Becoming a Triliologist

The Secret To Know That One Thing

2010-01-21T16:51:00.001-06:00

Had a bad day. Give yourself a 7 min gift

How I lost 100lbs in 9 months - Part 2

2009-11-06T19:50:00.001-06:00

Part 2 - Featuring my son Anthony!

How I lost 100lbs in 9 months -- Part 1

2009-11-06T19:46:00.001-06:00

Here's part 1 of my story

Thursday Thoughts

2009-10-08T08:06:00.002-05:00

I TOLD Bob we need to get goats!

Tuesday - Tips

2009-10-06T07:23:00.001-05:00

Is It Really Worth It?

Have you ever noticed how a larger portion size of food or a larger cup of soda or coffee often means "more for your money?" The question is, more of what? You may end up with more of a temptation to finish your entire meal in a sitting, ignoring your feelings of satiety. It's easy to think "I can use this later" or "I won't eat this all right now," but that's not usually the case. Be aware of portion size and opt to stay on track with your goals, even if it means getting less of a bargain!

Monday - Mayhem

2009-10-05T07:37:00.002-05:00

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity.” Viktor Frankl

What is your mission?

Sunday - Silence

2009-10-04T08:33:00.003-05:00

www.kevinfleming.com/landscape/

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8,9

Saturday Spit Happens

2009-10-03T08:06:00.001-05:00

What a great time we had for National Alpaca Farm Days. Approx 100 people stopped by over the two days. The weather was perfect and the boys behaved themselves..... for the most part. However, when the grain came out the spit was flying!

The local paper did a story on us that made this week's front page.
http://adrianjournal.com/topstories/visit-golden-heartland-alpaca-farm-adrian

The best part was a surprise visit from our granddaughter Gillian and her mom and dad!

Friday - Fit or Fat?

2009-10-02T09:17:00.001-05:00

Why Lose Weight?

The main reason to lose weight is for health, not appearance.

Nearly 112,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity.The risk of death rises with increasing weight.
Even moderate weight excess (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults ages 30 to 64. People who are obese (defined as having a body mass index [BMI] greater than 30) have a higher risk of excess death (they are more likely to die) from all causes, compared to people at a healthy weight.

Obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. Some reasons for this higher risk are known, but others are not. For example:

The incidence of heart disease is higher in persons who are overweight or obese (BMI greater than 25).
High blood pressure is more common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight.
Obesity is associated with elevated triglycerides (blood fat) and decreased HDL cholesterol ("good") cholesterol. Even when there are no adverse effects on the known risk factors, obesity by itself increases the risk of heart disease.

The consequences of weight gain are serious for other health issues as well.

A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of people who have not gained weight. Over 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney and postmenopausal breast cancer.
Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable. Sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while sleeping) is more common in obese persons. Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma.
For every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk of developing arthritis increases by 9 to 13 percent.
Symptoms of arthritis can improve with weight loss.

Source: American Heart Association (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3040449)

Thursday Thoughts

2009-10-01T15:53:00.001-05:00

Never, never put stuff on top of your "to do" list! Just found mine and realized I have been busy all day doing things but nothing that I planned for today.

I think I'll blame it on my "office mates"

What if Wednesday

2009-09-30T07:09:00.000-05:00

What if you actually did something about your dreams?

We've been dreaming for a few weeks now and you might be realizing that you do still have dreams for your life. No matter how tired, busy, stresssed, old, weak, or broke you are, you can still change your life.

We've all heard the phrase "the only things certain in life are death and taxes" I disagree.... the only thing truly certain in this life is CHANGE.

Like it or not... over time you will change.

The question I'm asking you to consider today is will you take control of the change or will it control you?

The choice is yours. What if you took just one small step today towards the life you dream about?

Last year at this time I took one small step and look what happened.

Tuesday - Tips

2009-09-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

Weight Control

If you are overweight, you are not alone. Sixty-six percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It might also help you prevent weight-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Eating too much or not being physically active enough will make you overweight. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A weight-control strategy might include

Choosing low-fat, low-calorie foods

Eating smaller portions

Drinking water instead of sugary drinks

Being physically active

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Monday - Mayhem

2009-09-28T08:46:00.001-05:00

Did you do it?

Last week we talked about taking time to get quiet and think about core values. Did you do it? What did you discover? How did it change what you did last week?

I'm reading a great book and wanted to share it with you. "What Matters Most" by Hyrum W. Smith. This book has exercises in it to help identify your values then organize your life around them.

Here's some questions to ask yourself to get started:
What do I like to do when I'm not under pressure to do other things?
What do I enjoy sharing with others?
and... my personal favorite....
What am I doing during the time that I feel the greatest sense of harmony and inner peace?

How would you answer these questions? The answers tell you a lot about what you value in your world. Sometimes the answers will surprise you.

Sunday - Silenve

2009-09-27T07:21:00.001-05:00

"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God"

Matthew 5:8

Saturday - Spit Happens

2009-09-26T07:21:00.000-05:00

The newspaper is coming out this morning to join us for National Alpaca Farm Days! Hopefully we'll have a great turn out. Didn't give the boys any grain last night so they will be plenty friendly today! Of course.... we may see some spit... I need Miss Manners to stop by!

Friday - Fit or Fat?

2009-09-25T08:43:00.001-05:00

Who are you? Have you been thinking about it?

Often we define who we are by external means, where we live, what we do, who are family is, what we look like. These definitions have an amazing impact on what you weigh and how healthy you are.

When you define who you are by how you look, and you are overweight, you can feel that it is hopeless to even try to lose weight and get healthy. After all... you are "destined to be chubby" aren't you? If you see youself as "the fat one", then eating those things that are unhealthy is exactly what you should be doing.

So... what do you do? You look inside and decide who you are, the real you. Then keep that vision in front of you. You are not the body that you live in. Focus on bringing your definition of self in line with your true self. Only then can you see what you eat and your body as what it really is. Your body is a vehicle and the food you eat is the fuel that runs it. Once you recognize this, you can take steps to make sure the vehicle runs smoothly and effectively to get you where you want to go.

What do you think?

Thursday Thoughts

2009-09-24T08:07:00.001-05:00

Grandkids are awesome!

I have 2 granddaughters that I love very much! I am so grateful for the Internet, Facebook and Blogging so I can keep up with all that is happening with them. Love you guys!

What if Wednesday

2009-09-23T08:39:00.001-05:00

Question for the day:

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Tuesday - Tips

2009-09-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

You Are What You Eat

Have you heard this expression before? I was thinking about this today and how it relates to weight control. If you believe that you are what you eat, well then who would want to eat veggies when you can have cake?

Cake is pretty, it's sweet, everyone likes it, who wouldn't want to be like that? Veggies... not so great. Hmmmmmmmmmmm..... no wonder we have such a hard time giving up the stuff that makes us fat.

I think we need to change the phrase to "you are NOT what you eat." In other words, who you are is not defined by what you eat. The person you truly are is NOT defined by the fat that surrounds your bones.

So... who are you? Check back Friday for more....

Monday - Mayhem

2009-09-21T09:44:00.001-05:00

Monday is the day to plan and organize my life around what is important. The question I have today is how do you determine what IS most important?

One thing I'm really working on is getting to the "heart" of myself. Getting to the core values I hold and deciding whether these are the values that I want to determine how I live my life. Whether we realize it or not, we all have core values that determine how we make decisions. I think most of us live on "autopilot" letting outside forces determine our priorities. Like a ship in a storm without a rudder we are tossed from one "crisis" to the next.

Getting in touch with your core values gives your ship the rudder to keep you on track. The real question is ... are you willing to do what it takes to put that rudder in the water?

I suggest that what it takes is slowing down, getting quiet and listening to your inner voice. Are you willing to take 15 minutes to do that today? Let me know how it turns out.

Sunday - Silence

2009-09-20T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoinest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23 (kjv)

Saturday - Spit Happens

2009-09-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

Biggest thing going on in our world right now.

The boys are almost as anxious as I am!

Friday Fit or Fat?

2009-09-18T01:00:00.005-05:00

Are you still thinking about Breakfast? What have you done for breakfast since Tuesday?

Studies show that breakfast is very important for your overall health. We all know that but who actually does anything about it? Do you? I never did. Even when I was a kid breakfast was something I tried to avoid and mom made me eat. So... making breakfast a priority was a new habit for me.

Here's what I do now. Each morning, within an hour of getting up I eat breakfast. A breakfast of balanced nutrition with vitamins and minerals. It jumpstarts my day and gives me the focus that I need to get through till my next meal. (Which is only 3 hours away by the way), and I look like this..............

I'm still too busy to do any cooking so I use a healthy meal replacement. It works for me. I've realize that I need to treat my body as a friend that needs care instead of something to be driven till it dies. My body has rewarded me for that care by losing over 100lbs and I'm grateful.

I'm always looking for suggestions on healthy breakfast menus. Anybody got something healthy they do for breakfast?

Thursday Thoughts

2009-09-17T01:00:00.001-05:00

Must Read Book - Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life"

I've been reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren over the last month. This is an absolute "must read" for anyone wanting to improve their life.

The best thing about this book is the format. It is broken into 40 chapters and you read one chapter each day. Each chapter is under 10 pages long so it only takes a few minutes. As you work through the book new insights about who we are, why we are here and how to organize your life become clear. Each day provides a new challenge to think about.

Turn off the morning news and spend time over coffee reading one chapter a day and your life will change for the better. Try it and let me know what happens!

What if Wednesday

2009-09-16T01:00:00.002-05:00

Ready to dream?

What if you got everything you ever wanted for your life? What would your life be like?

Tuesday Tips

2009-09-15T14:58:00.001-05:00

Tuesday is the day I talk about weight loss and the habits of health. I never thought I'd be so interested in health but as you know, 100lb weight loss changes things.

Today I'm thinking about Breakfast...mmmmmmmmm... bacon, cheese omlet with an english muffin dripping in butter, yummy! Ooops... sorry that's the old Tina thinking there..... eat that for breakfast every day and you'll end up looking like this!

One of my other "old" habits... breakfast is optional anybody else do that? Breakfast is something you have on the weekends or when you go out for a meeting not something you do regularly. Now... coffee? That's a must! So, I skipped breakfast a lot... and I looked like this.....

But I kept hearing that breakfast was the most important meal of the day... so I tried just picking up something quick... you know a turnover, or donut, maybe a cookie... and I looked like this.

So... how did things change? Check back on Friday - Fit or Fat for the answer.

Monday Mayhem

2009-09-14T00:01:00.003-05:00

It's Monday, what is your plan for the week? Are you actively planning where you want to go with the day or are you waiting to see where it's going to take you?

I would propose that in order to get where you want to be in life, you need to plan. You need to identify what is most important in your life then organize your life around it.

Sounds simple right? It's not. I work every day to discover what is really most important to me. My true values. We spend so much time doing the things we "should" that it's hard to get quiet enough to hear what we really value.

Take 15 minutes today and just be still, listen to your inner voice and ask... what (or who) in my life is critical? If it all went away tomorrow, what (or who) would I miss the most?

Hold on to the answer, write it down and paste it where you can see it. The first step in organizing your life is learning what truly matters. Can you slow down long enough to find out?

Sunday - Silence

2009-09-13T08:50:00.001-05:00

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

Philippians 1:6 (kjv)

2009-09-12T08:26:00.002-05:00

This is Canela, one of our new boys who will be getting a pedicure today!

He has one blue eye and one brown eye, so sweet and just too cute not to share.

Saturday - SPIT Happens

2009-09-12T08:21:00.002-05:00

Herd Health Day

Today is "herd health day" which means we get to play with the alpaca boys close up today! It's time for toenails to be trimmed, weights to be checked, even a few haircuts and some halter training. We are getting the boys all ready for National Alpaca Farms Days on Sept 26th and 27th. Come and visit us, and if you're not close enough check out www.nationalalpacafarmdays.com to find a farm near you.

Off to the barn! Hopefully there won't be too much spit today. Let you know how it goes next week!

Friday - Fit or Fat?

2009-09-11T06:10:00.001-05:00

Is this you?

I CAN'T BELIEVE I ATE IT!

I made myself a sandwich but something's really weird
The crumbs are on the counter, but the sandwich . . . disappeared
I can't believe I ate it and I won't admit I did
I know I took a bite or two while I was screwing on the lid
To the gallon jar of mayonnaise, after licking off the knife
That was standing knee deep in there, treading mayonnaise for its life

I might have eaten just a half of that sandwich that I made
I know I washed some down with a glass of lemonade
That I drank to quench my awful thirst after eating guacamole
Or maybe it was taco chips, or NO the crescent roll see
I smeared some peanut butter on the roll and took a taste
When my buds relayed the message that unless I heaped in haste
A glob of homemade jelly on the butter and the roll
The overall experience would leave a gourmet hole

So I carried out the order, drank some milk to wash it down
And when I took the carton back, you won't believe it but I found
A Snickers Bar I'd started and didn't have time to finish
So I'd hidden it with forethought in a box of frozen spinach
Which I bought for just that reason `cause the kids are little snackers
I've learned from past experience they'll eat you out of crackers
And anything that's salty and everything that's sweet
They're worse than ants at picnics when it comes to finding treats

Which brings me back to wonder if that's what happened to my sandwich
Did the children spy my meal and fail to understand which
Food is theirs and this is mine? It's hard to keep things separate
Those sneaky little snackers must have gotten awfully desperate

Okay, if I did consume it and I must admit I'm stuffed
Then where's that little voice I have that says I've had enough?
I remember reading about Mr. Hunger Pang
It said he lives ten minutes even if his hungry fang
Hasn't bitten into something that he tells me that I crave
I like the thought that I can make a hunger pang behave

I guess it's pretty obvious by looking at my hips
That more than fruits and vegetables have passed between my lips
A small bite here, a swallow there, just how much I just can't say
But according to my scale, I've gained ten pounds since this last May

Thursday Thoughts

2009-09-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

Quote of the day

Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch

Ivern Ball

Working on your weight and health is like this. We know the right things to do but we don't do them. It's not until we develop some enthusiasm or hope that things can change do we pull the switch to do the things that make the changes happen.

Are you sitting in neutral or are you ready to pull the switch?

What if Wednesday

2009-09-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday, ready to dream?

No... don't go take a nap! I mean dream about the possiblities for your life.

When we are kids we have no problem dreaming. We want to be superheros, astronauts, fireman, cowgirls, mommys and anything else we like. We think the possiblities are endless. We believe the old saying "you can be anything you want to be".

Then comes puberty, adulthood and disappointments. Our dreams fade. Sometimes dreams disappear all together. Well, I'm here to say it doesn't have to be like that... it's time to dream again. If only for today.

My dear step-daughter gave me the most beautiful picture. I have it posted in my office to read every day. It says "To accomplish great things, we much dream as well as act." Anatole France

So often we get tied up in the actions of every day we forget to dream.

Answer this.... if you had just one dream that could come true for your life what would it be?

New Blog Focus - Check Back Daily

2009-09-08T16:44:00.000-05:00

I'm doing something different with the blog. Each Day will have a focus and theme. Check back daily or pick your favorite day and come back each week.
1- Monday Mayhem - Organizing your life around what's important
2- Tuesday Tips - Tips on Weight Loss and the Habits of Health
3- What if Wednesday - This is the day we dream together
4- Thursday Thoughts - Random Thoughts, who knows what will be here
5- Friday - Fit or Fat? - Habits of Health and Commitment
6- Saturday - Spit Happens - Couldn't leave the Alpaca Boys out!
7- Sunday - Silence - Rest and Reflection

Delivering the Message

2009-08-27T08:18:00.004-05:00

It's not typically in my nature to talk about my own success. Those of you who know me know that. Lately I feel like all I do is talk about me, me, me. The thing is that what has happened to me over the last 40 weeks has changed my outlook on life in a way that I can't describe, and I wish everyone could have what I have found.

So, when I talk about what is happening with me it is with the goal that I can inspire hope in someone else. Life doesn't have to stay the same, things can change and you can become the person that you really are inside.

The TSFL program is a great program, and I've seen it work over and over for people of all ages, sizes and colors. The thing is, I would never want to sound like it is the only thing I believe in to make life better. It's the one thing I know that really works because it has worked for me.

What I believe will make life better is hope. If you hear nothing else of my message these days hear this.

Things CAN be different, you DESERVE the life you want, take the first step towards a new life and do something, anything, to start on the road to a healthier you!

Quote of the Day

2009-08-19T05:33:00.001-05:00

"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." Eleanor Roosevelt

How will your work towards happiness today?

Quote of the Day

2009-08-18T05:31:00.001-05:00

"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!" Eleanor Roosevelt

If women are teabags... what are men?

Quote of the Day

2009-08-17T05:27:00.002-05:00

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." Eleanor Roosevelt

What choices will you make today?

Why Exercise Won\'t Make You Thin

2009-08-16T11:08:00.001-05:00

Now I know why I was able to lost over 95lbs without exercise. Hmmmmmmmmm.....

Why Exercise Won\'t Make You Thin

Quote of the Day

2009-08-16T05:29:00.002-05:00

"Friendship with ones self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world." Eleanor Roosevelt

Are you treating yourself as a friend today?

Quote of the Day

2009-08-15T05:21:00.001-05:00

"We gain strength, and courage and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot." Eleanor Roosevelt

Starting on any program for weight loss is a scary thing. It's ok to be scared, the thing to remember is that the consequences to your health if you don't are even more scary.

100lbs is in sight!

2009-08-14T08:16:00.002-05:00

I got on the scale this morning and I'm down 95.2lbs! I never thought I would hear myself say "I've lost almost 100lbs". Of course I never thought I would have over 100lbs to lose.

I've learned so much over the last 9 months about myself, about other people and about where I fit in the world. I realize now that everything that has happened to me in the past has been preparing me for what God has called me to do.

I feel I am called to "Inspire Hope" and that is my mission. I put a lot of my personal story out there, more than most of us introverts would, but I feel it's important.

If my story can give one person hope that things can change; then it will all have been worth it.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and griefs which we endure help us in our marching onward" Henry Ford

When you let go of the food that is bad for you, make that sacrifice, you build a strength of character in your relationship with food that will lead you to a body you never imagined possible.

Repost - Doubt vs Trust Part II

2009-08-11T05:00:00.003-05:00

To me trusting means letting go of control. NOT my favorite thing. Somehow trusting means that I have failed to handle things on my own. Sometimes though, stepping out in faith and trusting is just the thing to take away the doubt.

What if you replace: DOUBT = D. O. U. B. T. = Doing Our Utmost to Bypass Trust

With: TRUST = T. R. U. S. T. = Taking Refuge Under a Single Thought

and what if that single thought was "God is in control"?

******************************************************************
I'm thinking now that when it's time for God to teach you the lesson of trust, he takes away the safety net.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by product of providing a useful service" Henry Ford

Remember "wealth" and "health" are only different by one letter. Focusing on staying on plan and losing the weight as your direct goal will have the indirect result of bringing you to a place of health.

Repost Doubt vs Trust Part I

2009-08-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

DOUBT = D. O. U. B. T. = Doing Our Utmost to Bypass Trust

When I'm doubting, I'm not trusting. I'm not trusting myself and more importantly I'm not trusting God.

My question is... why is trust so hard?

Quote of the Day

2009-08-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

"I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man" George Washington

What have you done to be honest today, not only with others but with yourself?

New Directions

2009-08-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

I've often talked about how much losing weight has changed my life. "Changed my life" is the understatement of the year.

A week ago I became a health coach full time. The timing of this decision was not my own but the decision to leave the cubicle to be my own boss and spend the rest of my life helping people lose weight and work toward optimal health was.

So, my life is taking on a new direction, a new road..... and while it's exciting it is definitely "the road less travelled" and the path is not clear.

However, there is a bright light shining on this road, one where other people are changing their health and their lives as a result of what I can show them. That light is what gets me up in the morning and makes it all worth while.

I'm so proud of all of you who have decided to take the road to optimal health.

I promise:

To stand beside you holding your hand
To walk behind you kicking your butt
To walk in front cleaing the path
and
To do my utmost to help you acheive your goals

The Road Less Travelled

2009-08-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

I've always loved this Robert Frost poem... given the recent major changes in my life it's been on my mind a lot today.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Uh.. Oh... My Soapbox

2009-07-29T20:10:00.001-05:00

I sent this email to a friend tonight. Do you think I was too pushy and hard on her?

Boy girl, I know where you are coming from! Wish I could have gotten to you sooner but work was miserable today with no time to turn around.

Except for the smoking, you sound just like where I was last year. It's like we keep beating our bodies into submission until they start to wear out on us. I don't want to be a pain, but I just have to tell you that Take Shape For Life can help. It's not a diet, it's a road to health. It has changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. You don't have to suffer to find your true body. It's still in there, you just have to give it a chance to learn to work right for the way you live your life.

Look... I'm not going to sugar coat it and if you get upset with me, I'm sorry.

Here's what I know, if you work the Take Shape for Life program and let someone coach you, you will get to your ideal weight and feel amazing! If you don't find a way to do something drastic soon, you will be sicker than you already are now. I know... I've been there. I'm telling you, it doesn't have to be that way.

With this plan you start out stablizing your blood sugar by eating every 2-3 hours. The key is that you are eating nutrition dense, low glycemic meals. A piece of fruit for a snack has the opposite effect on your blood sugar. The fruit causes a spike in blood sugar which causes an offsetting crash, making you tired and hungry all over again. Medifast meal replacements don't do that.

Do you have to eat them for the rest of your life? No, the idea is to give you a high quality tool that will work with your body to turn it into a fat burning machine. I lost 8.4lbs in the first week and have never looked back. I'm up to 90lbs gone forever and I haven't killed myself in work outs. It's not just me either, I have several clients on the program who are having similar results. Heck, you can check out my health coach coordinator's site at www.powerlosers.com and see even more people. These are real people with real lives that have seen tremendous success and have kept the weight off and are now living lives healthier than they ever had. This could be you if you would give it a chance.

Ok... I'm done, all I have left to say is try it.... try it for a week. Either you will hate it or you will love it, if you hate it... I'll help you send the rest of your food back, if you love it I will help you keep going.

Ok.... now I'm really done....

Quote of the Day

2009-07-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

"A problem is something that can be solved. A fact of life is somethng that must be accepted." John Maxwell

Being overweight is a problem NOT a fact of life.

Quote of the Day

2009-07-27T21:44:00.001-05:00

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." Carl Bard

What will your ending be?

Tired, sick and overweight
or
Energized, Healthy and Thin?

The choice is up to you. Make it today!

What is Obesity Costing your Company?

2009-07-27T21:41:00.001-05:00

Below is an article I submitted for a friend of mine in the Health Insurance Industry

The Cost of Overweight Employees:
The statistics surrounding obesity in the United States are staggering. 67% of Americans are overweight, 30% are obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that obesity is responsible for more than 325,000 deaths a year.

Obese adults incur medical costs up to 36% higher than those adults at a healthy weight. According to the National Institute of Health, $75-$125 billion is spent on indirect and direct costs due to obesity related diseases.

Obesity related conditions are responsible for 39.3 million workdays lost each year. A Duke University Medical Center analysis found that obese workers filed twice the number of workers’ compensation claims; had seven times higher medical costs from those claims and lost 13 times more days of work from work injury or work illness than did non-obese workers.

Worksite Based Weight Loss Can Help:
According to the American Journal of Public Health, weight loss can reduce lifetime medical costs from $2,200 -$5,300 per person. In a 2007 study, Duke University researchers found that non-obese workers had medical claims of 85% less than that of obese workers. Michael Benedict, MD and colleagues at UC found that employer-based programs for weight loss are effective at helping workers take off extra pounds. “Most employed adults in the US spend nearly half of their waking hours at their place of employment”, Benedict says. “Worksite based programs have great potential to positively impact our current obesity epidemic”

Worksite based programs are available at little to no cost to employers. For information on how your company can benefit by helping employees lose weight and get healthier contact:
Tina Cochran at www.MasterYourWeight.com 816-258-0089 tina@goldenheartland.com

Let me know what you think....

The Light in the Darkness

2009-07-27T12:33:00.005-05:00

If you follow this blog at all you know I always try to be as hopeful and optimistic as possible. Over the past week or so that has been a real challenge for me professionally. I have a very full life, with a full time job, a family, the alpaca ranch and the health coaching business. I'm working all the time to focus on the "glass balls" and let the "rubber balls" bounce.

Lately there are areas of my life that have been falling apart professionally. It sometimes makes me physically ill when I think about it and have to get up in the morning. But I do get up, and I stay on plan and I keep going. Today I want to tell you why.

You see... when it's really, really, dark... there's a light in the darkness that keeps me pushing ahead.

That light is you, dear readers, you.

If you are reading this and:
You are a friend: Thank you for believing in me and listening to me even when I'm self absorbed and miserable.
You are my family: I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for you. I'm sure you understand that is not an exaggeration

You are a TSFL client: You are my shining stars! The positive way you are all working towards losing weight and getting your health back is such an inspiration. I can't thank you enough for believing in yourselves enough to take the first step on the road to optimal health. With every pound you help me see that the work I do is worthwhile. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Fences in Your Mind

2009-07-26T08:37:00.001-05:00

I received this email and it really spoke to me so I thought I would share it with you.

(Excerpt from Living a Five Star Life, by Betty Mahalik)
Fences in your Mind

I've watched the movie Chicken Run at least a half-dozen times. Just beneath the surface of its simplistic look and story line lie a number of wonderful messages told through the eyes of a bunch of Claymation chickens trying to break out of their chicken-wire world to escape their fate at the chopping block. Their freedom leader, a feisty little hen named Ginger, comments profoundly in one scene: "the fences are all in your mind." She reminds her fellow chickens (and us), that a bigger obstacle than the physical fences they're surrounded by are the mental fences that hold them captive.

It's been a good reminder for me on those occasions when I've been dealing my own mental fences...those created by self-doubt, uncertainty, fear. Can you relate? Where have you fenced yourself in mentally in recent days or weeks? Perhaps your mental fence is procrastination, a deadening habit that keeps you stuck. Maybe yours, like mine, is related to self-doubt, and the on-going internal noise it produces that keeps you immobilized. Perhaps yours is the belief that you don't deserve success, so you sabotage yourself to avoid having to find out how successful you could be. There are a million variations of the theme, but the result is still the same: we stay stuck like the chickens in the movie.

One of the key questions in the Best Year Yet® program is: "How do I limit myself and how can I stop?" Those limitations are never external. They always live inside us. The antidote to being trapped by our mental fences is to create a compelling enough vision that, like Ginger and her flock of chicken friends, we're willing to resort to amazing measures to break out. The formula:

VISION + CONSISTENT ACTION = FREEDOM!

I challenge you to take some bold, even outrageous steps to break free of your mental fences. If it's procrastination, declare a "freedom day" and take action on everything you've been putting off: from cleaning your office to making phone calls or responding to emails you've avoided.

If it's self-doubt, sit down and write out everything you value and why it's important. Then challenge yourself to eliminate anything that doesn't absolutely reflect your values, or add something that is a profound statement of who you are.

FREEDOM IS JUST THE OTHER SIDE OF ACTION.

Recognize that your mental fences can only keep you stuck as long as you're looking at them. They can only contain you as long as you're not taking actions consistent with your vision. Go ahead, take the action you've avoided and leap into a future filled with possibilities. And remember, the fences are all in your mind!

Quote of the Day

2009-07-25T17:02:00.002-05:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel...Because those that matter...Don't mind...And those that mind...Don't matter." -Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

This is true when it comes to weight loss. Often we worry about what others will think, how they will feel if we don't eat the same way they are eating. The truth is, the people who really matter, those that love you, will still love you even if you don't eat the cookies they just made.

What holds you back from putting your health first?

Quote of the Day

2009-07-23T00:31:00.000-05:00

"Persistence is what makes the impossible possible, the possible likely, and the likely definite." Robert Half

What would be possible for your life if you stick with a weight loss plan?

Making Lemonade

2009-07-22T00:21:00.003-05:00

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade"...

I'm not sure who said it but it seems simple right? NOT! Sometimes life hands you lemons that have all the juice squeezed out of them and you actually hate the taste of lemonade.

I think what this saying is really trying to tell us is that we can't be defined by our circumstances. Bad things are going to happen, to all of us. Who we are is what we do about it. You can either quit or you can keep going... the choice is yours.

So... when life hands you lemons... what do you do?

As for me, I think I'll take Ron White's advice...

"When Life Hands You Lemons... Find Someone Whose Life Has Handed Them Tequila, And Have A Party"

Quote of they Day

2009-07-21T07:20:00.000-05:00

"Many of life's failures are poeple who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." Thomas Edison

What if you hang in there and keep trying just one more day? What could happen?

Life can be Good

2009-07-20T09:36:00.002-05:00

If you listen to the news, read the papers or even just listen to conversations in the grocery story it's hard to remember that life CAN actually be good.

I woke up this morning with a black cloud over my head. Monday mornings are usually like that.

BUT... after catching up with a few of my clients and thinking about all the changes in health that have happened to them. I find that the sun is coming out.

Our society really does set us up for failure. It's no wonder people find it hard to start on the road to optimal health. They don't believe it will work for them. Everything around us tells us that we can't do it.

I'm here today to say... YES YOU CAN! The thing that makes me happiest these days is helping people see that things can get better, all you have to do is take the first step. I'll hold your hand while you do it... and you'll actually be helping me by helping yourself.

Quote of the Day

2009-07-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius

How do you find a job you love?

What feels right

2009-07-17T15:46:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you just have to do what your believe is the "right thing". I've been getting so wrapped up in what other people think lately and trying to find out what I "should" do that I'm missing the boat.

I think it's most important to be true to who you really are and your beliefs of what the "right thing" is.

So.. I feel it would be wrong for me not to share the "secret" of how I've found health in my life. Who am I to judge who is worthy of learning how to get healthy and who isn't? If that makes other people uncomfortable, then I apologize.

But tell me....
If you saw someone drowning and you knew a way to save them ...... would you tell them?

*******************************************************************
I've decided that I would... even if I drive people crazy in the process.

Quote of the Day

2009-07-15T21:47:00.001-05:00

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." Beverly Sills

I've been thinking a lot lately about goals and where I want to go in life. It seems that I've spent most of my life in panic mode trying to make sure I get there before I even know where I'm going. Now that I'm healthier I find I'm more sure of myself and have more confidence in the future.

I guess as the weight came on more and more I felt that I didn't really have much of a future so I didn't want to make goals. Now that I realize I'm going to live for a good long time I guess I better get a life.

How about you? Do you have a plan for the rest of you life?

Sharing Success

2009-07-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Received this email from one of my clients:

I am down 40 lbs and into size 14-16 now instead of 20-24. It feels soooo goood. My husband is in a 34 from 42-44 jeans and lg to xl shirts. I just went thru my clothes and had to get rid of 90%. I had to keep some in order to have clothes to wear. I have bought some, but don't want to buy to much just to down size again. Thank you soooooooo much.

This couple started their program in April and I am so proud of them! TSFL works, all you have to do is eat the food and you lose weight. Thousands of people are getting healthier every day.

What holds you back form your best life?

Quote of the Day

2009-07-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

"You never know when one kind act or word of encouragement can change a life forever." Zig Ziglar

I've never read a better argument for being positive and optimistic in my life. This is exactly why I became a health coach, my life has changed so much with TSFL and I know if others will try, it will change their's too. So I try each day to make sure I'm as positive and encouraging as I can be.

Do you need encouragement today?

Doubt Part 2

2009-07-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Why is trust so hard?

To me trusting means letting go of control. NOT my favorite thing. Somehow trusting means that I have failed to handle things on my own. Sometimes though, stepping out in faith and trusting is just the thing to take away the doubt.

What if you replace: DOUBT = D. O. U. B. T. = Doing Our Utmost to Bypass Trust

With: TRUST = T. R. U. S. T. = Taking Refuge Under a Single Thought

and what if that single thought was "God is in control"?

Do you think that would eliminate self doubt?

Quote of the Day

2009-07-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

"When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them." Zig Ziglar

Need I say more?
Staying on plan for one more day, one more meal even, brings you that much closer to the day when all your dreams about your health and body will come true.

What do you have to do today?

What I Know

2009-07-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here's what I belive:

You deserve everything you want out of your life.
Getting a healthy body is your first job to find it.
A health body starts with acheiving and maintaining an ideal weight.

TSFL works and I'm living proof of it. The reason I am a health coach is that I want to share this secret with anyone who will listen. Here's what I know for sure, if you follow the program and let me coach you, we will get you to your ideal weight.

Ready to get started?
www.MasterYourWeight.com

Quote of the Day

2009-07-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

"The Harder you work, the harder it is to surrender" Vince Lombardi

Sometimes we have to let go and surrender to really achieve the things we want in life. The thing I love about my weight loss plan is that in order to succeed I had to let go of my old way of thinking about diet and health. I had to let go of all my notions of what it takes to be healthy and start over.

What is holding you back?

The birthday cake....

2009-07-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, I did beat the battle of the birthday cake. With the help of my wonderful husband, who ate it himself.

Thank you! I love you dear!

Quote of the Day

2009-07-07T22:40:00.001-05:00

"You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do" Henry Ford

What reputation did you build today?
One that builds towards health?

The Last Piece of Birthday Cake

2009-07-05T17:09:00.004-05:00

The last piece of birthday cake, it's sitting in the frig, calling my name.

How do I keep from eating it? First I tell myself that if it is really important I CAN eat it.

Now I ask.... how important is it? Is it important enough to get a headache from the sugar? Is it more important enough to have to struggle with not eating more sweets?

How long will it taste good? 20 min? Maybe less?

How long has losing weight "tasted" good... ALWAYS!

Guess, it's not really that important.

What would you do?

Quote of the Day

2009-07-04T11:14:00.002-05:00

"All things are difficult before they are easy." John Norley

We have to keep doing it while it's difficult if we ever want to get to easy?

Is this what he's trying to say?

What do you think?

DOUBT - Part 1

2009-07-03T19:37:00.003-05:00

I have been struggling with doubt this week, mostly doubt of myself and my ability to stick with things and be successful.

Do you ever feel that way?

This morning I was trying to work through it and I started thinking about what doubt really is. Here's what I've discovered.

DOUBT = D. O. U. B. T. = Doing Our Utmost to Bypass Trust

When I'm doubting, I'm not trusting. I'm not trusting myself and more importantly I'm not trusting God.

My question is... why is trust so hard?

Quote of the Day

2009-07-02T09:46:00.002-05:00

"Hope works in these ways: it looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst; it discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot; it regards problems, large or small, as opportunities; it pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit; it "lights the candle" instead of "cursing the darkness" Anonymous

I think it's easier to apply hope to other people than it is to yourself. When was the last time you treated yourself with hope?

Quote of the day

2009-07-01T13:01:00.002-05:00

"Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't" Jerry Rice

Losing weight and getting healthy is exactly this. Doing what others won't to accomplish what others can't. You have to step out and make a commitment to yourself. Starting anything is hard, being the "odd man out" is even harder. Starting a diet plan and sticking to it is the hardest of all.

One of my clients recently said that ordering her starter packet was harder than quitting smoking. I agree, it's popular now to quit smoking, when you are in public you are not surrounded by people who smoke. No one makes fun of you because you don't smoke.

Sticking to a diet plan is not that way. Every day we are smothered with "Nutrition Pollution", fast, easy convient foods that are easily within reach at every turn. This makes it hard to get started. But once you start, once you see and feel the results, it becomes easier and easier to keep your eye on the prize.

The thing is, with diet, the prize is not a stuffed animal or a trinket... it's being healthy for the rest of your life.

What do you think?

Quote for the Day

2009-06-30T08:58:00.002-05:00

" I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." Michael Jordan

Failure, or more accurately the fear of failure, is often what keeps us from the great things is life. Mastering your weight can be like this. So many of us have tried so many different things to lose weight only to fail. We get to the point where we give up and don't want to try again.

But... think of this... when you were a baby, if you had stopped trying to walk when you kept falling down would you be walking now?

If you ever learned to walk, at some point in your life you had the strength to keep trying until you found what worked.

You are still the person you were born to be. You still have that strength inside you. Isn't it worth one more try?

Monday Morning

2009-06-29T08:54:00.002-05:00

Monday Morning......

Two words that can strike dread into the heart of the best optimist. What do you do to turn it around to make it a Monday that smiles instead of frowns?

5 Things to Cheer Up Mondays

1) Once you're up and going then it's not Monday Morning anymore
2) You're one day closer to Friday
3) You get a chance to get your diet back on track after blowing it on the weekend
4) You get to see all the "friends" from work that you missed over the weekend
5) A smile from you will cheer up someone else's day

OK...I'm really stretching here to get this list... could use some help, anyone?

Quote of the Day

2009-06-28T15:47:00.002-05:00

"Life Offers no guarantees...just choices; no certainty... but consequences; no predictable outcomes... just the privilege of pursuit." Tim Conner

Choices, Consequences and Pursuit....

Three words that can be used to define our lives?

Staying on your Diet on the Weekend

2009-06-27T18:11:00.003-05:00

Weekends.
We spend all week waiting for them and then struggle with them.
Sometimes it's easier to stay on your diet during the week. On the weekend, your daily schedule gets interrupted and sometimes so does your diet.

5 Tips to stay on plan:

1) Get up at the same time: Breakfast is extremely important so even if you just get up, eat breakfast, then go back to bed, get breakfast in.

2) Portable meals: Weekends take us out of the house, running errands, visits and going out. Bring your meals with you EVERYWHERE, even if you think you will be home in time, you never know.

3) Plan ahead for eating out: if you are going out, plan ahead what you will eat and don't spend too much time reviewing the menu. Too many temptations can make it tough to stay on plan. Pick your "lean and green" then close the menu.

4) Water,Water,Water: 64oz of water each day is a minimum. Don't rely on having bottled water around, get a 32oz water bottle and keep it with you at all times.

5) Forgive Yourself: If you slip at a meal, forgive yourself, don't let it throw off your whole weekend. Just start over with the next meal and keep going.

Anyone else have tips? Am I the only one who struggles with the weekend?

Remembering When

2009-06-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd re-visit some earlier posts... this is what I wrote back in November. It's hard to believe that I ever felt that way... I'm almost up to 85lbs now.

Day 3... when I got on the scale yesterday I was down 5lbs. I am so hoping that this will work. That this will finally be the turning point, the regrouping that I need. It's hard to believe how scared I am that I won't be able to stick with it and at the same time confident that I will be thin again.

Staying the Course

2009-06-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

Staying the Course
By BJ Gallagher

Our journey of life is about progress,
not perfection.
It's not about doing one thing
100% better -
it's a matter of doing 100 things,
1% better each day.

Progress is evolutionary
not revolutionary,
and most days we measure our progress
in inches,
not miles.

What matters most
is showing up for your life
whether you feel like it
or not.

Ask yourself,
"What two or three little things
can I do today
that would move me forward?"

You'll be amazed
at how much distance
you can cover
by taking it in increments.

The little things add up;
the inches turn to miles;
and we string together our efforts
like so many pearls.
Before long,
look what you have -
a whole strand!

Ah... beautiful.

Quote of the day

2009-06-03T17:35:00.002-05:00

"You can't talk yourself out of a problem you behave yourself into." Stephen Covey

Thought for the Day

2009-06-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

No one lives long enough to learn everything they need to learn starting from scratch. To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already paid the price to learn the things that we need to learn from them to achieve our goals.

Answers - More of My Story

2009-05-26T12:12:00.003-05:00

I received an email from a fellow alpaca rancher today who is stuggling with weight and this is my reply. I wanted to publish it here as well because it tells more of my "story" of this journey of weight loss.
************************************************************************
Congrats on moving to the country and becoming an "alpaca mommy"!
I love all of our boys and love having alpacas, I've tried many other livestock/animals and always come back to the boys.

Sounds like you are struggling with health issues and I totally understand. Last October, when I went to the doctor and she put me on high blood pressure med and Lipitor and such. I was totally depressed. My 10 year old son was saying "mommy, you should be on The Biggest Loser" and he couldn't put his arms all the way around me to hug me. I felt miserable and hopeless.

I hate exercise, when I read that this program requires little to no exercise, especially in the first few weeks, I had to learn more.

Like everybody else, I live paycheck to paycheck and money is an issue. When I first looked at the program I thought, "no way can I afford to spend $200-300 per month on me". I must have looked at the program every day for several weeks. All the while, buying my Casey's donuts and coffee every morning and spending $8 per day for lunch at Sonic. Finally I just decided that I was going to take a chance and go for it. I figured I'd try it for one month and see what happened. As they say... the rest is history.... :-)

I found that I actually ended up spending a lot less on food every month than I had for years. My grocery bill went from $100 or more a week to $100 every 2 weeks, including feeding my 5 dogs.

Anyway... I tell you all this to let you know that there is hope.
***********************************************************************************

I hope if you are reading this that you will find some hope for your journey as well. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Quote of the Day

2009-05-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, if the final analysis it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

- Mother Teresa

Late Night Thoughts

2009-05-13T00:09:00.002-05:00

I'm having trouble sleeping so I thought I pass along the thoughts I can't get out of my head tonight..... oh, I guess it's morning huh?

Anyway.....

"If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it"

This phrase rings in my mind almost every day. I'm not sure why but some days it's what keeps me going and keeps me feeling optimistic about the future

I had to do a "google" search to find the reference but verse 4 of Psalm 37 is pressing hard on my heart. I'm printing the entire Psalm here and hope it speaks to you as it does to me. God has things in control doesn't he? Our job is to follow him?

Psalm 37 >>
American King James Version

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.

4 Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yes, you shall diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes on him with his teeth.

13 The LORD shall laugh at him: for he sees that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lends; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for ever more.

28 For the LORD loves judgment, and forsakes not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.

33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, see, he was not: yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

10 Tips You Can Learn and Apply From The Biggest Loser

2009-05-12T12:35:00.002-05:00

Our family watches "The Biggest Loser" religiously. In fact, one reason I started on my weight loss journey is because Anthony, my son, told me I should be a contestant!

I found this list of things you can learn from the show and thought I'd share it

1. You are stronger than you know.
2. It is important to believe in yourself.
3. Take responsibility for yourself.
4. Be accountable. Don't blame others for your choices, feelings, words and actions.
5. You can work through the pain.
6. Stay focused.
7. Don't ever give up.
8. Need to stay positive.
9. Discovery of the underlying issues that led to their obesity.
10. Gaining confidence, strength and ability to change.

Monday, Monday!

2009-05-11T12:02:00.005-05:00

Ok.. so it's Monday and the sun is shining! It's noon so I've made it through half the work day.

Here are some "before and after" pics of our boys!

High blood pressure

2009-05-09T07:10:00.002-05:00

In October my doctor put me on high blood pressure medicine because she was "worried" about how high it was. The first day on my health program it was 140/85...... now, 27 weeks later, my blood pressure this morning was 108/69 !!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe just losing weight has made such a difference!

Thought for the day

2009-05-08T16:44:00.001-05:00

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway'

Happiness keeps you sweet,
Trials keep you strong,
Sorrows keep you human,
Life keeps you humble,
Success keeeps you glowing,
But only
God keeps you going

What would it take?

2009-05-07T12:52:00.003-05:00

What would it take to change your life? This is on my mind today. I tend to be a person who not only handles change but goes looking for it. So it's sometimes hard for me to understand when others are unhappy but won't make a change. I'd love to have feedback on what it would take to make a change.

Quote of the day

2009-05-04T13:23:00.001-05:00

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion of their commitment to excellence, regardless of their field of endeavor." Vince Lombardi

Need I say more?

New Pic

2009-04-28T11:43:00.003-05:00

Ok.. I promised and here it is are.. my new after pic

Before: Nov 2008 - 252.2lbs------------------------After: April 2009 - 183.8lbs

Today's Story....

2009-04-27T15:37:00.003-05:00

I'm telling stories today......

I've finally started wearing "skinny" clothes and have a short dress that I've finally been able to fit in. Last week I put it on and came out on the porch when my husband was mowing. As he came around the corner and saw me on the porch he stopped the mower and sat there with his mouth hanging open! The look on his face was worth every time I passed up something that was not on plan! When he started reving the mower engine like a teenager I knew this is totally worth it! Nothing tastes as good as healthy!

Be posting a pic of my "skinny dress" soon!

Coming Soon! Shearing Day!

2009-04-25T11:58:00.002-05:00

It's getting warmer, in the 80s and it's time for the boys to get sheared. Next Saturday is Shearing day and I know the boys are anxious to be free of the fleece. I broke out the hose this week and almost got trampled when the boys saw it in a mad rush to see who could get the first shower.

Quote of the Day

2009-04-25T11:56:00.003-05:00

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" Zig Ziglar

I thought losing weight would only change my outside, but it's changing everything. Especially the inside and who I believe myself to be. Can it be true that I'm "the healthy one"?

Good Health Makes You Happy!

2009-04-24T11:50:00.002-05:00

You know, all my life I've heard that being healthy is important. But I never really processed it until now. I feel so healthy these days! I can't believe that I'm a "health coach" and have a mission in life to inspire other people to join me in this journey to optimal health.

I still have down days and days I'm tired but in general I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life. Too bad it took me until I was 43 to figure it out. But just goes to show that it's NEVER too late!

Quote of the Day

2009-04-23T16:37:00.002-05:00

"Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first" Frederick B. Wilcox

This is so true when it comes to changing things in your life, especially weight. I keep hearing people say how great I look and I tell them how great I feel and they say they want to be that way too but for some reason they can't get "their foot off first".

What is the risk in starting a new diet program?

Failing again?
Not liking the food?

How about this one... the risk is that this time you might actually make it happen and change your life?

Change is scary but nothing good can happen if you don't try.

The Binge

2009-04-22T12:01:00.002-05:00

I'm having a "binge" today! My program has these great peanut butter/chocolate bars and I ran out last week. Well, my new order just came in last night and today I can't stop eating them! I'm having them for every meal!

The cool thing is I'm feeling like I'm binging but I'm really staying on plan!

I love this program!