Anna’s Magical Number
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What's your magical number?
Sometimes numbers can be magical. I knew somewhere inside that I have always believed it even though my rational mostly insisted they were only important. Numbers are important. We need them for finances, schedules, sciences, systems and basically everything. Obviously numbers are very important in weight loss as they help track proteins and carbs and of course, the scale. I certainly have had a number in my mind for a long time and that number has represented a clothing size. As I ate my way through the last decade, I imagined that if I reached that goal number, my size ________, that I would be happy and satisfied with my appearance. It was the magical number.
A funny thing has happened during the past few months in the CFWLS Weight Management University. I spent all of my time paying attention to the ‘important’ numbers, monitoring proteins and carbs and calories. Perhaps too intently, I was watching the numbers on the scale like a hawk. Of course, I did realize that my clothes were all looking baggy and not fitting properly. Anxious to arrive at the end of the journey, I was so focused on the idea of losing more before buying new clothing that I was having trouble feeling satisfied.
Then last week a friend of a friend of a family member passed on some clothing they no longer wanted. The original giver had no idea that I had lost any weight and in fact, doesn’t know me at all. When I opened the bag I was instantly pleased at the quality and attractiveness of this donation. That is until I picked up a pair of pants and read the size tag. There was that number, my magical number. My heart sank as soon as I looked at it because I was sure that they would never fit. I almost cast them aside, but then I figured why not try? So I did.
Imagine my surprise when not only did they fit, but they were roomy too. As unbelievable as it may sound my rational mind took over and told me that it was a fluke, surely the pants were mislabeled. It’s the honest truth….I was justifying how impossible it was that I had succeeded at a goal I wanted for ten years. Needing more conformation, I pulled out another pair of pants (and even another after that) and slipped into them with the same excellent results. Wow. Size ____? Really? Yes, really.
I realized then that sometimes we can miss the magic that exists in the moment of accomplishment if we are only looking ahead to the finale. It is important to stop and take a breath and soak in all you have achieved. To take a look around and see what right choices have brought you to the place you have arrived at and to appreciate the support and encouragement that have helped you on the way. It’s important.
My time in the program is not over, and my weight loss is not finished. I still have more goals ahead, and I feel confident that I can achieve them now that Dr. Clark has given me the tools I need. But I can take this moment to feel satisfied. The numbers don’t lie and that’s just magical.
Mary Ann Cruises on.
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Mary Ann on her cruise. Fun times!
Well the prodigal Weight Loss University virtual student has returned! I have missed my interactions with all of you and my counselor, Dawn. However, the lessons I have learned have not been far from my thoughts and daily practices. I hope this finds all of you healthy and thinner!
I have been busy. I wanted to reach my goal weight of 145# by the time I went on my cruise in October.
Guess what, wait for it, here it is….sorry to say, I only got to 148# as my lowest weight the day before I left.
Now I’m home and trying to get back on track. Not exercising like I should is a big factor I’m sure. I tried to stick to portion control, good choices (the seafood was to die for!), and I even went to the fitness center 4 days out of 7. I can’t take full credit for that though; that’s what happens when you travel with a co-worker who is young, fit and driven!! After the first 2 days of having those foofy drinks of the day, I gave up the calories in favor of low carb beer. Had to have something to drink while laying in that awesome hot sun and Caribbean breezes!
I haven’t been able to watch many of Dr. Clark’s webinars due to vacation and long work hours but hopefully that will get under control next week. So I am trying to catch up.
Mark (hubby), left for the Philippines on Sunday to see his mother, so I am on my own for a month. I will use this time to exercise and get my routine back. I’ll miss him, but this gives me the opportunity to pick up the slack and lose those 4# I gained while on vacation. Some old bad habits came back, snacking, not writing down what I eat and indulging in foods that have kicked my carb cravings into high gear. Aaarrgh! Why is it so easy to gain and so hard to lose??
I know the answer Dr. Clark…but it feels good screaming the question sometimes. Ah, here’s the reason, fine dining and lots of it!
Think thin and I will have better results next time and I hope you all do, too!
Mary Ann breaks a Barrier!
By · CommentsHello my friends! Hope this finds all of you thinner than the last time I wrote. Summer is almost over and Fall is upon us. This time of year makes me sad and depressed for a little while because my pool and sunbathing days are just about gone. I think, “Did I do enough to enjoy summer as much as I could?” Then I get over it and look forward to my next favorite season…Fall! I love the cooler weather, and the sights and smells of Fall. We picked apples this weekend, Honey Crisp, my favorite. Mark (my saboteur) will surely make apple pie and apple crisp….aargh! Such temptations!
I have good news to report. I finally have broken the 150 lb. barrier! I saw 149 for 2 days in a row, got too excited, celebrated with a few extra snacks and messed up the weight for day 3. Mark got a pumpkin roll; you know the one with the cream cheese? Well I was weak…‘nuff said! If you remember, I don’t count it as real until I weigh the same for 3 days in a row. So it’s back to basics. I am so close to my goal and I swear I’ll get thereby the time I leave for my cruise in October. It’s a constant battle to continually re-train myself not to celebrate with food. I must say though, it sure feels good to be in a solid size 10. Woo Hoo!! I even squeezed into a size 8 just to see if I could. (Not quite yet, itwasn’t pretty!)
I have been a student of Weight Loss University since the end of January, it seems such a long time but I have learned so much to make this a lifestyle change. I get a little cocky once in awhile and think I can eat like I used to, (there’s that wiggle-room-wrong thinking again). So to keep on track I am reviewing my chapters, my goals, watching Dr. Clark’s webinars, and making another appointment to talk to Dawn.
As I speak of losses, on this day 10 years ago I pause and remember the losses from theWorld Trade Center and hope you do the same, and I hope all of you fared well during the hurricane. Till next time….Mary Ann
MaryAnn visits the Philippines.
By · CommentsWell, I apologize; I have been MIA for a couple of months! There have been lots of things going on and lots of things that have gotten in the way of my past diligence with blogs, exercising, journaling, homework, etc. Yes, I recognize these as all excuses for the stall in my weight loss success. I must say that reading Anna’s success in her commitment to the Weight Loss University program, and reconnecting with Dawn have renewed my commitment to me and reaching my goal. As I have said before, “I’m putting my big girl panties on and dealing with it!”
Philippines- where MaryAnn visited
In June Mark (hubby) and I went to the Philippines for 2 weeks to visit my mother-in-law and all of Mark’s cousins, Tita’s (aunts) and Tito’s (uncles). The plane trip was long (13 hours total) and brutal, but it was an awesome trip! It was hot and humid, no AC except in the bedroom, so I think I sweated off any excess pounds! We did walk 1-2 miles every day early in the morning and drinking water was never an issue! The food was delicious and plentiful, especially the deserts. Dawn had good advice before we left and I was able to maintain a small weight gain (2 lbs) by portion control and eating more meat at meal than rice. Probably the weirdest food I had without knowing what it was cow brains!
I thought I could challenge Dawn by asking her the carb content for this and she wowed me when she actually knew! FYI, cow brains have 0 carbs, 10 grams of protein and 108 calories per serving. Is she good or what! I have lots of pictures on my Facebook page if anyone wants to take a look. There is just too much to tell and a picture is worth a thousand words!
When we returned home it was a slow trip back to reality. I started a new job which is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. I now do outcomes for the Emergency Dept. It’s an office job and I miss the physical activity of working on the floor. I now work 5 eight hour days instead of 3 twelve hour days a week and it has been a challenge to exercise like I used to and I find that I have lost focus.
Dawn has been very supportive in helping me get back on track. It takes so little to gain back weight and so much to lose it again. But, I have stayed below 160# which I am happy about. So I’ve reaffirmed my goals, I’m back in the game and by God, I WILL SUCCEED!
I know this was long, had a lot of catching up to do. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we’ll talk again soon. I have a cruise coming up in October and I will look and feel good!
Dog Days of Summer
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Whew! It sure is hot outside! These are what I call the ‘dog days of summer’ and they are the hottest part of the year here in Virginia. No one really wants to go outside (especially me) and exercising is harder in the hot weather. At least that’s my excuse. It’s a pretty good one too!
As I enter the second month of the Weight Management University program I find myself dreaming of fall fashions (and cooler weather). My weight continues to drop and I find that some things in my closet fit better than they ever have, prompting me to consider a shopping trip for the upcoming season. It is exciting to see the changes that are happening to me physically and as an added bonus even my mental attitude is improving. This might be because I am not so sedentary and tired anymore. The WMU program has eased me into all new eating habits and now after 7 weeks I automatically reach for the ‘right’ kinds of foods without even thinking about it. It has been a fairly smooth transition into healthier habits although I did have a bump in the road a couple of weeks back.
Although I was following the program parameters I hit a plateau where the scale refused to move for over 2 weeks. I must admit I was a little frustrated. Then came Dawn to the rescue! She helped me understand the causes behind plateaus and the variety of options that can help overcome them. Instead of trying just one, I applied multiple techniques and in just a couple of days the numbers on the scale starting dropping again. Yay!
I think it is absolutely wonderful that a place like the Center for Weight Loss Success exists, because in the past I would have simply thrown in the towel when my weight loss stopped and gone back to my old ways. It means everything that someone is standing by you to answer important questions, to cheer you on, and to simply listen. That is the surely the difference between failure and success.
So on to my next goal, which is to exercise more often. I look forward to walks in the park in the crisp autumn air but for now it’s the air conditioned indoor gym for me, doggone it!
Anna joins WMU
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Anna begins her journey.
My name is Anna Nowak and I am a new member of the CFWLS Weight Management University program. I have spent the last few months watching the success stories unfolding at Dr. Clark’s Center and during that time I began to believe that I could be successful at weight loss too.
The day I signed up I had no idea what my weight or BMI was because I have spent years avoiding the scale and the truth is that I am very overweight. It has been easy to ignore weight gain when I can find pants with elastic waist bands and large shirts that cover my belly. However, it has been much harder to ignore the constant fatigue and back pain that accompanies too much weight and too little physical activity. It is way past time for a change!
So, the first day on the scale was a real eye opener. The scale read 194 pounds with a BMI of 32 (that is a body fat count of 39 %)….good heavens!
Now, I have not always been a ‘big’ girl. My younger years were slimmer although the weight has progressively crept up over the years. I have tried many diets to try to regain control, but as soon asI stopped the program, the weight returned or even increased! I also cannot even count how many times I bought a gym membership with the best intentions, only to stop going after the first few weeks. So with a track record of failure it was pretty easy to justify not even trying.
In any event, I decided to face my fears and overcome my excuses and join the program. My first visit with Dawn was awesome. She gave me great information and listened, really listened to my issues, concerns, and questions. She encouraged me to join in the Lifestyle Education and Group Fitness classes and I am glad she did. The educational classes offered a lot of detailed information and answered questions that I didn’t even know I had. The fitness classes are challenging because of my poor level of fitness but everyone is so supportive and encouraging and the instructors help you modify exercise to suit your abilities. I am already doing activities that I thought I might never be able to do again. My energy levels are increasing and in the last 3 weeks I have managed to lose 8 pounds!
Although things are a challenge, so far nothing in the WMU program has been beyond my ability to do, and best of all is the support and encouragement I receive from both the CFWLS staff and the other members. I feel that has probably been the missing ingredient in every other program I have ever been in before- folks cheering me on.
I am looking forward to the weeks to come as I get lighter and stronger. I understand that it will take time, but every little bit adds up. I am also setting mini goals as well as big goals and the great goal setting tips given to me by the Center have really helped me keep my focus. My next immediate goal is increasing my fitness by walking at least 5000 steps a day and working out at least 3 times a week. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. Thank you, CFWLS, for making this journey possible!
Mary Ann vs the Carbs
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For the love of Strawberries! Photo by ilkerender
Wow, has it really been over a month since my last blog? Sounds a lot like confession doesn’t it?! So much has been happening lately. It’s so true that once you break a routine, it’s harder to get back on track. I am happy to say that the sun has finally decided to shine in Ohio! However, we had to go to Tennessee in May to get a jump on warm weather and sun. We visited with Mark’s brother and his family and were treated to some great southern cooking. I was marginally able to stay on track. I swear everything that tastes good is high carb and sugar! At least it did there. I was able to offset not so good food choices with lots of hiking in the mountains and some exercise at the fitness center where we stayed.
Once home, I was amazed at how just a few days of eating foods I have avoided brought back hunger and cravings that I had previously conquered. Dr. Clark speaks the truth about carb sensitivity, (no surprise there)! Then there was my birthday, which included a yummy strawberry cream cake from my “friends” at work, followed by Mark’s birthday and his favorite ice cream cake and then Memorial Day with the first cookout of the season with grilled hot dogs, brats and hamburgers which don’t taste the same without a bun and all the “fixins”! Do you see where I’m going with this? I was doomed!
Fortunately my next Weight Loss University chapters were on Carbohydrates and Behavior Modification: Stress and Self Talk. So it was time to hunker down and refocus. Did I add that I was also in the process of interviewing for a new position at the same time? Talk about stress! It was hit or miss with my food journaling and exercising was sporadic. I needed my phone consultations!
Hunger was the hardest to overcome. Chromium helped but I still have weeks where I want carbs. So I put my big girl panties on and dealt with it. The positives are; I reaffirmed my goals, did my homework and reconnected with a new counselor. Dawn has been great and I was amazed at how much I relied on those phone consults to help me over the rough spots. She’s my lifeline to staying focused and problem solve. I am happy to report I am down to 155.6#. Can you see me doing the happy dance?!
On to my next challenge. We are leaving tomorrow for the Philippines to visit my husband’s mother and family. We’ll see how well I can follow the advice Dawn gave me.
Hope you all are having a good summer and look fabulous in your shorts and bathing suits! Off to bed……Mary Ann
Mary Ann takes on the “Peeps”
By · CommentsHAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!
- Happy Easter to all our “peeps”!
Ok, I’m a bit late; you’ll have to forgive me as I have had computer issues and had to solve them by getting a new laptop. So now I’m better, faster and poorer!
The good news is that even after indulging in a bit more Easter candy than I should have, I got back on track and have at least maintained my weight at 159 pounds. Instead of chastising myself for knowingly buying and eating my favorite Easter treats, I hung my head in shame for a short period of time and “put my big girl panties on” and dealt with it. (That’s one of my favorite sayings!) I hope all of you fellow dieters had a good Easter and did the same; either stuck with your plan or recognized the indulgence and moved forward.
Since my visit to Virginia, I have been a tad wishy-washy with food journaling,exercising and sticking to my plan. I am in between counselors and have lost some discipline. Luckily, I had 2 chapters to review from the Weight Loss University and the newsletter from the Center with expert advice on preparing for events.
Once again this is just what I needed! The chapter on “Behavior Modification: Stress/Self-Talk and Goal Review” put me back on track. I am at a point where I have lost just enough weight to be noticeable, and it is too easy to cut myself a little slack in food choices. So, I took to heart the positive self-talk and gave myself some “tough love”! That’s kind of like hugging and slapping yourself at the same time. In other words, I have gotten this far (down 15 pounds), and I don’t want to stop now. I am almost halfway to my goal weight, time to pick up the pace and get back on track and reaffirm my goals. I can’t say enough about how helpful the tools and information have been for this old dog to learn some lifetime lifestyle changes!
By the way, how was the grand opening celebration? I am sure those of you who attended were glorious in celebrating your successes with Dr. Clark and his great staff. I can’t waitto see pictures so I can enjoy it from afar!
Think spring, think thin and I hope to God this rain stops soon and the sun shines!
Mary Ann meets the CFWLS Staff!
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Mary Ann visits Virginia
Well, we are home after a wonderful visit to Virginia last week. Even though the weather was not as dry and sunny as I had hoped, being able to visit the Weight Management Center and spend time with my sister Karol and her family was all I needed to brighten my days. Being away from work for a week didn’t hurt either!
I received an overwhelmingly warm welcome from Claire the day of my in person counseling session. In fact she just about knocked me over with her enthusiastic greeting! You can see our picture posted on facebook. Not my best look, but hopefully with continued diligence to eating right and exercising, my face won’t look so “rounded” when I reach my goal weight!
Claire gave me lots of information to help keep me motivated and on track. Along with the next two Weight Loss University chapters, I have lots to do. Before our visit I had asked Claire to put together an exercise program to help me tone and reshape. We spent over an hour in the fitness rooms, and boy did she deliver! I now I have an organized and tailored exercise program that will help me achieve my goals. I am a people person and really enjoyed the face-to-face consultation. Thank you, Claire! Now I don’t have any excuse not to exercise!
One of the tools I have not been able to utilize living in Ohio is the body composition analysis. I was able to get this done and had an appointment with Dr. Clark to review the results. Being able to discuss my report, ask questions and affirm my plan were invaluable to me. Thank you Dr. Clark.
After meeting most of the staff, now I can put faces to the voices over the phone. I have to say that Dr. Clark and Karol have a wonderful team. (They even let me take their picture!) I stocked up on shakes and protein bars and was glad to have them for the 8 hour ride home. I didn’t lose any weight while vacationing, but I didn’t gain either, so I am OK with that, and now back to work!
As with every visit, I feel I didn’t get enough time with my sister and the kids and it’s always sad to have to say goodbye, but I hope to come back when I’ve reached my goal weight, so you aren’t rid of me yet!
Mary Ann is lucky on St. Patrick’s Day!
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MAY YOUR JOYS BE DEEP AND MANY,
MAY YOUR HEART BE LIGHT AND GLAD,
MAY YOU HAVE THE BEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY
THAT YOU’VE EVER HAD!
An Irish Blessing to all! Hope you had a low carb, low calorie, high protein day. I was surprised to find that corned beef has no carbs and 15 grams of protein in 4 oz. So I skipped the green beer and had this instead and celebrated a weigh in at 163.0 lbs. I don’t consider a drop in weight for real until I have seen it on the scale for 3 days in a row. The sun was shining today and this was my third consistent day at this weight, so I am happy to be able to share some good news!
Once again my consult with Claire and the next Weight Loss University topic were right on target with where I am at: Eating In/Out. (How do they do that?) Since we are driving to Virginia soon, staying on track while vacationing is a big concern for me. Along with Dr Clark’s latest webinar, I feel I have some good tools to help me make good food choices. Some of you probably already know these tips, but I must share one or two!
- When eating out divide a meal into quarters: food choices on the plate that are ½ protein,¼ vegetables and ¼ carbs.
- Take sips of water in between bites, pick foods that I know are “safe”; fish, chicken, egg substitute and lots of colorful vegetables.
- I am also going to get the Dana Carpendar’s carbohydrate gram counter Claire suggested in order to try to keep my carb intake to 50 grams–good luck with that one!
My biggest challenge will be to control snacking in the car.
I found out I have a torn medial meniscus in my knee, but the pain is decreasing, so it’s back to some exercise. Claire has promised to help me with an exercise plan as my next consult will be in person at the Center! I can’t wait to try out some of the great equipment that you all get to use regularly. Only 9 more sleeps!
One last Irish toast to all:
