Day 35 VLCD Planned interruptions

With upcoming holidays and vacations, it is often hard to decide when to move on to another round, have a planned interruption, or how long to carry your current round. This is a personal question and for myself there are many factors... How close are you to goal, what is your emotional and mental state? How have your losses been, physical conditions, and of course you must ask yourself of the reasoning... Most people that have tried multiple diets have done so for a variety of reasons... so if you are thinking of quitting, taking a break, or even cheating, do a moral inventory and ask yourself 'why'... and listen to the answer!!! A wedding or anniversary only happens once... tho if it's something you can plan for, do so... births, holidays, vacations, etc, they all can be enjoyed in many ways without jumping in the deep end. Moderation didn't land us in the 'overweight' and 'obese' category, continuous and repeated self abuse did. So, when considering which path you 'should' take, chances are you already know the answer, this is a journey, a process, and a lifestyle... that said, speak to someone and get the guidance if needed and love yourself enough to choose the right path for you!

Day 32-34 VLCD

Feeling rejuvenated, I've taken up golf! I will never allow another to say it is not a sport again! If you've ever tried it then you know! If you are on P2 then I would advise no more than a 20-40 ball bucket at the driving range. I have to admit, I've always liked the stylish outfits and the challenge of the game has me intrigued... I will be reporting more as this unfolds! I have heard many times from those who have lost weight how they are now enjoying new activities, returning to ones they've had to quit, and always searching for adventures not yet experienced... Golf would be one everyone should experience!

Side note, every man has agreed... nothing is more enjoyable than a woman that loves to golf... Every woman has agreed... nothing is more enjoyable than winning a game of golf!!

Happy releases !

Day 31 VLCD

I will be brief, picking up the 'other' half at the airport late this evening and this weekend is ours... There's been shopping and cleaning to do, errands to run and today I'm just relaxing, enjoying the peace and quiet. It's not too often that we get warm weather in Anchorage and today is a day in the low 70's making it perfect for open windows, a visit to the park, and a walk in peace! I have found for myself personally that this journey is one best shared with my higher power. Getting to know both myself and Thy self better has made all the difference. If you haven't taken the time to do so, take a moment and talk to yourself, listen to your body, spend a few moments in active meditation coupled with active meditation, ask for the answers you seek, and be sure to write them down... Miracles are happening all around us every day... each breath we take is proof of that! Enjoy your weekend, your journey, and happy releases!

Day 28-30 VLCD Reshaping and firming

Very busy days with shopping, cleaning and work... scale is up as I'm up early and inches are down! 164.2 is a great way to head into the weekend... As I am just under ten lbs from my last end weight the distribution is different from what it was four months ago! Reshaping is happening, the legs are more defined and arms firmer... waist is smoothing around the edges and the lumps and bumps that were there are nearly gone! I hear all the time the fears of 'loose skin' and I'm here to tell you, just as I was told, it will diminish as the time passes... there are things you can do to help that process! Skin brushing, MSM, and stretching, massaging yourself. These are just a few of my favorite methods however there are many more... Understand that your skin will firm up over one year, after that you are basically done... you can at that point do another short round for finishing touches. If you've been following my blog from the beginning you know this is my 'nearly half way to a year reshaping round' I've lost a shoe size, three ring sizes and many bra sizes! Using a measuring tape to track your own progress is a wonderful way to keep motivated, see the changes and put a number to the physical... Seeing a difference is more than a picture, new pair of jeans, or the looks we get from others... it's a mental picture and changing that one is motivation in ways that can't be described in words! What change have you loved the most, and why... hold on to that and it will keep you going! Happy releases and sweet dreams!

Bruchetta P2

Using homemade or store bought melba toast are ok in this recipe.
Using skim milk cottage cheese place a dollop on your melba toast, followed by a slice of tomato, piece of onion, and then season to taste with salt and pepper! For a fancy appetizer you can top with cilantro. These are great fun to snack on and require little cottage cheese leaving plenty for cheesecake or a delish strawberry n cottage cheese salad!

Creamy Asparagus Soup P2

4 spears cooked Asparagus
1/4 C skim milk cottage cheese
1/4 C water
1/8 C diced onion
salt n pepper to taste
*Puree all ingredients in blender, heat in saucepan till warmed through and serve! You can choose to omit onion from blending and add to saucepan while warming. Season your soup any way you like to spice it up, curry, garlic, basil, even celery makes for some yummy variations! Celery can also be substituted for asparagus for cream of celery soup!

Day 27 VLCD Whoo Hoo to Miracle Shower weight loss!

When looking at the week ahead, I've got some cooking to do! 4 days of chicken weighed, cooked, and ready. Shrimp weighed, cooked, ready! Cabbage n onion cooked, portioned, ready... whew... tomorrow off to the store for lettuce, tomato, onion, cute little bottles of water for purse, coconut oil, lemons, and checking the mail for Capella drops!! Also... it finally happened... I took a shower and weighed less after the shower by 1.3 lbs?? The crazy 'miracle' of the shower weight loss happened to me! I ask others, are you scrubbing off lbs of skin? Isn't hair heavier when wet? And of course... you must be tinkling in the shower??? !!! Nope, tho I did notice some bloating subsided... so... My final thoughts on the miracle shower shrinking... reduction in swelling = reduction in weight! Who knows, however I'll agree that it is a lovely way to end the evening! Happy releases and sweet dreams! Tomorrow I'll be posting some of my favorite P2 recipes!