Rosie's Body Fat Test #2........RMR Test and 3 Day Diet Analysis on 2.25.13

"One of the delights of life is eating with friends, second to that is talking about eating, and for an unsurpassed double whammy, there is talking about eating while you are eating with friends."~ Laurie Colwin

Most of us have tried some crazy antics at one time or another to lose weight but check out this latest contraption that's suppose to help people lose weight.  It’s called AspireAsisst by Aspire Bariatrics.  AspireAssist sucks out some of the partially digested food from the stomach via a tube that has been implanted into the stomach.  The peson is suppose to dump their food within 20 minutes of eatind thru the SkinPort-  a valve that the person can open and close to complete the process.  What do you think about this latest gimmick-device?  It’s not FDA approved but the company is taking steps to get it  there. Saaaaayyyyyy Whhhhattttt!!!!

So what's your relationship like with the scale?  Do you have a  mood change depending what it says?

How many times have we started a weight loss plan with hopes of losing 50, 75 or a hundred pounds only to become frustrated and end up quitting only  a few short weeks later and then end up weighting more than when we initially started?

What if you set a weekly  weight loss goal that required only a small change every week?

A change like walking 5 more minutes per workout....... drinking more water......ditching the half and half  in your coffee for 1% milk instead............switching from frying to baking your food, cutting out regular soda........lifting weights etc.  I'm not talking about losing the standard 1~2 pounds per week.  What if you set a goal of 1/2 pound per week?  It's a very realistic goal and the weight loss would be so gradual that the new changes you are implementing could last a lifetime.    In 12 months that would be 24 pounds that you would never have to worry about again!! 

We are all accountable for our choices and the way you lose weight is the way you need to maintain it///keep it off.   I believe the maintenance part is the hardest part of any lifestyle program because  it  takes committment,  consistency and hard work. Some days it takes will power and everything you've got to stay on track.

Ladies, let's revolutionize our approach to weight loss and fitness and be realistic in how we choose to go about losing the weight.  No more gimmicks or quick fixes because they don't work.

It's always in the midst of a challenge that we grow stronger.

I'm not where I wanna be but I'm definitely not where I was and I am spending my 45th year of life doing different "projects" to defy the aging process.

Back in the day I used to weigh myself 2-4 times a day and my mood would change when the number changed.  So in 2002 I tossed it out for 18 months, then went to checking my weight randomly- every 3 months or so.

Now I am back to once a month due to body fat testing with Lisa Lovejoy a Sports /Wellness Dietician at MultiCare in Tacoma.

The body fat testing is one of my age defying projects along with a three day diet analysis and metabolic rate testing.. ....body fat test #2 was done last Monday morning.

I would like to lose the 5 lbs. of fat and replace it with 5 lbs. of muscle!!

In addition to body fat testing, I also wanted to know exactly how many calories my body uses over a 24 hour period, so I had my  Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) done on 2.8.13.   I had to fast before having this procedure done.  It wasn't difficult because all  I had to do was sit really still  and breathe into a machine for 10 minutes while my nose was pinched off with a clothespin (to prevent breathing thru my nose).
I also turned in my food log for three days~ it's at the end of this blog.

RMR results- 2545 is the total amount of calories I would need if I were laying around all day~at rest.  My metabolism is higher than the "normal" range........yaaayyy!!!  So when my exercise is added in, I should be consuming about 3,300-3,500.  This is right on target with my intuitive approach to nutrition and training.

Body Fat Test 2 results- 25% ...........down 1.62% (test #1 was 26.62)   I am on my way to my 20% goal......yeaaaahhhhh boooooyyyyy!!!!!

3 Day Diet Analysis results- Lisa says that I'm doing a lot of things right BUT I need to consume more fruits, grains and vegetables.  Grrrr, and although I want to get down to 20% body fat without losing a ton of weight- I should shoot for a performance goal and not just focus on a number on the scale......or bod pod!
So my goal for the next 30 days is to continue eating the way I normally do buuuuutttt I will log my food intake and keep my calories at 3400 maximum per day and implement more strength training.  

When I was on my weight loss journey, I kept a food log to help me stay within the calorie zone that I had alloted myself.  It helped me with being accountable and to recognize times that I was "slacking".  And one of the things that I have noticed since keeping a food log this time around is that Ithere's been a couple of times that I actually thought long and hard about something I was going to eat and actually didn't eat it because of the log!  

All my best to you SuperTroops in movement, health and celebration,

RR
_________________________________________________________________________

Lisa can be reached at:

MultiCare Center for Healthy Living 

Lisa Lovejoy, Med, RD, CD

Sports/Wellness Dietician

LisaLovejoy@multicare.org

253.301.5091

Services offered:

Body Fat Testing – Bod Pod 

Comprehensive Sports Wellness Package

Comprehensive Body Composition Wellness Package

Sports Nutrition Follow-Up

Three-Day Diet Analysis

Fundamental Sports Nutrition Counseling

Resting Metabolic Rate Testing

Fundamental Sports Nutrition with Body Fat and Resting Metabolic Rate Testing

_____________________________________________________________________________

So here's what my food and training log that I turned in looks like:

1.26.13
Workout: 19 mile run- 4:15

0630 p&j sandwich ( 2 slices of white bread @ 80 each ; 1 tablespoon of peanut butter100; 1 tablespoon of jelly 40) 300
1 16 oz black coffee with 1 equal
0830 1 gu mile 5 * 100
0930 1 gu mile 10 *100
1030 1 gu mile 15 * 100
1200 2 bananas (100 each) *200
2 packages of trail mix (170 each cranberries, almonds, walnuts) *340
1400 4 eggs scrambled (320) with ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese (90) *410
1 package of jalapeno chips *220
1510 6 tablespoons of trail mix (m&m’s, raisings, cashews, peanuts) *320
1700 2 fiber one bars (140 each) *280
1930 1 pkg. of Thai rice noodles *170
5 oven fried chicken wings (wings are seasoned and floured and then baked on a Pyrex glass pan coated with cooking spray oil. 150 calories each) *750

 

1.27.13
No Workout

0630 16 oz. black coffee with equal
4oz. protein pudding (1 scoop of protein powder 170; 3 tablespoons of flaxseed 100; ½ cup nonfat milk 45) *310
0900 bean stew with quinoa (lentils, black beans, diced tomatoes, quinoa, pinto beans, navy beans) * *500
1010 1 stick of mozzarella cheese *80
1 Quaker strawberry granola bar *150
1200 1 oz. of pretzels *100
1245 Bean stew with quinoa *500 and shrimp * 140
1530 1 chicken wing *150
1800 2 oatmeal, flaxseed cookies (125 calories each) *250
1930 2 pieces of quiche (spinach, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms topped with bacon bits and cheese…..crust made out of quinoa and flaxseed 300 calories each) * 600
60z. grilled skinless chicken breast * 300

1.28.12
Workout: Run 6.0 miles 70 minutes   30 minutes weights

0630 6oz. light vanilla yogurt *80

0850 grapefruit  * 100

3.5 oz. mini rice cakes caramel flavored   *360

1025 1 piece of Reiser candy *40

1100  1 oatmeal/flaxseed cookie  *125

1 piece of quiche  *300

1230 Bean stew *500

         shrimp  *140

1445  Odwalla Banana Nut Bar *240

1530  Banana   *100

1800  oatmeal cookie  *125

3 tablespoons of trail mix  *160

1930  6oz. grilled skinless chicken breast   *300

         2 pieces of quiche    *600

Breaking Free from Emotional~Compulsive Overeating.....Part One.....11.12.12

I watched the movie Flight last week with my husband even though I knew it was going to be  intense and hard for me to sit through because of the substance abuse scenes  that were going to be played out.  But with Denzel Washington playing the lead character- Captain Whip Whitaker -I had to go.

You see, I've never had an alcohol or substance abuse addiction and have never used drugs but I can identify with what it is like to have an addiction.  An addiction to food that is.

I can't bear to  watch people using drugs in movies or the big screen.  I always end up closing my eyes and plugging  my ears during them  because it brings me to tears to see someone abuse and jeopardize their health.  But also because  it reminds me of how I dealt with life by stuffing myself with food so I wouldn't feel the feelings beneath the surface.

I know why  a person would want to destroy himself instead of dealing with the root cause of the despair, pain, anger, frustration he  must be feeling.  Because the pain is to much to deal with.

But in reality, watching these kind of scenes  makes me take a look at the pain I have experienced and how I chosen to deal with it. From the time I was 3 until I turned 34, I was what you could call a food addict.  Food addiction simply put is .......compulsive eating.......binging........uncontrolled eating.  It is basically an obsession with food.  

I  grew up in a dysfunctional home and unconsciously dealt with it by constantly eating.   I used to be skinny and my family would joke that I had a "tapeworm" and "ate like a man".  I ate all kinds of food without thinking because doing so brought me comfort and throughout my teenage years I picked up the habit of eating several king sized Snickers bars everyday and that stuck with me for years.   After spending 15 years weighing 300 pounds, yo yo dieting, eating out of control, taking diet pills and exercising to no avail, I decided to take control and responsibility for my life and health.   Up until this point, I had blamed everything and everyone for the way my life was turning out and my excess weight. 

This is a 1 pound Snickers Bar!!!!!

Several things that can contribute to being overweight are psychological causes, not being physically active and dieting.  Overweight can stem from emotional problems that have not been addressed.  Eating can be a defense mechanism or a retreat from reality.  

My behavior began with a choice.  Initially it was an unconscious choice.  Even when I realized that the choices that I was making pertaining to food were jeopardizing my health I still continued to eat into oblivion.  I can recall when I was about 23, I had been having some indigestion issues for several weeks but wouldn't go see the doctor.  I was throwing up, and when I'd lay down to go sleep, I'd wake up coughing up oil from the food that I had eaten for dinner.  One night it got so bad that I ended up going to the emergency room and had to have emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed.   When the doctor asked me what I had eaten.......how much and when- I rambled off "two fried pork chops, rice, gravy, bread, cabbage" like it was no big deal.  Ha!  After surgery and staying in the hospital for a couple of days, I went home and proceeded to carry on like nothing had happened. The one thing that I did change though was drinking up to 100 ounces of water per day.  I somehow thought that this would remedy the situation.

I found out the hard way that if you ignore the truth about something you are really hurting yourself. 

When the behavioral choice that a person makes- be it  drugs, alcohol, food, television, exercise etc......reduces stress, it is likely that the same behavior will be used the next time that stress appears. 

I was  always told that "what happens in this house, stays in this house".  And although I had some positive role models growing up, they were few and far between.  
I didn't realize that I was actually depressed until some years later when I began to see a therapist.  Even when I would go to my counseling sessions, I would often show up late and with food in hand to eat while in the session.

Depression is a common health condition and isn't a weakness.  Which is what I though it was.  You can't just snap out of depression because it is a health condition that involves the mind and the body and affects how you think and behave.  Depression can also cause some emotional and physical problems and sometimes it may make you feel as though you are not able to go on with your daily activities.  Symptoms of depression vary from person to person and include but are not limited to: overeating, loss of interest in your normal activities, sadness, unintentional weight loss, fatigue and irritability.  Please seek professional help if you need it.

I broke free from emotional......compulsive overeating by accepting responsibility for my life and health and realizing that it would be far better for me to really, really try to win.

Stay Tuned for Part 2, RR

Health Hero Profile 10.22.12.................Small Changes Today for a Healthier Tomorrow~Carol Frazey

What is your age and where are you from?
I am 43 and live in Bellingham , WA

What was your beginning weight? 
I have always weighed in the 130-139 pound range. When I was pregnant with my first child, I gained 42 pounds and gained 64 pounds with my second! I have always been a runner and have always eaten like a runner. This did not subside when I was no longer running during my pregnancies, so I gained a lot of weight.


What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?
I currently weigh 138 pounds and have for the past 10 years.



How'd you lose your weight?
When I had my children, I nursed them for a year. I decided to give myself 2 years to take the baby weight completely off. Giving myself this large timeline made it seem doable. I gradually got back into running by combining running on land with running in the pool. This allowed my joints to recover quickly between each run. Also, during my time running, I would pick up my pace on the uphills and walk or shuffle slowly down hills. This kept pounding to a minimum.

Carol is going to be in Women's Day Magazine (January 2013  issue) !!!

Did you share your plans with other people?
How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you? My husband is a runner, so he understands how important running is for my physical and mental health. He also sees the difference in my mood when I come home from a run! So, he was very supportive to give me time each day to get a run in (it kept my crabbiness to a minimum!).
I also have a best friend who is also my running partner. She is the one who drug me to the pool at 5am 2-weeks after my C-section. We are lucky that we run the same pace and push each other to work harder and get in better shape. It’s also a multi-tasking social run for us to catch up with each other’s lives and leave our problems and challenges on the trail.



What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?
I had 2 wonderful, healthy children 2 years apart. I really had to make exercise my second life priority after my family. This meant planning my exercise like an appointment every day.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of ?
 I am first most proud of my family. I love the life we live. Second, I am so proud of my clients. Many of them have met weight loss challenges, health problems, and personal issues that would make someone want to lie in bed for days crying. These women get out there and push themselves each day to become better. They are my heroes!


What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?
I feel that I “must” run at least 5 times per week to feel mentally okay. I am what my running partner calls a “purist”….no gadgets (sometimes a watch) or fancy running gear, just a job bra, shirt, shorts, performance socks, and shoes. I like to keep things simple. 
As far as foods, I make sure that I eat at least 3 fruits and 4 vegetables every day. I also get my daily taste of coffee and chocolate.


Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?
I run 5 – 6 days per week. Like I said above, I eat at least 3 fruits and 4 vegetables per day. I make sure I eat these before allowing myself to indulge in my chocolate fix.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle? One exercise that I have each client do is write down five personal reasons why she wants to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. For example, my reasons include: someday being able to hike with my grandchildren in the Alps, to be able to travel and hike around the world, and to reverse my family genetic disposition for heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. I then have each person put this list on her nightstand, bathroom mirror, and computer. The list will then help her get out of bed when the alarm goes off at 5 a.m. for her morning walk or helps her refocus when she is tired after a long day in the office. I know that my list keeps me focused on living a long, quality life.


Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share? :
“Do, or do not. There is no try” – Yoda


What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?
One of my favorite books is (other than Cami Ostman ’s Second Wind !) Jeff Olson’s The Slight Edge . Olson talks about how taking little, positive steps each day add up to a wonderful life. As for words of advice, I always use the Fit School tagline of “small changes today for a healthier tomorrow”.


What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?
I am constantly listening to positive, motivational CDs or Ted talks ( www .Ted.com ). I truly believe Brian Tracy’s quote, “Whatever you think and talk about most of the time eventually comes into your life.” This is why I work to stay positive and focus on a fun life.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?
In the next 3 months, I am adding more virtual programs for my clients. I am working on product that will combine support, nutrition and exercise education, and fun. For long term goals, I want to continue helping to reduce childhood obesity and increasing the empowerment of women to love and take care for their bodies. Also, I want to run for at least another 50 years!

Fit School

Fit School, Inc. provides research-based nutrition and exercise information to families, school, and businesses throughout the world. Our mission is to educate and motivate individuals to make small changes each day to live healthier lives….and to have fun while doing it!
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Rosie's 50 Mile Run~My Day, My Race and I Did it My Way on 9.1.12

Often what we want is hidden beneath what we've settled for and in order to have something new, we have to expand our comfort zone to include the new thing.



Mission accomplished!!!  I did my 50 mile race yesterday to celebrate turning 45!!!  Completely  pumped up and on fire.  Why?  Well, read on and find out~

When I was a teenager, my weight fluctuated between 180-190 pounds while I alternated between starving myself and binging.  As a child I was always thin but I would overeat and not gain any weight and I ate just because-whether I was sad, happy, angry, stressed or bored.  By the time I was 20, I was married and had a daughter and my weight soared to 300 pounds during my pregnancy and remained there until March 2002.  After I had my daughter, I began exercising regularly- little did I know that my passion for fitness would begin even though I couldn't get my emotional/compulsive eating under control.  Exercise became a form of therapy and I immediately started to feel better.

I tried dieting excessively and used diet pills off and on for countless years.  Nothing worked.  I would lose weight, get comfortable and revert back to my old eating habits and essentially the weight would come back again, virtually overnight.  I could not understand what was happening to me.  I was not able to make the connection that I was eating excessively and I was completely “oblivious” that I was dealing with life by stuffing myself with food. 

I eventually  ended up going to counseling and the therapist helped me to identify the reasons that I was overweight and eating excessively but I still refused to do anything about my weight.  I continued to exercise but chose to remain clueless about my eating because it was easier for me to continue living with the way things were rather than to make an effort to change my life circumstances. 

I was overweight, depressed and gave up every time life pushed me.  I stopped dreaming and had no guts.  I felt that if I tried to do all the right things in life (be a good person, mother, wife, friend, employee etc.), I’d be safe and have a lot of friends who’d really like me and a family that loved me.  But the truth is, I let life beat me into submission.  Deep down inside I was terrified of taking risks.  I really wanted to be successful with losing weight and keeping it off, but my fear of failing was greater than the joy of succeeding.

I didn’t go after it because I wanted a safe and perfect life.  Anger, resentment, sadness, depression, disgust, and self-hatred are what I felt instead of the “joy” of a perfect life. 

A a light bulb went off in my head in March 2002 and I got tired of being sick and tired. I realized that I had been lying to my daughter about self care and pursuing goals. I truly expected her to do everything she wanted to and to accomplish her goals, but I wasn’t being a positive role model for her.  I immediately tossed out my scale and did some soul searching about the reasons that led to my uncontrollable eating.  I didn’t change what I was eating, but I cut back on the amount of food that I was eating and eventually scaled back on dining out and lost 100 pounds in 18 months.

I initially started running to torch the calories and lose weight but it turned out to be so much more.  Running has built my confidence, self-esteem and discipline.   And running in races has changed my life in a magical way-I discovered a part of me that I didn’t know existed!

The route- 121st Street to 8th Avenue to 128th for a 1 mile in the letter U because it's a 1/2 mile from my house and Ron was able to assist/crew for me.

Started at 0415 and was a wonderful 50 degrees!

Mile   9  bathroom, changed shirt, water, See's candy and ViSalus....feeling good

Mile 16  bathroom, water, trail mix, See's candy

Mile 21  Diet Coke~best tasting liquid known to mankind feeling super fit and legit!!

Mile 27  black rice, grilled chicken breast, cup of pudding, ViSalus hmmm, sitting        down feels pretty good

Mile 32  water, trail mix

Mile 35  bathroom, Visalus feeling a little grumpy-uummmmm, where's Ronald-

Mile 36  2 popcicles  (love you Ron xoxo)

Mile 40  pretzles, G2, trail mix

Mile 45 water, sugar free Red Bull, See's candy- God and my feet will not fail me

Mile 48 Ron joined me for the last 2 miles........yaaaaayyyyy!!!

Mile 50  Roasted, toasted and completely done.

Ended the day celebrating with friends ~quinoa, salmon, cake and beer. Lots of beer and cake today uuuuuuhhhh, Sunday also- cheers!!!!

The reason I do what I do is because I'll never question His plan for me and to continually challenge myself to reach new goals and I refuse to die an unlived life!!  And because my goal, vision, dream, wish and prayer is to continue to reach folks with my personal story and to help motivate people to pursue a healthier and active lifestyle.

The method...........ran/jogged the first 20 miles...............miles 21-30 run/walked............31-50........get it done the best way I can.....tip toe, jog, crawl, shuffle, skip, scoot, walk..........just kept moving forward.  It never matters how fast or slow I go so long as I go.


Sometimes we are so use to the way things are-no matter how bad they are that we are scared to change and just give up.  Instead, be a willing participant and get involved in saving your health and don’t ever, ever give up.  Keep the faith, RR

Health Hero Profile 8.27.12.......Taking the Challenge~Lorri Pierson

What is your age and where are you from?

     45 Bellevue, WA

What was your beginning weight?

      205

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

   188 and counting down

     I am in the process of obtaining my goal weight of 130.  I am attempting to reach my goal of losing 5 pounds a month until I reach that goal.  I know it is obtainable.  I am focusing on the ViSalus Sciences products including shakes, proper nutrition, and exercising.  I have substituted two meals a day with the ViShake mix that gives me the health and nutrition I need without empty calories and is easy to on the go meals for my lifestyle.  I also read the book ‘Made to Crave’.  I cannot say enough positive things about this book that gives me the desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment to make that happen. 

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

 

For me it was a combination of ‘life’.  I have a personal insurance business that I have had for almost thirteen-years so I work more than fulltime hours.  We have an 11, almost 12-year old daughter who we waited a long time to be blessed by her presence. We have always wanted and participated in her life as the time we have with our children is precious and time passes way too quickly not to want to be a part of their personal transformations as they develop and experience their life and are molded into their own individuals before we let them loose to experience adulthood.  Our daughter is involved in everything at school including honor roll, cheer, volleyball, drama, ASB, and praise band.  I volunteer many hours at school on our PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship), in the classroom as a room parent, and in all her extra activities from taking photos, volunteering at fundraisers, researching everything before spending funds, line referee for volleyball, and so much more I could go on for a whole page.  In all it ends up being about 30+ hours a month (I started keeping track this past year) this is in addition to my fulltime job as Mom and private business owner as well as this does not include the hours assisting her academically which any parent knows these kids do more in school these days than we ever did when my peers were in school.  I am also married, just celebrated our 20^th wedding anniversary, have two family dogs that require lots of love and affection, and have a home with a large yard of almost a half-acre that we personally maintain without outside services.  With this being said I had made everyone and everything else a priority without focusing on myself for several years.  I did not manage myself well enough to give ‘me’ the time to focus both on my inner as well as outer wellbeing.  I felt my job was as Mom, wife, and business owner.  I previously gave myself sleep as I felt that was all I could manage in my daily routine without being selfish.  Although my husband and daughter have encouraged me for endless years to make and take time for myself that just felt selfish to me. 

 

  I had been a size 5 when my husband and I met.  I have always had a busy life and through the years particularily after my daughter was born my life just got busier as you read previously.  Add to that I was also dealing with an aging body it was not as easy or convenient to maintain a healthy weight.  Never mind the fact that I was eating whatever I wanted which was obviously unhealthy choices.  As I mentioned earlier I was certainly not making time to exercise.  A friend introduced me to the ViSalus Science program.  An introduction to ViSalus or Body by Vi is you are invited to sample the products which taste good and are healthy.  With this concept I thought I could at least justify getting healthy by adding a shake for breakfast as previously I had either skipped breakfast all together or did the drive-through at a Starbucks for the venti white chocolate mocha.  Even being from the Seattle area I am not a coffee drinker so needed to disguise the flavor with all that added fluff.  The Vi-Shape shakes were good and I could modify them however I wanted as they start at only 90 calories.  I was doing the shakes consistently and noticed a difference in just how I felt overall which was good if not great!  Wow! If I could feel this way with one shake sign me up for the program!  I am now doing the ViSalus two shakes a day program to help me obtain my weight goal.  ViSalus has what is called the 90 day challenge.  The idea is to challenge yourself in small increment goals.  My first 90 day challenge was to transform myself both inside and outside not necessarily the weight only.  The great thing that has happened is I am also losing pounds and inches (it is huge to not only pay attention to the pounds but the inches too).  For the first time in I don’t know how many years I have had my scale out of the closet and a tape measure out.  In my first 55 days on the challenge I have lost 16 pounds and 9 inches.  This is great but I am also feeling the energy I had been lacking and jazzed to do more.  This has got me out walking for the past three weeks on a regular schedule.  I have been consistent in making time for this added bonus.  Just got a pocket pedometer too.  The walks I am either joined by one of my family members where we reconnect or by myself I reconnect with myself in a type of meditation which I am really enjoying.  Now I am learning how to restrategize my life by making myself the priority that I deserve.  I am loving this as I feel that spring in my step as I get ready to take on 46!

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

   At certain times I picked up a health trend cookbook or subscribed to a healthy cooking magazine.  I would consider watching what I ate with some great recipes that were on the healthier side so I was watching what I would bring into our home and what I would eat.  It would only last a few weeks as the convenience factor did not play in to my daily life.  I was too busy and on the go too frequently so I lost my motivation quickly.  I had not done any supplement programs before.  I never liked the way the products tasted if I ever got around to tasting them at all.  Other times it was the cost of the program that scared me away and I would not justify spending that on myself.  With ViSalus shakes I can mix and go in under two minutes and I also have a travel tumbler when I am on the go.  Fitness if I wasn’t making time to eat right fitness was certainly not part of the equation.

How'd you lose your weight?

   I was introduced to the ViSalus Sciences program late last year by a friend.  We had gone to a shake party to try the ViShakes as this is how they introduce their program as it is all direct marketing.  When I tried the product the first introduction was pleasant and I was intrigued as well as the cost was justifiable.  I became a customer but wasn’t necessarily a program follower as I would have my shakes occasionally rather than daily.  I did start to notice the difference in how I felt including more energy and thinking clearer.  As mentioned previously if I could feel this way with one shake just think how I could feel with their two shake program.  I have been doing the program for 55 days and it is easy for me.  With my lifestyle this is what I needed.  It has given me that jump start and that push.  Another friend introduced me to the book Made to Crave by Lysa Tekeurst.  It is a spiritual book you take so much from the content.  Highly recommend the book as it is on the New York bestseller list.  It gets you in touch with exploring why you eat and the choices you make.  I will be doing a Bible study on Made to Crave in the fall as this has become a nationwide best seller due to the impact it is making to want to make healthy lifestyle changes.  I was invited to do this with yet another friend.  For myself I have mentioned my lifestyle did not fit into my eating habits.  I have done personal transitioning and have done some deep connecting with myself.  Now my eating habits fit into my lifestyle.  I also recently started using the MyFitnessPal a free app on the smart phones.  This lets me track my eating and exercising.  I am seeing how food relates to my daily life and where I can continue to improve.  I need convenience and diversity as I am on the go and don’t want to get bored.


 

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?

  My husband and daughter have always been my greatest supporters.  It was me not justifying my own personal needs with myself including my body.  Both my husband and daughter are there to make me shakes when I need them and walk with me.  They both encourage me physically and emotionally.  The friends that I have I am actually finding more support with one another as we influence each other in our journeys that are constantly changing.  We all seem to have our own struggles but so many similarities nonetheless.  I believe in the ViSalus Science program that I am sharing openly but not pushing.  However I recently did become a ViSalus Director who now promotes the product too.  For friends who know me the words are normally ‘this is so unlike you’.  So true! I like the idea of sharing this with others as it is easy to try and I didn’t have any original expectations but has definitely made me challenge myself and strive for more so the more the merrier.

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

    For me I have been working with the Vi-Shape shakes being a main part of my daily diet.  At first I was feeling hungry very soon after I had a shake.  My regional director said ‘then have another shake’.  You can do that? At first it felt like cheating but with only 90 calories in the shake mix it is good for you, filling, and you don’t fill up on those empty calories while you purge on whatever you think sounds good but still leaves the void.  In June we had a lot of parties for graduations, recitals, weddings, etc.  I was having a hard time doing the two shakes a day but I didn’t gain weight which I was thrilled about even though we were eating some rich, delicious gourmet meals.

    Also I was learning to understand why I was making the food choices that I was.  Through the inner journey I have been dealing with some emotions that had been stored up for a lifetime that I am learning to let go of or rest.  This spiritual walk understanding why I eat has been another transition only I could let loose of when I was ready.  The weight loss journey could not have been possible without so many factors.
 

In what ways has your life changed?

    The biggest change is I feel motivated! I feel challenged! I have a sense of peace that this is something I am doing for myself but also my family.  The Vi-Shakes can be used also to add nutrition to daily meals which is what my husband and daughter do.  I feel like I am setting an important experience before my daughter at 11 when image and confidence is so important and impressionable at her age.  She is learning things with me that I should have known a long time ago.  I never thought I would need to worry about my weight.  This has opened my eyes to exploring so much about being fit in the mind as well as in the body I have.


 

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

    Being a role model for my daughter.  Having both my husband and daughter being my biggest cheering fans! Having friends and family members tell me I look great.  Accepting those compliments to heart.

    Having the scale out of my closet after years of being hidden. Moving my belt down 3 notches. 

   Helping to introduce others to a program that has made and continues to make a differenc in my life and they are doing the same.

   What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?

    ViSalus Products (ViShake, ViTrim,  ViPro, ViGo, Neuro, and Nutra-Chocolate Chip Cookies)

   Book Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeust

     My Fitness Pal free app on smart phone

    Omron Pocket Pedometer

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?

    Right now I am getting myself walking outside whenever I can and on our treadmill if its poor weather or late as safety is always a factor.  The treadmill allows me to multitask as I can read or return emails, but I have found I have enjoyed just walking as it gives my mind time to balance too.  We have our bikes ready for some family trail riding.  I am currently experimenting with some new ideas like Yoga.  I enjoyed it but it kicked my touché which overall that is a good thing.  Have any suggestions?

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?

     I love the way that I am feeling.  It is empowering to want to keep doing more.  I have a new mindset that is challenged and I play to win. 

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

     “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13



What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?

    If you are struggling with weight loss and exercise I think you need to have a conscious mind about the reason you are pursuing the change, is it for yourself or someone else.  The thing about weight is you didn’t gain it all over night so you cannot expect to lose it that quickly either.  Becoming aware of why you are eating is as important as what you are eating.  My parents were going through a nasty separation after 46-years of marriage and there was a lot of turbulence that made me deal with a lot of heartache that I had in childhood that even after years of being away from home at my age was tough to deal with.  I found myself seeking foods for comfort but didn’t realize I was doing this until the pants were too tight and at times I was trading up sizes ‘temporarily’. 

   I think there are things and people that are set forth before you that challenge you to become a better person.  For me this past year I had many, many blessings from the support of my husband and daughter, the ViSalus program, the reading of Made to Crave, and may friends.  I have a great network that is constantly being created.  Everyone needs that positive network whether it be one person or many people.  We may not always want to eat right or exercise but we feel so good both physically and mentally when we do. 

    Set forth small goals, for me its 90 days and checking in with myself every Tuesday.  If you get on the scale every day you will be discouraged and that is not what this is for.  By checking in once a week you can track yourself not only by the pound on the scale but the inches on the measuring tape.  I have learned you need to be consistent when you eat or your body is going to store the fat.  The worst thing you can do is skip meals. I actually look forward to breakfast now.  The simplest thing I recently found was the MyFitnessPal which lets me track calories by food and exercise.  You may not want to pass on that piece of dessert but you don’t have to if you choose the right one and get out there and exercise. 

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

   You can’t always be THE best, but you can always be YOUR best.  Keys to my success are great family, friends, and my faith.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

     Short term goals are to continue on my path of losing 5 pounds per month.  Long term goals are to maintain the weight once I reach my goal weight.  Short and long term goals also include helping others recognize their challenges. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”  Helen Keller.
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     Lorri Pierson
      206.261.1738
     ldpierson@msn.com       http://lorripierson.bodybyvi.com/
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Rosie's Note:  Lorri thank you so much for sharing your journey to health and wellness with us and what a treat it was to finally meet you!  I love that you are exploring a variety of exercises and including your family in your activities.   Good job on meditating when you walk by yourself ;D.   Congratulations on your success and for finding, using and promoting/sharing ViSalus a product that you believe in.  Keep the faith, continue to set weekly/monthly goals and remember how beautiful you are, RR.