Back in the Saddle...Again!

Today marks day #8 of being back on the Medifast 5 & 1 plan.  Five Medifast meals and one lean and green meal each day.  That and plenty of water.  LOTS of water.  I'm floating in water, I tell ya!

It feels good.  I am feeling that I have control over how I feel, again.  It feels very good!

I'm not waking up in the middle of the night to take something for heartburn.  Just to go to the bathroom.  Did I mention lots of water?

Some things are different for me this time around.  I'm not living the single life of only having to plan meals for me.  

While the Mr. can handle feeding himself, I want to at least provide him a meal every few days - if not everyday.  Last night I made a huge crockpot of baked oatmeal for him for this week.  That felt good.  It smelled even better.  I'm leaving it at that.  If I want oatmeal, I've got some Medifast oatmeal to get me through.  

We also have established quite the routine with our weekends and grabbing breakfasts and brunch on our journeys out with the cameras.  I did just fine this weekend.  I overindulged a little at brunch yesterday, but it was on veggies and lean protein.  Not bad. 

After seven days back at it, I'm down 10.4 pounds.  This is normal for the first week, and will go down dramatically from that for future weekly weigh-ins - and that is okay.

Tuesday's Habits of Health Discussion

Habits of Health Discussion Day

Really give this some thought, don't just give answers. 

We all had unhealthy habits prior to our lifestyle change and while you are going through this journey now is a great time to reflect on those old habits. There are habits that are triggers.  There are instances like holidays that are triggers. When you find yourself in a situation that you know is a trigger for you- how will you handle it? What will your action be?

Triggers for me include my parents’ house.  Oh, there is usually an awful lot of good stuff hanging out there just waiting to be devoured.  Sometimes it’s fresh bakery on the counter.  Other days, it’s mom’s brownies.  Sometimes, it’s hiding in the refrigerator.  There is always SOMETHING there that is not on my plan and calls my name as soon as I turn the corner.

Since I am at their house at least once a week, I needed a battle plan.  First, I’ve communicated that this is a problem area for me.  Also, I come prepared.  I bring my water bottle, whatever food I’ll need for my time there and reinforcements – just in case I’m there longer or am ready to cave.  These two actions have made a world of difference in my ability to survive time at mom & dad’s while maintaining positive choices.

I admit, there are times I make a choice that isn’t in keeping 100% on plan.   When this happens, I grab the water bottle, log the decision and keep on moving forward.

This can happen when I am at a friend’s or even at work.  Temptations are all around.  I always have a few meals on hand and my water bottle – it’s my equivalent of the baby’s blanket.  It gets me through.

I’ve come a long way in avoiding temptations in the past nine months.  I can go past the neighborhood custard stand without needing to stop for a sundae.  I can go out to dinner and not have an appetizer, dinner, bread and a dessert.  I can go out with friends and skip the glass of wine or bloody mary at brunch.  These are all victories in my journey to a healthier me – and each one results in a happier me.

Go get ‘em, tigers!

Water Love

I am a girl who typically consumes anywhere from 160-200 ounces of water a day.  Every day.  

Each day as I pack my bags for school, I have six 32 ounce bottles of water in a cooler bag waiting to be stowed in the classroom fridge and consumed throughout the day.  Sure, this leads to many trips to the rest room – but that means many steps counted on my fitbit.

In an effort to add some variety to my water consumption, I’ve taken up drinking 1-2 bottles of homemade iced green tea.  This has been a great way to shake the plain H2O duldrums while ensuring I continue to get my fill of refreshing liquids.

Last week, a colleague mentioned that she had cucumber lemon water at a nearby hotel and that it was fabulous.  I’ve done lemons in water.  I’ve done cucumbers in water.  But, I’ve never done them together.  The next day, we sliced up cucumbers and lemons and added them to our water bottles.  What do you know?  That’s some good stuff!

Before getting acquainted with the cucumber lemon water, I was already on the hunt for a large pitcher with a spout to brew my green tea in.  A friend had this at a recent party and I thought, “Hmm…I need to do that for my green tea.”

During a shopping excursion to Target, I came upon a variety of perfect vessels for my green tea and cucumber lemon water needs.  I decided on some very cute dotted pitchers that are cheery and perfect for what I had in mind.

After getting home, washing the pitchers and then filling them with water and green tea bags and cucumber and lemon slices, I set them up on my kitchen cart, where I keep my fruit & vegetable stand.  Voila!  The perfect at-home beverage station!

I’m on my third CamelBak bottle full of cucumber lemon water and it is tasty! 

Eating With Friends

I frequently have the opportunity to spend my lunch hour and the occasional social outing with colleagues.  And, of course there are times when I do the same with friends and family.  With the loose summer schedule just around the corner, these opportunities are going to quickly pile up.


These days, I am either enjoying one of my five-a-day Medifast meals, my Lean & Green meal for the day, or sipping on water.  


There were times when it felt weird to be doing something "different" than the rest of the crowd, but I feel differently about that now.  I am making the choice to do what is best for me.  I am good with that and go into these situations not even thinking much about it.   


Somewhere along the line, I got to thinking, "What are they thinking?"  Do the people around me think I'm just the crazy woman eating food that mostly comes in space packets?  Are they thinking that I'm judging them?  If I'm only sipping water, do they think I'm starving myself?  


It can be a strange thing being the kid who's doing her own thing.  Go ahead, sing the "Sesame Street" song in your head - I am!


Yep, I am often eating food that comes in space packets - though by the time they see me with it, it's either mixed up in my little Medifast/Take Shape for Life cup or in an insulated cup.  No, I am not starving myself.  As a matter of fact, I'm not even hungry unless I push the limits with when I need to eat.  And, I am not judging anyone.  If you know me, you know that I LOVE FOOD.  All food.  Ice cream, donuts, cake, frozen custard, butter burgers, fried cheese curds, lasagna, garlic bread, chocolate, pancakes, muffins, cookies, ham, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes...you get the picture.  And, those things will someday make an appearance passing my lips - on rare occasions.  But, that day is not today.  It is not tomorrow.  It was not yesterday.  


These are my choices regarding food and taking care of me.  I love the people around me and want to spend time socializing and catching up with them.  If it's time for me to eat, I'm going to eat.  If it's time for them to eat, I want them to eat.  And to eat what they want. And if you have something that I can be okay choosing to eat, you can bet I'm going to want some, ask for some, and go ahead and have some.  


Yep, I had a pickle today.  I skipped the brownies.  That's my choice.  And, it's now almost three hours later and I am not regretting that choice.


Eat on, friends.  I'll be at the table with you!  And, if you're coming here, I'll even cook for you!

A KISS Weekend

My delightful group of Super Sexy MFers (Medifasters) has taken a new approach to weekends.  No longer is it the days of Martini Fridays, Sangria Saturdays and Bloody Mary Sundays.  We've grown up and gained some focus somewhere along our collective journey.  These days, we have KISS weekends - Keep It Simple, Sexies!


No snacks, no extra condiments, simple lean & green meals and lots of water and green tea.  We're sticking to the simplest form of following the Medifast program - wherever we are on that journey - as a form of maintaining our focus over what could be challenging weekends full of tempting smells, delicious drinks and divine dining.


After the success of last weekend, I've kept at the KISS approach.  I haven't stopped. Today marks day eight of my KISS journey.  I'm down over 4 pounds from where I was last Friday.  My official weigh in is Monday.  It's also the day I weigh in for the Biggest Loser contest at work AND the day I weigh in for the May challenge in my health coach's facebook group.

Shaking Up Routines

Throughout the course of my journey with Medifast, I've been loyal to a few food items.  While some tempting new foods were introduced somewhere along the way, I kept on with what I was doing and pretended that those new items weren't there.


Not any more.


If I'm going to follow this path to the not-at-all-bitter end, I am going to need to shake things up every once in a while and try something new.  


When the FedEx delivery arrived at my door today, it didn't just bring a few weeks of food to my door - it brought Brownies and Chocolate Chip Soft Back and BBQ Bites and Blueberry Oatmeal and Calorie Burn Cappuccino (which, my sources tell me tastes very different & much better than the run-of-the-mill Cappuccino I've been using since September).  These are the items I am trying for the first time.  Of course, the Peanut Butter Soft Serve, Chocolate & Vanilla Appetite Suppressant Shakes, and some Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks were in the mix - but I have been thinking about these new items since I adjusted my order last Friday.

Ah...lots of choices!!!

I am a creature of habit.  I know this.  I could go weeks with the exact same menu and never shake my head.  Of course, somewhere in there I would need to be able to toss in a few squirts of Sriracha, some shakes of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash or five of Frank's Red Hot.  Otherwise, I like predictability.


But, I get that from following the program I've embarked on.  I know if I do, I will lose a few pounds a week.  I know if I drink the amount of water I usually do (160+ ounces a day, if you need to know), I will feel good and hydrated and not have a thirst or "need" for something else.  I know if I shake the dust off of my tail-feathers and get outside for some exercise, that I will feel refreshed and that my body will thank me by firming up, sleeping well and being strong.


Oh, and rolling with the punches - that's another of those life lessons that I'm continuing to get my fair share of practice with.  After last night's Cauliflower Pizza/Quiche episode, I held it together and celebrated that I've made something new.  Tonight for dinner, I had that Cauliflower Quiche - finished off just as the Pizza recipe suggests.  And, you know what - it was DELICIOUS!

Today's Sneak Peak Into the Habits of Health

I have mentioned a few times that I am involved in a few facebook groups for support with my weight loss journey.  My health coach with Take Shape for Life has a great group that is quickly growing to include other coaches and their clients.  Everyone is at a different point in their journey and has different goals, yet everyone is open, honest and supportive of the others in the group.  It's a safe place to ask questions and share successes.

Yesterday began the May challenge in the group.  Each day has a theme.  Monday's roll call included a check-in on how you're doing, a weigh-in, and posting a picture of your feet on the scale.  Oh yes...we posted pictures of our weight on facebook.  You bet!  It is a closed, super-secret group and a safe place - but it still takes a deep breath and a prayer to post that sort of thing on facebook.

Today is Habits of Health discussion day.  Each Tuesday my coach will be posting information on the Habits of Health: The Path to Permanent Weight Control and Optimal Health from Dr. Wayne Andersen's book/website for us to discuss and use as a launch pad for our own reflection, goal-setting and focus on our program.

I will admit that I have had Dr. A.'s book since September and have spent a little bit of time with it.  However, I quickly dropped the ball.  I've been meaning to get back to it - and Habits of Health Tuesday's are just what I need to get back to the book.  I will be pulling it out when I get home from school this afternoon and I will work my way through the book and the accompanying workbook Living a Longer, Healthier Life.  I said it here.  I must do it now.

Today's discussion topic from Habits of Health focuses on four things.  1. Identifying the choices that support optimal health and implementing a plan to incorporate them into daily choices, also listing 10 choices that support your health right now 2. Becoming aware of daily choices that do not support health 3. Thinking long term and not instant gratification 4. Creating a microenvironment of health.

Choices that support my health:

• drinking at least 1/2 may weight in pure water each day
• eliminating/minimizing consumption of caffeine
• eating at regular intervals
• walking daily
• running or cycling 4-6 times a week - Yes! Me and the bike have reunited, at last!
• choosing non-processed foods over packaged foods with additives
• adding strength training to my days 3-4 times a week
• asking for support of the people around me
• choosing to eat at home instead of putting myself into situations where I feel I'd make decisions that are not in my best interest
• actively participating in groups that support my journey and encourage me to meet my goals
• logging my daily activity, food choices and water consumption in my journal and online
• using my fitbit to evaluate my progress and set goals for more activity

These things are just a glimpse into what I'm doing each day to improve my health.  I'm sure if I were to revisit this list in a month or two, I would have more to add.

One of the things that helps me most is having an environment that supports my health.  Living alone, it is easy to keep only the foods I should have in the house.  From Medifast packets to plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats/meat alternatives to water bottles and a variety of green teas, my kitchen is stocked and prepared to support me on this journey towards improved health.  Of course, I am accountable to maintain this environment and not let momentary struggles and/or lapses in judgement allow me to bring home a pint of frozen custard or a dozen donuts.  But then, I would still have to answer to myself for these choices.

Now I really am looking forward to spending some quality time with Dr. A.'s book and thinking more about my journey and what lies ahead.

Keeping it Clean & Simple

Originally Published April 27, 2012


Yesterday I had the great fortune of being welcomed into a facebook group of medifriends.  It is an active and chatty group of ladies that are really working their journey - wherever they are in this process.  Some are very new, some are in transition and some - like me - are returning customers.  This is what inspired yesterday's Find Your Happy Place blog post.

Well, this group is taking on a challenge for the weekend - we're keeping it CLEAN & SIMPLE today through Sunday...longer if we're inspirted.  No extras in our meals, sticking to our water, adding in some green tea, and staying true to the program.  I love it!

Sometimes, we need a reminder of what it is that's going to get us to goal - and through goal into the healthy lifestyle that will keep us going and active for the rest of our lives.  It's good to review the program and sharpen our focus.  Not that we purposefully let things loosen up - but life gets a hold of us and sometimes, the picture is a little blurry, the scale is buried under a spaghetti squash (yes, that is the case this very moment), the measuring cup is in the pile of dirty dishes.  

Well, this weekend is the time for us to put on our glasses (maybe I should clean the lenses...), bake that spaghetti squash for another day and do the dishes!

If you're inclined to challenge yourself to clean up your routine, I welcome you to join me and would love to hear how it goes for you.  You know where to find me.

Happy Medifasting Weekend, my friends!

Go get 'em, tigers!

Love When the Man in Brown Visits

Originally Published April 20, 2012


My newest order came today and I am happy to share that I will have some more variety in my 5 MF meals for the coming weeks...and not a moment too soon!

The only new-to-me things in my order are the Chocolate & Vanilla Appetite Suppressant Shakes.  I'm going to include one each day and see what I think.  I'll be sure to share after a few days.

I'm excited for the return of Peanut Butter Soft Serve to my cabinet.  Also making a return appearance are Chocolate Pudding, Fruit Punch, and one of my favorites Cherry Pomegranate Shake.  I like to blend the shake (Fruit Punch, too) with a bit of sugar-free Jell-O).  There is a bowl of Jell-O waiting in the fridge to add a kick to these shakes.

Today is Day 5 and I'm doing well.  Water intake is increasing again and I'm not as sluggish as I was the first few days of this week.  Heck, I haven't even taken a nap today...there's progress!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend of medifasting and fun!  

Go get 'em, tigers!

What Motivates Me?

Originally Published January 5, 2012

The question "what motivates you?" was asked on the discussion boards.

Here are my thoughts...

1. ALWAYS have water with me.  Even when I go into a different room at home/work.  Really.  My Camelbak bottle goes everywhere I go.

2. Read the boards - stay away from negative posts and chatter about "cheating" and interact with other members - build your network here

3. Read, post your own, comment on blogs - I don't read all of them, but I read most.  If it speaks to me, or I can contribute or give a pat on the back, I do.  Share when you are struggling, people will reach out to give ideas.  Share when you're successful - we want to learn from each other and share what's working.

4. Set goals - not weight/date goals, but things you want to accomplish.  What do you want to get out of this?  Do you have an activity you'd like to do?  Non-weight goals are very helpful.  Mine are running/biking related.  Running a 5k (check, check, check!), a 10k (aiming for March 17th), a half-marathon (May 5th), biking a double century in a weekend (I've done it before - will do it again August 4-5th), running a marathon (hoping for October).

5. Measurements on a regular basis.  I started with weekly (crazy, but true).  Now, I do every 2-3 weeks.  I keep a table with the results.  After a few months, it's unbelievable to look at that.  Do the same with your weight.  The outcome is awe-inspiring!

6. Take progress photos of yourself...even if they are only for yourself!  I didn't change my profile picture or share other pics until I lost almost 100 pounds...that's when I was comfortable sharing.  But, I have been taking them every few weeks for myself.  AMAZING to look back at them and compare where you were with where you are - and it helps see where you are going.

7. Ask for help when you need it.  If you feel you're challenged with motivation, say so and ask for help.  This is why you build a network - they're the people that will have your back when you need it!

8. Do whatever you can to manage your environment and dining out.  Choices are choices.  The choices you make will determine your success.  Advocate for yourself and your health...nobody's going to do this for you.  Communicate with the people you spend time with what your food needs are.  

9. Every few weeks, go try on some clothes at a store.  You don't have to continuously buy new clothes (I've bought hardly anything between what was in my closet from previous weight loss and two VERY generous friends who have gone before).  However, every few weeks, I'm at the mall trying on clothes.  It's fun and gives you an idea of where you are at.

10.  Did I mention water?  DRINK LOTS OF WATER.  It fills you up.  It flushes the yucky stuff out of your body.  It keeps you hydrated.  It's good for you.  

Wishing you all an amazing journey to health and discovering your potential awesomeness! 

Go get em, tigers!

Run, Jenny, Run!

Originally Published October 23, 2011

I haven't blogged since I got sick - just over a week ago.  I've missed this outlet, but have been checking in on everyone else during this time away. Since then, I've gone through all the stages of upper respiratory infection fun and excitement, joined the $10 a month gym two blocks from home, baked four dozen cupcakes for my goddaughter's birthday, hosted a chocolate party (and didn't indulge in anything except my chocolate MF shake), and I've started running.  Yes, this girl here...the one who started this program less than two months ago weighing in at a whopping 279 pounds...this girl who is now down 40 pounds...she is RUNNING! I could cry...real tears that would be mixed with the sweat staining my face.   My first trip to the gym landed me on a treadmill in front of a tv airing the President's press conference.  I turned to my trusty iPod and cranked up the volume...and the incline...and the speed.  Oh yes!  I had my iPod and my cute water bottle...and cute socks (always - always cute socks for this girl!)!  That first run was 2.4 miles of non-stop huffin' it until my 25 minutes (self-imposed time for day #1 post chest/nasal ick) was up.   My second trip just ended.  I was in front of the Packers v Vikings game, again with the trusty iPod and my spotted (not moldy, polka-dots!) water bottle and a groovy playlist.  I'm so excited to be running and doing this for ME that I could cry.  But, I don't want to be the girl who cries at the gym...so I'll save me tears for the post run shower! Wishing each of you a cathartic experience like this along your journey. Hugs, love, and lots of water for you! ~Jennyv

Ode to My Water Bottle

Originally Published September 20, 2011 - And I love it today, just as I did then.


While I may fill you up and dry you out at a rapid pace

I am happy to always have you staring me in the face

Your green body and sturdy top are strong enough to take

The path of destruction I leave in my wake

I drop you, open you, close you and wash you

You feed me, hydrate me, nourish me and heal me

I keep you in front of me from morning to night

You are my favorite tool in this crazy fight

Together we are journeying to a healthier me

And I cannot wait for the world to see

What we can accomplish together, my water bottle and I

There is no hurdle we cannot pass, no obstacle we cannot get through, no problem we cannot solve

Because with enough from you, it all disolves

I'm happy to report that I've since added to the Camelbak family in my house.  My lovely green bottle has been joined with a delightful blue bottle.  They are happily enjoying cohabitation and have plans on expanding their family soon.

Dealing With the Emotions

Originally Published September 18, 2011

***This began as a response to some posts on the "September Starters 2011" thread.  I think it's appropriate to share, as we're all dealing with some of this.

Oh, friends...

We are all wading our way through this and I think we all need to take a minute and realize how awesome of a decision we have made. We have committed to follow this path and find our way to a healthy weight. I hope we all get to the goal line of this journey.

While we're all dealing with different issues and ended up here for different reasons, it sounds like there are many commonalities and that we're at or close to the same point in our journey is wonderful.

Emotional eating. Oh my. Yes! Sure am. Hand is in the air. That's me.

However, I promised myself that I wouldn't let that get me and I meant it.

A friend referred to this as my "divorce diet" yesterday and I told her, "Yes. True. But, I'm in this for the long haul." She was super excited for me. I'm not just doing this because I'm going through a divorce (If I weren't doing this, I'd be eating my way through the ice cream section of every grocery store in town, thank you Ben & Jerry!). I'm doing this because I DESERVE BETTER!

And so do the rest of you. We all do.

One of the things I do when I'm craving something, or have that urge (though there really haven't been many...yet) is to drink my water. I'm in the 20 cups a day ballpark. I get about 11 in before I come home from school. And, now that I'm looking at the bottle I use (my green 750 ml Camelbak), it's more than 3 cups per bottle. But, I count 3. I'm drinking so much water that when I'm not eating something, I'm usually full - of water!

I'm experimenting with different vegetables and I'm having so much fun. It's easy to get in a rut - and I certainly do, but I try to do something different each time if I am repeating veggies. I love cooking, so this is my outlet for that. Because soaking oatmeal and chili and adding some zip to them is NOT cooking.

As I head into a new week, I am focused on making everyday an on program day, drinking LOTS of water and treating myself and my body with respect. I wish the same for all of you.

*** 

I needed to come back, because I didn't get to everything that was in my head when responding just...a few minutes ago.

There's a lot that we're working on.  Part of that is our emotions.  Yes.

For me, this is an obvious thing - because I'm going through a major life-changing event.  Granted, it's one that will take a few months to see it's resolution.  But, the past six weeks have been one crazy ride for me.  I won't bore you with the details (see more of my blog if you're interested - you may find a thing or two that could help you, or at least let you know you are not alone on this journey), but I have been digging through my emotions for a bit, now.

Right now, there's no way I could get through even one hour of this program without facing my emotions.  I am making very conscious choices throughout the day, everyday.

It would be REALLY EASY for me to have moved forward from the night my husband told me he wanted a divorce and spent the next few months trying to make myself feel better with cheesecake, pizza, ice cream...frozen custard (if you've never had it - it's amazing, but not something any of us need to be thinking about).  I could have done that, sure.  But, I'd be MORE unhealthy, MORE fat, MORE unhappy, MORE stuck in an unhealthy relationship - with food!

Every day I do things that will make my life better.  Whether it's making my bed as soon as I wake up, doing the dishes when I'm done eating or making my shake, planning my meals, sticking to the list at the grocery store, saying "No, thank you." when offered pizza on three separate occasions this week, telling my friends what I need from them - in regards to support as I go through the divorce and in spending time together and what my choices regarding food will include, telling my parents what I need as far as more or less contact and face-time. 

If I've learned anything (and I'm at the very beginning of all of this), it is that I need to take care of myself.  Oh, yeah...sounds obvious, easy and like it's a given.  Well, that includes a lot more than we think.  I need to advocate for myself.  I need to ask for help.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I need to ASK FOR HELP.  I bet you do, too.

Last weekend - well, a few days before, but who's marking the calendar? - I had a cathartic experience.  I finally hit the point where I was able to talk about the divorce (see blog about putting everything on the table). My family and friends had/still have lots of questions for me.  But, I was able to open up, let people know where I'm at with everything.  Whether it's dealing with the divorce or the food, the people around me need to know what I'm dealing with - how I feel, what my food plan looks like, what a Lean & Green is, what my food looks like, how much I'm willing to share - if they are going to be able to help me through these simultaneous journeys that I am on. 

I did put everything on the table last week.  And, I'm continuing to do so everyday.  I'm continuing to work towards a healthier and happier Jennifer.  If I don't, who will?  And, as much work as this is for me, I have asked the people in my life to help me.  I have even asked my students to stop offering me candy, birthday cupcakes, etc.  They know I love them. They know I'll be happy to celebrate with them - with my bottle of water or a piece of sugar-free gum.

Don't be afraid to include the people around you in your journey.  Whatever it is you're dealing with, it's not just about the food.  We need to take stock of where we are and plan to make everyday better.

If I can, you can.

Now, let's do this!