You Must Eat To Lose

You've heard them all...An Apple a Day, Muscle Weighs More Than Fat, You Must Eat to Lose. There is substance in each of these statements, but Everything in Moderation!

I've lost a lot of weight in the last 5 months, I'm more than 1/2 way to my goal but now I've been faced with another hurdle, another obstacle that just might be harder to overcome than the initial issue. I'll do it because going back is NOT an option, but wrapping my head around it will be a battle.

Yesterday's weigh in, I'd gained 0.8 of a pound in two weeks. I know big deal right. The weigh in before that covered the previous week, and I'd only lost 0.2 pounds. Though these aren't crazy numbers on either end, they are enough, given the Ideal Protein structure, to make myself and my coach step back and look at what was going on. After going through my food journal and discussing what a "normal" week looked like for me, my coach was astounded to learn that I workout on average 8 times in a 5 day work week, 1 hour at a time. Add to that a two mile weekend hike and BOOM, we found the problem. I'm working out far too much for my strict caloric intake managed by the program. I was putting my body into famine.

I love my workouts, love, love my gym time, the endorphins, the sweat, the loud, angry music but I now need to slow it down (not the music). I've been placed on a four week restriction of working out. I'm still able to do core, walking, hiking and playing with my son but the days of dead lifts, squats, hip sleds, bench press etc. are on hold (insert sad face here).

This will be a difficult four weeks but I understand what we're trying to achieve and where I need to be to get there. I am very happy with my accomplishments so far and know I'm only going to get better, stronger, healthier and hotter (lol) but understanding the machine, understanding the physiology of exercise and nutrition is paramount.

I've got this - come along won't you?

14's Baby

I'm now on the downhill of this "thing" and feel awesome - like anything, some days are better than others, but over all I feel so much better. This whole task was daunting on day one - now that I'm 52 pounds into it, it's still work but it seems a bit more manageable. 48 pounds is nothing to shake a stick at, I still have a tremendous amount of work to do but I can see the faint light at the end.

The more and more I'm in this, the more and more I see the responsibility of working hard, doing right, setting examples, being an example. I've started having people inquire about my recommendations, advice on workouts, etc. and though through a lot of it I still feel very novice, I encourage forward progress. We are all at a place where something could be better, improved in our lives, it's simply about doing, about choices. It's not a race, it's not a comparison, it's just a journey and sometimes it sucks but the mere fact that we get up each day and fight again, will make it ALL very worth it.

This past weekend I ran a 5K (with my 8 year old) - my time was a horrible 41.02. That means my 13.21 pace was just 3 1/2 minutes behind the female lead's FINISHING time! But again, it was the simple fact that I did it - I didn't train (running) at all - I'd started the C25K but it was seriously only for a week, then it was just weights and CrossFit.

Since that run, I've researched and found three more I will do. August 20th is the Covey Run for Children's Hospital - this is especially important this year because a friend of mine lost her 15 month old son on July 1st at Children's after he'd fought from the day he was born at 1.5 pounds. September 11th, I'll do another 5K for Iron Girl - a wonderful organization. I last did this run in 2006 with Jordan. I then plan to run, with my two cousins, the Big Sur International Marathon's 10.6 miler which is in April of 2012. I want to be a decent runner - I believe continually signing up for these will only continue to motivate me, I refuse to push out any more40 minute times!

CrossFit, oh CrossFit - this Thursday just after my weigh in, Jordan and I will complete our last On Ramping WOD and graduate to the full meal deal. We are both very excited to welcome the punishment. This is by far the best, most driven workout a person can get involved in!

One of the combined accomplishments of my Ideal Protein and my workouts was today while getting ready for work, having nothing really to wear; I grabbed my old black slacks - ironed them and slipped them on. These are "pre-plan" slacks, size 22 to be exact. I pulled them on without unzipping them and down they fell - I no longer even had hips to hold them up with. I was happy but sad - I had nothing to wear, nothing appropriate for work. I had workout clothes and jeans! I reached down in a pile of clothes I'd been given by my Ideal Protein coach - things she's grown out of due to her own weight loss. I grabbed a pair of blue slate cords (size 14) that I'd been eyeing since I got them. They went on! They fit! There's just a small muffin top - actually it's really more like a "mu" top, not even enough to constitute the FFIN! The MU top was easily disguisable by a light jacket and off to work I went, elated. I don't double I'm probably a size 15 (lol) but this was a happy moment for me of possibilities to come. Like I said, there's still a ton of work to get done but I am ready, I love how I feel, I walk taller, feel happier, I feel like an athlete.

Go out and do something great for yourself! Get moving.

(BTW there's a little progress photo for you - the "me" on the left was October 2010, I looked just like that on February 2011 when I started IP, the one the right was me a couple weeks ago!)

Strong is the New Skinny

Well I'm about two weeks behind in posts, I do apologize. Part of the reason is I was busy with work, my son's sports, school...LIFE. Part of it was because I'd truly SUCKED at the last two weigh ins hitting a ZERO just after Memorial weekend (thanks to some amazing, authentic Mexican food) followed by an even sadder ONE pound loss last week.

Why was the one worse for me than the zero? I'd expected the zero because of what I'd put in my body, and by what I didn't do. The one was simply a representation of NO ACTION. I should have dropped weight and water from the previous week and clearly I didn't put in nearly enough work on my eating or working out.

From last Thursday to yesterday I was back on track, focused and working hard - I had some really good work outs and felt awesome. I honestly feel stronger than I have in the last decade! Last night I stepped on the scale...4.6 pounds lost in one week. That's more like it. An addict will take themselves to a place mentally where they are full of limitations. To this day, I still do it - I believe I'm not good enough, it's never going to happen, it's too hard, what if I fail, I'm going to fail, I'm sure I've failed, blah, blah, blah! Each week is a new focus, a new charge, a new goal. I love this plan because all I have to do is follow it and chase Thursdays and within a year (or less) I'll be down 100 pounds.

Luckily I have responsibilities like a son and a job that keep me busy otherwise I'd be a gym rat - now there's nothing wrong with that but I'd seriously be obsessed. I'm still working on my Personal Trainer Certificate, more so I know what I'm doing and how to properly train this body but someday this body might be a marketing tool to working full time at what I love. TRAINING!

I have however found a new obsession! CrossFit - if you don't know what that is exactly, Google it, YouTube it...heck go here http://youtu.be/GjPvkoDWcow and just watch day 1 of the CrossFit games held last weekend here in Washington. The sound is a little funky but enjoy. These people workout in industrial parks, large warehouse garages, they are lifting tires, throwing weights and taking themselves to a new level of masochistic fitness.

I want to be the fittest I've EVER been, not just in the last decade but in the last three and a half decades. I want to push myself to fitness levels I don't think I can reach and CrossFit is my vehicle. I'm excited (nervous) to join next Tuesdays "On Ramping" class and get my two weeks done so I can go full time! The other benefit is they have developed a CrossFit Kids where they teach youth from 4 years old and up the proper body mechanics, mental attitude, agility and strength training (appropriate for little bones and muscles). Jordan is amped to get in there and do something especially since when he goes to the gym with me, he sits in a baby daycare watching baby movies, surrounded by baby toys. BORING!

So here we go - onto the next one, another week, eating, training, training, eating - chasing Thursday - will you come along.

No matter what your fitness level or goal is go for it, just put one foot in front of the other and remember you're there for YOU - no one else. You cannot go through life making everyone else happy if you're not. You only have one body, one life - have fun with it, treat it well, make good choices.

Till next time - be blessed.

I Must Confess!

I could say "well at least I didn't gain..." or "it was a holiday..." or "it would have been rude not to partake..." but really though these may all be true, it still does not justify the fact that I CHEATED! Yes it's true - I'm a cheater - well I was, I'm currently reformed.

You see over the Memorial holiday weekend, my family trucked off to Eastern Washington to see my fiancé’s best friend. Great guy, great cook. John is Mexican - we were showered with carne asada, Pico de Gallo, tamales, homemade tortillas, black eyed peas, and rice...YUM. Now I did make sure to have a hotel with a gym and we did work out for two hours on Sunday. I did not consume any alcohol and nearly reached my 140 ounces of water intake daily; however there were the road trip snacks of Starbursts! And though I worked out four more times when we arrived home, there was a mocha, a snickers AND a beef and cheddar. The slope was slippery and I kept sliding. I was starting to get into that mindset "oh I'll just work out extra hard." Really - it's nearly impossible to burn 800-1000 calories in a workout and all because I decided to eat something that only took minutes to consume - DUMB!

THEN..... there was the weigh in yesterday - now I knew I'd cheated, I felt guilty for it - for my own personal progress but also because I'd made a promise to my coach - I'd signed a contract and I'd failed. I stepped on the scale and it was a BIG FAT ZERO!!!

Tom Krause said “There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them.”

SO here I go, I'm going to react in a non-verbal way, I'm back on the horse, I'm back in the saddle, I'm doing this thing and not cheating - this is by far too important for me to quit on myself for temporary pleasure.

Failure is a true sign of being human and I'm okay with it - it really is all about what you do with what you have at any given moment.

If you have found yourself "being human" too, just remember it's okay, remember your goals and your WHY. Remember that what you're doing isn't easy otherwise our world wouldn't be obese and remember that you CAN overcome temptation and get back to your laser focus.

Go do great things!

Drop It Like It's Hot!

Can I tell you how much I LOVE the Ideal Protein program? This truly has been a blessing in my life. Chasing my Thursdays every week for my weigh in’s and measurements - to hear I've lost 2.5 pounds and 3 inches in 5 days - CRAZY. To fit in cuter close - to work toward "regular" sizes. I'm not sure why plus sized clothing must look like a table cloth but instead of continuing to fight the industry, I'll fight what got me there because I AM WORTH IT.

I'm on my way people; the road is ahead of me and will be marched down, Thursday after Thursday.

I'm excited for my future. I got engaged to my best friend Saturday and I'm excited to live this life, walk this journey with him and our kids - to experience everything, the things I wanted to do but couldn't because I was too big, too ashamed, to conscious - now watch out! I want to inspire people that they can, because they are worth it. God doesn't make mistakes. Every day is a blessing and I'm so ready!

You'll see the success not just from my words and the excitement found in them but from my chart shown here - you'll see where I was doing it on my own and when I started with IP on 2/24 how it's just gone DOWN, DOWN, DOWN!

Be blessed people - do you (no one can do it better). Have ZERO regrets!
Can I tell you how much I LOVE the Ideal Protein program. This truly has been a blessing in my life. Chasing my Thursdays every week for my weigh ins and measurements - to hear I've lost 2.5 pounds and 3 inches in 5 days - CRAZY. To fit in cuter close - to work toward "regular" sizes. I'm not sure why plus sized clothing must look like a table cloth but instead of continuing to fight the industry, I'll fight what got me there beause I AM WORTH IT.

I'm on my way people, the road is ahead of me and will be marched down, Thursday after Thursday.

I'm excited for my future. I got engaged to my best friend Saturday and I'm excited to live this life, walk this journey with him and our kids - to experience everything, the things I wanted to do but couldn't because I was too big, too ashamed, to conscious - now watch out! I want to inspire people that they can, because they are worth it. God doesn't make mistakes. Every day is a blessing and I'm so ready!

You'll see the success not just from my words and the excitement found in them but from my chart shown here - you'll see where I was doing it on my own and when I started with IP on 2/24 how it's just gone DOWN, DOWN, DOWN!

Be blessed people - do you (no one can do it better). Have ZERO regrets!

Chasing Thursdays

I've gotten a few questions about what I mean when I check into the gym and put that I'm "Chasing Thursdays," so here it is....drum roll....it's my weigh in day! I know huh - huge, monumental information, you should now mark your calendar!

All jokes aside, it's my little goal, not so much Thursday, that's my focus, my goal for Thursday is 2.5-5 pounds. Yes each Thursday. As long as I keep Thursday in mind the other six days, I should be good to go. The key to long-term weight loss and overall success is to chase small goals on the way to your big picture. My big picture is 100 pounds by year's end, I should however hit it the end of September. Focusing on the big picture only will certainly lead to stress and FAILURE. That's no fun.

I challenge you every day, in whatever you do, to find a small goal, even if it's smiling at a stranger; accomplish it, then go after the next. We spend too much of our life chasing big picture things, retirement - really; lay the pavement sure, but LIVE TODAY!

Hugs.

Four Dress Sizes!

Weight loss is an interesting endeavor. I have done very well, I have lost 41 pounds, 59 to go, but at times I feel as big as a house, at times I feel bloated and disgusting, I feel like eating my weight in chocolate, feel like crying etc. I know this is partially due to being a female, what joy is that, part of it being human, but regardless, it's annoying no matter the excuse you put with it. Why can't we just be happy with what we have, the work we are putting in and keep moving forward - why is that so darn hard? Human!

I'm in such a good place right now - I finally decided to buy a couple new pieces of clothing because I nearly lost my pants running to catch the bus! I decide to go "budget shopping"...OLD NAVY. They have some cute things so I grab a pair of size 16 pants. Internally there's this battle erupting "how exciting would that be," "are you freaking crazy," "they will never fit," "you'll be let down," "how cool would it be..." THEY FIT - I could have cried right then and there, I could have screamed at the top of my lungs, and ran out of the dressing room with them still on and yelled SOLD! But instead I calmly put them back on the hanger and bought them! Then I text everyone I knew!

Size 16 still seems large but I was at a 22-24 and I NEVER want to see that number again. I want to go buy more things with a one and a six but I will hold back. I have goals, I have 59 more pounds to go, wouldn't mind buying something in the single digits next!

I've learned that every day is a process; every mental battle is worth fighting because I am worth it. I deserve this more than anything. I'm so thrilled with where it's going and continue to chase my Thursday weigh ins.

Keep pushing forward; see you at the next woohoo moment!

P.S. for those of you that have requested progress pictures - though I do take them, I value our friendship too much to subject you to such horror! Lol, I'm certain though when I've hit my goal I will post before and afters, just to remind me of where to NEVER be again.

Stay blessed.

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than That!

Back on track - my focus and determination paid off in the best way at yesterday's weigh in - 5.6 pounds in one week. Crushed the troubling 2.6 from the previous two weeks! Eliminating salt and drinking more water was paramount.

I'm impressed with truly how easy this program is - follow the rules - OK! You might say "I don't like to work out." That's technically perfectly fine on this program. They only require you eat as they say, drink as they say. PERIOD. I simply believe you're foolish to think you don't also need exercise - you may lose weight just fine but you should work on those muscles - hey, here's some great news - muscle burns fat too! It's a double awesome!

Personally I LOVE the gym, sweating, lifting weights - I'm more focused throughout my day after a great workout.

May first the "Run of the Mill" 5K http://mcrunofthemill.com/ registration opens - this will be my first 5K in years and the first of many runs for this new lifestyle. Will you join me - cheer me on? I'm not a runner - in my head, I'm the most awesomest runner ever, but I'm sure I will get better and just like when I'm in the gym - I'm not out there for anyone else but myself. I've long let go of trying to impress anyone with my herculean strength - it's about me and my health. It's about not allowing my choices be the reason my family buries me - making positive, healthy choices, lifelong better choices. That double bacon cheeseburger just isn't worth it anymore.

The attached picture is from the Live Strong website's http://www.livestrong.com Daily Plate/Weight Loss tab. I used to log everything I ate in my previous attempts at weight loss using this site, though I still agree journaling is the best way to see what you’re putting in and monitor the intake, on the Ideal Protein program it's regulated, they also provide you a journal. The items on IP wouldn't be found in the Daily Plate system thus you wouldn't get the appropriate caloric data. I do still use their weight loss function as a tracking tool and overall motivator. You can see the area prior to February 26th when I was doing it on my own and the data post February 26 - my Ideal Protein start date. I'll take it!

66 pounds left to go!

Check back next week - let's see what I do in the next seven days!

Happy Easter

Some Things Shouldn't Be Retained!

Fourteen long days since my last weigh in. I was hoping for a big number, at least a seven or an eight - I was sick the last three days thus I didn't hit the gym at all but still, I felt lighter, I was looking thinner - I step on the scale...drum roll...2.6 - are you serious! I started feeling like a contestant on The Biggest Loser - I was waiting for Allie to say "Joleen how are you feeling?" Really 2.6 in two weeks is stupid wrong - I was angry. Sure it's a loss but it's crap.

After looking at my journal, I'd had two turkey burgers (different nights) and kale chips at least 7 of the 14 days - SALT - though I'd not realized there's a ton of salt in turkey burgers, I knew the kale chips were salty. Also in my last three days while sick, my water intake was much lower - I just had no desire to eat or drink anything - I felt like poo. So RETENTION was my enemy.

Educated and driven still with anger - I'm rearranging my eating to not include either except for possibly as a rare treat. I am back on my 110 ounce of water a day and working my butt off in the gym 5-6 days a week - I'm focused on the 21st of April now - that number will be better - even if it's 2.6 in 7 days, still kicks the pants off of 2.6 in 14 days.

So onward and upward, this is a life change and I'll be learning as I go.

My clothes are still getting looser, I can comfortably cross my legs - if you're overweight you'll totally get that pinnacle! Heels that haven't fit, do now, it's still very exciting.

I am happy to report that even with that little of a weight loss, I'm now under my pre-pregnancy weight! Remember my son is now EIGHT years old! I still have a ways to go but so far it's been a blast.

See less of you on April 21! Hugs.

ONE is a Lonely Number...

Last night was my weigh in, only five days since my last. As I'd mentioned last week, my coach is competing in the Hilo Olympic Triathlon this weekend, so the normal Thursday weigh in was not an option.

In those five days sadly, I only lost 1.4 pounds. Though I'd hoped for a bigger number, I'm certainly not discouraged by any means. This is a process, one of time and dedication which is exactly what I've put into it from the start. I have not and will not cheat. There is not a cheese burger or doughnut that tastes better than long term success and health. Gone are the obese days, shortness of breath, tired, and lethargic, grumpy days - GONE.

I've been working out at lunch more and loving it. It's such a challenge to get to the gym at night with other commitments. Having the University gym so close has been such a blessing.

In my future are 5K and 10K races. I've made a mental note of the ones I want to do so I'm just waiting for the registrations to open. I've also decided along with my master’s program studies, I will start studying for my Certified Personal Trainer certificate. I am committed to making this a life change; to help others in one way or another. With the knowledge that I have now coupled with my studies, I'll be a force to be reckoned with even if just for my own personal growth.

I'm excited for the continued changes in my body, the fit of my clothes, the energy and happiness I now have. I'm excited for my next weight in 16 days - April 14th - it should be a good one!

Till then - xoxox

(The picture is of my calendar at work - it keeps me motivated.)

Going, going, gone!

Whew made it through vacation without a single cheat!

This is far too important for me. Though my mother's cooking is amazing and the smells of the kitchen (and the Breadboard) tempted me, I remembered why I'm doing this, what I want from it and know that I need a forever change. The last day of my vacation in Wyoming, my mother told me she was proud that I stuck with it. That means more than any delicious food.

Nine days since my last weigh in and I'm down 5.85 pounds! Nearly six pounds in 9 days! That's a total of 23.25 pounds and over 21.5 total inches in four weeks. AMAZING!

I'm certainly starting to feel it in my clothes. Where I once needed an extension for my bra, I now am at the last hook and need a new bra altogether. Just in my torso I've lost 4 inches, 5.4 in my waist. I'm holding off on purchasing anything new because this is just the beginning.

I was that girl that would go through the drive thru and order food for my son and I and pretend like I was ordering another meal for someone else then eat it too. I could eat 3/4 of a large pizza, a box of Krispy Kremes, it was never ending. I was eating like a linebacker though I'd never played football in my life! NOW - I sleep better, feel overall better, work out in the morning before work and then at lunch I'll either walk two miles or go to the gym and workout more intensely. I love feeling healthier. I truly loved feeling comfortable in the seat on the airplane and as mentioned last week, in the pew at church. There's not a price you can put on feeling great.

I'm 1/4 to my goal, yes sports fans, I plan to lose 100 POUNDS! My hope is to have this accomplished by mid-September! I want to run 5 and 10K's (to start). I want to be cut and super fit, I want to keep this as my permanent lifestyle and inspire others, even if just my family, to live a healthy life. There is nothing better than when your child hugs you and tells you he can now touch his fingers - then weeks later he can touch his palms together around you. He's the best measuring tape ever!

Next week will be an early weigh in. My coach, who has also been on the IP program, will be completing the Hilo Olympic-length Triathlon! I'm inspired by her and plan to compete with her in an open water swim later this fall in Seattle. Who knows, I might make an Alcatraz comeback!

Come see less of me on Wednesday! Thank you for being a part of this journey. XOXOX

17.4 in 18!

That's right folks - 17.4 total pounds GONE FOREVER in 18 days. I mean really, a pound a day sure beats the pound a week idea square in the pants!

I'm so excited; it really is like my Christmas every time I go to weigh in. I used to think only crazy people were excited to stand on the scale in front of a stranger or be wrapped up in measuring tape from head to toe - CALL ME CRAZY. I love it.

My family is headed on vacation tomorrow morning, so I had to weigh in on Tuesday which was two days earlier than normal. But in five short days, less than a week, I lost 3 pounds, bringing my total to 17.4 in 18 days!

I love how my clothes fit, how I feel, how much better I sleep and so on. Sunday at church I fit comfortably in the seat which means I'll feel more comfortable on the plane tomorrow. I feel better in clothes now, not like an over stuffed sausage. I LOVE where this is going.

I'm excited to go home to Wyoming and see my family and I'm not even scared. Ideal Protein has made this so easy and bullet proof that I'm seriously NOT at all worried! Now had it been Ireland (which I'm visiting next year), Mexico or Hawaii it would have been a little scary, surely still not impossible, but Wyoming is the protein capital of the world - I'll be fine.

I felt this picture appropriate in two ways. It depicts the three pounds I've lost and encourages me to "finish the fight." This truly is a fight to regain my life back. A life I can enjoy with my family, being active, happy and healthy. Soon I might just post progress pictures - then you should be scared cause they are icky but it's progress and that's the part I'm most proud of - moving forward.

Be blessed, enjoy life.

Next weigh in, March 24th - see less of you then!

Going DOWN

The scale is and I love...no LOVE it! Last night was my weigh in and measurements and I'm happy to report I've lost another 3.6 pounds and a 1/2 an inch EVERYWHERE. Who wouldn't be happy. I know it's a far cry from my first 10.8 pounds but I'm also educated enough to know I was shedding excess crap and shocking my system, therefore I fully expected week one to be a higher loss.

So far the Ideal Protein food is just fine. People at work laugh at my astronaut packets of spaghetti or chili, but are then surprised to see that it looks and smells (and from my perspecive), tastes just like regular food. Week three (starting today) I was able to create my own food list from their packets so no longer do I have to suffer through the oatmeal that looks like wall paste or the "crispy" cereal that comes with it's own powdered milk! Those two really were the only bad items on my lengthy menu. I'm thrilled to be able to eat a great dinner with my family, steak, chicken, fish, pork and vegetables (excluding corn and carrots of course.)

I'm full of energy and overall happier than before, so it's a WIN WIN to be THIN!

Next week I weigh in early (Tuesday)since I'll be traveling home to Wyoming for a visit - it'll be fun to see people who I've not for sometime and hope they can see the difference I feel!

I love shrinking - I'll need to buy a belt though because it's not time for new clothes, I'll go poor lol!

Come see less of me next week!

I Lost a Baby!

Okay I really didn't lose my baby; I know exactly where my son (8) is. But I lost the equivalent of this baby!

Folks, I told you I was excited for last night's weigh in! In my first five days, I lost 10.8 pounds and various inches in places on the average 1.4 inches in my neck, arms, chest, hips, waist...I mean really 10.8. LOVE IT. Yes I know it's largely due to the shock I'd placed on my system from eating crap to eating a high protein diet but it also is an eye opener of what exactly that crap was doing - it was holding on, leeching onto my body, making me tired, irritable, sluggish, poorly focused, bleh. Now, in just 5 short days, I feel vibrant, awake, alert, ready and most of all happy. I'm excited for next Thursday! This will certainly be a fun journey! Won't you join me?

Just Add Water

I cannot believe it's been over a month since my last blog, that should truly tell you that I've not been focused, not been on my game. That has all changed recently. Without sounding like another "I've found the perfect diet" story which it may, I really did or at least I'm giving it a go.

Last week on Facebook, I read a post of a very elated friend who'd lost 8 pounds - of course I was all over that like white on rice. I've known this guy since grade school so I asked him - "how'd you do it?" "The Ideal Protein Program" was his response - this is NO diet kinda guy so I inquired more. The more he told me, the more intrigued I became. I did research online, read reviews, read the company story, read more reviews, looked a number before and after photos, then...I found and called the Ideal Protein coach at my local clinic and set up an appointment.

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol that results in fat loss while sparing muscle mass. The protocol was developed over 25 years ago in France to help athletes become trim.

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is an easy 4-phase protocol which helps stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels while burning fat and maintaining muscle and other lean tissue. This protocol is also an excellent support for cellulite reduction and has been used in well over 2500Professional Establishments in North America over the last eight years with great success.

“The cause of most weight issues in a modern society is insulin dysfunction. A diet grossly disproportionate in its share of saturated fats and sugars, such as in breads, cereals, muffins, cakes, pastries, pasta, pizza, rice, corn - very much like the North American diet - causes the pancreas to produce an overabundance of insulin, which stays in the system and puts the blood sugar level in a negative balance.” Dr. Tran Tien.

I began my Ideal Protein journey Saturday, February 26th, 2011. So far, so great, by day three I'd conquered my headaches (a common withdrawal of crap cause) and I felt better, more awake, more alert, and less craving. Day four I lost all my cravings, I'm not feeling like I should eat everything in sight which was my biggest issue - I'd eat because it was available, I'd then associate that with being hungry which was not the case at all. Getting my head, stomach to get that I wasn't hungry was the battle - so far this has really helped. Tonight is my weekly weigh/measure at the clinic - I'm excited as crazy as that sounds - I'm interested to see if my feelings are more than just feelings. Granted I would laugh at work and call this the "Just Add Water" diet or the "Astronaut" diet but all in all the science makes sense - it is similar to the Atkins diet but better formulated. I've been able to incorporated my clean eating habits into my lunch and dinner routines and I'm excited for what's to come!

Look Right Through Me

Merriam-Webster defines IGNORE as: Refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally; Fail to consider, and I wonder, at what time should you ignore the people around you. Not get all up in their business, but ignore them when it comes to opening a door, saying hello, any common gesture of humanity. Why is it that overweight people are treated like second class citizens? Maybe they made or make bad life choices, maybe or maybe they didn't - do you know? Why is it that an attractive person gets attention? Did they make good life choices?

I'm often fascinated when I think of how I was treated as a young adult compared to how I'm treated now. I'm the same person, hell, I'm a better person, I just am not as tall, fit and trim as I once was. Why do I get treated different? Why do you look right through me now when a few years ago you'd fall all over yourself for me.

Why is it okay in society to behave this way?

Now the beauty is those who know me - know me, respect me and don't look away, look through, walk away...IGNORE.

Why do I care...I don't really - I'm just fascinated - just making an observation. I think we should look at how we treat those around us, fat, skinny, black, white, purple, homeless, disabled - everyone. We shouldn't judge people before getting to know them. We shouldn't ignore people because they are different or don't fit in a specific box of perfection, in a bubble of "what's right." Otherwise limiting ourselves from meeting truly amazing people.

The next time you encounter someone "different" and you want to walk away, look through...IGNORE - ask yourself "who am I?"

Let's treat people like people - let's bring back the golden rule.

All the best.