Bring it on 2013!!!

I recently read a story about a two time cancer survivor who, the second time around, chose an alternative therapy instead the the traditional chemo/radiation therapy she chose the first time.  The alternative therapy included eating whole organic foods, and eliminating meats, cheese, eggs and processed foods. Five months after her second diagnosis, she was given a clean bill of health.

Being a vegan myself and also a cancer survivor, this was corroboration that I am on the right track.

My Release Plan, while not vegan, recommends an organic whole foods lifestyle as well.

While I do eat lots of organic food, I have to admit that I rely too much on the vegan substitutes of the foods I'm used to.  

God bless Tofutti.

However, while I no longer believe in New Years Resolutions, I am going to give my best effort to eat less tofu products that resemble meats and cheeses, and eat more whole foods.

Okay 2013....Bring it!!

What Was I Thinking!

Isn't funny how we all have preconceived notions about chubby people.  This really cute girl walked into Starbucks trailing her friends....

And I immediately thought if she were thin she'd be leading the way.

Shame on me!!

What was I thinking!!

Talk about projecting!!

I don't know whether I'm Beavis or Butthead.  Like I have any room to judge anyone!

Anyway, it's been a few days since my last post.  I've been busy with work and holiday stuff 

(which apparently includes Starbucks).  

But been staying on track, for the most part anyway!!

Ha!

Yeah ME!!

The truth is that I'm very aware that my next progress picture is not that far away!

February 22, 2013

Sooooo.......

This is one of my pics btw

Walked on the beach this morning.  It was freezing, but needed to get out of the house.  

Yesterday, 12 minute Fat Blaster from My Release Plan (I love that one).

The day before, strength training.

Staying on plan with my six meals, not easy sometimes but that's where protein drinks and bars come in handy.  

I also started up with My Fitness Pal on my phone to remind me to keep track of my portions! So important!

Well, I hope everyone has a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Brain Training

The more I delve into what I want and how I want to get there, the more I understand how important it is not to think like I used to.

My Release Plan stresses changing your mind in order to permanently Release weight.

The holidays are almost over and I squeezed a couple of extra "free" days in there.

And that's okay.

No need to beat myself up over it. 

Just get back on track and don't let it snowball into something else.

Right?

Right!

So lots of lean protein and fruit for the next few days.  An extra workout.  

And water, water, water!!!

The miracle liquid!!

Although champagne is pretty good too!

But let's not go there.

Slim Obsession

I got my first diet book in junior high.  I was always a normal size kid even kinda skinny, but when puberty hit, I grew to 5'3" and  I ballooned up to 135 lbs (funny, now that's my goal weight). My mother panicked and took me to the doctor who promptly put me on diet pills, aka amphetamines, at 13 years old.  When she found me cleaning my closet at 3:00 in the morning, she, again, promptly took me off of them.  While I did lose weight and kept it off through my teenage years, without meaning to, the doctor and my mom started a pattern that would carry on throughout my life.

The starvation, binge pattern.  

At it's worst, the starvation part, I would allow myself three meals...a week.

At it's worst, the binge part, I would eat until I was sick.

And so here I am.

As I get older, I find my story is not as unique, nor embarrassing, as I once thought. 

And if health is of the mind and not the body, I guess it's important to examine the why, face it, and then, as my friend Angie Flynn told me over coffee recently.....

GET OVER IT!!!

So yesterday was tamale making day.  A Christmas tradition for me.  I knew I had to taste test, so I made it my free day for the week.

Good planning, because I did a lot of tasting!

So today it's back on track, tofu scramble for breakfast, and protein drinks for snacks.  We have another party tonight, but I'm confident that I will make good choices.

Thank you My Release Plan, for teaching me how to plan.

It makes things so much easier!!

Sometimes It's Easy To Say No

(She's a little plump, but you get the idea)

One of the great things about telling everyone that your Releasing Weight, and also blogging about it, is that almost everyone is in your corner and realizes that all the Holiday treats are not for you.  

Telling everyone you know is the ultimate accountability!!

Goodies are everywhere at the salon right now, but instead of bringing me goodies, my clients are kindly giving me other little treats, like lip gloss and make up, jewelry, cash, etc.

THANK YOU TO ALL MY CLIENTS!!!

I Love You!

Did my second favorite workout today,

55 push ups

55 sit ups

and 

165 squats

along with 10 minutes of light cardio, yay me!!

Lots of protein today, tofu scramble for breakfast, two shakes and protein bar for snacks, some homemade vegan lasagna, and veggie burger for dinner.

I think I'm getting better at this meal planning thing!!

And keeping my commitments to myself!

Accentuate the Positive

Why is it that no matter how many great things happen to me, for me, and about me, it's the negative things that are said,or done, that keep me up at night?

I've been working really hard on my weight release, and I've gotten so many compliments.  This weekend was no exception.  Two holiday parties, seeing old and new friends that are so supportive.  

But there always is a party pooper, who asks the seemingly unintentional negative question, "so how much more do you have to lose?" Emphasis on the more.

Really???!!!

No matter.  

That's their problem, not mine.

I'm focusing on the positive!!  I'm doing great! 

So there!

While there are so many temptations at these parties, (and we have more this weekend), I'm confident that I will not do anything to sabotage my progress.

Long walk, jog this morning. 

 I'm getting quicker.  Which in my mind means less time working out!

Lots of protein today.  Two protein shakes instead of one. Working on my six meals.  And instead of opening the chocolates that I'm getting from my clients for gifts, I'll save them for my parties.  That way everyone can enjoy and not just me.

Every Party Should Be Magical

'Tis the season for the holiday party!  We went to one last night, have one tonight and then two more next week. Then, of course, it's New Year's Eve.  Wow!  Staying on My Release Plan is a challenge right now.  Last nights party however was a breeze.  Oh don't get me wrong, the appetizers were amazing, looking (stayed away from those).  The buffet had everything, but I chose wisely. 

But the reason I did so well was because they had hired entertainment in the form of an amazing magician named Chad. 

He truly was great.

Kept me entertained for hours.  He was going from table to table doing all kinds of great tricks.  

So I followed him, along with a few others.

So I guess you could say Magic kept me away from the buffet!

I think every party should have magic.

Kept strictly to plan during the day.  Protein drink for breakfast, fruit for snack, vegan gumbo for lunch (yum) and protein bar for afternoon snack.

Thank god the buffet at the party had three salads and lots of veggies.  Whew!

Worked out a little extra hard yesterday morning as well, and went for a long walk, jog this morning.

Another party tonight after work.  Oh Lord!

Good Vibrations

Science has shown that extremely low frequency vibrations can cause depression in humans and animals.  So I try very hard to keep my vibes high.  It's not easy some days.  But since low vibes cause depression and depression can cause weight gain, it's in my best interest to push the bad feelings away and replace them with good thoughts.  

So when something (or someone) difficult happens at work or home I hum the Beach Boys song, you know the one I'm talking about:

Good Vibrations!

 Some days are just harder than other days.

Apple and Peanut Butter, Yum!

But I kept to my Meal Plan today and had a snack suggested on the Release Plan and had my protein drinks.

Worked out this morning.  12 minute cardio blast.  My favorite because I always have 12 minutes.

And I kept my commitments I made to myself today.  Woo Hoo!!

Thanks everyone for your support!

Putting Myself First...UH?

Such an easy statement to write.  Harder than it seems though.  I was taught from the crib to put myself last. So learning to take care of me doesn't come easily.  I think it's safe to say I'm not alone.  I'm beginning to understand the concept, that doesn't mean I practice it all the time.  But light is beginning to dawn.

Had a serious panic attack today.

The authors of The Release Plan calls this the terror barrier.

Deb Cheslow says if you feel it, you must be on the right track.  That growing and moving forward can sometimes be uncomfortable and just push through it and believe.

So I did. (Think progress picture in three months)

Still working on completing my water intake for the day, as always. The recommended 12 glasses a day by Release.  It really is not that much even though it sounds like it.  

Stuck to my meal plan and took my liquid vitamins.  I feel so much better taking vitamins.

Light exercise day.  Lifted light wights and did squats no cardio though.

And even though weigh in's are NOT part of the program.  I sneaked a peak and lost a couple more pounds. (Don't tell)

What Do You Want?

You know that's the first question Deb Cheslow asked me when I first met her.  I was taken aback.  Not only had no one ever asked me that question, I had never asked it of myself.  And I had no idea. 

Now I ask it all the time.  It's becoming clearer everyday, and I'm finally getting a glimpse of what it is that I really want.
And I want to LOSE WEIGHT!!!
(excuse me RELEASE weight, I don't want to find it again)

The Release Plan and the coaching from Deb and Angie have helped me greatly.

It's not just helping with my weight loss goals, but with my life decisions. 

Just saying.

Today was the day for a nice brisk walk. 2 miles of which I jogged the last bit of.

Again!!!!

Can't help but be proud of that accomplishment.  Asthma and all.

Kept my commitments, all 6 of them.

Learned to keep commitments to myself through the Release Plan.

And got my WATER in!!!! Yea!!!

6 meals completes the day and only one more day to Free Day!!

A Year From Now, What Will I Wish I Had Done Today?

That's a question The Release Plan authors Deb & Angie asked of us during the Release Dare Program.  It was printed out on a piece of paper and I have it staring at me on my vanity where I put my make up on everyday.  I repeat it to myself, along with other mantras, every time I feel a little off balance, or I don't feel like getting out of my cozy bed in the morning to do my workout.  

For what ever reason, this mantra resonates with me. 

And it works.

Finding things that resonate with me are what keep me going through my journey without wanting to give up.

But mantras are and individual thing and they have to mean something to the person.  

So if anybody out there is reading, share yours, who knows you might help someone.

Anyway, I know that a year from now I'll be jumping for joy because I kept my commitment to myself!!!

Water, oh Water, why do you taunt me?  

I always end up short at the end of the day and end up chugging a bunch at the end of the day.  Gonna have to change that, it interrupts my sleep! (If you know what I mean).

But doing great on my six meals! Planning and protein shakes and bars sure do help.

Did my second favorite workout this morning.  When I'm short on time, I love working up a sweat with 

The Release 12 minute workout.  

Yup just 12 minutes.  Amazing.

Holiday Treats? Give Me Something Good To Eat!!

So it has begun.  Hoards of holiday treats being brought in by clients.  Cookies, cakes, gooey, yummy, glutinous calorie busters that are so delicious, and yet so wrong.  Until my free day, which sadly is not today.  Nor do I get more than one a week.  Truth be told, I don't want more than one a week.  Since I've been on the Release Program, I really don't want to eat sugary, doughy, empty calories for an entire month, just so in January I have more to deal with than I started with in December!  No way!!  Deb and Angie are so right that you have to make it your mission, your obsession to be at your ideal weight.  So I'm keeping a clear image of my goals in front of me and marching toward my best future!

Did great on my six meals today!

Thank goodness for protein drinks and protein bars.  Especially at work.

Greens and a vegan source of protein for the rest of the meals with some carbs thrown in fro good measure.

Worked out for the first time in three days because I was sick.  Got a little tired, but feel so much better that I got my exercise in!!

Keep thinking of the progress picture.

Keep thinking of the progress picture.  

Keep thinking of the progress picture.

No New Years Resolutions?

Me smiling in my new bathing suit!

I always thought that New Years was a time for new beginnings.  And it is, but I still have a lot to accomplish before the end of this year!  After listening to Deb Cheslow on the monthly live call on Tuesday, I realized that the New Years Resolutions I make are the same every year.  

Well, how about that.

So, while listening, I took Deb's advice that I needed to have a clear picture and plan in my mind of exactly what I wanted, what was going to get me there and what I needed to focus on before I willy nilly rambled off any goals I wanted to achieve in 2013.

Otherwise, I'll be in the same old place, wishing I was thin and healthy.

So I started a goal board with pictures, realistic pictures, of where I wanted my body to be by spring of 2013.  I'm curvy and will never be a size 2, so a picked appropriate pictures that were absolutely attainable for me in six months.  

Sticking to the Release Plan and my commitment to myself will be a little easier with a clear goal in mind, and sight!

Water, Water, Water.  Didn't drink enough today so got to finish before bed.  But did a great job with my meals.  Bought some protein bars to make getting the six meals in a little easier.

That progress picture is coming so soon!  90 days will fly by before I know it!!

Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever?

Or maybe it's the other way around.  I hate colds.  Summer colds, winter colds, whenever colds.  Yuk.  In the past, having a cold would be an opportunity for me to nurture myself with comfort foods.  But I know better than that now.  Since reading Release and going through the Release Program, I realize now that it's defiantly not about the food, but the feeling.  So I'm nurturing myself through this current bout of winter nastiness (a cold) with other things, like great thoughts, and of course a nice warm blanket.
Staying on plan is hard when for me when I don't feel well, but I sure feel a lot better when I know I doing good things for my body.

Working on my six meals today. Switched it up to include some nice hot soup.
Coughing too much to work out, but that's okay.  Mmm that warm blanket sounds good though.
Stay well everyone!!
.

A Little Help From My Friends

Me an My Husband

I am so fortunate!  Can't even tell you how happy and grateful I am.  My husband is so supportive and so are my friends.  For 35 days straight now I've been writing down 10 things I'm grateful for before I go to work and it has made such a difference in my life.  I begin the day thinking about what matters to me, and leave behind all the #**k.  Again an exercise I learned in Release.

I began the day with my absolute favorite thing, a walk on the beach.

To make it that much better, my wonderful husband came with me, he's awesome!

Again, I ate in a restaurant for breakfast, and stayed on plan, a trick I learned in the Release Plan!

We really did find this driftwood!
Amazing!

The walk, of course was my cardio.  (My husband gets my heart going!!) 

But still stayed on plan all day!!!

Tomorrow, FREE DAY! (explained in Release)

Basically means I can do what I want and eat what I want!  Like Deb Cheslow says, "your never more that 6 days away from your favorite food"!

Ahhh, Free Day!

Don't Tell Me What I Can't Do!!

Have you ever experienced people telling you there is no way you can do something.  "Never gonna happen", they would tell me, "you'll never be able to do that again" , "you shouldn't exert yourself like that", etc. 

And then you do it. 

HA

Today instead of working out, I took a long walk.  I like walking, always have.  But today was different, today I decided that I was going to jog some of the way.  Now that doesn't seem like a big deal, until you consider the fact that I'm asthmatic, severely.  And up until about, oh I don't know, 90 days ago when I started the Release Dare Program, I got winded walking to my car.

Doctors have told me for years to keep my exercise to a minimum and then threw medicine at me.  Until I turned vegan, another story, I was in the hospital with asthma attacks at least 6 times a year.  

So for me to jog?!!? 

HUGE!!

So like I said, today started out with a walk and a, ahem, drum roll please, A JOG!!!

Stayed on plan with my meals and even went out to dinner!  

(I learned how to order from one of the lessons in Release.)

Gotta start drinking a little more water though, that's a must.  Only up to 8 glasses today so far, but the evenings not over.

Mmmm.  I wonder if I should invest in good jogging shoes? Yep!

What's The Matter, You Don't Like Surprises?

So a great thing happened today.  Well at least, I think it's great.  There has been a coat I've been admiring that was left in the salon waiting for the owner to claim it, and it had to finally be moved because it was in the way.  I had been admiring this pea coat since it got left thinking it was too small and would never fit me.  So while we were deciding where to safely store it, I decided to try it on, saying the whole time, "this is going to be so small on me".

To my surprise, and I think to everyone else', it fit. WOW!!!

My boobs were a little to big for it, but other than that it was like it was made for me. Again, WOW!!  It was a large.  Not a 1 X, or an extra large, but a large.  Yea baby!

After listening to the Release Plan tapes and listening to Deb Cheslow's coaching, I'm beginning to understand the meaning behind the concept of "what you think about, comes about".

Thank you Imagineering!

In spite of my success today, I still find it challenging to get my six meals in.  I think I need to incorporate two protein shakes a day to achieve that.

But I did do my one of my favorite workouts this morning.  Making a little harder on myself by increasing my decline on my push ups, and moving a little faster on my one minute cardio intervals.

Second ninety day photo, here I come!

I Know, You Know, We all Know....But Yet...

You know, one thing I learned about working with a lot of people wanting to Release Weight, everyone has advice to give me.  It seems that everyone is an expert these days.  About nutrition, portion control, and exercising in relationship to caloric intake, etc. etc.  Mmmm... But if there's so much information out there, and we all know what to do, how come the people that are giving me the most nutrition etc. advice, are struggling with their weight so much?  

Must be a Mind Set thing.  Maybe they should read Release and concentrate on the Mind and Spirit sections....The Body will follow......Just sayin'.

Today was a challenge to get my six meals in, crazy schedule today.  But I did manage five meals.  I'm learning that my body really responds to the mid-morning snack and the mid-afternoon snack.  I no longer get the three pm sleepies..I used to drink a cup of coffee at that time, but instead I have some protein or fruit and I'm great.
Today was a cardio day, so worked up a sweat this morning.  So happy that I do it in the morning, first thing, if I don't, it doesn't get done.  One day closer to my goal.  I keep thinking about that second 90 day progress picture!

I Want More!!

Now you might think by the tittle of this post that I'm talking about food. Nope.  I want more out of life!  That's the number one reason I'm changing my lifestyle and eating habits with The Release Plan.  Listening to the second CD from the Release Plan Program called "What do you want?" this morning, Angie Flynn had said that she had wanted to do something "extraordinary" in her life. Me too!  So with one baby step at a time, I discovering what I really want.  Gotta get my dream machine going!  Dream big or go home, right?! I know one thing I really want and that's to get in great health!  So, first baby step is to stick to the Release plan everyday.

This morning was one of my favorite workouts, 55 push ups, 55 sit ups, and 168 squats, with 10 minutes of cardio in between.  Sounds like a lot, but we learned it from Deb Cheslow in the pilot program and it's extraordinary, ahem, that not only am I able to do this on a regular basis, it's getting a little too easy.  Honest!  I'll have to rev it up a bit next time.  Had my six meals, and even included a protein shake in the morning. I'm on my way.

100 Greens and Whey Protein Powder Chocolate - 23.7 oz (Google Affiliate Ad) 

If Patience is a Virtue...I Want Mine Now!

So when is this patience thing supposed to kick in anyway?  I've lived in an immediate gratification world my whole life.  Instant entertainment at the touch of a button, instant food in the microwave, even instant information with the internet.  Maybe that's why I work in the beauty industry.  Want to be a blond? Color your hair, bam, instant blond.  Straight hair and want it curly, perm it, poof, curly hair.  Everything in an instant.  I even remember the question not being "What's for dinner?" but "What do you want for dinner?" because with a quick phone call, or drive thru, you could have just about anything.

Yes patience, you are so elusive.

At The Release Plan meeting yesterday, I heard someone say it's not a sprint.  Too true my friend.  

So here I go again, learning.  I know I didn't get where I'm at with my weight in an instant, so it's going to take time and yes, patience, to get where I'm going.  But the important thing is, that I'm going.  Right?

Days off are hard for me.  I just want to lay around and do as little as possible.  But I'm learning to forgive myself for that and do whats good for me.  Today I ate on plan.  I did a tiny 12 minute workout. (Which I love doing) And I moved forward.  

Forward is my favorite direction!

Deprive, Indulge, Loathe Myself... Repeat

Today was the last day of the Release Dare Pilot Program.  Oh so sad.  But that's why I'm doing this blog right?  One of the most important lessons I've learned in the Release Program is that repetition is the basis of learning.  Deb Cheslow touched on this today and, she's right, I've been taught over the years to follow the deprivation, indulgence  self-loathing carousel by every other plan on the planet. (And I've tried most of them)  It's time for a new record.  Learning to re-teach myself through a positive, self-reinforcing repetition where I'm not the guilty party is the key.  You learn by repetition and that's when habits change.  And when habits change, lives change.

I promised myself that I wouldn't ramble on and on in these post, but just relate my day to day progress.  No  food diaries, no rantings, no unsolicited advice. Just honesty and progress.  If nothing else progress and what's working for me when nothing else did. 

The Release Plan. 

Oh and repetition of really good lessons.

So normally at this time of year, I would give in to my Holiday voice that says,"Oh what the hell, Thanksgiving was so yummy, just wait 'til the New Year to continue the program!" Good thing I'm not listening to that voice anymore!  Back on track after a guilt free Thanksgiving food fest.  Worked out this morning and eating great, good for me food.  I can so get through this Holiday Season, no problem!

First day of my second 90 days!

My Story So Far -
Progress Pictures
First 90 Days 

Why is it that no matter what scale I buy, it says the wrong thing?  STUPID SCALE!!!  So I decided to take a hammer to it for a while and try something different.  With the help of authors Deb Cheslow and Angie Flynn who wrote the book Release, I started a journey that has taken me to places I thought I'd never be able to go again.  Being in my early fifties, a breast cancer survivor, a severe asthmatic and countless other issues due to my weight, I had lots to overcome.  And with the help of the Release Dare pilot program I was lucky enough to be a part of, I've come further in 90 days than I ever thought possible.  So now that the pilot program is over and I'm on my own, I thought what a great way for me to have complete accountability and continue my journey online. Blogging everyday until...
I'll be posting pictures every 90 days to show my progress, which believe me is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but pictures are what tells the story best, so here goes!!