Archive for weight loss
Mary Ann breaks a Barrier!
Posted 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
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!
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 Starts Weight Management U
Posted by: | CommentsI officially started with the Weight Management University on January 24, 2011, the Monday after a weekend trip to Niagara Falls. I used this weekend as my “last weekend of freedom”, to eat everything I wanted, including a yummy chocolate torte, fish and chips with an awesome lager beer and iced wine. (Not all in the same day!) My sister, Karol, gave me this great opportunity to participate in the online program, and I thought if I got this out of my system (or in it), I would have a better mind set to hunker down and for once in my life be successful at weight loss. I really hate to be a failure at anything, especially when family-Dr Clark, Karol and my 3 other thin sisters- are concerned. (Don’t feel bad Karol!)
After a trip to Niagara Falls, Mary Ann starts her next journey... Weight Loss!
I had received my “Getting Started” box the week before and was able to review all the materials sent before my target start date, which was great. (It was like getting a present in the mail!) I even took it with me to Canada…I would be prepared. This was actually a good idea as I was able to write down questions as I read through the material.
So on Monday it began. Much to my dismay, I tipped the scales at a hefty 174.2 pounds! Yikes! So eating and drinking with abandon was not such a good idea…now I have that much more to lose to reach my goal weight of 140 pounds. I determined this after calculating my BMI for my age and height. For all of you who don’t know me, I am 55 years old and 5’7”.
One of the other great things I received was a welcome e-mail from Dr. Clark with valuable info on the CFWLS website, webinars, blogs, and educational sites for review. Even though this is probably auto generated, it made me feel special as an individual, and for a minute, overwhelmed with information. I didn’t want to miss anything and there was so much out there. I felt I needed to catch up and see and do it all right away. “Calm down girl!”
I also had a phone call from Cat on Monday to set up my phone consults with Claire. I was good and set up the first month of dates and times. This was going smoother that I expected, especially since the whole center is moving to a new location. Kudos to all of you!
Claire called right on time! We reviewed the program materials, diet plan, the food journal, exercise plan, homework-which I already had done, yea me!-what to eat for the day and how much, how to calculate essential carbs and so much more. In our 30 minute conversation, she was able to accomplish all that, plus ask me profile type questions so she could understand my habits, likes, dislikes, barriers and supports. The woman was amazing! When we got to my questions, she had already answered all of them but one. Claire is obviously intuitive and very good at what she does. I also got a sense of firmness from her. In other words, my success is up to me. I am accountable for what and how much I eat, drink and exercise. But she has a funny and compassionate side and I feel confident that she will be my task master, confidant and champion.
So, off to a good start. Talk to you next week, I have a lot to do!
The Ups and Downs of Your Weight Loss program–Don’t quit!
Posted by: | CommentsThis week we’re doing the Christmas and New Year’s weigh ins! Even though most of our team gained weight, they are still hanging in there. So should you!
Don't give up when the scale moves up instead of down!
Update: Week Five of “Losing It CFWLS”
Posted by: | CommentsAs we get closer to the holidays, it is more difficult to lose weight, but our staff is determined. Follow their journey-
Shawn’s thoughts: This past week was difficult. I am up 1.7 pounds. I was dealing with a lot of stress. I didn’t eat wrong I believe I didn’t eat enough and I would have known this had I wrote in my journal. I also drank Friday and Saturday and I ate out Saturday and Sunday but I made healthy choices. Not a happy camper today.
Keeping things in balance is difficult this time of year! Photo by Hans S.
Dani’s input: A few thought about my weight loss this week. This was a challenging week, busy with cooking – surrounded by wonderful carbs. My weight was up 0.9 pounds and the problems began not on Thanksgiving day but afterwards with the leftovers. I find if I start the day with a protein shake I feel much more in control.
Cat’s story: This week I lost 1.3 lb. Basically, this took me a “little under” what I weighed prior to Thanksgiving. Overall, I’ve lost just a little over three pounds since the start. I know this sounds very small, but if I can consistently lose about .5 to 1 lb weekly, I am HAPPY ! I’m in no hurry, just trying to change behaviors that will be more life changing, than “yo-yo-ing”. Therefore, I’ll take that little bit of weight loss, and keep it comin’!
Dawn’s update: Okay –I was up 1.6 yesterday but weighed in at 3 in the afternoon so I do want to check it again on Wednesday morning when I’m in the office. I know that weight fluctuates during the day but was a bit discouraged with that number! The eating plan itself is easy enough to follow when I’m at home and in total control of my surroundings – I seem to spend a lot of time away from my home though! I couldn’t resist – I put on my brown pants this morning and they felt way too big so I stepped on the scale again today. Much better than my Monday weigh-in at 3 in the afternoon – I like the morning numbers better. I was down 2.9 from Monday or 1.3 from last week. I passed my 5 pound mark so I was really excited about that. It makes such a difference to have great team support – I’m proud to work with such wonderful people! Thanks again!
Starkisha’s news: I am a tad bit disappointed this week. I am up a little from last week. I went to New York and I tried a lot of different foods but with the walking I thought that I should have burned the calories off. Its time to get back on track!!!
Karol’s insight: Woo hoo! I am down 0.2 pounds. I tried really hard to think about what I was eating before I put it in my mouth but with holiday festivities and “on the go” eating I struggle some. As Claire & Dr. Clark say – during busy times, you sometimes need to revise your goals to maintain your weight. I am still losing! 
Update: Week four of “Losing it CFWLS!”
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We're not afraid of weighing in!
You can find more about our “Losers” and tips about losing weight and improving your fitness from Dr. Clark on Facebook.
Dawn’s update: Good news! I’m down almost a pound – hauling around all of the Christmas décor boxes must have been a good workout. ~Still going with the Jump Start My Way and have replaced the Weight & Inches with the Lean & Complete using 3 scoops. I am planning on following through with a lab request from Penny and have my blood analyzed since it is a part of the program – It’s been a few years and I’m curious to see what the numbers have done.
Dani’s story: A few thoughts about my weight loss this week. This was a challenging week, busy with all of the Thanksgiving cooking, surrounded by wonderful carbs. My weight was up .9 pounds the problems began not on Thanksgiving Day but afterwards with the leftovers. I did feel empowered and somewhat in control and actually had two shakes on Thanksgiving. This did give me more control, I did not “pick” at all while cooking.
Shawn’s thoughts:I have now lost 10.3 pounds! Made it through Thanksgiving and it was so yummy. Thank god!!!!!! I lost .5 (half of a pound) I was hoping to maintain but a half a pound gone makes me a happy girl
Cat’s input: Monday following a four day weekend, Thanksgiving ta’boot, even though I gained .7 lb, I had already decided not to be too hard on myself. I felt that I had been pretty conscious of my decisions (lacking Thanksgiving Day)….we stayed in a Hotel for two days that had a gym, and I even used it! Therefore, just trying to stay on track, and make up for the little bit I gained, by “losing” this week!
Karol’s news: Well, I certainly know that even if I just follow the instruction I receive at CFWLS and journal, I will lose weight rapidly – I saw that with my 4 pounds lost the first 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I went back to old, comfortably and yummy habits and gained 3 back. The hard thing is changing habits (eating on the run, stress eating, making excuses for not exercising). The chapters of Weight Management University and 1:1 counseling help. I saw success (-0.4 lbs) this week but of course, it is never enough. I have to also slow down and savor these successes, realize where I went wrong and plan for future success. This is life changing and I am committed to replacing my poor habits with new ones that get me healthier, in better shape and last this time. I am the queen of yo yo dieting and I really want to break that habit.
Starkisha insight: I really enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday, however I gained about a pound so I’m not that happy about that. I know where I went wrong and it’s time to get back on track.
UPDATE: Week Three of “Losing it CFWLS”
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Our favorite CFWLS "Losers"!
We’re following the journey of six of our employees as they take on the challenge of losing weight over the holiday season. Here’s an update of the first three weeks of their struggles and victories.
Cat’s Story
Three weeks ago today, we began our CFWLS “Loser’s” programs. Since then, I must admit that overall, I feel much better, from physical AND emotional standpoints. I’ve found that if I honestly follow the program, the weight is going to come off, and that’s the bottom line.
Week one, I emotionally “bucked” the system and was not ready to commit (I maintained my weight that week).
Week two, I was completely on board, starting the “Jump Start My Way”, I made a shopping list, to include Weight and Inches Protein Shakes” and healthy foods from the grocery store. I incorporated exercise (I lost 2.4 lbs that week).
Week three I again, followed my program…Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, we met a group of old friends for our annual “Kick off the Holidays” celebration. This started with cheese and wine at a friends house, and ended at our favorite Italian Restaurant. Again, the wine started flowing…along with the GARLIC KNOTS…SALAS…PASTA…SAUCES…MEATS…forks reaching across the table to sample “this and that”…Oh yeah, it was quite a FIASCP, and I fell right into the trap! Even though I started the day out with good intentions, taking a 3 mile brisk walk, having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch…I know why I only maintained my weight at week three. For some reason though, I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on this. Today again, I feel encouraged and ready to take the “bull by the horns”.
Starkisha’s update:
I am feeling good about my weight loss. I am down 2.2 pounds this week – yay! I am focused and ready to meet my goal weight. With the help of everyone at CFWLS it won’t be long.
Shawn’s news:
Week 1 Okay I weighed in today and only loss .5lbs last week . I must admit I was surprised and mad at that number. I watched what I ate last week and made better choices of what I put in my body. I even cut back on the adult beverage intake this weekend. I was excited to weigh in today I could tell in my cloths and believe it or not in my shoes that I had some changes in my body but the scale did not reflect that. Tomorrow I’m having my fitness evaluation witch will include measurements and I am also meeting with Claire at Center for Weight Loss Success ( www.cfwls.com ) for nutritional counseling I know in the long run if I keep making good food choices I will see better numbers on the scale. I need to keep reminding myself I did not put tho weight on over night and this weight loss journey will take time.
Week 2: I had a 1.3 lb loss this week, which made me very happy. I incorporated exercising on my elliptical every other day for 15 minutes and drank lots of water. My work week went well. I was worried about my weekend since it was a very busy one with tailgating at Hampden-Sydney College with lots of food and adult beverages and then off to see a Duke Basketball game in Durham, NC which included fast food stops for quick meals. I packed a cooler full of water and AnyTime Protein drinks from the CFWLS store and brought my protein bars.
I made sure to drink my breakfast each day and made good choices when it came to food. I enjoyed the tailgating party and did not snack all day. I did drink beer but alternated with water. I probably would have lost more but I wanted to enjoy myself without feeling cheated! I like the fact that I had a great time and LOST WEIGHT!!! It’s about good choices and meal planning. P.S. Journaling my food really kept me on track and accountable for what I put in my mouth. I must admit, I didn’t do it every day and the days I didn’t do it, I was journaling in my mind!!! Thanks for the great counseling Dr. Clark & Claire!
Week 3: OMG!!!!!!! 2.4lbs down. Thank you god!!!!!!! Total 3.8lb since we started this challenge at work 3 weeks ago. 10.1lbs since I started 5 weeks ago.
Journaling really works!!!! I found this awesome website to journal what I eat www.livestrong.com you register and then go to my plate. The big test is this holiday season and all that yummy food
Dani’s thoughts:
Last week I was feeling on top of things! Never hungry! When I weighed in on Monday (came to work at 12:30pm)I felt totally out of sorts, dreaded weighing in later in the day, not a part of the early weight in. Surprisingly, the camaraderie is important to me.
Meet the “losers”: Losing it CFWLS!
Posted by: | CommentsHere at Center for Weight Loss Success, we understand the difficulties that are involved in losing weight. Sometimes it is very difficult and frustrating, but working as a team can be uplifting and keep you going when it seems like all is not lost. We’re hoping that not only can you find some encouragement in following our personal weight loss stories, but that you will be inspired to join us on our weight loss journey. So let’s meet those CFWLS “losers”!
My name is Cat. I help people get scheduled for weight loss surgery. I am someone you will likely talk to when you call the office. I love it at CFWLS! My husband, Jeff and I have two college age children, Zachary and Courtney. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking, reading and creative cooking.
Although my husband Jeff and I have, for the past several years, been practicing SOMEWHAT of a healthy lifestyle, he, at just 49 years of age, “threw us for a loop” this past year by having a heart attack while running bases with the high school softball team that he coaches. After emergency procedures, and a few days in the hospital, it was determined that it was time to “step up to the plate” and take our healthy lifestyle goals to a new level.
Although Jeff has extreme discipline, I tend to “cheat” and make choices that are less healthy. Therefore, my goal is to get on the same page with my hubby. Since I enjoy cooking, I’ve been experimenting with substitutions that are much healthier, but actually taste amazing! Since I hope to lose 12 pounds, I’ll use the many tools and suppport at CFWLS…I’m excited.
My name is Starkisha. I am a medical assistant/medical receptionist here at CFWLS. I have a son named Nyzere who is 3 years old. In my spare time I like to sepnd as much of it as I can with my son. I also enjoy spending time with my family and reading. My goal is to lose 15 or more pounds. Bring on the “Losing It CFWLS” challenge!
My name is Dani. I have been Dr. Clark’s Medical Assistant for the last seven years. I truly enjoy seeing people so happy as they lose weight and change their habits for good! I have four grown children and one grandchild. Recently, my life has gone through some major change, not necessarily good or bad, just the natural order of things.
This year my youngest graduated from high school and in the fall was off to college. This transition has not been easy for me as I have always worked and any free time was spend supporting the kid’s activities. Band, soccer and swimming kept me busy most of the time. Now what? Sit in front of the TV and eat after work? This is where I was headed…no way this can happen! I have by chance become involved with horse rescue. It is a place for horses that have been abused, neglected or in some cases the owners just cannot afford to keep them anymore. I have found my passion! This is so exciting and motivating for me. I am so motivated to lose the weight and get in shape so I can give my best to these wonderful creatures. I can feel my weight holding me back. I need to be able to move more freely and look forward to maybe riding again. So much ahead!
My name is Shawn and I am 42 years old. I have been married 22 years and have 2 college age children. I have worked in the medical field for 18 years. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the beach and playing softball. My goal is to learn how to take care of me again and to lose 30+ pounds.
My name is Dawn. I have been with Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss success for almost a year now! I work as a Lifestyle & Weight Loss Consultant and Personal Trainer here at the center. I too struggle to keep off those excess pounds and have joined the battle of the bulge here at our office. My goal is to drop 15 pounds in the next 4 months.
Health & fitness are my passion but traveling and cooking are my hobbies and I try to modify the recipes I collect on my trips to blend into a healthier lifestyle. My 50th birthday is right around the corner and I’d like to be around another 50 years!
My husband, Tim, and I have been married for 28 years and have a son & daughter who live in the area.
My name is Karol. I am a nurse and Dr. Clark’s wife. We have 4 children ages 8, 10, 13 and 14. I have always worked full-time and really love the exciting things going on at CFWLS and the opportunity to lose weight with everyone here. I work full-time here doing a lot of the “behind the scene” activities such as patient educational materials, website management, administrative duties, managing the construction for the new facility and anything else that needs to be done. I love the team here and I feel fortunate to be a part of something so special that will change the health of our community in such a great way.
I work long hours at the office and often at home and yet, I love what I do. Between this and taking care of our great (and very active) kids, there isn’t much time to focus on me and thus…I have put on weight. My goal is to lose about 15 pounds. My husband practices what he teaches each and every day! He always gets his protein in, eats properly and exercises nearly every single day - no matter how long his day was. You would think that would just “rub off”on me but we all make our own choices. During stress…mine aren’t always the greatest. I am motivated to lose this weight and join the ranks of our many patients who have easily incorporated great new habits into their lifestyle for good!
Wild Weekends and Weight
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Have you ever had one of those weekends? You’re running errands and you get hungry so you run through the drive through for fries. You smell the pretzels or the cookies while shopping at the mall, and you have to have one. You’re watching the game with your pals eating chips and drinking too many sodas, beers or wine. You have a great weekend.
And then you step on a scale.
Why is it that it is so easy for us to gain weight and SO hard to lose it? Putting on weight is no problem for most of us but losing it is a huge struggle. How can we gain several pounds in one short weekend of poor food choices? And how come if we balance that off with two days of healthy eating and exercise, we are never back at our starting weight? Why does it seem to take more work to lose the same two or three pounds than it did to gain it?
Well, one big reason it is easier to gain weight than to lose it is because eating more is easy. Adding 200 calories to your daily food intake is no big deal, but take away 200 calories and you might feel hungry and cranky. Food is good, and junk food is especially inviting and convenient, and many of us are not really aware of how many calories are in those little indulgences. There are many stumbling blocks out there- convenience stores, fast food restaurants, those kiosks in the mall, and even the grocery stores can all have calorie-laden choices.
A second reason that it is difficult to work off our weekend indulgences is reflected in a study conducted by Dr. Jules Hirsch at Rockefeller University. He found that our bodies slow down their caloric burn rate after we’ve been losing weight. We actually have to eat less to keep from gaining weight. If you go back to eating the way you did before you lost weight, you may gain more back than you started with- even though you are not consuming any more calories. It doesn’t seem fair, but that is the way our bodies are made.
Gaining weight is a survival mechanism. As people evolved we had to endure lengths of time with unreliable food sources. Our bodies became very good at storing and keeping fat that would be needed for energy when there was nothing to eat. When you’ve been reducing your fat stores by losing weight, your body worries that there might not be food coming, and so when you have a wild weekend, it is eager to store up fat, just in case there’s another famine.
Another aspect of your weekend weight gain might be water weight. Salt and carbohydrates can make your body hold onto water. So if your favorite weekend indulgence is a bag of potato chips, guess what? You could be retaining water, and that will show up on your scale. Many of us get discouraged by our water weight gain, but keep in mind it can take several days to lose water weight.
Bottom line – losing weight is much harder because it is work. You have to work on your diet, work on your exercise and work on your lifestyle! Try not to go hog wild every weekend so your body doesn’t grab back those pounds, and you don’t have to work so much harder to lose what you have already lost once.
photo credit Niklas Bildhauer
