Week 12 ~ Pork Kabobs!

This week I'm down 3 pounds for a total of 49 pounds!

My guy is down 4 pounds for a total of 55 pound!

I had a pap smear appointment this week (don't worry, I won't share any details) but I was excited for the doctor to notice my weight loss. What ensued was probably the most positive doctor visit I've ever had. I DIDN'T feel GUILTY because I AM EATING better and doing something about my health. It changed the whole feel of the exam and my visit with the doctor (she was female). I feel so good that I am taking better care of myself now. I even got my blood drawn for a baseline... which I should have done before I started but I'm happy it's done now. With my brothers heart attack lingering on my mind... I really need to be aware of how my cholesterol is.

This week I had a Costco size portion of pork chops that were defrosted so I decided to make some Pork Kabobs. I found this recipe on line and LOVED it. I did the veggies on different kabobs than the pork since they don't need to cook as long. For veggies, I used yellow squash, mushrooms, peppers and cherrie tomatoes. Here is the recipe:

BBQ Teriyaki Pork Kabobs

Marinade 1 lb raw pork (cut up into 1"cubes) for at least 3 hours in:

3 T. low sodium soy sauce

2 T. Olive Oil

2 T. Rice Vinegar

1 Clove Garlic minced

Remaining Ingredients:

1 can low sodium beef broth

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 T. brown sugar (or 2 T. Splenda - which is what I used)

2 Cloves garlic minced

1/4 t. ground ginger

Veggies for kabobs:

3 portobello mushrooms, cut into squares (I used white mushrooms)

1 large green pepper cut into chunks

12 cherry tomatoes

12 chunks fresh pineapple (I did NOT use fruit... not on my plan yet)

1 yellow summer squash cut into cubes (I added this veggie)

Directions:

1. In sauce pan, combine beef broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar/spenda, garlic and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

2. Preheat your outdoor grill for high heat (I suggest Med to High) and lightly oil grate. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, alternating with veggies... or do separate skewers for veggies.

3. Cook on grill for 15 minutes (We timed them and cooked them about 6 minutes each side), or until meat is cooked through. Turn skewers and baste often with sauce during cooking.

As you can see, I always make double/triple recipes... enough for an army!!

We basted the pork and the veggies every few minutes. The sauce was really good. Even my kids really liked that sauce!

Pork all done. Oooh... good!

This was my plate. I didn't weigh the pork, but I suspect it was over the 5 ounce amount for pork... but I really needed extra protein for that night especially! :)

I took them off their skewers and dug in. I must have sounded like Bob in "What about Bob" the way I was eating! I liked the way the squash tasted with the sauce glaze grilled on it. So yummy!

One thing I am very grateful for with my new lifestyle is how I don't have the cravings like I used to. I smell a fast food place and I may briefly think about it, but the pull on me is minimal. I crave much more healthy foods. The thought of eating french fries almost makes me feel sick when I think about it, even though I have loved them. This is the FIRST diet/lifestyle change that I have felt that I CAN stick to and enjoy it. I don't feel deprived and I really enjoy the food I eat. I have my favorite medifast foods too, and look forward to what I will choose. I love the variety. I just need to start a regular exercise program now that is consistent. Can you believe I've lost 49 pounds WITHOUT exercising????? I LOVE that this program is not based on killing yourself at the gym. I want to go to the gym because I want to and not out of forcing myself.

I'm SO thankful for the positive support I've received too. I've shared this blog on the TSFL support boards, yet only with a with a couple people who actually know me... because it is so personal, but I want to help and support others who are in my same boat. Loosing weight and changing your lifestyle is a HUGE task and we all need to be supportive of each other no matter where on that path we are. :)

Video Clip of myself from the past...

I've been converting my home videos to the computer and I ran across this video today. It's me opening gifts on my birthday in 2006. I haven't seen this video since it was made and I was SHOCKED to see myself. I am morbidly HUGE with that big spare tire and I almost don't have a neck with my double chin. Although at this time, I was just starting to come out of my "cave", I was also haunted by the years and years of SELF LOATHING. I honestly couldn't imagine anyone ever wanting to be my friend or hang around me. (Thus, I pretty much had no social life for 20+ years!) I didn't ever want to go out in public. The only way I did was by pretending that I wasn't fat... which made it difficult when I passed my reflection... even shocking. I never want to be this big again!!!

You may not notice in this video too, the small case of Trichotillomania I had. For YEARS I had no bottom eye lashes and was constantly massacring my eyebrows. I didn't mean to do this to myself... it's hard to explain, but I think inside, it was a physical manifestation of the disgust I had for myself. To actually get into "cutting" or other self-injurious behaviors would have been too obvious to me, and I would never do something like that. It has taken a few years but I have overcome this and I have all my lashes and brows! That is one personal battle I have conquered but it wasn't easy. It is hard and frankly embarrassing to bring all this to light, but I feel that by doing so, I am able to face these old issues head on and let go of the past me and move forward. And if anyone reading this relates to these kind of issues, I hope they would know that they can conquer this too!!

This picture of me and my son was taken just yesterday. I was very surprised because I think my face looks thinner... less of a double chin. I really do think it might be the angle again, but either way, I like this picture of me! I look happy. I look like someone that I would want to be friends with! Thankfully, I think I am more of a friend to that girl now, too!

Week 11 and still going

I am down 4 pounds this last week for a total of 46 pounds now.

My man is down 3 pounds now for a total of 51 pounds!!

I'm so happy for my guy! He has gone from size 50 pants, to 42! He went to salvation army the other day just to pick up a few clothes that don't drown him. Then he went through our closet and filled a large storage bin full of clothes that are too big for him now. His belt has been cinched up so much that it's like 1/4 to 1/3 of it is extra.

I can't say I've changed my wardrobe at all yet! Probably because most of my pants are the stretchy kind. But my main skirt is falling off me more now, as I found out when I wore it the other day. I am anxious to be able to fit in to smaller clothes!

I hope to reach that 50 pound mark here soon! I KNOW this plan works and I KNOW I will reach my goal weight. I've never felt this sure about any other diet or change I've done. This is SO easy compared to all the other attempts I've made. I used to just resign myself to the fact that I'd always be big... which would be so discouraging some days when I felt down, friendless, ugly, tired, and with all the physical pain that comes with it. I used to think that I'd never be able to do any physical activities with my kids or a billion other things. NOW, I know it is possible and it WILL happen. I hope whoever is reading this who can relate to these feelings can believe that change can happen for you too! If I can do this, then anyone can!!

Week 10 - Started First Workout!

I lost 2 pounds last week and my guy lost 3. Week 10 brings me to a total of 42 pounds lighter, and my guy to a total of 48 pounds lighter. :) I STILL say that it's hardly noticeable with me. I saw some pics of myself this weekend and I look exactly the same (to me). That just goes to show how easily I gained the weight without looking drastically different. I am SO anxious to really BE thinner!!

Here is my FAVORITE medifast lunch!! Chicken Noodle Soup with crackers. I never tire of this, it's so yummy!

My honey LOVES my muffins with the Walden Farms jelly (sugar free/fat free/ calorie free).

This week I made stuffed peppers!!!

We really enjoyed them. I even made them again for my whole family!

I browned my 1 pound of ground lean turkey and 1 pound ground lean beef and drained it. Then I added one pack of ground up medifast crackers, 1 cup egg beaters, 2 T. Italian seasonings, and approx. 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. This meat mixture makes a bunch - as you can tell, I always double recipes so I can have it later too.

I filled the peppers and put a little water in the bottom of the pan just to cover it. Bake at 350 for about 18 minutes or until pepper is tender. I sprinkled a little cheese on top the last 2 min. of baking.

It was delicious. I didn't need any salsa or added flavoring for mine.

My man enjoyed his with his hot salsa.

We also ate out at Applebees again. This time I had the weight watchers steak and grilled shrimp. I asked for no oils or butters when baking... but I wonder if they did because it tasted SO good! I want to be able to make shrimp skewers as yummy as these!

This week we also WORKED OUT for the first time since we started this lifestyle change. Now, the last time I went on the treadmill like 6 months ago, I could only get up to 30 minutes. And the most I've gotten up to is like 40 minutes. So for not going in months, I was astounded with myself...

I walked for over 53 minutes and over 2 and a half miles!!! Some of it I even had on an incline! Wow!! I guess being 40 pounds less has helped me be able to walk longer and handle more on the treadmill. I wasn't even overly tired or TOO sore the next day (just a little sore). I am SO excited about that!

Here I am feeling happy about my walking.

I am having some much appreciated success. But it isn't without many struggles. I have struggled this weekend with a heartbreak from my past. I am amazed at how powerful this trial has been over me. It brings me SO much sorrow and I fight the feelings and thoughts with all my energy and many prayers. I realize that things may not be how they seem to me and I am trying to TRUST IN THE LORD that one day I will have understanding and peace about this trial and that it will all turn out for the best in the end. Waiting until then has been a struggle, yet I know my Savior is aware of my trials and the longings of my heart and I will Trust in Him. I am truly blessed, too, and thankful for the strength the Lord gives me and for my wonderful family!!

Week 9 Results... and how to be COOL!

I lost 5 pounds this week!! That's a total of 40 pounds lost! (I almost can't believe this!)

My man is down 3 pounds for a total of 45 pounds lost!

I tried a new veggie recipe this week! I found this in a mag at the Dr. office and it looked good.

(This is actually double the recipe - you can half this to try it on a smaller scale)

Sauteed Cauliflower & Grape Tomatoes:

4 T. real bacon bits

4 T. extra virgin olive oil (divided)

1 medium head cauliflower CHOPPED (about 8 cups)

4 T. water

4 T. red-wine vinegar

2 Cups grape tomatoes, halved

4 T. chopped fresh parsley

2 T minced garlic

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. freshly ground pepper

Add 2 T oil to pan & heat up on medium heat. Add cauliflower, cover and cook stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes. Add water and vinegar, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender and the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes more.

Add the remaining 2 T oil, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is soft, about 3 minutes more. Serve the sauteed cauliflower with the bacon bits on top.

Each cup of this is: 124 calories, 9 g. fat, 4 g. protein, & 3 g. fiber.

The cauliflower dish is quite tasty. The tomatoes give it a "zing". My hubby enjoyed them too. A nice change from the salads. I had it with chicken and the next night with Boca burger and some Ranch dressing on top.

My coach clued me onto this dish using the pre-cooked beef strips from Costco and fresh broccoli. You heat up the strips over the stove and add some "Newmans own low-fat sesame ginger" dressing. I also mixed my broccoli in the dressing after I steamed them, for a delicious Beef and Broccoli dinner!

HOW TO BE COOL!!

Okay, I noticed right away at a Medifast convention I went to with my man and my coach before we started that everyone and their dog had a water bottle! (That is if they had a dog, it would have had a water bottle too!)

I learned pretty quickly that carrying a water bottle everywhere is COOL! Healthy, active, happy people seem to have water bottles and drink from them all the time. So I got on the band wagon right away.

We have shied away from buying the plastic water bottles and have converted several "Sobe" glass drink bottles into our "at home" water bottles. The glass is easy to stick in the DW after a couple uses so they're easier to keep clean. We have a whole shelf in our fridge just for all our glass water bottles!! (Our kids use them too).

And I LOVE these plastic ones from Costco. There is no lid to unscrew, you can just pull the trigger and the spout opens and you drink! It doesn't leak (which other water bottles I bought have) and it has a clip on it. Total winner for us. We bought two packs of them (3 come in a pack) so we can always have one ready to grab and my hubby keeps one in his car and one at work.

Meet Gloria.... Gloria is my purse! Yes, I name my purses... mostly because I started once with my kids and now whenever I get a new purse they require me to name it. It makes it easy to ask them to "get Gloria for me", or "hold on to Gloria please".

Anyway... I picked Gloria out at Fred Meyer when I was shopping with a friend. I was going to pick a pink version of this purse, but my friend (who knew about my upcoming lifestyle change) said I should pick orange because it's "NEW" like the NEW ME I am creating! I LOVE that!! And the orange made it look glorious (thus she became Gloria).

And I was THRILLED to see how my water bottle fit in Gloria's pocket... the clip perfectly at the right size to snap into the o-ring of the handle. Sweetness! I makes it SO easy to take my water everywhere!! (Now, I can be cool too!)

I want to end this post with just a quick SHOUT OUT for my coach! My hubby's medifast order got damaged on it's route to our house and thus his food shipment was put off for another week. We were running out of bars. When I told this to my SUPER COOL and FABULOUS coach, she immediately ran over some boxes of bars from her own food supply! That meant SO much to us. She also gives me so many food ideas and is just SO positive. Besides the fact that she is my coach, she is also the kindest friend who is so encouraging and generous! I feel SO THANKFUL that I saw her when I did (having lost her 100+ pounds) and was introduced to this program that is changing me and my husbands lives! You will always have my love and admiration, Latrease!!!

HEART ATTACK Scare!!

My 55 year old brother had a major heart attack last week! Thankfully, he was in the hospital just coming out of back surgery - which is what truly saved his life. They were able to wheel him right back in and put some stints in. He had 100% blockage on one, 80% blockage on another and 30% on a third. He is home and doing well and counting his incredible blessings! He's got 9 kids who are all holding on to him a little tighter now.

You know, my mother died at age 56 from heart disease, and her mother died at 56 from heart disease. I am 41 right now. Boy, is it ever time for me to WAKE UP!! It's in my genes to have my arteries build up with plaque. Even though my brother had been exercising and eating healthy for the last year (and even lost 30 lbs) he still had that heart attack. The doctor told him that because he's made those changes probably saved his life. That is isn't uncommon for people to have heart problems and NOT EVEN REALIZE how bad it is until the have a major heart attack or until it's too late. This is more evidence that making this change THIS YEAR - RIGHT NOW, is absolutely necessary!! I am SO glad I am making this change.

WEEK 8 - I'm down 3 more pounds for 35 pounds lost! My man is down 5 pounds for 42 pounds lost!

Here is a L&G I threw together. This is rotissary chicken (SO good) on top of sateed yellow squash and mushrooms. I know, that sounds like an unlikely pair but I was in a hurry and it was yummy!

This was an L&G for my man... using those boca-type crumbles mixed in with his salad and his hot salsa. He prefers the ground turkey/beef mixture to the boca crumbles but it wasn't bad.

So this is how I prep our puddings every week or two. I mostly make chocolate with a few drops of the Capella hazel nut flavoring, and banana with either no drops or added banana flavoring drops. This time I actually added some chocolate brownie drops to the banana to see if I like it. I love to eat pudding as my breakfast and I love having them already made. My husband can grab one to put in his lunch box and these little containers with lids are inexpensive and easy to clean and store.

Last night I made muffins again! (I did a double batch as the picture shows) I will post the recipe I use on the side. My hubby LOVES these. He is a bread lover and this gets him his bread fix.

Two of these muffins equals one meal and so I put two in a baggie, fresh out if the oven and then freeze them. My hubby grabs one in the morning and nukes it for like 40 seconds and then eats them on his drive to work.

Here is the newest L&G I've tried. Imitation crab meet!! I got it at Costco and had this crab salad with my favorite light Ranch dressing (Bolton). I loved it. I loved having the crunchier veggies in there too like radishes and celery along with the cucumbers, lettuce and peppers.

And this meal is my Honey's standard favorite. Yes, he does have 4 of the Morning Star sausage patties (instead of the 3) but he craves that protein and feels that his body needs it and he still loses weight even having 4 of them so more power to him! He doesn't even have dressing on his salad anymore. He just enjoys eating the veggies fresh.

I've discovered another HELPFUL HINT for myself. I chew more gum! It really helps inbetween meals to have something yummy to chew on. I am always trying new sugar free gum now where I used to only buy the peppermint or spearmint for fresh breath. Those who know me well, know I love "Trident White - Cool Colada". I call it my HAPPY GUM because you just can't chew it and not feel happy. Some others I am liking right now are: New Trident Layers (both flavors of them), Extra Fruit Sensations Strawberry Banana and Berry Pearadise, and the Orbit Mist Watermelon Spring. I'm sure there are many others that are tasty to chew. And even today in the doctors office, I read an article in a magazine that said that people who chew gum inbetween meals are more likely to eat less calories throughout the day. :)

WEEK 7!!

This week I lost 2 lbs for a total of 32 pounds lost!

My hubby lost 5 lbs for a total of 37 pounds lost!

Things I've Noted:

1. When I start to lose energy it can happen fast - so that's when I know I need to eat again quick!

2. Lack of sleep makes me get tired faster in between meals! I need my sleep!

3. My husband doesn't really snore so much anymore! (The nights are so much quieter)

I am feeling Good! I was talking to a friend this week who previously ran a 10K event last year. She asked me if I wanted to run it with her next year. I thought to myself "You know, I totally could do that!" I will have lost all my weight before then and I could train... why not??

[I am NOT a runner and have never liked running but I like the idea of having a goal to work towards. You see, I've been so big, I haven't even RUN or JOGGED in YEARS!! It's so hard on my knees and huge flapping tummy, not to mention that I've just not been in any kind of shape to do it.]

But as of right now, I'm over 30 pounds lighter and still losing... so I feel excited about having a goal like that. And I would love to run an event with a friend!!! I even asked my hubby and kids if they wanted to have a goal to run it with me. (no big responses yet... :)

We went to the tulip festival yesterday. We didn't get tired walking around but we did need to take our small meal break and drink lots of water. Oh, but it was beautiful! Here we are looking out over part of the flower field.

Overall, we are having many positive changes in our lives. We are enjoying life more than just surviving it... even though we still have some huge trials.

My Mantra for this week: Remember the JOY in the JOURNEY!

Can you say THIRTY?

So we weighed in yesterday and I lost 5 pounds

and my babe lost 4 pounds!!!

That brings my total weight loss to 30 pounds!!

Saweet!

Then, last night, our friends took us out to eat at Applebees. This is the FIRST time we have eaten food from any kind of restaurant since we started this change. I asked for their nutrition information which showed all the calories, carbs, fat & sodium of all their entrees. I ordered the "Weight Watchers Steak and Portobellos" dish. (330 calories, 3 fat, 38 carbs) It was perfect for my L&G with a 4 oz. steak and veggies. Oh... and it was SO good. I was expecting white mushrooms but they were darker and cut lengthwise so they almost looked like slugs! I quickly got that thought out of my head, though and truly enjoyed every bite! I had them not include the potatoes and just put on more broccoli.

My hubby ordered the "Asian Crunch Salad" (490 calories, 1 fat, 57 carbs) and ate only 2/3 of it. He enjoyed it and brought the rest home in a box.

It was so fun to get out and wonderful to be with friends.

I honestly don't feel like I look any thinner!! It kind of bugs me. Although... I got a new Cricut Expressions machine before my Utah trip and finally opened it and tried it out tonight. I had my daughter take my picture. When I looked at the pictures - for the first time I actually didn't cringe.

Maybe it's the angle, but I think my face does look a tad bit thinner. :)

Stud Man!!

Our weigh-in for the week is tomorrow but I had to take a picture of my man this morning before he left for work. When we started this lifestyle change, he wore a size 4X shirt. Today, he tried on this 2X shirt and it fits!!! BOOYA~ He's looking so good!

And Looky what else fits.... HIS WEDDING RING! He hasn't worn that for YEARS because it's been too tight on him. I am so happy for him. :)

This week, in honor of St. Patrick's day, I made LIME-COCONUT knox blox. I am not a fan of lime, so adding the coconut flavoring gave it a scrumptious twist. Yum!

This week I also cooked up some very lean ground beef mixed with some lean ground turkey and added some taco seasonings. My husband prefers hamburger to turkey so if I mix the two, he enjoys it better than just the ground turkey. Instead of just putting the meat on top of a lettuce leaf, I chopped up the lettuce & tomatoes & peppers very small and then mixed it all in. I loved eating it this way. I also added (not pictured) a couple tablespoons of salsa (watching the carbs, of course) for a delicious kick. I did the same dish for my hubby, but I only did 4 ounces of meat and added some CHEESE. I wanted all my 6 ounces of meat so I didn't add cheese to mine but that would have been delish too!

It's been a hard week for me, not physically or with eating the right foods - on that account I have NOT WAVERED one BIT - but just with my emotions and feeling down. I know the Adversary is trying to get me to slip back into my old ways of self-loathing and feeling sorrow for the past... BUT I also know the Lord is there uplifting me and showing me the way. I know I have to refuse to believe and dwell on the negative thoughts and turn to Him, even daily and sometimes hourly! I have to do my part. Whenever you are making positive changes in your life, you will always feel opposition! I guess when we stop feeling opposition is when we really should worry!!

Mantra for this week:

"I can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST which STRENGTHENETH me"

(Philippians 4:13)

Down...

I'm feeling a little down today. I'm not losing weight as fast as I'd like too, and I tried on a blouse today and still didn't like the way it fit. I've got such a big tummy to lose! I started a temp job at my son's high school again in a class w/ disabled students. Although the teacher likes me, I'm working with other aids that I feel do not like me and have complained about me. I always greet them cheerfully and try to be a positive uplift there (since everyone seems to hate their job) yet I am feeling a lack of friends again. Then my old friend issue comes into mind which is too heartbreaking for me to even think about.

I know I need to buck up but right now I wish I could crawl back into bed and cry myself to sleep... I'm not feeling very uplifting to anyone today. I'm sure I'll be better another day.

~ Feeling ALIVE after WEEK 5 ~

We have reached the end of our 5th week and here are the results:

Me - 4 pounds lighter; total loss now = 25 lbs

Hubby - 6 pounds lighter; total loss now = 28 lbs

This is so encouraging to us!!! When I pass the 30 pounds loss mark, it will physically manifest more weight than I've lost on all my other diet changes! So that will be another milestone for me. My hubby is feeling so much better. He said he would like to write his own feelings for me to post on here... so I will when he writes them down for me.

Because I am so big to begin with, I often still feel so huge and homely - BUT - at the same time I also talk to my husband and plan like I am already a thinner person - because that is where I am headed.

Here are a couple Lean and Greens from this last week:

First, I made SHRIMP for the first time on this plan!! This is the pre-cooked frozen shrimp from Costo. I just defrosted it and then steamed up some asparagus (my second time making this vegetable). I cooked the shrimp over the stove with some of my favorite sauce I use for salmon: Jakes's Orange Mango barbeque glaze. Then I also drizzled some over the asparagus as well. So delicious! I am anxious to try other ways in making shrimp too, because I loved being able to have 7 ounces of it!

Doesn't that look so good?

I also made this chicken salad. This is chicken is also from costco, "Sweet carmelized onion chicken burgers" that I posted below in a previous entry. I just warmed up the chicken burger on the stove and then cut it up into smaller chunks and put them on a bed of lettuce, cucumber and tomoto. I used this "Bolthouse" ranch dressing which has less fat/calories due to being made from yogurt. SO good! (my coach told me about the Bolthouse dressings).

This was the best salad I tasted yet

Here it is with about 2 T. of dressing added.

I still have other L&G ideas I want to try... I'm cautious because that is my favorite meal of the day and I want to make sure it's one I'm going to love!

Craving Orange Chicken!

Right before I started my TSFL change, I was totally addicted to Panda Express and their Orange Chicken. So once I was on this, I tried making a baked orange chicken from a recipe I found on line where you use a can of diet orange soda. It didn't really satisfy me, though.

Last night, I tried something new for my lean and green. First, I had 1 cup of cucumbers with 1/2 cup of pepper and added some of the Walden Farms Sugar free/fat free/calorie free Italian dressing for my salad. Then I had 6 oz. of chicken breast strips and dunked them in this "Wok with me" Shanghai Orange sauce. It was a delicious new idea to try (thanks to my coach). The sauce was pretty good and had a tiny little kick - but not too much for me.

I will be adding this idea to my list of favorite meals!

Hitting a MILESTONE

We hit a MILESTONE for our WEEK 4.

I lost 3 pounds for a total of 21 pounds lost!

My hubby lost 5 pounds for a total of 22 pounds lost!

We both have reached the milestone of losing 20 pounds!! This is where I usually stop losing or end up slowly fizzling out of my lifestyle change, or cheating and rationalizing that I'm not... BUT NOT THIS TIME - I'm just getting started baby!

Today was awesome because my husband was able to wear a jacket that didn't fit him before. He's been wearing this fleece vest for a warmth the last two winters because he outgrew all his coats and jackets. He also commented to me that it's much easier to tie his shoes. He used to have to hold his breath and lunge for it with gusto even get to his laces. Makes me realize how much we can take for granted. I wore a skirt today and it did seem a little loser around the waist. Hmmm... I could get used to this. I feel much better than I have but I am anxious to feel more thinner and to see some more noticeable differences in my appearance.

("Patience..." I tell myself).

I LOVE that I have a coach who has a sincere interest in my success. This is the BEST program for me.

Here is one of my lean and greens this week. It's the pre-cooked beef strips from Costco with... (act surprised now) sauteed peppers and mushrooms! So yummy. No, those are NOT real olives, just part of the plates decorations.

Tonight we tried a totally new L&G. I browned a pound of lean ground turkey and added some taco seasoning (watching the carbs), and 1/2 cup of canned tomatoes and let it simmer. Then I portioned out about 4 ounces (instead of 6) and then I put it on a couple lettuce leafs like so.

Then I added 2 ounces of low fat CHEESE!!

(cheese counts as the rest of my protein)

Then I topped it with some tomatoes and peppers and VOILA!!

My hubby ate it with a fork but I rolled them up like tacos. They were SOOO good. I think we'll have this again tomorrow.

My message for this week is:

BE STRONG and think of the END RESULT!!

Week 3!!!

Week 3 Results are in:

Me - down 4 pounds!! (for a total of 18 pounds so far)

My hubby - down 3 pounds!! (for a total of 16 pounds so far)

This week was truly a testing week as I flew out to Utah for 6 days to be with my sister and nieces for a baby shower. My husband got work off to run the household while I was gone.

I got some great tips for traveling from my coach:

* Always carry some extra bars in your purse.

* Double bag your medifast meal packets

in zip lock baggies and keep in your

backpack for quick access.

* Bring more food than you think you'll need.

* Be sure and eat every 3 hours

as hunger can be murder on your will power.

Here was the test: There was food everywhere! Yummy salads, taco soup with chips, rice krispy squares covered in chocolate, cute little cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, cookies, brownies, and on and on.

Here I am even helping dip the strawberries in chocolate with my niece. It was fun!

What helped me NOT feel deprived or tempt myself to eat this food off my plan?

First, I kept my meals going, sometimes it was every two hours, and Second, I focussed on my family and visiting and NOT on the food. I laughed, I took a ton a pictures, I enjoyed visiting and I wasn't hungry because I was eating my meals and drinking lots of water. I even made my yummy little "Knox Blox" jell-o squares and had them in little baggies and if I needed a little inbetween snack, I'd suck on those yummy squares and it was all good. My nieces loved them too and we ended up making a bunch for the rest of the family. I will put the recipe for knox blox on the side bar of this blog. They are so low calorie and much firmer than Jell-o jigglers!

I am realizing that losing weight is really first a MENTAL and EMOTIONAL challenge. I could not do this if my mind wasn't ready. And I am finally truly SO ready to shed my weight. I feel so determined that I won't let temptations for other foods tempt me off my momentum and kick me out of my fat-burning ketosis! That would be a waste of 3 days not to mention the cost of 3 days of medifast food. It's NOT worth it. And I'm not so deprived. I still get my chocolate fix, brownies, shakes and my delicious lean and greens. And I get to FEEL so MUCH BETTER!!!

My 18 pound loss isn't too noticable outwardly yet... but, my brother did notice and asked if I'd lost weight!! So he could tell and he hasn't seen me in a long time.

Here is my second lean and Green meal while in Utah. Surprise...it's salmon!! My sister had some of this for me to have instead of the taco soup, chips and pasta salad that everyone else had. I sauteed by favorite again (peppers and mushrooms) and I was in heaven!

I am also realizing how much the Lord is helping me and wants me to have success. Honestly, it will take time even after I lose all this weight to feel like I measure up in my worth to others and myself. I have been heavy for so long and felt worthless compared to others who were more thin and fit. Only someone who is or was obese really knows the discrimination you feel and all the aches & pains you have 24/7. So much of it is unspoken and unknown. Sometimes if feels like others have an attitude of "If you don't like it, then just lose weight!" But I know my Heavenly Father has compassion on me and knows my struggles and wants me to feel His love and know my true worth! He sees beyond my size and He sees the real me, and I want to see that again too, and I know I will.

About drinking lots of water: I am having to go to the bathroom all the time because I'm drinking so much water. Seriously, it's almost too ridiculous! I went 3 times while at a friends house for dinner, 3 times while I shopped at Wal-mart, twice during the night, once on the plane, twice before the plane, etc. etc. BUT, I'm thinking that as my weight comes off, the pressure on my bladder will lesson and it will hold more (I've always had a weak bladder!). AND drinking lots of water HELPS with the weight loss. So, I may have to go potty a lot, but that's just another sacrifice to get this weight OFF!!!