked me through a near emergency room run, today. She's the best! Thank you again Jac!

I have to tell you that I never factored in getting sick with my 52 club plans. I have been faithful with my water, but the last 3 days I have eaten very little and have not been able to exercise. I am trying not to get discouraged. I am sure that I will lose some weight from not eating, but that's not the way I want it to come off. Looking forward to that changing very soon.

All of this did get me to thinking about our goal of getting our bodies back. Sure we want to look good, but what we are really shooting for is a healthier us. And, you know what? When you don't have your health, it doesn't matter how dang good you look in your jeans. You know what I mean? Anyway, just want to give us all a reminder of how much we have to be thankful for with being healthy now and shooting to make ourselves healthier, is a great goal.

If you are feeling good as you read this, praise God! Enjoy the now. Make the most of your day or evening and enjoy those around you. And most of all be grateful for all your many blessings, including your health.

Speaking of being thankful: I have posted some pics here of one of the most beautiful and "sassy" (defined: stylish and chic) gals that I know. My beautiful daughter Jessica. Looking at pics of her makes me very happy and super thankful! Many of you know her, but if you don't, you should check out her blog here. She is a joy and a delight and one of God's best gifts ever to me. Enjoy!

The epitome of style, chic, and always unique...truly a living piece of art!

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Jessica on a shoot in the snow in Ohio this past Christmas.

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Jess has a wonderful blog about style, mommy hood and life. You'll love it!

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Hope this brings a sassy smile to your faces! Much love to you all!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 24 - Fashion Fun Friday

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Still a little under the weather, so I thought a little pick me up with some fun fashion pics might do me some good. In my own wardrobe, one of my staples is long skirts. I love them. Super feminine, warm in the winter, cool in the summer and if you buy classic, you can keep them forever. They are my inspiration for todays post. Also throwing in some fun whimsical fashion pics that make me happy. Hope you have fun and enjoy!

Love the extra long length and black classic color with the boots.

Love the combo of denim with the tulle ruffles and boots

More ruffles with boots peeking out - LOVE!

I just love these boots!

Crazy, but I love it!

Hope you have a fun and wonderful weekend! Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 23 - Sick!

Oh man! I am still feeling sick...pooh! And, since I was raised not to complain about it, I won't go on and on too much. But the nutshell is, I may have the flu or something. Anyway, I really want to try and post daily and honestly with the headache and fever, I have next to no creativity. I hope you will all bear with me. Perhaps someone out there has something positive that they can share.

BTW, I got the most encouraging comments from yesterday's post, Wednesday Weigh Day - "Don't Give Up." If you have a second, you can check them out here.) You know, you guys have no idea just how much encouragement I get from your comments! Thank you so much!

The last two days of fighting with this crud have made it next to impossible for me to exercise and to top it off, I took so much ibuprofen that I have irritated my tummy. =( It is keeping me from being able to eat every 2 - 3 hours. I can barely eat period! OH WELL! Dog gone it! I am still gonna stay the course, not gonna let it get me down. But on a brighter note, I was finally able to eat almost a whole cup of yummy chicken noodle soup from Chick-fil-a, today. =)

Chick-fil-A's Chicken Noodle Soup...the best ever!

So hoping to feel better tomorrow. Speaking of .....

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams y'all!

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Day 22 - Wednesday Weigh Day "Don't Give Up!"

Well, it's Wednesday again and I had what could have been a huge set back for me. I had the ultimate temptation to give up. I want to be totally transparent with you and hope that it will some how be an encouragement. This past week I have been sick. Had a fever Saturday and Sunday and to top it off, the old monthly cycle thing was going on. =( So, I was a little nervous about weighing in. I was actually thinking that I just might not lose as much, never dreaming I would gain. HOWEVER, I did gain this week...a little over a pound. I WAS DEVASTATED!!!

I was overwhelmed almost instantly with all kinds of thoughts. VERY negative thoughts like, you'll never get this weight off. Why bother? It is hopeless, and several other "give up" type thoughts. Well, I laid on the bed, feeling so sorry for myself. Then I thought. NO! Those are lies. I have made a commitment to taking my body back. I knew it was a slow and long steady process. It was unrealistic to think there would never be a week that I might not lose. Then, I started thinking. What are the facts on our weight and how it fluctuates? And what about our menstrual cycle and how might that effect my weight? I mean, geez! I had even walked 30 minutes a day on the treadmill- while I was sick, even with my fever! And speaking of, how does our body react to being sick? Do we retain fluids? Burn less calories? My mind was racing.

I got a hold of myself. Talked to my husband and two of my best buddies (my sister and my daughter) and they both encouraged me (As did my hubby). I then calmed down. Reloaded my commitment gun and asked God to help me stay encouraged. I also asked him to help me keep going and to win the battle of getting my body back.

I found an article entitled " Why Does Your Weight Fluctuate From Day to Day?" which was so incredibly encouraging for my situation. Here are a few excerpts that were very helpful to me that I thought might be to you as well:

"Why Does Your Weight Fluctuate From Day to Day?"

Time Frame

In order to get a more accurate reading, experts stress the importance of weighing oneself at the same time of day, wearing similar clothing and using the same scale

Expert Insight

Experts advise not to let your feelings fluctuate along with your weight. For example, try not to get too hyped up about that 1-lb. loss or too down in the dumps about that 2-lb. gain. Burning fat is a very slow process, and alternately celebrating or beating yourself up for the yo-yo effect is not helpful.

Warning

Weight fluctuations are completely normal and happen to everyone all the time. Women may gain several pounds with each cycle of menstruation (triggered by hormones). Drink water, exercise and keep salt to a minimum, and this will disappear as swiftly as it arrived.

You can read the entire article here. You know, I am so grateful I found this info. Now being informed and by the grace of God, I will not set myself up again for the emotional set back I felt when I stepped on the scale this morning. Nope! Going forward, I now realize that my weight may fluctuate from time to time, but ultimately, this long and steady goal is still to take my body back, slowly, deliberately - one pound at a time. I have already overcome the hump of adding "movement" and consistent activity with my daily treadmill, I am drinking 4 -5 bottles of water a day and folks, I was doing neither of those prior to 3 weeks ago. So, I say to myself, "Keep up the good work." "Good job Bec!" and "I am going to succeed!" And, so are you guys!

Thanks for being a part of this with me, and stay encouraged!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 21 - Are You Going Nuts?

I know I sure am! But, not in the way you might think. I am literally talking about "nuts"....specifically pecans. I started craving pecans quite a while ago. I began buying them to add to some liquid yogurt I was having daily to make it taste better (Which by the way, the combo taste like a treat or desert to me now). But, after a while, I noticed I really started craving them. I'd be like driving and I'd start thinking, I wish I had a handful of pecans. It was kind of weird how often it would happen. So, one day not too long ago, I thought to myself, I wonder what is in pecans? Are there some kind of nutrients or vitamins in them? I had no idea.

OMG! You won't believe what I learned. Pecans are an AMAZING food! Here's some info on an article I read:

Pecans May Protect the Mind

Eating about a handful of pecans each day may play a role in protecting the nervous system, according to a new animal study published in Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research. The study, conducted at the Center for Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, suggests adding pecans to your diet may delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration. This may include diseases like amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Researchers suggest vitamin E – a natural antioxidant found in pecans – may provide a key element to neurological protection shown in the study. Antioxidants are nutrients found in foods that help protect against cell damage, and studies have shown, can help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and heart disease. Lead researcher Dr. Thomas Shea, Ph.D and his research team carried out a number of laboratory studies on three groups of mice specifically bred to demonstrate severe decline in motor neuron function that are commonly used in studies of ALS. Each of the three groups was fed a control diet or one of two diets containing differing amounts of pecans ground into their food. Standard testing methods were used to determine how well the mice scored relative to motor neuron functions, both before and after they were provided with one of the three diets.

Mice provided a diet supplemented with pecans displayed a significant delay in decline in motor function compared to mice receiving no pecans. Mice eating the diet with the most pecans (0.05%) fared best. Both pecan groups fared significantly better than those whose diets contained no pecans. The result was based on how the mice performed in highly specific tests, each of which compared mice on the control diet with mice consuming pecan-enriched diets.

Natural Antioxidants in Pecans

New research, published in the August 2006 issue of Nutrition Research, shows thatadding just a handful of pecans to your diet each day may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, thus helping prevent coronary heart disease. The researchers suggest that this positive effect was in part due to the pecans’ significant content of vitamin E – a natural antioxidant. Pecans contain different forms of vitamin E, which protects blood lipids from oxidation. Oxidation of lipids in the body - a process akin to rusting – is detrimental to health. When the "bad" (LDL) cholesterol becomes oxidized, it is more likely to build up and result in clogged arteries.

In the laboratory analysis of blood samples from the research subjects, Dr. Haddad's team found that the diets enriched with pecans significantly reduced lipid oxidation (by 7.4 percent) versus the Step I diet. Oxidation levels were evaluated using the TBARS test, which measures oxidation products. The researchers also found that blood levels of tocopherols were higher after participants were on the pecan diet. Cholesterol-adjusted plasma gamma-tocopherol in the study participants' blood samples increased by 10.1 percent (P < .001) after eating the healthy pecan diet. The researchers concluded that these data provide some evidence for potential protective effects of pecan consumption in healthy individuals.

In addition, landmark research published in theJournal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry(June 2004) found thatpecans rank highest among all nuts and are among the top category of foods to contain the highest antioxidant capacity, meaning pecans may decrease the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Using a method that has proven to be a good indicator of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of foods called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers measured the antioxidant capacity of nuts among 100 commonly consumed healthy foods and snacks, including different types of nuts, and determined pecans have more antioxidant capacity than walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, peanuts and cashews. Numerous other studies have also shown that phytochemicals, like those found in pecans, act like natural antioxidants and may have a protective effect against certain diseases, such as various cancers and coronary heart disease.

Cholesterol-Lowering Pecans

Pecans also play a role in lowering cholesterol. Clinical research published in the Journal of Nutrition (September 2001) compared the Step I diet (28 percent fat), recommended by the American Heart Association for individuals with high cholesterol levels, to a pecan-enriched (40 percent fat) diet. The results showed the pecan-enriched diet lowered total cholesterol by 11.3 percent and LDL “bad” cholesterol levels by 16.5 percent – twice that of the Step I diet, without any associated weight gain.

Research conducted by Dr. Ronald Eitenmiller at the University of Georgia has also confirmed that pecans contain plant sterols, which are known for their cholesterol-lowering ability.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged this and related research and approved the following qualified health claim:“Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Weight Control and Pecans

A review of pecan and other nut research, published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition(September 2003), suggests that nuts like pecans may aid in weight loss and maintenance. The review cited studies indicating that nut consumption may increase metabolic rates and enhance satiety. When used in conjunction with a healthy low-fat diet, nuts also offer increased flavor, palatability and texture that can lead to greater dietary compliance, according to the review.

A one-ounce serving of pecans (approximately 20 halves) contains 196 calories, 20.4 grams total fat (1.8 saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 0 grams sodium, 2.7 grams dietary fiber and over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and zinc.

Pecans are also a good source of oleic acid, vitamin B1, thiamin, magnesium and protein.

Heart-Healthy Pecans

Nearly 60 percent of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated and another 30 percent are polyunsaturated, leaving very little saturated fat in pecans. The unsaturated fat in pecans is heart-healthy fat meeting the new Dietary Guidelines that recommend Americans keep intake between 20 and 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from heart-healthy sources like fish, nuts and vegetable oils. In addition, pecans contain no trans fat.

Nutrient-Dense Pecans

Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. Pecans are also a natural, high-quality source of protein that contain very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol. Pecans are also naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.

Somewhere I heard that our bodies can actually crave things that we actually need. Whether that is true or not, I have no idea. But, I am jazzed about my new discovery because I have always LOVED pecans! And now, that I know that they have all these amazing health benefits and are good for my long term goal of taking my body back, I am truly a happy camper. So, now you can see why it is that I am going "NUTS"!

Giving thanks for pecans!!!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 20 - Monday Morning Motivation

It is another Monday and I just realized that tomorrow will mark by 21st day of my commitment to getting my body back, one pound at a time. YAY!!! They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. So, I will take that and say, I am on my way baby! As I have shared, I have been consistently losing my 1 pound a week (actually a tad more) by introducing small weekly changes into my daily habits and choices, that I can implement into permanent lifestyle changes. So far, it has been very exciting and motivating to see the results. HOWEVER, I got to thinking, maybe an extra reinforcement in my motivation would be a wise idea to help ensure my long term goal is met.

So, I thought I would create an added incentive, a reward if you will that is non-food related, of course. ;-) I wanted to come up with something that I could give myself at the end of each month when I had reached my accumulative goal for that month (4 pounds lost). I was thinking that it needs to be something that I do not "ordinarily" do for myself. Coming up with something was a little hard for me at first. But, then I thought - what about a massage? It is something I have never done before and I have had lots of people tell me how wonderful it is. And, it is also suppose to have health benefits to boot! =)

Honestly, I think one reason I never got a body massage is that I have felt a little awkward about the whole thing. The thought of someone seeing my body, much less touching it, kind of freaked me out. But, I have done a little research on it and I think I am going to go ahead and jump off and do it! Here's some cool stuff I found out about massages and the benefits of having them:

The Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improvingcirculation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

So, here's my new monthly "motivation" reward. At the end of each month, as long as I have lost accumulatively 4 pounds for that month, I am going to gift myself with a massage. I will report back to you how it goes. I am just so excited and hopeful. I want to continue to do everything I possibly can to encourage myself and keep myself motivated towards getting my body back, one pound at a time.

Happy Monday!

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Day 19 - Sunday Success Stories

BEFORE

Laurie Thompson

AFTER

Laurie and her precious daughter

An all body shot of Laurie sporting her single digit size - You go girl!

Hope you all have had a marvelous weekend! I'd like to share a very encouraging success story from one of our very own 52 Club family! Laurie Thompson is one of our flagship members and she has quite a story. I will let you read in her own words, her story below:

"My journey to “take my body back one pound at a time” began in May 2009 as I realized my 30 year reunion was a couple weeks away and I was embarrassed at the way I looked. I did not feel good about myself at all. My daughter was about to graduate from college, my father had recently passed away, I was feeling very lonely and not very happy about my situation. I weighed 208 pounds at 5’9” and wore a size 16/18."

How many of us can relate here to Laurie's story so far? She was initially motivated to lose weight for a special occasion, her 30th Year reunion. Well, Laurie shared with me that she did lose some weight before the reunion and then began to work very hard and lost a total of 40 pounds. But she said that she hit a plateau and could not lose the last 20 pounds to reach her final goal. Now, read on to find out what Laurie did next:

"In June 2010, a very close friend who lives in another town started calling me when he would walk. He was walking 3 miles a day and he would put in his earpiece and talk to me while I laid on the couch! One day he said, “So Laurie, I’m out here walking 3 miles a day in the heat . . . what is it you are you doing again?” I laughed and then realized that he was right. The next day I suited up, put in my earpiece and our journey began. We walked 3 miles a day while on the phone together. I was walking my neighborhood he walked the country roads where he lived. I lost about 4 more pounds over the next 2 months and then one evening while we were talking about goals, he asked me, what do you really want to weigh . . . what’s your goal? I told him that I would love to see the 40’s . . . so I set a goal . . . 4 months, 4 pounds a month . . . and started walking/jogging 4 miles a day, now on a regulation track, and really living sugar free. It worked. On December 28 I weighed 148 pounds! 60 pounds lost.

Now, I feel great, and I’m wearing single digits. I recently bought a pair of size 6 jeans! Shopping is fun again and life is good!!!

LAURIE'S TIP: "The one thing I always tell people is that it isn’t a DIET . . . it’s a LIFESTYLE!!!"

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

I personally know Laurie. She was my sister's old roommate back in the 80's. (Jacqueline January who is also a flagship 52 club family member). I am going to share some vintage pics below of the two of them from that day that I just love!

Jacqueline "Jac" & Laurie in the mid 80's

Jac and Laurie here in the boot scootin' atire! ;-)

I find Laurie's story to be such an encouragement! Hearing her coming to the revelation that it is not about a "diet" but a "lifestyle," so is in line with our philosophy here in the 52 Club. And, to lose her last 20 pounds, she ended up shooting for losing 4 pounds a month, which is my own goal of 1 pound a week (52 pounds in a year). One of my favorite parts of the story is hearing how she is now wearing the "single digits" with a size 6 pair of jeans....NOW, that is some serious success and gives me personally some major motivation!

Until tomorrow ~ Sweet and slender dreams!

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