I’m guessing by the title you’re expecting to see a story about football, unless of course, you are not into football at all, and have no idea as to what is my reference. Being born and raised in Michigan, and with four brothers, I certainly know a bit about football and the Big Ten. But that is not what this particular blog is about.
This is about a personal journey, one, I’m sure I am not alone in traveling. Over the years, due to raising kids, working, not paying enough attention to diet, etc., I’ve come to pack on extra poundage, that mostly likes to reside in my hips and thighs and lower abdominal region. I was pretty good at kidding myself about it, as I could still squeeze myself into the same size I wore for years. I believe many clothes manufacturers have actually made womens’ clothing sizes more generous to accommodate this illusion. But, as the saying goes, ‘pictures don’t lie’. When viewing some pictures from my mom’s birthday party and others with me playing with my grandson, I could no longer kid myself, I had gotten plump! Viewing the thickness around the middle and my flabby arms, I cringed. How was I able to delude myself for so long?
Well, I went to work, and started with a fast I did with my daughter to determine any food sensitivities. I find I have slight sensitivities to peanuts and dairy. Ok, fine. I eliminated most carbs and most processed foods. Over the next couple of months I dropped 5 pounds. My next goal was to maintain that weight for the next 6 months or so before I went for the next drop. So, this has been my process, drop 5 pounds and maintain that new weight. I taught myself how I had to eat if I wanted to be at that weight. After several years I have dropped and kept off 15 pounds and have gone down a size in clothes. It may not sound like much, but I feel so much better. I have more energy and I love that my clothes fit better. I no longer have to suck in to get my zipper up.
But to the Big Ten…those last 10 pounds to reach my ultimate goal. Therein lies the struggle. I know how to eat to maintain where I am, but how do I get to that next, elusive level. I’m committed to not doing any crazy fad diets that have you drop a bunch of weight only to yoyo back up again. Weight Watchers has worked for me in the past, but I have chosen to try Melaleuca’s R3 program. I love Melaleuca already and use their supplements and cleaning products. They have a program, FB group, including support and recipes, and a challenge. I’ve decided to take it!
R3 stand for Reset, Reintroduce, and Real Life. I like it’s practical, real-life approach. Tomorrow, October 3, we start. I am ready. My intention is to lose those last 10 pounds (actually 11, right now), before the holidays, then maintain it. That would accomplish one of my main goals for the year as well. I’m excited and ready and like that I’m in this with other like-minded individuals. I’ll keep you posted as to my progress, every two weeks, which is when we have weigh-ins and measures. I intend to kick the Big Tens butt at last, which should help my butt as well. Wink.