Daily Living with Good Choices

Can't believe the days have gone by so fast!!  I have been eating my new food & have had some delicious stuff.

Vegetarian Sloppy Joe, Chicken Noodle soup & pancakes!  That's right pancakes!  The packet makes one nice size pancake.  Very tasty. Can use sugar free syrup.

Thanksgiving was successful-I had turkey, green beans & deviled egg.  Was completely satisfied. I knew I'd get my dessert in 3 hours-a peanut butter bar that tastes like reese cup!

When I'm off work I have a harder time getting all my water in.  Went to Mom's Saturday-took 5 empty water bottles and filled them with good ole well water.  It's so much better than the filtered city water at my house!

I got a little off schedule Saturday night-had a pity party.   I'm not sure why I let the bag of potato chips mess with me-but the chips won!  I felt like a dog when I was done and Sunday.
With my new habits of health, I've been thinking about why I allowed the urge to eat over power my common sense.  I simply didn't listen to the good angel on my shoulder!

Up till then, when I thought about eating I asked myself -am I hungry?  The answer is always no.
I then started mentally listing the benefits of NOT eating when it's not meal time.  The urge to eat would pass.

This time-I pushed the good thought to the rear of my brain and simply ate.

I didn' beat myself up.  Now that I know why I've been able to withstand the temptation to eat, I hope next time I'll listen to my reasoning better.

AND I'm making me a list to put on my mirror so I'll see it every day.

It's almost a relief to get the "cheat" over.  I've been dreading it since I started the program.

I'm just moving on....one day at a time....one meal at a time.

Hope you have a super happy day!


Colossians 3:12
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,
you must clothe yourself with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.

Delicious Food!

I went out to eat last night-2nd time in 3 1/2 weeks.  I'm still wary of eating out. I've had "good intentions" plenty of times before when going out to eat. Plan on eating a salad or something that's healthy and then when I actually order-I order what I want to eat.

I asked the waitress a few questions about how the food was prepared.  I made good choices and had a delicious dinner.
Lightly cajun flavored chicken, steamed broccoli and cauliflower and small side garden salad.

Today I was at a craft show all day.  It was so easy to eat right-I just took my little packages and ate at my 3 hour intervals. 

My darling husband fixed New York strips for dinner. I made mock mashed potatoes (using cauliflower) and cabbage cooked in electric skillet.

Another delicious meal!!!!!!
 

Started Exercising!

The program doesn't want you to exercise until after you've been on it for 3 weeks.  Well, I've had so much energy-I've WANTED to exercise! Crazy huh?  Maybe because for the first time in my life someone said "Don't Exercise"!  The child in me just wanted to rebel!

Our receptionist at work walks every day during her lunch hour.  Mind you-she broke her foot 3 1/2 months ago and hasn't been able to walk until 2 weeks ago.  She's been itching to get back to it.  She limps and is in pain, but she does it anyway.  Doesn't matter what the tempature is-she does it.  It's very encouraging!

So today I walked with her.  Due to her limp, I was able to keep up with her!  She's a tiny little thing and walks fast usually. 

It was a very nice walk. I walked 15 minutes.  When I got inside-my ears and nose were like ice cubes!  I'm definitely going to have to do inside exercise until spring. 

I'm really excited because I reordered a shipment of meals yesterday.  Was able to order some of the same and different items.  Pancakes, chili, brownies....does it sound like I'm on a diet?  Sure doesn't taste like it either! LOL

I'm still feeling strongly about following this program to my goal weight. By the way-that's 148.  I'll have lost a total of 114 pounds!  I've never BELIEVED I could do it in the past until this diet program.  I'm a believer now!

I'm having steak for dinner.  Yummmmmmmmm


Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you,
and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips.


Karen C

Doctor Approved!! Yeah!

I went for my physical today and I quickly shared with her about being on a diet program.  She was really pleased I was losing weight and did ask a couple of questions. 

Could I stick with it long term?  Oh-I gushed out how satisfying the food supplements are and they taste good. I don't feel deprived at all. Even had a bar that tastes like a Reese Cup!

Did it involve exercise?  Yes! Not a lot, but a decent amount that she approves of.


It's time to order my food again! I was able to get a little different items this time.  One is a 4 pack of chocolate items!  Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pudding & Hot chocolate.  My co-worker said "you don't have to give up anything!"  That is so true! 

Last night I had turkey meatballs.  I made up the recipe myself! Can't even tell you the "dashes" of seasoning I put in them! I put a little finely chopped onion and celery.  Then baked them in the oven.  They were really good!

I was reading my Habit's of Health book and it wants us to set goals. I started thinking about in just 3 weeks how far I've already come.

• my rings & watch are sliding around
• I can lift my leg to my knee and put my socks on without grunting
• I can bend over and pick something up and not shine the world (my pants stay put)
• I no longer feel bloated all the time
• I don't get sleepy during the day
• I have much more energy
• I don't sweat all the time
• My confidence is growing-I shared my blog address on the facebook group
• My double chin is almost gone
• I'm starting to look forward to getting dressed in the morning

That's all I can think of off the top of my head & I'm so thrilled to have stuck to something for 3 solid weeks!

I look forward to even more great changes!

Words of the wise:

A faithful friend is one of life's greatest assets.
No problem is ever as dark when
you have a friend to face it with you.
Christ Jesus laid down His life
for you, and His promise is: I will hnever
leave thee nor forsake thee.

Have a blessed day!
Karen C

Miracles Do Happen :o)

I've been bad! Haven't journaled since Wednesday.  I've thought about it-just haven't taken the time.

Have been following the program really well.  Today is weigh in day and I'm down on the scales again.

DRUM ROLL..............245.2!!!!!  That's total 16.5 pounds in 3 weeks!!!!

This is the easiest weight loss program I've EVER done! I just can't get over how it works.  I hope I don't find out in 5 years that it's really unhealthy and I'm going to die 20 years early or something! LOL

I fixed a turkey breast this weekend and that is really tasty.  Haven't had turkey in a long time. 

I also made a new recipe that a guy on our facebook group posted.  I changed it a little-didn't have almond milk.  Here's my version:

Squash Soup
3 large yellow squash
1/2 large onion
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
salt & pepper
garlic powder (called for real garlic/didn't have any)

Cook that until tender.

Put in blender and pulsed until smooth.  Added 2 tablespoons cream cheese to both batches. (called for half and half/didn't have any)

Turned out yummy-of course, I love soups.

My annual physical is tomorrow and I can't wait for them to weigh me. Can't wait to see the look on my doctor's face.  She's been trying to help me lose weight over the past 3 years.  She feels quite responsible for me being obese! Ridiculous!  Last year at this time she suggested I talk to a surgeon to have the lap band procedure done.
I was depressed for weeks.  I knew I wouldn't do it unless my weight became life threatening.  But just knowing she'd given up on me was VERY depressing.

This program Take Shape For Life was the answer all along-I just didn't know it.
My health coach is so supportive.  Can't wait to talk to her after work. 

Hope you have an excellent week!
I'll try to post like I'm supposed to!


Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires.  Psm 37:4

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24.

I asked God for a miracle-that's the only way I'd lose weight and he sent me Take Shape For Life!

Blessings to you!

Karen C

Donut Melt Down!

Yesterday when I went in the kitchen at work to fill up my water bottles I spotted a BIG box of donuts on the table.

I asked my coworker where they came from -one of our company reps.
I said "donuts are my favorite" and tears started welling up.
I said we need to get them out of the building!
The receptionist walked up and they both said "we aren't eating them". She said she'd give them to our customers.
She looked at me and said "do you want a donut?"
I busted into a full fledged -hysterical-fit!  I went in the bathroom & boo-hooed for 5 minutes!

I don't even know what came over me! I was shocked at my response at just seeing some donuts. I haven't feel deprived on this program at all. I get "sweets" with my delicious food bars & cereal.  I simply couldn't control it.

I went to see my health coach at lunchtime. She had some VERY WISE words.

She said "Karen, you could have eaten a donut". (I was shaking my head no the whole time!)
She said "look at it this way" You could have eaten it, but you CHOSE not to.  That's part of the healthy habits we're learning about!

I'll have to admit-that never entered my head!  I was just thinking I couldn't eat a donut-it would blow my whole last 2 weeks of doing good.

After more thought-she is -of course-right!  I felt so much better.

My day:

7AM Peach Tea
10AM Chicken soup
1PM Broccoli soup
4PM Cinnamon Crunch cereal
8PM   5 ounces stewed chicken on top of lettuce, tomato, jalapeno with Vidalia Onion dressing.
         1 ounce cheddar cheese
9:40PM pretzels


While I'm working on the outside, I'm also concerned about my inside!  My encouraging verse today is:

Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phil 1:6

Have a great evening!
Karen C

Overcome Stress with Prayer

Yesterday went by in a whirl wind! It must be a full moon-we had some crazy situations with our customers. Around 3pm I started thinking-I want something fattening to eat! When my mind started listing possibilities-I said NO!  You are not going to respond to stress with food.

I prayed and asked God to keep me from temptation, to help my emotions calm down. He distracted me and I was fine. A momentary weakness of the flesh!  I took some calming breaths and drank more water.

God is so good!  He sent me Alisha, my health coach. She's had her own weight struggles, but has won the battle!  She's my cheerleader, confidant & now friend.  I'm so thankful to have someone I can call anytime to ask questions. 

Monday's is our check in day.  We weigh (I've lost 11 pds in 2 weeks!!) I love saying that!! LOL
We discuss the homework book-that's right -homework!!  But it's interesting and relates to being healthy, making good choices, etc.

Yesterdays plan:
7am Orange drink
10:30am cereal
1PM chicken soup
4PM Orange Cream shake
7PM Made chicken salad-yummy
      5 oz chicken, 1 hardboiled egg, 1 dill pickle spear, 1 stalk celery, 2T cream cheese, 1T mayo
      1 cup diced tomatoes, salt & pepper
9:30pm parmesan puffs

Today is election day. I pray God's hand will be in the results.  Only he knows what's best for America.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper

Psalm 37:3 NLT

Losing For Life!

Today is weigh in day-I was down to 250.8!!  That's a total of 11 pds in 2 weeks!  I'm so thrilled.  I've never stuck to a diet this long.
God is my strength!  We talk every day about it.

My eating schedule gets out of wack on the weekends and I know I didn't get enough water yesterday.  I'm still trying to figure out how to get it worked out.

7:30am Orange drink
11:30am Peach Tea
3PM cinnamon cereal
5:30pm 5 oz chicken & boiled egg
             tomatoes & celery
            2T cream cheese & 1T mayo
            Pepper
Stirred it up for chicken salad & it was delicious!
7:30pm cheese pizza bites
9:30pm Parmesan bites

It's pretty cold outside this morning. I love the colder weather!
Hope you have a blessed day!

The Lord will work out his plans for my life-for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.

Psalm 138:8 NLT

Hugs!
Karen C 

Thankful for Choices

Not sure why we wait till November to remember what we are thankful for. The new thing in my life that I'm thankful for is Take Shape For Life.  This program is changing me for the better!

I've been waiting my whole overweight life for something that work for me to lose weight & do it in a healthy way.  I wanted my cake & eat it too!
The food replacements are surprisingly so much better than what I thought they would be. Pre-portioned with just the right amount of calories, protein, carbs, fat.  I don't have to figure up anything!

My favorite thing -within an hour of getting up- mix a packet of Hot Cocoa in my decaffinated coffee.  Yumm!

My second favorite is broccoli soup. Yumm #2!

Yesterday my lean & green was lunch with my parents.  Clarence's.  I picked the restaurant because I knew they had grilled chicken.  I asked my server how many ounces you get with the grilled chicken salad versus grilled chicken plate. 

I've NEVER asked anything like that before!  Kind of wierd.  But I had to know.

There is only 4 oz on the salad & 6 oz on the plate.  I ordered that plate.

What comes with the plate?  2 sides & bread.  Normally I would have gotten a baked potato or sweet potato.  This time I asked her to double my salad and keep the bread!!

I think my parents & my husband were SURPRISED!

This was my first eating out experience since I started the program.  I was very pleased that I was able to make different choices and my food was still EXCELLENT!  Very tasty.

I finished my day with Orange drink, broccoli soup & Honey mustard pretzels.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God

Ephesians 2:8 NLT

Have a happy Sunday!
Karen C

TGIF!!

Boy, the thought crossed my mind this morning-I'd like to have some pizza from Hema's.  Then I thought-NO! 
Stopped thinking about it right away.

But the last 2 nights-I've dreamed of cheating!!  Not on my husband-that would be normal.  I've been eating non-diet foods in my dreams!  I woke up thinking-oh no! I cheated.  Then I realized it was a dream.  Crazy huh?

Yesterday's Plan:

7AM broccoli soup (I can have it any time I want it! I love it!)
10AM broccoli soup (that's right- I can have it any time I want it! I love it!)
1PM Cheese Pizza chips
4PM Peanut Butter Bar
7PM Lean & Green:   4 oz roast beef & 1 oz LF cheese
                              1c lettuce, 1/2 c tomato & cucumber.
                              2 T vidalia onion dressing (healthy fat)
9:30PM oatmeal-YUCK!  It was awful. I tried putting an optional snack-walnuts in it-didn't help. Won't be buying that again!

Felt good all day. Seems I get a little hungry in the mornings. I just drink more water!  I'm hoping that is going to pass. 
I'm looking forward to being able to exercise a little.

Have a blessed Friday!!

Begin each new day as if it is the
 beginning of your life, for truly it is the
beginning of what is left of your life.

Karen C

Daily Success November 1st

Good morning!  A new month.  This year is flying by.
I've been working on making Christmas Cards for so long-I feel like it should be Christmas!  I know-don't rush it.

Yesterday was a good day.  Am settling into the program wonderfully.  I think I heard somewhere if you do something for 3 weeks it becomes a habit.  I'm 1/2 way there!

7AM peach tea (shaken not stirred! LOL)
10AM Broccoli soup (continues to be a favorite for me)
1PM Mint chocolate bar
4PM Cinnamon pretzels
7PM 6 oz chicken breast
       1 cup oven roasted cauliflower (if you've never tried this-it's delicious!)
       1/2 cup green beans
9:30PM peanut butter bar

Oven roasted cauliflower
cut your flowers small and put on baking pan & lightly coat with olive oil & southwest seasoning
**I keep my olive oil in a squirt bottle-enables you to have a good control
of amount of oil coming out.
Bake @ 350 degrees with your chicken for 45 minutes.
Comes out toasty & roasted flavored every time!

Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Have a truly blessed day!!
Karen C