Back In The Saddle Again!

No, I'm not riding a horse or a bull or any other critter! However, I am back on my diet program with Metabolic Direct.

I have always been different! Most people gain weight in the winter when they are shut indoors and indulging in comfort foods.  Me, well, I gain in the Summer.  It probably has more to do with the fact that I seem to travel a lot and eat out a lot in the Summer, than it does with the season itself.

Every Summer about this time, I get on the scales one morning and go - YIKES! How did that happen? Where did it come from?  Well, probably from the delicious Zeppe's Italian Ice and Vanilla Custard...oh yum.  Then there are the Smore's cooked over the open fire, and the hot dogs, and the travel to Paris where ALL the food is irresistible and delicious!  Oh my.  Back to my normal routine or I will have a whole closet full of clothes I can not wear anymore! Nope, can't afford that for sure! And, to add to the drive, I'm going on a Cruise in December! You can't hide fat in cruise clothes!  Aaaauuuggh...

I wish it were as easy to be thin now as it was when I was 17!  Of course, back then I walked everywhere, played basketball and softball and probably didn't have access to junk food.  I was too busy to eat!  The first time I really gained weight was when I was in Nursing School.  There was never time to eat properly and so McDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries became a staple in my world..to the tune of probably 40 pounds or more...I really didn't take a lot of notice about it until the graduation pictures! Oh my, is that me?  A size 20?  How on Earth???

I have dieted and changed the way I eat several times and lost weight, but it was about three years ago when I looked at a picture of myself with my husband at Universal Studios. Who are those people?  That did it.  I got busy and took off 50 pounds on my own, but then I was STUCK!

So I began to hunt for some program or method that would work for me.  I had been to WW in the past and wasn't really impressed...oh I lost some weight, but it came right back...counting points and still eating hamburgers isn't the way to go for me.  I had tried Fit For Life, geesh that is a lot of fruit!

Anyway after having tried so many programs and still being overweight, I came across the Metabolic Research people in Macon, Georgia.  I reviewed the program and it seemed like a sensible way to lose weight.  Between October 3rd and December 20 I lost 50 pounds! Success.  They hired me to work for them!  My clients would walk in and not believe my "before" picture.  I actually had one man say "I want to talk to that tall skinny blond."  I hadn't been a tall skinny blond since High School.
Losing weight is not just about vanity.  It is more about "health."  I don't want to be one of those who has to have knee replacements and can't do all the things I did 30 years ago.  I want to keep healthy and keep moving.  I want to motivate others to do the same.  Life is short...let's live it!

I ran my first 5K 100 pounds lighter than I was the year before on February 23, 2012 (my 66th birthday).  I actually came in third in my age group..(I was just happy I didn't DIE trying).  I have managed to do pretty well until this Summer.  A trip to London and Paris in May, Maryland in June and then to Georgia and finally two weeks in Norway (where my host was a Chef!), and a one week visit from my College age grandson (and I ate hot dogs and fun stuff like that) and I have found myself 25 pounds up!  Oh my gosh!

So this week beginning on Sunday I got back to the program that has been so good to me. It really isn't hard to follow and it works great.  I have already lost 8, yes EIGHT pounds! While I know that rate of loss will not continue, I intend to have lost 20 more pounds by October 15th! I don't do any ridiculous amount of exercise.  I do like to walk about 4 miles at least 3 times a week while the weather is good and I snowshoe in the Winter.  If you have a dog, taking him or her for a nice brisk walk will be good for both of you; and despite previous evidence to the contrary, you need to get at least 15 minutes of sunshine on your body a day to make adequate Vitamin D...so many are deficient in Vitamin D now because of Sunscreen...leave the sunscreen at home and get your 15 minutes.  Recent research is saying exactly that! No, don't get burned...get 15 minutes!

I have fought the "weight loss" battle many times, but I never intend to get back to the weight that I was before Metabolic Research.  I am actually an independent Weight Loss Consultant for them now out here in Utah.  That is good for me and good for my clients.  So, my blogging friends, I will let you know how I progress, and if you want to join me give me a message.

PEACE, LOVE and JOY

On A Lighter Note!

Need an idea for a hearty, delicious and healthy lunch?

Got this one for you!

Wilted Lettuce Chicken Salad







Ingredients:


4 ounces grilled chicken breast chopped
1/2 ounce low salt Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Walden Farms Sesame Dressing (no fat no carbs no calories)
3 onces romaine lettuce shredded
1/2 small avocado, sliced (this is the only fat in this salad)
2 ounces sliced cucumbers
2 ounces chopped fresh tomatoes
6 strawberries

place all chopped veggies in bowl
Place chicken in small frying pan sprayed with PAM and add Walden Farms Dressing
Heat chicken and dressing until heated through and immediately POUR
  over veggies in bowl.
Place strawberries on side.

YUM! You won't believe how delicious this is!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Dieting - One Size Doesn't Fit All!

If you have ever had to fight the "battle of the buldge" you know it can be either very rewarding if you succeed or very frustrating if you don't.

I have been on both sides of the battle off and on for most of my adult life.  As a teen I was an athlete and never had to worry about my weight.  As a child I had actually been quite skinny.  But, once I had children, all that changed.

Over the years I have done everything from Weight Watchers to HCG!  Sometimes I had reasonable success, but the problem is I never managed to lose the weight and keep it off until now.  I think I know the reason why.

For example, with WW you are given a certain amount of "points" you can use throughout the day to lose weight.  It does work and many people lose weight doing it.  However, there are some fatal flaws which set the losers up for future failure.  One of those is that while you are counting points it isn't emphasized that there is a difference between eating a cheeseburger for 15 points and eating 15 points worth of lean protein or vegetables.  Also, the weekly meeting provides accountability, and while that is a valuable tool, unless you intend to go to meetings the rest of your life you need to learn to be accountable to YOURSELF!  Consequently, most of the people (including me) who lose weight on WW gain it back.  Siggggghhhh...

HCG has been around for over 30+ years.  It involves taking Human Chorionic Gonatrophin in either drop (not as effective) or injection.  This diet also involves and extremely restrictive change not only in your eating habits (500-700 calories a day) but you can't even use any type of oil or lotion on your skin or it will not work!  You can not exercise on this regime.  It does work.  But, once again, when people lose weight this way they haven't changed their eating habits and as soon as they go back to eating the way they were, the weight returns and usually even more.

I could go through each and every diet plan presented and give you the pluses and minuses, but here is the plain truth.  Unless you are willing to change your eating HABITS you will never get the weight off and keep it off.  Oh, I'm not saying you can NEVER have a piece of chocolate cake again, but just that you have to learn how your body works and exactly what you have to change or modify to obtain an ideal weight.

For me, a trip to Metabolic Research Center was the beginning of my journey.  The diet plan I chose to follow involved reducing caloric intake, increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrates.  I also decided that adding walking/jogging to my life would help with my efforts.  Now I know that some of you HATE exercise, and others of you have gotten so obese that exercise is not an option until you get some of the weight off.  So, lets start with MOTIVATION.

What is your motivation for losing weight?  Have you tried before and failed? Why?  Do you have any "support" in this effort, or are you going to have to overcome a spouse or friends who will attempt to sabotage you at every turn?  No matter how you look at it, this is going to require WILLPOWER.  If you can't summon up a considerable amount of that, then you are doomed to fail.  After all, you didn't put on those extra 50 plus pounds overnight and you can't expect them to fall off overnight either!

I can say all this because over the last couple of years I have managed to lose 100+ pounds!  I have also managed to keep it off for six months so far.  I am not going to tell you that it is ALWAYS easy, or that I don't have moments of weakness and temptation...I DO!!  But, if I fall off the wagon one day, I hop back on with both feet the next!

There is NO magic pill or injection that will make the weight disappear overnight, but if you are willing to work at it, you CAN get your life back.  You CAN wear that sexy dress or those size 6 slacks again.  I am willing to help anyone interested in learning healthy ways to take it off!  If you are interested in joining me on this journey to wellness, let me know! 

PEACE - LOVE & JOY!!!

Linda

Here Comes That Wagon Again!

Okay, Christmas has come and gone and so have the cookies, cakes, fudge, turkey, ham, potatoes...blah and blah and blah and....ad infinitum!  Yikes, I hope none of you fell too far off the wagon, but now it's time to get back on again!

You don't have to wait until January 1st to make your New Year's Resolution, or to get back on the wagon and back on track for weight loss or maintenance.  I got on the scales this morning, and in spite of some indulgences I haven't done much damage to my weight loss program...up a couple of pounds, but nothing a week of being back on track can't fix.

I have lost a total of 55 pounds now, and want to lose about another 15.  This is definitely an attainable goal, and I intend to get it done!  So, off to the grocery store we went this morning.  I bought lots of FAGE Greek Yogurt, asparagus, beets, broccoli, daikon radish, regular radish, cucumbers, and all kinds of other fresh and frozen veggies.  We are going to make hummus to dip those great veggies in by pureeing garbanzo beans and adding tahini, etc.  Should be yummy, and very healthy. The Greek Yogurt also makes a fine dip for fresh vegetables.

In addition to the use of lots of raw vegetables, I also make a vegetarian vegetable soup to keep on hand.  It is great in this cold weather.  In warmer weather, Gaspacho is a magnificent use for all those veggies and is a great cleansing agent for the body.

I purchased boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as fresh tilapia for protein other than yogurt.  It will be cooked quite simply.  We are avoiding all those "white" things like rice, potatoes, grits and white breads/rolls.  We use Almond milk for cereal.  I am also going to purchase some Barley Green to help make our bodies more alkaline.  Are you aware that cancer does not grow in an alkaline environment?  An acid pH causes many of the disease problems we humans experience.  Meat and meat products tend to make our bodies more acid; vegetables more alkaline. 

So with all that in mind, here are a few simple and delicious recipes you might enjoy as the "wagon" comes back around again at your house!

RAW CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

Yep, I did say RAW corn.  Raw corn is actually very delicious and sweet and makes a wonderful ingredient in this lovely salad.

1 15ounce can black beans, rinsed
1 cup fresh corn cut from the cob (if you don't like corn, you may leave this out)
2 TBSP olive oil or canola oil
1/2 teasp ground cumin
2 TBSP lime juice
1 Large tomato finely diced
1 Small sweet onion finely diced
1 TBSP honey
1 TBSP finely chopped cilantro (optional)

Combine all ingredients in medium sized bowl and toss.  Allow to rest for 10 minutes. 
Serve by itself or over torn mixed greens.


TACO SOUP

2-3 cups fat free chicken broth (I use Swanson)
1-2 pounds ground turkey or veggie "grounds"
1 large onion, chopped
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 package Taco Seasoning
1 package Ranch Dressing Mix

Saute onion, ground meat and other vegetables and add broth, add both seasoning packages.  Cook 20-30 minutes on medium heat!

Super easy, super delicious.  You may add additional "heat" if you like spicy foods.
This is a low calorie, high fiber meal that is very satisfying and one your famiy will love. Happy and Healthy Eating you guys!!!

In Search of A Low Fat/Low Cal Potato Salad?

Low Fat Potato Salad, sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? But in my quest for just that I have finally come up with a suitable substitute for the globs of mayo usually required. Here is my answer:

LOW FAT/LOW CAL POTATO SALAD

THIS is actually quite simple and quite delicious...and will save you just bunches of calories and fat!

6 medium potatoes (you may peel and boil, but I actually microwave them and
then peel and dice, as it creates a much drier product)
3/4 Cup FAGE Greek Yogurt (0%) there is NO fat in this!! YAY!
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup good old fashioned yellow mustard
1/2 cup onions finely chopped
1/2 cup celery finely chopped
Celery Salt and Pepper to Taste

Dice your potatoes in a small dice and add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly...this is best if left to sit for several hours, as the ingredients will meld together for a better tasting salad.

(In 3/4 cup mayo you have 1,080 calories) (In 3/4 cup of FAGE Greek Yogurt you have approximately 65 calories!!!)
It is all these LITTLE things which can add up to your having a weight loss success story!

My husband used to put Sour cream on his baked potato, (26 calories per tablespoon), he now uses FAGE Greek Yogurt (6.5 calories per tablespoon) and he loves it! The creamy texture and flavor are a great substitute for sour cream, and if you use 4 tablespoons of Real Sour Cream at 104 calories, versus only 26 calories for FAGE Greek Yogurt, well you see what I am saying...every little bit counts!

Happy Weight Loss!

Being a Winner and Losing It!

Okay! Things have been crazy to say the least around here for the last two months! But, I refuse to let anything or anyone get in the way of my 17 Day Diet Plan. And guess what? It's working! I have lost 44 pounds now and am aiming for another 20 to 25 by Christmas.

Sometimes it is easy to get in a rut and feel sorry for yourself and give in to temptations. I will confess to having a few rough days, but in spite of a few "slips" I have stayed true to the plan. If you do have a day where things just get really off course, don't beat yourself up about it. Get Back On Track. One day does not a failure make. The thing to remember is that no DIET ever really works for the long term. You must make the lifestyle changes necessary to maintain the weight loss.

One tip which works for a lot of people is to have a NOW picture of when you start the course....

like this one 44 pounds ago...yikes, and a picture of perhaps your former "skinny self" if you have one! But be sure to keep taking progress pictures, because rewarding your progress is important.

Also, please don't reward yourself with FOOD! That is the problem. We need to learn to eat to live and not live to eat! I really understand this, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook, and enjoy watching people enjoy my "food art". You can still enjoy your food, and still enjoy your favorite "treats". Sometimes it is just a matter of adjusting the "amount" of a favorite food. You can also modify a lot of your recipes to make them delicious but much lighter. I will give you a "light" recipe today. Although I am not currently on the Weight Watchers Program, I have used many of their recipes. They do have some great cookbooks. My only problem with Weight Watchers is all that points counting and tracking. I have found that the 17 Day Diet is a much simpler plan which will make the lifestyle change toward healthy weight easier to maintain.

My eye surgery has slowed my progress a little because I haven't been able to attend my water aerobics class. Very soon I will be back in the water, and the pounds will begin to fall off more quickly again. Like it or not people, exercise is important not only in weight loss, but in maintaining a totally healthy lifestyle, lowering your blood pressure, maintaining bone strength and just feeling better about life. Those endorphins are great things! So MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT! Let me know how you are doing.

LIGHT RECIPE OF THE DAY

This is a recipe even the kids will love!
You may use "grounds" (soy protein or seiten) in this recipe to cut even more calories and fat...and it will still be great!

SERVES 6

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta (or other tubular type pasta of your choice)
Cooking spray
1 pound ground sirloin (or turkey, "grounds" or chicken)
1 TBSP olive oil (yes, it's good for you!)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
5 garlic cloves, minced (it is also very good for you)
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 TBSP all-purpose flour
2 cups fat free milk or soy milk
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 (3 ounce) package fat free cream cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 TBSP chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (you can use Fresh Basil also)

1. Preheat Broiler
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt or fat. Drain
3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add ground meat to pan; saute 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. (For "Grounds" this step will be much shorter). Remove meat from pan; drain. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Add oil to pan and swirl to coat. Add onion; saute 4 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic, saute 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add beef back to pan and sprinkle with salt. Add flour; cook 1 minute stirring frequently. Stir in milk, tomatoes, and cream cheeses stirring until smooth; bring to a simmer. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in pasta.
4. Spoon pasta mixture into a 13 x 9 inch broiler safe baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle mozzarella (and you may add a bit of Parmesan if you like) evenly over the top. BROIL about 4 minutes or until golden...sprinkle with parsley.

Calories: 431 per serving.

Serve with a Garden Salad for the perfect Fall meal....it is delicious!

Speak Out Against Childhood Obesity

All over the Country we have seen a huge increase in the problem of obesity. But, the most frightening rise is that in children.

I first became concerned about childhood obesity when I was working for the State one Fall in local schools. We were going to Elementary, Middle and High Schools teaching kids how to open a new type of milk pouch.

When I went to the Elementary schools, the youngest children were mostly of normal weight. But, the higher grade the larger percentage of obese children.

I began to watch what was being served to the children at the schools. Many of the children actually eat breakfast and lunch at school each day. Instead of healthy choices, children were given sausages on a stick, dipped in pancake batter and deep fried with a side of syrup to dip them in...and "breakfast pizza". No fresh fruit or healthy cereal was available. Chocolate and strawberry milk were plentiful.

Lunch time rolled around and Pizza and corn dogs and corn, and fries...no fresh fruit again...no fresh vegetables. More chocolate and strawberry milk. And, in addition, there were snack machines with unhealthy snacks and cola machines everywhere!

Oh My Gosh...no wonder the kids are getting fat! I have been a big supporter of Jaime Oliver's program to try and get healthier foods into American School Children! It is critical folks. Talk to your school principals and superintendents. Speak up often and loud at PTA meetings and enlist other parents in the cause. The squeaky wheel...well you know how that goes!

Along with an increase in obesity, comes an increase in diabetes in children, heart problems and high blood pressure. We must change the way our children are being fed.
I am pleased to see that some of the fast food chains are beginning to offer more healthy choices. But, if you as parents don't make the right choices for your children you are guilty of contributing to the problem.

Sometimes your have to say no to the fries and get apple slices instead. Choose the plain burger over the fried chicken nuggets. We can do this. We can take back our children's health. It starts at home...it starts with YOU! Don't buy those sugary cereals, don't buy those sugar laden soft drinks and juices. Children will eat right if the right foods are presented to them.

I purposely didn't include pictures in this blog...THIS ISN'T A PRETTY PICTURE..IT IS AN UGLY PROBLEM!

Let's get the kids running, swimming, playing on the playground. Limit the time your child can spend in front of the television or computer. Be an example, and do it with them. Get out there and walk, bike, run and swim....you and your children will live better lives because of it!

Live to Eat or Eat to Live?

I am continuing my journey on the 17 Day Diet with great success. I have lost a total of 40 pounds now since beginning this new lifestyle change, and am feeling terrific!
I just took a bunch of clothes to a neighbor to donate to the Mission that are now too big for me.

A big part of this transformation has been in just changing small daily habits and sticking to them. Greek yogurt and fruit have become a part of my daily ritual, as well as lots of lean protein. Oh, I still have some "good" carbs now and then, but I am much more careful about the portions and quality of those carbohydrates I do consume.

I was in the office of my lady friend's cardiologist this week when a couple came in and both signed in to see the doctor. They were probably about my age. The big and I do mean BIG difference between them us though was weight. Both the husband and wife had to be at least 150 pounds overweight. Oh my gosh, I felt so badly for them. I wondered if they each could shed that weight if they would have to be seeing a heart doctor. Can you imagine how much work it is for your heart to carry around that much extra weight?

I thought about how much better I am feeling without the 40 pounds I have lost already. I am more motivated than ever to get off another 30.

So, if you haven't already checked into The 17 Day Diet, do! It is a great way to get rid of those extra pounds and add years to your life.

Now get moving, walking, bike riding, swimming, and do it. You won't be sorry.

Let me know how you are doing.

HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE DAY

4 Tilapia fillets
2 sliced tomatoes, thin slices
1 TBSP dried basil
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 fresh lemon

On foil covered broiler pan, place sliced tomatoes (sprinkled with the basil), with thin slice of onion on top of each, place tilapia over onion and tomato slices and squeeze a little lemon juice on each fillet. Salt and pepper to taste.

Broil just until flaky...
Serve with tossed salad and baked potato for a light summer meal. Enjoy!

Working It! Water Aerobics

Okay, enough of lolly gagging around...I've got to Move It, Move It! Especially if I want to shed the next 27 pounds. My goal is still to be at goal weight by Thanksgiving. That is going to take some serious movement.

So, first thing this morning I headed for The Cantrell Center, in Warner Robins, Georgia. They have a great heated (really doesn't need that heat right now!) pool, and Donna is a fantastic instructor for Water Aerobics.

Now if you are laughing and thinking that water aerobics can't be all that difficult, then you need to come with me some time. Of course you can just kinda lay back and watch and waddle, but if you really DO IT for one hour, you can burn a bunch of calories and firm up some of that flab at the same time.

Today is the first day of my three day a week exercise program to get the rest of this weight off for good! Water aerobics is great because it doesn't stress the joints like running or jogging. You don't sweat! LOL, and somehow it is just more relaxing than the boring treadmill or machines. The music is upbeat and makes you want to keep moving to the beat. Check out a Wellness Center in your town. I think you will find this is an inexpensive and healthy way to get that body back into shape.

I am going to give you a recipe today that you can either make the fattening way, or the "slimmed down" way. Either way, believe me it is absolutely delicious (and no one can tell the difference which is which).

SUMMER STRAWBERRY TRIFLE

THIS PICTURE actually depicts three of my favorite trifles, and I will share those other recipes at another time.

1 Large Box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (you can use fat free/sugar free)
16 ounces Cool Whip (again, can use fat free/sugar free)
2 pound cakes (can use angel food instead) cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 Pound container strawberries, cut up (save a few for garnish)
1 cup sugar (or Splenda or Truvia)
1 can Whipped Cream

Cut up and macerate strawberries overnight in refrigerator in sugar or artificial sweetener.

1. Mix Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix with Cool whip and set aside.
2. Cover bottom of clear bowl with cubes of cake
3. Spoon 1/3 of Strawberries over cake
4. Spoon and spread pudding mixture over the strawberries (you will not that
the mixture has obtained a kind of cheesecake texture)
5. Repeat layers until bowl is full.
6. Top with whipped cream and a few strawberries you have set aside for garnish

This trifle will serve 15 hungry people....and you will get rave reviews! Not only is is pretty to look at, but it is delicious to eat, and simple to make!

Other favorites of mine include a Mocha Crunch Trifle, and a Caramel Apple one.

The 17 Day Diet

This picture was taken about 6 years ago, when I was weighing i at about what I would like to weigh now. I am working on it!

Still sticking like glue to the 17 Day Diet Plan...37 pounds gone and about 27 to go.
If you haven't gotten this book yet, you need to have a look see. I actually went to Barnes & Noble and read part of it before I bought it that day. I was so impressed with the science in it. It isn't a "fad" diet. It is nutritionally sound and easy to follow.

I am enjoying delicious meals, not feeling hungry and feeling well and healthy. Exercise is not "pushed" but encouraged. 17 minutes twice a day. Anyone can do this diet, and anyone can lose weight this way.

I enjoy the protein I am allowed, but it is not really a "low carb" diet....nothing like Adkins, which I felt was terribly unhealthy.
Fat is limited, but not eliminated. You will not feel hungry or deprived on this plan.

So come and join me in this quest to lose weight and be healthy. I will keep you posted as to my progress, and you can contact me with questions and your progress too!

Good Health and Happy Eating!

Before and After

Like many of you out there, I have battled with my weight for so many years I have lost count. I have clothes in every size under the heavens, and I am sick and tired of "growing out of" those things I love!

So, May 22nd 2011 I began a new program in an effort to finally and once and for all get rid of the weight and keep it off. Believe me, I have tried everything from Weight Watchers (which works as long as you NEVER go off the program) to HCG shots and everything in between. All of them worked to a degree, but only a real lifestyle change is going to make the weight go away and stay away.

Finally, I seem to have landed on a life changing program which is sensible, easy to follow and really will be a change of habits for me. It is called THE SEVENTEEN DAY DIET by Dr. Mike Moreno. Now, as an RN, I have seen many doctors recommend diets, and their knowledge of nutrition is less than stellar. They just didn't focus on that much in Medical School. Dr. Moreno seems to have done the research however, and I immediately found his book and diet plan intriguing.

As I said above, I started on the plan on May 22nd. I lost nearly 20 pounds in the first seventeen days! The hardest time period of the diet. I made up my mind before I started that I could do ANYTHING for 17 days. I have continued to follow the next cycle and have now lost a total of 35 pounds, feel great, and am getting into some of those great clothes I love. My skin is looking great, and everything in my body just seems to be working better. I have only had to do about 17 minutes a day of exercise to get this far. I will be stating back to water aerobics as soon as the temperature drops a bit, and I am sure that this combined with the diet will take care of the next 28 pounds. I want to reach my goal by Thanksgiving. NO, not so I can eat whatever I want. I just need a date to focus on and that seems reasonable.

I have a picture of me when I was at the weight I like to be...I look at it every day, and when I reach my goal in November, I will take another and post it for all to see. Do you need to lose a little or a lot of weight? Then perhaps you should check out THE 17 DAY DIET!! It works.