I've been a "big" person for a very long time--at least since my early 30s, but I always said I would not allow myself to get to a certain point. I'd point out a very large person to a friend and say something like, "if I get that fat, just slap me!" Over the years, I tried to lose weight with no success, but I thought I'd managed to stay within my own perceptions of looking okay or "not too big."
My rude awakening was not a visit to the doctor. Instead, it was seeing a picture of myself and thinking, "is that really me?" I knew I was overweight, but I didn't realize I looked like such a blob. I was the very large person at whom I used to point and speak derisively! It was hard seeing it. Really, really hard. I decided to make a change for real. Nobody else was going to do it for me!
I've tried numerous diets and eating plans here and there during my adult life. None really worked because I either felt hungry or deprived or both. And thanks to my daughter who is a child with special needs, I have a thorough understanding of nutrition. I even took that as my required science in college last year. [Aside: going back to school at my age is interesting.] However, knowing nutrition doesn't automatically make you eat right or healthy or better. It just adds to the guilt because you can't claim ignorance.
So I saw my fat self and decided to make a change. I am doing meal replacement shakes for 2 meals a day. I thought I'd hate it, but I really don't! The smoothies are filling and protein based. My daughter loves them, too, and together we have created some delicious recipes. I have 2 snacks a day and 1 regular meal in addition to the 2 shakes. And guess what? I've lost 38 pounds in 9 weeks, 5.5″ from my waist, and 7.25″ from my hips. It's working!! And I do not feel hungry OR deprived. My health is improving and my energy increasing. I can't believe it! Not only that, but I had pizza for supper last night. Not several pieces, but still! Pizza! And I'm still losing weight.
Other pluses are 1) I have noticed a serious decrease in my cravings for sweets. They just don't tempt me as much, which is truly a miracle as I used to always have a stash of candy. 2) I don't eat as much as I used to in my regular meal--I'm simply not that hungry--and believe me, I've tried. When I first started the program, I would fill my plate as full as I used to with every intention of eating it. I would get about halfway through it and have to stop because I simply couldn't eat anymore without making myself ill. After a couple of weeks, I learned to put much smaller portions on my plate and I am sated. I think the combination of eating 5 times a day, drinking lots of water, and focusing on protein instead of processed carbs keeps me so full I just can't eat like I used to. 3) I do not go out of my way to eat "diet food" for my 1 regular meal and snacks. I am responsible for cooking 95% of the family evening meals and I cook for a variety of people--seniors set in their ways, teenagers, and toddlers. Due to this, I cook the meals the family likes and is used to, and that's what I eat, too. I just can't eat as much anymore. It's kind of strange, in a way, because that is a side benefit I wasn't expecting.
Needless to say, I am thrilled. For the first time in my life, I believe--no, I KNOW--I will lose the 100+ pounds I need to lose! Woohoo!
Anyone interested in this program can check it out at . You can even try it for free! There is a 100% money back guarantee. Just enter your info and give it a try. It works! I'm living proof.