MY Journey to Health & Happiness

3's THE CHARM

2011-08-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

AT least that is what I have always heard so I am going to put it to the test.
Having just last night come back from what I can say was the most life transforming "Celebration" I have ever
witnessed, I am literally vibrating good energy. Seriously!! If you touched me right now, you would feel it too!
I was so moved by so many wonderful people, but three really hit home and resinated with me.

1st there was my sweet young friend Kristin (on the left) who is not only fighting stage 4 breast cancer with the spirit of a saint, but was onstage for loosing 200 lbs!! yep, and she will be on stage next year as well! Her body is hurting from broken bone, ribs etc, from the "canSer" as she refers to it, yet she smiles, constantly.. never once complaining, always lifting up others.. what a dynamic person to say the least.
Then there is my Angel, Dana. I cry tears of joy for her as I write about her because she touches me in a way nobody has ever done before.
This Lady's courage, and beautiful spirit go above and beyond what we could ever possibly imagine. at 900 lbs, the doctors literally sent her home "to die with Dignity!" WHAT?? how do you do that! Seriously, they just gave up on her. Thankfully some friends of hers knew of a product that would help her, Cleanse her body from the inside helping her release all of the toxins from her body, supply her with the Nutrition her body was longing for, and help her loose the extra weight along the way. Reluctantly she tried it and because of this amazing product, ISAGENIX, she has not only lost 100, 200, 300 lbs. but 402 lBS!!!!!!!!! She is a force to reckon with for sure.. nothing is going to stop her now. She is a walking talking testimony for Nutritional Cleansing & what it will actually do for you.

OK, so like that s not enough, each year at Celebration our company has an IsaBody challenge and anyone can sign up. I have been with Isagenix 5 years this coming October and I myself have signed up two times before today, but after seeing the beautiful Jill Birth (the 3rd person to touch me) win this years Challenge, I was moved to give it another go. Like me, she has been with Isagenix for a long time, and has dreamt of winning, but never quit got there for whatever reason.. our stories are so close, there are soo man parallels it really moved me to try and go for it again.
You really need to watch Jills video.. it is awe inspiring I promise!
It isn't about the money, altough Jill won 120,000K (our company is AMAZING this way) I am sure that was merely the cherry on her cuppy cake. It was about presivering, and wining the challenge for herself, feeding that fire inside herself, proving that she could if se wanted it badly enough.. and she did!
I am not writing this to "SELL" a product! I am writing this because I am so moved by these women. Women I have met and love that are inspiring me to do something for ME! They have made me realize that I am important to, and at my present weight of 305 lbs, I know if I do not take the opportunity to do this now, I will forever keep gaining.
My body is breaking down, I am needing knee surgery in both knees, my health is not good, and my spirit was broken to say the least. I am thanking God for showing me through these ladies that I can not give up on myself, I have too many people rooting for me, that love me, and want me around for a long time, and THAT is a GREAT feeling!
So here I go! I am officially signed up as of today and must put this out there, IF you have read this and feel the same way, if you are tired of sitting and watching life pass you by like me, I will be more than happy to help you get started and joining me on this journey to health & HAPPINESS!

ALL OF MY LOVE NOW & ALWAYS,
Cheri

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!

2011-07-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Where do I start, it has been an emotionally turbulent year to say the very least.
I have been helping my daughter in Utah with her children as she has been going thru some very serious health issues,
needless to say time was a luxury item I had little of and I would not change a thing other than my beautiful girls health!
So here I am today embarking on yet another stab at getting my weight under control. Thankfully health wise I am doing well &
I give credit to the Isagenix products I have been able to keep in my system sustaining my energy level. Now to implement them
so I will loose weight. Sadly I am at the highest I have ever been in my life, and if I can not be honest to you, I can not be honest with myself. I need to loose 155 lbs.. OUCH! But I know I can do it & I will make it EASY & FUN!
We have Isagenix Celebration in a week and a half, and I am SO excited about going & seeing all of my Isapeeps there, this is a
phenomenal company & I have made such great friends. I have been invited to attend the Founders Gala as well for the 1st time, and I can not wait to cheer on everyone for their dedication in building this company up to what it is today. If you don't believe me just grab the most recent issue of Popular Science.. enough said!
So thats what is going on with me.. would love to hear what is going on with all of you since I have been away!
wishing you a beautiful day!
Cheri

Wanna Be Balanced Mom: I'M GIVING AWAY ONE OF MY BINDERS!!!!

2011-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Wanna Be Balanced Mom: I'M GIVING AWAY ONE OF MY BINDERS!!!!

Charlies 1st birthday 5-27-2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-05-27T05:57:00.001-07:00

Today is my granddaughter Charlie Elizabeths 1st birthday, so I made a video in honor of her special day, check it out if you like (remember the volume)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Starting over again!

2010-05-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I have really been reevaluating this whole Health & Happiness thing, and I must say it has taken quite a turn.
As many of you are aware, and for those of you who are not, I have been very ill over the last year or so, no one could figure out what in the world was going on, even though it was obvious to all something was very wrong.
Many many different symptoms, but mostly extreme fatigue, I could sleep 8-10 hours and wake up completely exhausted, and for those who know me, I usually have energy to spare on 5-8.
Bottom line; after spending a lot of time and testing at the Cancer Center here in Las Vegas, I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus &Hemolytic Anemia (which apparently accompanies Lupus in some cases)
I am SO relieved, as my daughter said to me, "Mom, this is the BEST bad news I have ever heard!" I do not have cancer like the signs were pointing to, and everything I have can be managed by lifestyle change, diet, and medication as needed.
So, here I sit, feeling Blessed beyond measure, knowing I have everything in the world to be grateful for, so now to start the change.
I know it will be a process, old habits die hard.. growing up in El Paso Texas, my blood is made of Mexican food, and that, well lets just say is not the healthiest food one could put in their mouth! SInce I have NO desire to give mexican food up entirely, (not sure if I even could) I will try and figure out ways to make "healthy mexican food" I a always up for a challenge..
So now my focus is NOT on weightloss as it was before, it is completely and all about getting "HEALTHY" and with that the weightloss will happen.
I think its funny in a sad kinda way, how I have sabotaged myself focusing on ALL the weight I have to loose.. it is not about the number, it is about how you feel, eating the good things your body needs in order to sustain itself, young or old, & getting exercise, the weightloss is the per that stems from this.. it really is easy in my head... it is just a matter of taking it a day at a time, and implementing the right choices each day!
I am Blessed to have the opportunity to change my lifestyle for the better, a chance some people would give everything to have.
Thanks for reading this, for your love & support,
CHERI

Whirlwind Week & 30 lbs down!

2010-02-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

To say it has been a whirlwind would be an understatement.
This past Saturday I was blessed with grandchild # 11. Brock RIley made his appearance into this big world at 8 lbs 20" long.
Both Mom & baby are doing well, and big sis Athena is thrilled with her new brother. I was blessed to be able to drive up to Salt Lake from Vegas to see Mom & baby as well as daughter Nikki, and her two sweet girls, Charlie & Sydney. It was a joyous time, and I could not be happier for the new addition into out constantly growing family~

Because of this convenient world we live in, I was able to do my very 1st interview on Blog Talk Radio while visiting Salt Lake. and I am happy to report the interview was a complete success. I have not had that much fun in a long time.. and why not, I am a talker given an outlet to discuss my passion for the most remarkable Nutritional Cleansing System in the world, bar none! I am continuously blown away to see how dramatically this changes peoples lives, and how fast the fat melts away! I have lost 30 lbs now as of January 5, and 8" in my waist alone ~
Who do you know with weight issues, that would not love that.. not to mention how well I am sleeping & how great I have felt since day 2 of this journey.
I am adding the link for those that would like to hear the interview. We had such great reviews from this, that we are planning another in 3 mths.. I can't wait!
http://xrl.us/cherigipson
Have a Blessed weekend, "GO SAINTS!!!"

Life's Challenges

2010-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me what life can throw your way at any given second. I guess the biggest thing is how you choose to handle that obstacle.
Example:Last year was so filled with one thing after the other that I felt myself becoming over whelmed, and it was just easier to sit back, and feel numb rather than try to fight, I was empty inside & had nothing left to give. So this year I have decided to make my health and weight loss a priority, not just for me, but for my family. Laughingly though, with a new year comes a whole new list of obstacles.. It is called life, and I am trying hard to take it day by day & deal with whatever comes my way.
I had my colonoscopy yesterday and they removed a large polyp that looked to be cancerous. I "CHOOSE" not to worry about this until there is something to actually worry about, until then, I will move forward, thank God for my blessings, and remain faithful to my fight for good health!
Obstacle two came on the same day after coming home from the hospital and seeing blood everywhere! Our little white poodle had blood all over him! after I calmed myself (yes, I freaked out, it looked like someone or thing had been slaughtered) I scooped him up & got him to the vet where he underwent x-rays, sonogram, blood work, along with several other tests. They have concluded that he has crystals growing in his bladder which can evolve into kidney stones. For now he is on a strong antibiotic, and we have to keep a close eye on him..
I am proud of myself in the fact that I have stuck to my plan without a second thought where as last year I would have come home seeking comfort in a pint of Ben & Jerry's anything I could get my hands on.
I am reminding myself that yesterday is gone, we can not change anything about it, I must live today the best that I can so that I will have a happier and healthier tomorrow!

CLARITY

2010-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

CLARITY |ˈklaritē|
noun
the quality of being clear, in particular:
• the quality of coherence and intelligibility : for the sake of clarity, each of these strategies is dealt with separately.
• the quality of being easy to see or hear; sharpness of image or sound : the clarity of the picture.
• the quality of being certain or definite : it was clarity of purpose that he needed.

I am experiencing ALL of the above! It is as if my senses are all coming to life again after being stifled for years. That may seem really silly to some, but for me, everything is more acute.. sight, smell, taste, reasoning EVERYTHING!
So exciting!! I am sure every inch of my body has been smothered in toxins and fat for so long, now that the cleansing is doing its job, I am more aware period! Simply amazes me how something so simple can make you feel SO alive.
I get to have a shake in the a.m. and then nothing but clear none colored stuff after that as I prepare to drink the nasty stuff one must endure before undergoing a colonoscopy! (On Friday at 11)
so for the next two days I will be off everything until after the procedure, then I can have a shake for dinner Friday night, lol knowing me I may be hungry enough to take down a Buffalo.. I will refrain!
Just had to share my excitement!
Have a great night!
Cheri

Weigh In!

2010-01-26T07:02:00.001-08:00

I AM SO EXCITED! When I first started this journey on January 5, I started out at 300 lbs! Yep thats a lot!!
The 1st 9 day Nutritional cleanse I did I lost 16 lbs, and 10 over all inches! Pretty exciting, huh? I wanted to shout it from the roof tops, because most people do not realize just how hard it is to loose those first few pounds.
So as of today I have lost 10 more lbs! That is 26 lbs in 3 weeks! I have heard so many people say that that is not healthy, thats where I must beg to differ, because what I am doing is filling my body with more nutritional goodness thru shakes, cleanse drinks, supplements good quality foods, proteins, good fats, good carbs, lots of fruits and veggies! Things my body was literally starving for. Just stick around.. seeing IS believing!
There is SO much happening in my life right now, the positive port holes are open, and the goodness is flowing in!
Not only am I loosing this weight, but a new friend of mine "Soul Dancer" will be interviewing me live on his radio show February 2, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. I will be posting the link so you can listen from your computer! How cool is that?
Another thing I want to shout from the roof tops! Soul is a Spiritual healer, a renowned motivational speaker, published author, and one of the original Isabody challenge winners in Isagenix!
So that is what is going on today! I just had to share.
Love to all
Cheri

My Own Personal Dream Team

2010-01-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

How Blessed am I.. I have TWO of Isagenix top loosers grooming me for the Isabody Challenge.. Am I up for it, you bet I am. My gosh with these two power houses how can I possible go wrong. These two men along with so many other men & women,( I have to quote Soul), have "Retired" SO much weight, not only retiring it but keeping it off for years now.
Soul likes to use the term "retire" as opposed to the word "lost" due to the fact that if you loose something you can find it again, so if you retire it, it is gone for ever! I love it!
And I love these two guys for being who they are, sweet, sincere, inspiring, wonderful people I am honored to call friends.
And then there are all of you beautiful people here who read the ramblings of thin person trapped inside a fat persons body..but not for long! I have to say thank you all again for helping keep me motivated .. like I said how blessed could one person be!

If you feel up to the challenge & would like to have a go at loosing weight & winning $10,000.00 drop me a line, I will be help you get started. Someone has to win it!!

January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited to have finally figured out this 'fan page' thing, and want to thank everyone that has added it. I promise I will try hard to make my blog more interesting while still staying on track with my goal! It is a learning process, but it is a great diversion and learning process for me.
I wanted to tell you all about my precious friend Crystals fun blog called "Balanced Mom's" you can get to it by clicking on the button to the right, I highly recommend it as she is extremely talented and fun, making her blog a place you can actually loose yourself in just reading it!
Tomorrow starts a cleanse day, 1 of 2, so I am enjoying my morning shake today .. thinking about what I will enjoy for lunch.
I actually did 20 minutes on the Gazelle yesterday, I keep adding a few minutes more each day. Like I said before, with me it is all about baby steps, or I get burned out & give up.. I have to be honest.
Looks like it will be a beautiful day here in Vegas, we had rain al of last week and I am so grateful for that. Our palm trees sure did need it.
Well I am off to fix the hubby some breakfast, wishing everyone a happy, peaceful & blessed day.
~Cheri

January 22, 2010

2010-01-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

It feels good to be back to my shakes and routine! Even though it was a couple of days, it is amazing how fast your body can go back to the "old ways" and your mind back to the cravings.
I woke up and heard my old self saying, "I really don't wanna exercise" so I gave myself some time, had my shake and supplements, grabbed a hot shower and just sat in the steam for a bit, it felt so good.
I had 2 cups of warm WME and started to come back to life! Then I did my gazelle for 15 minutes, my legs felt like spaghetti, but my mind was clear and I have felt great all day.
For lunch I made some Moroccan Couscous which I love, and had some baked chicken from dinner last night.
I am including the recipe for the couscous below.
Its a shake for dinner this evening, and another 15 minutes on the Gazelle!
Chow for now!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped shallots
3 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, recipe follows, or canned broth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups couscous
1/2 cup pignoli nuts, toasted ( I use pine nuts I toast)
1/4 cup currants (I omit)

Directions
Melt the butter in a large saute pan, add the shallots and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the chicken stock, salt and pepper, raise the heat to high and bring the stock to a boil. Off the heat and add the couscous. Cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Add the pignoli nuts and currants to the couscous, stir and serve.

It really is wonderful. I omit the currants, and add roasted pine nuts to it instead.
Sometimes I omit the nuts and add chopped green onion, tomato, and cucumber, and some flat leaf parsley all chopped really fine, add a Lemon vinaigrette it makes a wonderful little salad served on a green leafy lettuce, for a luncheon or brunch too!
ENJOY!

Back on track ~ (update from previous post)

2010-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

I went to a new Dr today, and will be having a colonoscopy on the 29th. He said with all of the tests I have had recently he saw no reason for me to stop doing my shakes & cleansing, and felt if anything it would help me.. which is what I was thinking all along.
SO back on shakes and a low cal lunch until next Mon-Tuesday then a good cleanse! I am happy to be back on track.

Dr.'s orders, change in plans

2010-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

As so many of you already know, I was diagnosed with Stage 0 (very early stage) colon cancer several years ago, and after a simple procedure, and some treatments, I have been cleared of cancer ever since.
This past June while in the hospital the Dr discovered my white cell count was extremely low, and felt that after finding out my gallbladder came out she felt that might have an effect on my cell count. Months passed and test after test have been done. Right before Christmas I under went a Plethora of blood tests, all which lead the Dr's to suspect the colon cancer MAY be back. In the meantime my Dr. has asked me to refrain from any homeopathic, herbal, or plant based products as they can sometimes alter any blood testing/screening. I wrote to John Anderson, the Master Formulator for Isagenix, and asked him if this was true, his reply was to follow the Dr's advice! So, as of this morning I had my last shake until I know what is actually going on.
This will not however change my plans for weight loss. I am after all in for the long haul, and entered into a weight loss challenge as one of my major goals, so I have to stick to some sort of plan.
I am choosing to go the high protein, low carb plan, lots of fruits and veggies, no white processed fours, only whole yummy wheat's, and lean meat (once in a while) chicken and fish!
I will continue with my daily journal, filing everyone in on my days, and what is going on as this helps me SO much, I just can not believe!
Have a great rest of the week.
~Cheri

Cleanse Day 1 (Of 2nd cleanse)

2010-01-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

I was so ready to start my cleanse day today. I know now 1st hand how much better I feel. Although I still have lots of padding around my middle, it is amazing how I feel thinner on the inside if that makes since? I am actually able to walk up the stairs, still hard to catch my breath at times, but I am not crawling up them as I was just a few weeks ago (because my knees wold hurt so badly when I tried to climb them the normal way)
So today is a cleanse day & again tomorrow, then back to shakes again until next Monday & Tuesday, then I will be back on track. Measurements and weigh in will be Thursday of this week, and Wednesday of next, Some people like to wait to do all of that, but for now it helps fuel my fire!
I just wanted to share with you the drink I am using. It is SO delicious, I just put some ice, water in my shaker, add my 1 cute little scoop of *Cleanse for Life and shake vigorously! Then I sip on it , and when it empties out I fill ur' up again 4 times a day & drink water, water with some *Want more Energy in it, and in the evening sometimes have 1 cup of decaf green tea. It just helps me relax & sleep.
Til tomorrow, make it a great day!

January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

This morning i awoke to a drizzly, cold & cloudy day. For so many this would be nothing out of the ordinary for January, but for the Las Vegas dessert it is always a good feeling to have some sort of moisture.
The whole day was a lazy one, I woke up running a low grade fever, and with my immune system being as weak as it is, I decided to hold off one day & start my cleanse day tomorrow. So Tuesday & Wednesday of this week. Part of me feels guilty for not even trying, the other part says to do what the Dr. says and listen to the body.
I did manage to get a 15 min work out on the Gazelle today. I have worked up from 5 to 15 this week, again to so many that is nothing but for a body that has been sedentary for so long, along with a bum knee.. it is all about "baby steps."
For those unfamiliar with the Gazelle, I have included a picture. I love mine. It is SO easy to use, and for people with bad knees that have a hard time on elliptical or treadmills, this is a blessing in disguise!

January 17, 2010

2010-01-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well My Cowboys lost the game today, I know that has absolutely nothing to do with "weight loss" but in my word it goes hand in hand. As soon as it was over I went straight to my favorite Mexican food place and ordered a taco & an enchillada (both chicken with lite chesse, I tried to be good...I really did) came home and proceeded to eat them. I did not eat the rice or beans so I felt like there was some sort of control over it. I have no clue what the calorie intake was on it, but I am cleansing tomorrow & Tuesday, and that is the closest I have come to falling off the "weight loss wagon" since I jumped on board..
Also, I know many do not like coffee, but I have always loved it, and I have been jonesing for a Starbucks "Java chip Frappacino," so I bought some instant decaf coffee, and plan on adding a tad to a chocolate shake along with an Isadelight to give it the chocolate chip pieces the "Java Chip" frap has. so stay tuned & I will let you know how it turns out.
The morning shake was enjoyed as always, and another is planned for dinner this evening.
Other than that nothing else to report today! I live a pretty edgy life don't I??
Have a great night and an even better week!

January 16, 2010

2010-01-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am from Texas born & raised a 9th generation Texan. Beef is something in my life I will be able to cut back on but never give up (sorry Veggie people.. .it's a Texas thing!)
I had my shake for lunch today because I just wasn't that terribly hungry after my morning shake, and went out on the web to look around. As I was browsing thru some lite dinner ideas I came across a steak & spinach salad, beans, with a Balsamic & extra virgin olive oil dressing.. all things I love, so guess what dinner was!! Yep and it was very simple & Yummy, needless to say I am stuffed.
I went more over board with the spinach rather than with the meat, I only use about 2 oz chopped up. Then I added a small amount of beans for extra protein, light spritz of balsamic vinegar & olive oil..
We spent the day not really doing a whole lot, so tomorrow I am planning on taking the doggies to the puppy park, to do some much needed walking around.
See, this IS working because if I didn't have you fine people reading this I would probably be sitting on my kiester all day long tomorrow watching football.
Have a good night & sweet dreams.

January 15, 2010

2010-01-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well today was a good day, woke up and had my shake while watching Good Morning America & checking my emails. Cleaned and straightened the living room, and downstairs bathroom, I was clipping along at a steady pace, when it occurred to me once more how fast I was moving & the energy I had.. like old times!! I was so excited.
I didn't get to bed until 1:30, and finally fell asleep around 2, woke up at 6 so I am a bit bushed tonight because I only got 4 hours of sleep, but even with that I had a busy day & got a lot accomplished.. Heck of a lot more than I would have even thought about even a month ago, I am still amazed at how great I am feeling!
I had half of a chicken pot pie for lunch, with green beans, and a half (4 oz) Fat free milk.
Then of course my chocolate shake for dinner. (It is now 8:30ish p.m. and I have no nighttime cravings which makes me VERY happy! as that is my demise )
Hopefully I wil have something more exciting to report tomorrow, I am really sleepy & heading off to bed, good night & sweet dreams

January 14th, 2010

2010-01-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today was a slow day for me I really did not do too much. I updated my other blog
I got caught up on phone calls, deep cleaned my kitchen (something I have not given a second thought to sadly in a long while because the weight cause me to hurt so badly when I am kneeling, etc.. I just always run out of steam)
As I was cleaning out the cabinet under the island it occurred to me how much energy I had, and I was not hurting like normal.
With that I knew I was on the right track, and it made me feel so good to know I am finally taking control of my life, and doing something for me, but for those I love too. By me shedding this weight I will be able to actually live a "quality" life with my family & not just a "quantity" life. I am just amazed at the energy I have in just such a short time, I look forward to having more in the near future! So here is my favorite thing to use daily not just when I am cleansing, and it is my Brita water pitcher, if you do not have one I highly reccomend one. The water tastes so clear. Dasani water is my 1st choice in bottled water, I love it, and Brita water tastes no different to me. Plus it reasures me that after taking time to cleanse my system of all the chemicals & toxins in my body, I am not heading back to the fridge water dispenser or the sink for my H2O and allowing those chemicals & toxins back in!!
Anyway, thats my spill for the day I have had my shake this morning, a 4-600 calorie lunch which was half of a delicious steak sandwich, a cup of vegetable soup and a yummy salad, and I am enjoying my dinner shake as I write to you (another thing I highly reccomend!)
Greys Anatomy & Private Practice start tonight with a crossover special, so I will be there sitting in my chair under my blanket & enjoying an Isadelight with a hot cup of decaf peppermint tea.
Good night & sweet dreams

1st Weight In

2010-01-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

I just got back from my Dr appt. and the weight loss results are in! I have in this past 8 days lost 16 pounds, and 10 over all inches!!! Can I get a Whoo Whoo??The last 6 lbs were from my 2 day cleanse I just finished! Just had to share, I am SO excited!!!!
I treated myself to lunch at Apple Bee's, and had a yummy chicken salad ) dressing on the side, water, and a small cup of onion soup, so its a shake for dinner, and I feel so good about what I am doing for my body. Loosing weight the healthy way so it will stay off, making new lifestyle changes, and looking forward to next Mon & Tues. cleanse days!!
I have tons of errands to run today, so I must be off, I will post more later!
Just finished my yummy chocolate shake. I have had a very busy day, so I think I will sign of & hit the hay! :)

Last Cleanse day

2010-01-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have done it! There were a few times I have to admit I was tempted, especially when my husband was sitting here next to me munching on a delicious steak sandwich, that of which the aroma reminded me of the aromas in cartoon, you know the one, that finds the animal/person, and moves its finger in the come hither motion! Yep that was the aroma that kept calling me, and I almost gave in, but I kept hearing that little voice inside me saying "it is not worth it, you are in the home stretch!" all I can say is THANK YOU little voice, thank you.
I have had my 4 cleanse drinks today, enough water to float the Titanic, and 1 cup of decaf green tea along with an Isadelight chocolate.
I must admit there were a few times today I succumbed to brain fog, and couldn't think straight to save my neck. I had a head ache for a bit, but as soon as I had a couple of "Scooby Snax" and a cleanse drink I felt so much better.
I am soo looking forward to my delicious shake in the morning, it will tatse better than I remember I am sure.
It is early but I am going to go take a hot bath, and soak until I get sleepy, then crawl into bed so this day will be over and I can get to tomorrow faster!!
Good night & sweet dreams !

!st Cleanse day

2010-01-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today went better than I had anticipated. Going into it I was overcome with uncertainty as to how it would all play out at the end of the day, trying hard not to focus on thoughts of "Am I setting myself up for failure yet again?" and refocusing on the "I can do this, just take it one day at a time." Then it occurred to me that, like any addiction, be it drugs, gambling, food, it is all about taking it "One Day At A Time."
So this is what I kept in the forefront of my mind all day, not to say it has been easy! I am a food addict, it has always been the one constant in my life. And today I caught myself seeing just exactly what a habit it was for me without my even realizing it. i.e.
while talking on the phone today to my husband, I went to the fridge 3 times during our 15 minute conversation. I was able to catch myself before actually opening it, but it really brought my problem with food home to rest.
I made a pact with the hubby that on Sunday's I will cook a couple of days worth of food for him to eat on while I am cleansing Monday & Tuesday of each week. If I don't have to cook it, it is less likely that I will eat it. (especially if I cook him his favorites that I am not particularly fond of.) Yep, another tactic, haha.
So today, over all was very good! I am very happy with the way I came thru it without so much as 1 almond, Just my cleanse, and nutritional snacks, that go with the cleanse, and one of my Isadelight chocolates.
I am signing off and going to bed early so I will not be temped to cheat while watching t.v. this evening.
I look forward to tomorrow, and making it thru my 2nd day... that will be my 1st major goal accomplished on this weight loss journey.
Gotta go watch the Bachelor now, have a great night & sweet dreams!

Pre-Cleanse day two

2010-01-11T00:33:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning and went straight to the coffee pot again, but guess what... I bypassed it went to the fridge and drank my Ionix in place.. have to shoot it down for now, but I know in time as my body balances out it will taste good like it should.
Then I waited a bit and had my yummy shake, I always look forward to it, this time I did one scoop of Chocolate & one scoop of Vanilla with some Fiberpro in it!! Yummy!!!
I was able to get somethings accomplished around the house today, it felt good to be up and moving, as opposed to sitting on my kiester 24-7.
Lunch was a big bowl of cabbage soup with some grilled chicken chopped up, and a big salad. I enjoyed it slowly, and afterwards topped it off with an Isadelight chocolate. Yep, thats right, you CAN have CHOCOLATE!! and its so wonderful, made especially for days that you just need that little something, something extra. It also helps curb your appetite, how awesome is that!!
ok, so then for dinner I enjoyed another shake.. for some reason I felt a bit hungry between 6-8 so I did have 1/3 of a banana, and 8 almonds..
Tomorrow is my 1s cleanse day, so I have made a list of things I can do to keep busy & my mind off of eating! I know I can do this..
I will check in tomorrow evening & tell you how it goes, Good Night & Sweet Dreams! :)

Pre-Cleanse Day one

2010-01-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

Well I got up this morning and came downstairs, straight to the coffee pot as I have been doing for the longest time now.
Caffeine has played a major role in my life ALL of my life, be it in the form of soda's, coffee, or my all time favorite chocolate!
I have broken these habits before, and I know I can do it again, I also realize that it IS the off and on again weight loss along with the bad habits that have thrown my body into this turmoil.
Fortunately I was blessed with a dear friend who introduced me to a wonderful nutritional cleansing program, and when I did it before I met with much success. Note: It was not the product that failed me, but I failed myself.
Having been through all sorts of major illness over the last 2 and a half years, from Multiple Sclerosis attacks, repeat chemo to keep colon cancer at bay, knee surgery, having my gallbladder removed, all accompanied by heavy duty medications that completely reeked havoc with my immune system, not to mention throwing me into a downward spiral of deep dark depression, the likes I have never seen before.
Needless to say with all of this, I gave up on everything, and taking care of myself ironically was at the bottom of my list... severe depression has away of doing that to a person.
Yet all along through it all, there have been these few sprigs of hope, a light if you will, constantly flickering throughout my darkness, my sweet friend Crystal who introduced me to this program, my children, and grandchildren who I absolutely live for. Crystals blogs, & stories about her precious little family, without even realizing it, kept me hanging on along with my daughters who I cherish with all of my heart & soul.
The Darkness finally faded, and I have made so many new friends thru Isagenix, that I now find myself surrounded with positive people, like minded people, people that have gone down very similar paths as I. I find comfort in this, and feel positive that I am in the right place and time to conquer this weight problem once and for all!

So for today, I had my yummy chocolate shake, along with 1 oz. of Ionix (an acquired taste) my vitamins, antioxidant's, etc.
and drank water all day in place of sodas.
For lunch I made myself a large mixed green salad, with tomato's, green pepper, and grilled rib eye steak (1/2 cup) I don't think I exceeded my caloric intake for this lunch, all I know is it filled me up & kept me happy til dinner time which was another chocolate shake! I love them, and my body gets to craving them if I go without them, it craves all the trace minerals, and good things it normally will not get.
I am heading off to bed looking forward to tomorrow, the 2nd "pre-cleanse" day. Good night, and WAY TO GO COWBOYS!!!

January 9, 2009

2010-01-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

This year I am holding onto faith in God, & myself that this time will be different. I will be writing everything down along the way which will hopefully keep me focused.

Okay so here it goes.
On this 1st day of my journey I have chosen the program I believe in with all of my heart, I have seen how it transforms people in such amazing ways, I have every faith it will do the same for me.

I have taken a picture of myself as I am with a USA Today newspaper to show the actual date I am starting.

I have weighed myself at 300 lbs.

I have also taken my measurements (overwhelmed as I did, I knew it was bad but man was I in bad denial! ...If anyone had ever told me I would get this big I would have laughed out loud. I can not believe it myself.)
so here they are for the world to see. I have to be honest with you in order to be honest with myself!
NECK 16.5"
R UPPER ARM 19"
L UPPER ARM 18"
CHEST 47"
RIB CAGE 43"
WAIST 51.5"
HIPS 57"
BUTTOCKS 60"
R THIGH 33"
L THIGH 32"
R KNEE 22"
L KNEE 21.5"
R CALF 18"
L CALF 18.5"
--------------------
TOTAL OF 457 "