We hope Everyone had a great Christmas! It is beautiful and Snowy here today! Just had to share a little bit of news ~
   I hit my 50 pound loss for Christmas! I am so ecstatic! I had a beautiful Christmas not around the food, but around my family! I have many Many moments that I will always cherish as I do every year... Everyone complimented me and gave hugs... and talked about it for a few mins.... but this year my fav was when my dad opened the door and when he saw me he said... "where is Shani!" lol Made me feel great!
I am not to my goal yet... But I am making great progress! Thank you TSFL, and my awesome Health Coach Jean! If you would like to know more .... check out the website listed below!
Shani

Are you struggling? All of us at one time or another struggle with something. For one it may be weight, for another it may be work or something else you can put in the blank. For me... it has been my weight. I do great for a couple of weeks and then I get in a hurry or get sidetracked... Well I found this picture and I wanted to share it, because well this is our weight loss blog and I found it to be very inspirational!
So with today.... It is Day ONE yet again.. and YES I am worth the weight! :-)

Hi Everyone! Its been a long time.... I haven't meant to let this blog drop by the wayside. I think about it alot and know I have needed to post something.. and then low and behold I realized that I haven't posted since February! WOW... where did the time go? Guess that's what I get for getting a Kindle Fire and reading all the time now. I know I know... NO Excuses! I love it when I find the little encouragement along the way of my journey to health so I know you probably enjoy it just as much!
So I shall try to do better!
I will commit myself to blogging again... even if it is just random once a week. It will be like that crazy show on the TV... you know the one, Its going great, something happens and then it cuts off... only to realize... its already been a half an hour... and your left dying to know what is going on and hate to wait until next week to find out! LOL
So here is your weekly dose of Encouragement ~

 Do you find it hard to eat the things that will bring health to your body? Okay okay.... Seriously ~ Do you find it hard to diet?

 Do you care about yourself or about food more?

 I have learned one thing through my journey... it is If I don't care I'm not going to try... If I get into the mode... well Its okay one little debbie wont hurt... well then I eat one and decide... eh who cares ~ I will have this or that too... Well I have to remind myself... I CARE!

I care about how I feel and how I look but until I decided to care about that... I didn't change anything. Change hurts but change is sometimes good.. and eating better is a good change! Just my thought for today.

~Shani

It Couldn't Be Done

Edgar Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,

But he with a chuckle replied

That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one

Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;

At least no one ever has done it";

But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,

And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Just take off your coat and go to it;

Just start to sing as you tackle the thing

That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.

Have a Happy On Plan ~ Eating Healthy Weekend!

I guess I have been hiding...

I havent had much to write lately, just the norm going on... Chris and I had a great weekend in Athens, TN (where I grew up) and stayed with some friends. We werent as strick as we should have been this weekend BUT we have been very strict and going strong since we came home Sunday afternoon! It really is so much easier when you have a buddy helping!
I have been extreemly tired lately and not too sure why! When we were gone over the weekend I did end up sleeping on the floor and I must have not gotten all of my sleep in because I feel it catching up on me! LOL I just need a day to sleep and stay in my pjs!
So far today I have had my Medifast Hot Cocoa and a medifast brownie! I am trying to come up with more options for my Lean and green. I made an omlet last night out of the eggbeaters and some cheese and a little bit of salsa... it was very good.
Tonight though I may make some tuna lettuce wraps! Hmmm sounds yummy!
Hope everyone is doing great!

New Beautiful Me: Inspirational Poem

New Beautiful Me: Inspirational Poem: When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down, And you feel like the biggest failure in town When you want to give up just becau...

Happy Monday! Here is a good Beginning of the Week Article ~

Taken from My Medifast

Beware of Diet Saboteurs!

Is Someone In Your Life Trying To Sabotage Your Diet? Recognizing sabotage “You're doing so well—you can have one little piece.” “You’re losing weight so fast. Is that healthy?” “Why don't come to dinner? Don't you love me anymore?” “You’ve lost 15 pounds? I can’t see the difference…” “We’re going to the Mexican restaurant across the street. We’ll see you after lunch.” “Did you know that 95% of dieters gain all the weight back?” Why they sabotage It may be as simple as your loved ones wanting you to feel good about yourself as you are - after all, they love you no matter how much you weigh! Others may be struggling with their own weight and feel jealous because when they see you losing weight, they feel pressure to do the same. Your spouse may be acting out of jealousy or fear of losing you - they worry that if you lose weight, you’ll lose interest. Competitive coworkers may feel less successful when they see your weight loss. What to do Speak up! Explain to mom that you’re not rejecting her love when you refuse her homemade lasagna: "I’d love to come over for dinner, but I need you to cook more veggies or lean meat." Show your coworkers that you can still have a good time with them: “Actually, there are several Mexican dishes that fit into my diet. I’d love to join you.” When friends and family express judgmental feelings, don’t take it personally. You’re not doing anything wrong. Critical statements stem from the speaker’s feelings of inadequacy. Continue to focus on the fact that you’re doing something healthy for yourself.

Have a Fabulous Weekend

If you are on the Medifast Program you will find this extreemly helpful... even if you are just dieting... you can use alot of these points, My health coach Stacy sent this to me, this is something Dr. Wayne Andersen's wife Lori put together. Enjoy!

~Shani

Why You Should Not Cheat!!!

Important information to remember…. Whether it’s an “Evening Weakening” or a “Weakened Weekend”, here are some very important reasons why you want to follow the program directions and not be “on again off again”.

1.     The first reason is that you will get the best results.

2.     In order for the program to be effective, you must be in the fat burning state.  Why?  Because when you are burning fat you have lots of energy, you’re not tired, not hungry, and most importantly…you are burning fat, not muscle.

We want you to spare your muscle as it is very important to your metabolism, calorie burning ability, and strength.

3.     It is very unhealthy to be going in and out of the fat burning state.  This will cause a stress to your body whether you can feel it or not. You could start to burn muscle during this constant fluctuation of energy burn.

4.     This “on again-off again” behavior is not helping you to learn healthy eating habits, in fact, just the opposite. You will be teaching yourself a very unhealthy habit - possibly binging, and also weakening any will power you might have thought you had.

5.     Drinking on the weekends… just say “no”.  Alcohol lets your defenses down and fills you up with empty calories and carbs which will kick you out of the fat burning stage.

6.     When you kick out, it can take up to three days to kick back in. Than can cause you to be hungry and possibly tired until you are burning fat again.

7.     In other words…If you can’t do it right, switch to a maintenance-type program with more calories until you are truly ready.

 

What can you do if you really want to succeed?

 1.     Talk to your Health Coach and tell them that you are ready and want their help.

2.     Read Dr. A’s Habits of Health and get the new Companion guide along with self study video to help you stay on track.

3.     Make a point to get on all the support calls.

4.     Sign up for Support in Motion. This is an interactive, internet support tool where you can learn about getting healthy, plot your goals and follow them on a chart, log your daily meals, chat with others, learn new recipes.

To sign up go to your health coach’s website or go to tsfl.com and click on the support in motion window and follow the directions.

5.     Keep a daily journal.

6.     Write a daily affirmation and say it often.

7.     Have a clear set of goals and what you will need to do to reach them (use a structural tension chart).

8.     Exercise when the time is right…3 weeks into the program for most.

9.     Follow the directions in your quick start book exactly.

-measure lean and green

-drink your water

-get all five Medifast plus lean in green in daily

-eat within your first hour of waking

-don’t over exercise in the first 3 weeks.

10.            Become a health coach yourself!  Our health coaches have a very high success rate and find it easy to keep it off. When you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk. 

I did it!

Sooo... I had been dreading going to this... But I did it! Not for reasons that may first come to your mind, BUT because I was scared I would cave and eat something that was Not on my plan! ~

I was invited by my sister in law to her Pampered Chef party. Usually I do not go to them, BUT it was my sister in law and I really needed to go and support my family and of course... I love to see all my friends and catch up with everyone, so I really wanted to go for that reason... BUT I didn't want to go because (anyone who knows Pampered chef you know its a ginormous Food party!) So I did what every normal human on a diet would do in this case.... Whine about it! I whined to myself, my husband, my cat, my coworkers... Myself some more... Then Chris (as any sweet darling husband would do) gave me some great (best friend)  advise "Suck it up and go! Its family! You just ate! You will be okay!"  I just looked at him and was like... Ha! Well Your Right!
So that was the end of my whining and the start of the reasoning in my head... Now if anyone has been in this situation or something similar before, you know what I mean about the reasoning in your head.... Its kinda like the devil on one shoulder and angel on the other shoulder routine... and as I was contemplating what to do (just in case someone should offer me food) I concluded... Shan... You got this! You can do this! You have come WAY TOO FAR ALREADY! .... So instead of dreading the party because of the food... I started thinking of ways I was going to enjoy the party!
Let me say here that ... Just because I'm on a diet I cannot let life pass me up! And neither can you! Sure there will always be something going on, like a special occasion, or something sugary or bready to eat... But really... do I want to eat something ... and start all over again? Ummm No! I have done that for too long! I cannot afford the "I will eat this, and start tomorrow" routine anymore.

So back to my story... I went to the Party and I did have a good time ( and Im so glad I didn't listen to the negative voices in my head) ... They make a chicken salad ring, and a butter finger cake, I had my water and didn't even think of taking a bite of anything. I actually used it to my advantage. I bought two items that I can use with my diet. :-) and remembered when my senses were alerted to the wonderful smells... that I was not hungry at all and that the brownie I had with cream cheese just a little while ago at home... was super good and filled my sweet tooth so I really wasn't even tempted... and do you know what else I realized when I got home from the party... Not only did I have a great time... and I got to see many wonderful friends I haven't seen in awhile and spend time with family... I did it! I did not cheat! AND I felt great! I finally did it!
I went somewhere (a party that is about kitchen gadgets and how to use them and make food.,..)
 and it was NOT about food for me! I did it!  and because of this ~ I feel like I made it to another phase in my life and weight loss!!! So excited I am! :-)

~ Shani

A list of things

I was told when I was younger... you cant "wish" your life away... meaning... Saying "I wish this... or I wish that" will NOT change anything... the only thing that will change your life or circumstances is You... doing something about it... Being Proactive.

 So Today I want to talk about a list... do you have a list?
The Bible says that without a vision the people perish. .... When you have a list, you have a vision, and a rather clear one ~ of what your wants, goals, dream etc. are.
So I ask again... Do you have a list?
If not ~  Go ahead... Get a pen and a piece of paper and start writing down what you want out of life.. what you want to do with your life.
Now how can you accomplish these goals?
 Is it something physical? Like climbing to the top of Mt. Everest? What are you doing to see this happen? Are you walking? Eating right (good things for your body to give you the optimal health you need?)
maybe you have done all of this and you just need to buy your ticket?
How close are you to your goal?
Well if you have just only written it down on a piece of paper... Congratulations!
You are closer to your goal than you were when you started reading this post!
Keep your goals in front of you... (put it on the fridge.. or on your wall, wherever you can see it!) So that when you loose sight or don't want to count those carbs or calories, or you don't want to go for that class, or just want to stay in bed and NOT go to work or church... you will see it and it will motivate you to GO! DO! and See the Results!
One of my very favorite scriptures in the Bible is found in
Habakkuk 2:3
For the Vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (KJV)
The Message Bible says;
This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming-it can hardly wait. Its on its way. It will come right on time

Many times through out my life I have cried to the Lord... wished for this, for that... wondered when what was in my heart and mind would come to pass... After all He said He would give us the desires of our heart... and then I remember reading the verse before this one... and it was a revelation to me...

Habakkuk 2 vs.2 ~
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon the
tables, that he may run that readeth it. (KJV)
The Message version says;
And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.

Okay so this tells me Not only to write down my vision (my dreams, my desires, goals etc.) But to make it big enough so that I can see it EVERYDAY... so that while I'm hoping/ praying for it... waiting on God for it, doing those exercises and eating right... I will NOT get discouraged nor will I be in despair... because I can always refer back to it... and see why I'm doing what I'm doing... (its my motivation, if you will) .... To see the Bigger Picture.
So I will ask you again... Did you write down your goals yet? If you have... did you put them somewhere you can always refer back to them?

Now the Big Question.... What are you doing to see it come to pass??? Praying a little more each morning? Running a little further each day? Measuring your food just a little better? Watching your diet a little more closely... reading your Bible just a little bit more?

Here are just a few of my goals I will share with you;

To get closer to Jesus this year and be a effective soul winner
To see my mom back in church
To see my kids serve the Lord with their whole heart
To go on more mission trips and take my husband to Africa

To be at my healthy weight in the 150's
To go backpacking in Europe
To go hanglinding and maybe bungee jumping...  :-)

JUST TO NAME A FEW

Do I have this written down somewhere... that I can read it... Yes I do and I can tell you I am doing everything possible on My part to see these happen.... AND one thing I can rest assured of... when I do my part... God will do His part for me... Because I am trusting Him with every part of my life!

Who are you trusting today? What will you do today that others aren't doing so you can see what others wont see because they didn't start doing? Don't be the one that didn't start doing something!!! Don't let your life pass you by on a "wish I woulda, coulda"

~ Shani

Nites are tough, but I'm still blessed

I'm in the middle of working nights, and it I's tough, but I'm blessed to have a beautiful and wonderful wife that supports me inn every way!! She I's my back bone!! Yesterday we were talking about the calling that Jesus has on our lives... When I say calling, I mean that we all have a work to do inn the kingdom of God!! We all can do so much for the lord... No matter if it's cleaning church bathrooms to preaching a huge service. We are all part of the body of Christ!! So if your a pinky toe... Without you the body of Christ would limp!!!
Chris

One little Bite

So your a little tempted you say??? Just one little bite and you wont want anymore??? RIGHT!! Ummm No it doesn't work that way usually! Okay... so you might be the person who can have one small bite and then throw the rest away! Great! ... But why EVEN tempt yourself that way???.... I mean come on! I would be mad! Someone gives me a piece of cake, or a chip, or a cookie... or even a sandwich... and I take a small bite... and then I'm supposed to throw it away or step away from it!?? Come on! Get REAL with yourself... Chances are... while you may be strong in one area you are weak in another... So don't even put it in front of you! .... Now I have been talking about food...
Now to apply it spiritually... The Bible says in Proverbs 4:13-15. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14.Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15.Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
The picture above... while it is comical (I love Disney) It really does speak volumes! The wicked witch wanted to kill Snow White... she had evil intentions through the apple (food) that she offered her... when the devil comes with something of Evil Intent... from a place you should not be, to something you should not watch, to YES Something you should not eat (no food is not the devil... BUT not all food is healthy for you and can cause something bad to happen to your body if you continue to eat what is not right for you IE. clogged arteries, diabetes, high blood pressure, even death) .... Do like verse 15 says! AVOID IT, PASS NOT BY IT, TURN FROM IT, AND PASS AWAY... so what do you do when temptation presents itself unannounced? Be strong enough (through prayer, listening to your convictions, strong people around you...etc...) to not give in to your temptations! You will feel good that you did!
So when you feel tempted to have One little Bite... Think of all the people who are cheering for you! Think of the God who is for you!  You can do it! STEP AWAY FROM THE FRIDGE! :) lol
Whether you need spiritual support or "diet" support....
 Remember ~ Don't take that first "one little bite" its way harder to put it down than you think!
We are cheering for you!
 If we can do it, though Jesus ~ We KNOW you can do it!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!

~ Shani

Just Me being Me

I promise sometimes my food really seems to have a face looking at me.. compelling me, sometimes even whispering (screaming) my name (anyone else been there before?) ... which of course I do a double take sometimes a triple take.... and then of course I then place that food (in my mind) on a scale (think.... of my hands out as and imaginary balance and me saying should I???? Shouldn't I???? ) then trying to convince my mind that it is NOT as good as it is claiming itself to be, and seriously cannot be as good as it looks (after all food seldom tastes as good as it looks, right?!)

Why, Oh Why would we live in such food-centric Era where we use food as entertainment purposes and NOT for the purposes it was intended by God... We learn at an early age that Popcorn is for movies, that candy is fun to eat (Hey I grew up watching the Original Willy Wonka and singing along with the Candy Man Can.... and wishing my mother would let me put up "lick able" wallpaper!) I really believe we learn to enjoy food at a young age! Then by the time we are a little older we start to feel the affects and if we are not careful it becomes a vicious cycle of dieting!

Well I have to say I absolutely LOVE it when someone (skinny) knows all about what I should do when they have never walked in my shoes! Kudos to all my friends and family who have had to eat better, go on a diet, or change their way of eating to better their life... and stuck with it until you saw results (not meaning that you did not falter or fall a little here and there) You are an inspiration to me and everyone around you!

I have learned in all of the fad diets I have tried in the past that.... What works for one... doesn't always necessarily work for everyone... Every body is different! You are unique... and your diet may be as unique as you! I have always tried the Low carb approach, BUT I am one of those that have to have structure! I used Herbalife for awhile and it worked great when I did it. I lost 80lbs in 2000, then over the years I just thought to myself well I will eat this, and I can eat that and I will be okay... Yeah I got a little carried away with that! I have had some success with Phentermine (doctor monitored) then it started affecting my BP (blood pressure). Two BP meds...  and aLOT of prayers later... (Due to some severe back problems) I was told I would have to have Back Surgery (if I did not take some weight off) I considered Lap Band, that fell through... then two years later I signed back up for WLS this time I was looking at the Gastric Sleeve. Everything looked great and its was going to be a go... then God closed the door again. ( I say God closed the door, because we had been praying and seeking God about this and asking him to do that if it was not His will for my body, for only He knows if my body could have handled it) In the mean time not sure what to do and at a total loss I began to seek and pray that God would show me what I could do... and I came across Medifast. I was very sceptical at first because it was yet... another diet... BUT I felt a gentle nudge and an (what I felt like) an answer in my mind and heart.  The scripture came to me ~ Is 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? If you are reading this and think I'm crazy... well let me assure you... You are not alone! BUT hey... when I feel God come into a situation that I have been praying about... I get EXCITED! and truth be told... You would too... so go ahead and keep reading!  ~ Anyway, I also found out through further reading that Medifast is not only a low calorie and low carb controlled program BUT that alot of WLS patients go on it before and after their surgery because it meets the requirements... So here I am looking at the very thing I needed without having the surgery.... Fast Forward I made an order to try it and that very first week I started it.. I lost 16 lbs and for the total first month I had lost 28 lbs! Now of course this was last May 2011 when I did this, and at this point right now...I wish I had stayed as strict as I did that first month! (me kicking myself) BUT here I am NOW and I am following the program and staying On Plan. I am excited to what is going on.. I'm excited because I know this works and it works for me!! (If you would like to know more about it.. leave me a comment, I have two great ppl that are health coaches) I also started Zumba2 for the wii last night... I have to go Alot slower than normal! So I do this at home.  (I went to Tammy's class for awhile ... and while I so love it and being around ppl, had to stop... I hope to be able to really get more involved back in class as my back continues to relieve)

So there you go... I'm just a food lover... that yes... while food still talks ie.screams at me sometimes.. I use the Wizard of Oz approach... see picture -----> (Kidding... I need to use this approach though)  I am changing my perspective and my foods are much nicer and all the seemingly good things now do not bother me as much! .. Don't get me wrong... they still do bother me... but Not as much... because I do not keep my mind on them 24/7. I also try not to put myself in a place where I will be offered anything I cannot eat. (just until I feel a little stronger, or I will eat without thinking about it)

 If I am wanting something sweet, I have to be careful not to get in a hurry and make something OP... I definitely do not go to the store... nor do I go into the kitchen... or I become that Crazy culinary artist or Awesome Pastry Chef! I do have some awesome OP recipes.. so I try to stick with that!

This year I am challenging myself  to stay OP (on plan)  and loose this weight through this wonderful program. I cannot promise it will be easy.. BUT it will be worth it!

Chris and I are claiming 112 lbs in 2012! :-)

I started Medifast in May 2011 with my weight at 275lbs. 

(as of yesterday when I weighed) My weight is 262

I gained my weight back through the months I was not on my diet and I am on the right track to see the weight melt off and stay off for Good this time!

Through Jesus' help and the help of my friends and family I will see this accomplished!

~ Shani

We are in for an Amazing Ride!!! Anyone with us???

Hello Everyone! Im Shannon, although most of my friends and family call me Shani, Thank you for dropping by and checking us out! I can promise you that we are not a boring couple! We are on two different diets with one goal! We plan to drop 112 pounds a piece in 2012! Chris is following the Atkins (low carb) diet and I am following the Medifast program (http://www.medifast1.com/)
Of course what would our blog be without a few Non diet stories along the way... so buckle up we will be posting some great tips along with some crazy and funny stories...and dont forget to leave us your comments!
~ Shani

#2

I have had a salad today, I'm going to nap and I have an appointment and then time with the family!!
Chris

My First Time

This my first time blogging. I hope this is first of many. I have started to look at my life in new ways... I have set three major goals for my life this year.. #1 take the next step in my faith.
#2 become a better husband & father
#3 lose 112lbs in 2012
On Dec 26 my wt was 387lbs. On the 15th of Jan I was 372lbs. So I am on my way. I already feel so much better!!
Chris