DAY Two!

I survived day one!

Quick RECAP: I forgot my shake stuff for my afternoon shake, so I had it as soon as I got home (around 5:30). I am getting used to the slimy-grainy grossness. I did make it to the gym, but did a simple 45 minutes on the elliptical with my book (burned 600 calories). My daily calories were 1109... I had to force myself to eat the strawberries allotted for my evening snack. I didn't consume all of my 'oils', which I doubt I ever will. Dinner was good... nothing strange, but I learned one chicken breast is THREE portions! I did cheat while watching Hell's Kitchen Finale (stupid, Elise) with a freezie, but figured that wasn't the worst thing and it was good. PLUS I split it with Richard... so I don't feel guilty.

Day Two... I am realizing this 'MFE' is not about cutting calories or adding supplements. I think my doctor puts me on these programs (detox and this) to teach me in the karate kid way... less of a direct lesson. This program is teaching me about portion control. It's less restrictive than the detox, which taught me about 'bad' foods... including dairy and wheat (or excluding... hmm??) I am prepared to take this lesson and enjoy it. I stepped on the scale this morning down 4 pounds... how is that possible? I don't know, but after several attempts it still read the same.

I packed the same lunch as yesterday, despite the boys complaints (apparently my co-workers don't like the smell of oil & vinegar). I also have the same dinner planned for tonight... but that's only because of the MASSIVE chicken breast I made last night that needs to be consumed.

I will be heading to Spin Class at noon today and I hope it goes well. I am feeling a little drained and a little dizzy after my handful of vitamins this morning.

Wish me luck.

Love!

Day One.

I probably shouldn't report on day one just yet... its only 7:45am, but I already have some opinions.

First - The 'shakes' are not creamy and delicious as promised. They are slimy and grainy.

Second - I forgot I needed a second shake around 3p and left the powder at home.

Third - I had, almost, an instant headache upon completion.

Fourth - I am hungry.

Fifth - Of course, this silly diet (much like Weight Watchers point system) will work; after logging ALL of my allowances for the day, I am at 1009 calories intake. I still have to hit the gym. I don't feel like a diet at this calorie level is healthy, but I do believe I will lose weight and inches on it, because I am not eating much of anything. Granted I am allowed unlimited 'category 1' vegetables... which include exactly what you would expect; lettuce, broccoli, celery etc.

I have a better understanding of the system now... I spent a lot of the weekend (and most of last night) prepping for my week.

I am allowed (have to consume)...

1 - Legume

1 - Category 2 Veggie

2 - Proteins (3oz each, no red meat)
4 - Oils (odd? yes.)
2 - Fruits (15 grapes)
1 - grain (limited by my wheat intolerance)
1 - nut
Unlimited - Category 1 Veggie
2 - 'shakes'

I can have unlimited caffeine-free liquids, but I typically only drink water and green tea (which I opted to keep caffeine in my tea, because my fav flavor doesn't come 'free')

I am feeling a little rebellious about this whole 'diet' thing, but I will stick to the 'diet' for 10 days (when my shakes run out) and decide then if I want to continue. The shake powder is quite pricey for what it is and I am not sure I want to buy it... on my credit card. Its only purpose is to increase my protein and level out my blood sugars, which will hopefully prevent snacking and eliminate cravings, we'll just have to see about that.

I weighed in this morning after an amazing PRE-diet weekend (probably my favorite days, because nothing is off limit) and I have 14pounds to lose with this 'shake' 'diet'... lol

Last time I worked with Nicole (detoxing) I lost 20lbs in 6 weeks and kept it off... let's hope this 'diet' is similar. I hate that word... let's call it a 'Melanie's Food Evolution' or MFE for short.

The word diet is SO cliche and much like the start of this weight loss venture using buzz words; 'diet', 'weight-loss' etc. implies I have something to lose, when that last thing I want to admit to people is that I have a problem.

But, alas... I do have a problem. I am addicted to food. I say this with complete conviction. I say this without humor and funny words like 'foodie'. I have a problem and I need to get it under control before I try to be a mother.

Wish me luck... I am already hungry and it's 7:58am.

Argh!

PS - below is my salad bowl of pills/vitamins/supplements... I feel like a lab rat!

2 white ones in the morning with food
1 yellow one in the morning without food
1 black one twice a day with food
2 round ones after breakfast with or without food
1 blue one in the morning on an empty stomach
confused yet?

Meeting with Nicole

Last night I met with Nicole. I knew she was going to challenge me again. I knew I wasn't going to walk out of the office empty handed, and much like my first meeting, I considered cancelling.

She was right the first we met and helped me lose 20 pounds and keep it off. I changed my eating lifestyle based on things I learned from her. I trust her.

As for this new 'diet'... I don't trust it. I never wanted to be on a diet. Teach me to eat well and teach me about food and I will use that knowledge to help myself. Nicole did attempt to 're-detox' me, but I refused. I said living with Richard (who is incredibly supportive) and cooking only for the 2 of us, I wasn't prepared to make 2 dinners every night to accommodate a strict detox. I told her I knew I would slip. She had another option... I less restrictive diet. Honestly though, I am struggling with the entire concept, because it is a diet. My calories are cut to 1300 a day and I can't eat anything processed. This is not something I can easily maintain for the rest of my life. I feel like it is unrealistic, but I trust her and I Monday I will start this new regime. This time she did not give me a timeline. She left it open depending on how I feel. She might believe I will keep this life, but veggies aren't my thing and I will never be satisfied on a Vegetarian diet. I also question the success of the product I am using, mainly because this program is 5 workouts a week, eating 1300 calories a day... without any supervision or supplements I will lose weight like that. I also feel like I am capable of losing weight like that, but that it is not healthy... I need more calories especially with a high-impact workout schedule and lots of cardio (My preferred workout method).

I also understand that what I am doing right now isn't working so I have to change, but I'm just not thrilled about another diet. And expensive, time consuming diet... I am already feeling overwhelmed with life and planning a wedding.

Nicole doesn't let me make excuses, which is good... but knowing what I am capable of and realizing it is also personal growth.

So... in this long winded pity party, I have agreed to 2 weeks of this 'diet', but I don't know how much I believe in the product.

**I have not mentioned the product, because I don't want to be associated with something until I better understand it, and like it.

Wish me luck (and Richard too as I start to give up sugar).

Love!