I have never been a fan of taking pills. I even hid my Flintstone Vitamins in my bookbag when I was a kid and took them to school and gave them to my friends. I'll usually suffer through a headache before I will break down and take some Tylenol, so it was obviously one of my biggest concerns after having surgery that I would be able to keep up with all of the vitamins that I knew would be necessary to keep myself healthy. So far, I've done pretty well and take my multitude of vitamins (B12, Calcium, Iron, etc.) nearly every day.
Knowing this about myself, I wondered how much the Herbalife supplements would actually do for me, especially since I'm not the best at taking things consistently. I mean, I've bought different vitamins and supplements tons of times in the past but have never been able to actually follow through with taking them. I started out taking just the Herbalife multi-vitamin, since I was finished with my earlier chewables. I went into the Lifestyle Nutrition Center to find out if there was a supplement that would help me with my focus and memory. They recommended that I start with the Multivitamin and Cell Activator. According to myherbalife.com, Cell Activator does the following:
•Contains aloe, which may help support the body's absorption of micronutrients.*
•Supports cellular energy production.*
•Contains select botanicals, nutrients and powerful antioxidants to support healthy aging.*
After about a month of taking these 2-3 times per day, I decided to try some of the other supplements offered by Herbalife in addition to my daily shakes and other vitamins. Total Control is one of the supplements that helps to boost my metabolism, and Cell-U-Loss for the appearance of healthy skin and the healthy elimination of water. In addition to those two supplements, I drink 16 oz of the Herbal Tea Concentrate every day, which actually burns 100 calories per every 8 oz. and have also added the protein bars (lemon citrus is my fave!) when I need a sweet snack.
I have been pretty consistent with taking these things each day, and have noticed a difference in the past month in how I feel and the energy I have. My husband has started taking them too. In the past two months, he has quit smoking, started watching his weight and logs all of his meals and food on www.sparkpeople.com. He has also started running and quite honestly is kicking my butt! He has lost an incredible 25 pounds and has also been drinking the Herbalife shakes that I make him in the mornings, and he has been taking the supplements.
All in all, I've noticed a big difference in my energy level in the past two months, and feel like things are working better in general. Several members of my family have also been taking the supplements too and have mentioned feeling the same way. Knowing these products have been specially formulated by doctors and are designed to not only help with weight loss, but to help with sports performance, I really feel that they have been created just for me!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Another Milestone...
After a rough week of missing workouts, I got back on the horse Saturday morning for a two hour run, and an hour of strength training...it was really rough and my whole body felt like lead, but I still got through it. I felt MUCH better! We had an enjoyable afternoon yesterday of swimming with the kiddos and dinner with some family and friends. Of course, all of that workout/family time meant I had to further procrastinate my homework and cleaning, but it was WELL worth it.
This morning my husband and I set out to conquer the lake. Lake Shawnee is about half a a mile from our house, and includes a walking/running/biking trail that goes all the way around. It's about 7 miles around, or 8 miles from our door and back. We started out running and I pushed myself to get almost to the 3.2 mile mark, although my body wasn't going the extra .1 necessary (bummer!) I went ahead and walked/ran the rest of the trail and made it home in just under 2 hours. Exhausted and really hot and sweaty I decided I should probably get to church since I had about 20 minutes left to get ready. After hurrying through my shower and trying to continue getting more fluids into my body I headed out the door to church. While nearing the end of Mass I felt myself getting dizzy and sweaty/clammy. I had to sit down and then finally decided it would be best if I left altogether so I wouldn't cause any chatter when I passed out! Thankfully my parents live across the street from church, otherwise I never would have made it back home. My mom was home, so she took care of me and helped me to get more water and some food in my stomach. NOTE TO SELF: Do not run/walk and burn nearly 1300 calories without providing any nourishment first...not a good idea!
Oh yes, I was talking about my milestone! All of that added to a hot weekend added up to losing another three pounds! FINALLY I am past the 80 pound mark, and am officially at 82 pounds lost since November! I really don't have a goal weight or a specific amount of pounds in mind that I want to lose. I know where I think I would like to be, which is still about 20-25 pounds away. Really, I think I will know when I feel and look the way I am wanting to. I know that as long as I feel healthy and happy, that the numbers aren't really going to matter!
This morning my husband and I set out to conquer the lake. Lake Shawnee is about half a a mile from our house, and includes a walking/running/biking trail that goes all the way around. It's about 7 miles around, or 8 miles from our door and back. We started out running and I pushed myself to get almost to the 3.2 mile mark, although my body wasn't going the extra .1 necessary (bummer!) I went ahead and walked/ran the rest of the trail and made it home in just under 2 hours. Exhausted and really hot and sweaty I decided I should probably get to church since I had about 20 minutes left to get ready. After hurrying through my shower and trying to continue getting more fluids into my body I headed out the door to church. While nearing the end of Mass I felt myself getting dizzy and sweaty/clammy. I had to sit down and then finally decided it would be best if I left altogether so I wouldn't cause any chatter when I passed out! Thankfully my parents live across the street from church, otherwise I never would have made it back home. My mom was home, so she took care of me and helped me to get more water and some food in my stomach. NOTE TO SELF: Do not run/walk and burn nearly 1300 calories without providing any nourishment first...not a good idea!
Oh yes, I was talking about my milestone! All of that added to a hot weekend added up to losing another three pounds! FINALLY I am past the 80 pound mark, and am officially at 82 pounds lost since November! I really don't have a goal weight or a specific amount of pounds in mind that I want to lose. I know where I think I would like to be, which is still about 20-25 pounds away. Really, I think I will know when I feel and look the way I am wanting to. I know that as long as I feel healthy and happy, that the numbers aren't really going to matter!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Finding the Time
In the past, one of my biggest deterrents toward finding myself in a healthy lifestyle was a lack of TIME. I think some days if I could have about an extra 8-10 hours added on that I would maybe get a little closer to accomplishing everything I need to do. When it comes to finding the time to work out, to run, to meet my fitness goals, and to find time to plan meals, grocery shop, cook something healthy, sometimes I simply can't make those ends of the clock meet. This is what I have found gets me (and probably a lot of people) into trouble when it comes to watching their weight, and/or maintaining a healthy weight. Having a healthy lifestyle requires planning...especially when it's not something that comes naturally to you. I've found that if I don't think ahead about my meals for the week, or even my meals for the day or the next day, that I am much more likely to have to make a snap decision about what to eat. Typically, if I am super hungry and don't have anything planned to eat for that meal, then I am going to be more likely to pick something that's fast, convenient, and not always as healthy or balanced as I would like it to be.
Adding the Herbalife shakes to my daily meal plan has made a huge difference in this regard because I know I can have a shake for breakfast and one for dinner. That way I only need to plan for healthy snacks and a good lunch. I usually try to shop ahead and have my work kitchen and refrigerator stocked with more nutritious options to make it easier on myself. My shakes not only keep me full until the next meal, but they also help me to meet my nutritional requirements and help me to get some of the vitamins and nutrients I might not get through my food otherwise. Plus, I don't really need to think too much about them...either I can whip one up at home with the ingredients I have on hand, or I can stop by the Lifestyle Nutrition store to pick one up on my way to work or on my way home. The biggest decision I have to make is what flavor I want for the day (I usually try to match my shake and straw to whatever I'm wearing for the day...:) Don't ask!)
Finding the time to work out, and to run, especially now that my distance needs to be increasing more and more gets even harder. It's summertime now and it's devastatingly hot outside, and nearly impossible to run in. If just one part of my day gets a little off schedule, my ability to get my workout in gets exponentially more difficult.
Here's just a little taste of how my week went this week...Monday: No work out...I've been exhausted from the weekends, so Mondays have been off the table for a while, although I have been trying to get an evening walk in as much as possible. Tuesday was my cardio/run day: I usually like to go to the gym as soon as I have dropped the kids off. I had meetings Tuesday morning, so I had to wait until a little later to go. I didn't end up being free until around 12:30, so I opted to run on the treadmill, which I hate (more about our family's most recent treadmill incident later). I did manage to run the full 3.2 miles, but it was probably the most boring experience I've ever had...I have no idea how people can run for hours on those things. Wednesday: Woke up late so I had to cut my cardio very short...I only managed about 15 minutes before I started my training session. Thursday: I woke up early to write a paper for class. I wanted to run by 6:30, but still wasn't done writing. By the time I finished up, I already had to send the kids with my husband and needed to get to work. Thursday night Jack had a baseball game and Mike was at class while I skipped the night to stay with the kids. We ended up watching my nieces play ball as well, and didn't get home until after 8:00. My mother in law was over by the time we got home, and there was no chance for a run after that, so Thursday was a total bust. Friday: Woke up with the worst headache and severe nausea. I tried to get ready to go to the gym but knew it wasn't going to be a good idea. Ended up texting my trainer and going back to bed. What to do? I had missed two days of work outs, which is SO frustrating! In the past, I would take that as a step toward backing down and heading down the path toward failure...I would beat myself up about it and end up sabotaging all of the hard work I have accomplished. So today, Saturday, I set out to go to the gym at 7am, to run for 3 miles, and to work out for an hour. My trainer prepared a whole work out for me, which was good. My run wasn't great and I only managed 2 miles, and I felt like I was filled with lead through all of my workout, but I did it. I burned over 800 calories in the process, and tomorrow my husband and I are setting out to run as far around the lake as we can.
I have learned now to never give up, to get back on the horse, and to make the time to make things happen. It's never easy, and it's always going to be a process for me, but I am so thankful to have a family and friends who encourage me to keep going. Some days I question whether I am ever going to reach my goals, whether I will be ready to run 10 miles in four months...but I know that by giving up I will NEVER get there, so I just have to keep on swimming...
Adding the Herbalife shakes to my daily meal plan has made a huge difference in this regard because I know I can have a shake for breakfast and one for dinner. That way I only need to plan for healthy snacks and a good lunch. I usually try to shop ahead and have my work kitchen and refrigerator stocked with more nutritious options to make it easier on myself. My shakes not only keep me full until the next meal, but they also help me to meet my nutritional requirements and help me to get some of the vitamins and nutrients I might not get through my food otherwise. Plus, I don't really need to think too much about them...either I can whip one up at home with the ingredients I have on hand, or I can stop by the Lifestyle Nutrition store to pick one up on my way to work or on my way home. The biggest decision I have to make is what flavor I want for the day (I usually try to match my shake and straw to whatever I'm wearing for the day...:) Don't ask!)
Finding the time to work out, and to run, especially now that my distance needs to be increasing more and more gets even harder. It's summertime now and it's devastatingly hot outside, and nearly impossible to run in. If just one part of my day gets a little off schedule, my ability to get my workout in gets exponentially more difficult.
Here's just a little taste of how my week went this week...Monday: No work out...I've been exhausted from the weekends, so Mondays have been off the table for a while, although I have been trying to get an evening walk in as much as possible. Tuesday was my cardio/run day: I usually like to go to the gym as soon as I have dropped the kids off. I had meetings Tuesday morning, so I had to wait until a little later to go. I didn't end up being free until around 12:30, so I opted to run on the treadmill, which I hate (more about our family's most recent treadmill incident later). I did manage to run the full 3.2 miles, but it was probably the most boring experience I've ever had...I have no idea how people can run for hours on those things. Wednesday: Woke up late so I had to cut my cardio very short...I only managed about 15 minutes before I started my training session. Thursday: I woke up early to write a paper for class. I wanted to run by 6:30, but still wasn't done writing. By the time I finished up, I already had to send the kids with my husband and needed to get to work. Thursday night Jack had a baseball game and Mike was at class while I skipped the night to stay with the kids. We ended up watching my nieces play ball as well, and didn't get home until after 8:00. My mother in law was over by the time we got home, and there was no chance for a run after that, so Thursday was a total bust. Friday: Woke up with the worst headache and severe nausea. I tried to get ready to go to the gym but knew it wasn't going to be a good idea. Ended up texting my trainer and going back to bed. What to do? I had missed two days of work outs, which is SO frustrating! In the past, I would take that as a step toward backing down and heading down the path toward failure...I would beat myself up about it and end up sabotaging all of the hard work I have accomplished. So today, Saturday, I set out to go to the gym at 7am, to run for 3 miles, and to work out for an hour. My trainer prepared a whole work out for me, which was good. My run wasn't great and I only managed 2 miles, and I felt like I was filled with lead through all of my workout, but I did it. I burned over 800 calories in the process, and tomorrow my husband and I are setting out to run as far around the lake as we can.
I have learned now to never give up, to get back on the horse, and to make the time to make things happen. It's never easy, and it's always going to be a process for me, but I am so thankful to have a family and friends who encourage me to keep going. Some days I question whether I am ever going to reach my goals, whether I will be ready to run 10 miles in four months...but I know that by giving up I will NEVER get there, so I just have to keep on swimming...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Could I Really Become An Athlete?
I've never considered myself to be an athlete by any stretch. As a kid, I was actually a competitive gymnast, but since I never met the typical "gymnast" criteria, I didn't even consider myself to be athletic. Fast forward many years, and I am about the least athletic person I know. I've been working hard to change this about myself. I started out just wanting to get in shape. I don't think I even had any specific thoughts on getting in shape. I just know I was supposed to get exercise. So, I've conquered the exercise part. I work hard both on my own and with my trainer...who kicks my butt like the little punk that he is...I am feeling so much better, and for the first time I feel like I even have some muscles. I've taken up running and slowly but surely I'm even getting better and stronger in that area too. I've set my goals for weight loss and running, and I can't wait to have the chance to meet them. I'm running my first 5k in less than two weeks! October will be here before I know it, and I will have to be ready for the Army Ten Miler, which is my big running goal.
But something happened last week and weekend. First, I was continuing my Herbalife research and read all of the testimonials about their customers and distributors who were just people like me who have become athletes, and some of them triathletes. I was inspired, but didn't think much about it other than that. Saturday I went to witness my cousin, uncle, and trainer race in the 30th annual Topeka Tinman Triathlon http://ultramaxtri.com/races/tinman/index.php. To see so many people...some hardcore athletes who are in incredible shape, and some regular people like myself who were pushing themselves to the limit to accomplish a goal. I watched people come out of the lake after swimming 500 meters, then hop on their bikes to ride 12 miles, only to take off immediately afterward to run 3.1 miles. Since my family members have been participating for years, they have jokingly tried to encourage me to join in every year. If I even halfway considered it I thought I could probably handle the bike portion the most, followed by the swim, and never did I think I could conquer the run. Now that I've taken these steps toward a healthier lifestyle, I am shocked to think that I'm the least afraid of the running, and the most afraid of the swim portion. I want to see how my next few months of running go, but I am seriously prepared to set my next fitness goal of becoming a triathlete, and to join my family and friends in the Tinman competition. My cousin, uncle, and trainer each placed third in their age groups and placed well over all out of over 750 participants. I doubt I'll be placing in anything, nor will I be awarded a special bottle of TinMan wine (which was their prize for placing,) but I do think I am going to be a competitor. Here's an article about the TinMan race from Saturday: http://cjonline.com/sports/cross_country/2010-06-19/tinman_attracts_young_and_old which inspires me even more to take on a new challenge!
Wish me luck!
But something happened last week and weekend. First, I was continuing my Herbalife research and read all of the testimonials about their customers and distributors who were just people like me who have become athletes, and some of them triathletes. I was inspired, but didn't think much about it other than that. Saturday I went to witness my cousin, uncle, and trainer race in the 30th annual Topeka Tinman Triathlon http://ultramaxtri.com/races/tinman/index.php. To see so many people...some hardcore athletes who are in incredible shape, and some regular people like myself who were pushing themselves to the limit to accomplish a goal. I watched people come out of the lake after swimming 500 meters, then hop on their bikes to ride 12 miles, only to take off immediately afterward to run 3.1 miles. Since my family members have been participating for years, they have jokingly tried to encourage me to join in every year. If I even halfway considered it I thought I could probably handle the bike portion the most, followed by the swim, and never did I think I could conquer the run. Now that I've taken these steps toward a healthier lifestyle, I am shocked to think that I'm the least afraid of the running, and the most afraid of the swim portion. I want to see how my next few months of running go, but I am seriously prepared to set my next fitness goal of becoming a triathlete, and to join my family and friends in the Tinman competition. My cousin, uncle, and trainer each placed third in their age groups and placed well over all out of over 750 participants. I doubt I'll be placing in anything, nor will I be awarded a special bottle of TinMan wine (which was their prize for placing,) but I do think I am going to be a competitor. Here's an article about the TinMan race from Saturday: http://cjonline.com/sports/cross_country/2010-06-19/tinman_attracts_young_and_old which inspires me even more to take on a new challenge!
Wish me luck!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fizzy Lifting Drink
I've never been a big coffee drinker...while I love the taste of coffee, it's just a little too much caffeine for me, and I always end up feeling terrible after I drink it so I don't even bother any more. I also stopped drinking soda, so obviously there might be some days when I've been up late doing homework, up early to work out, and running all day. What to do for that extra little pick me up to get me through? In my visits to the nutrition club, I discovered a fantastic product called Lift Off. It's just a little effervescent tablet that you can put into your water, tea, or in my case, strawberry-tangerine Crystal Light. Lift off is available in orange, lemon-lime, and tropical fruit. I prefer the tropical fruit flavor since it mixes best with my Crystal Light! So, it fizzes up a bit, I drink it down, and I've found I have definitely increased energy and focus throughout my day. Plus, it never makes me feel jittery and doesn't upset my stomach like coffee might. It also has zero calories and no sugar, which is an added bonus...I mean, who likes to drink their calories? Not this girl.
Even my husband, a BIG TIME coffee, caffeine drinker has gotten hooked on my "fizzy lifting drink." (Remember the original Willy Wonka?) He's requested that I buy more and takes one to work with him every morning. He actually says that they keep him alert and awake even more than coffee! Plus he likes the taste, which is better than any energy drink, like Red Bull or Monster.
I've started out just having one every now and again, maybe when I know it's going to be a long day, but I've felt the benefits and really appreciate that it helps to keep me more focused...which is a HUGE problem when you're a busy mom of four, a student, and employee trying to do it all. I need all of the help with focus and short-term memory I can get!
Stay tuned, I'm one pound away from my next goal...80 pounds! I'm going to have to double up my shakes this weekend....I'll keep you posted! :)
Even my husband, a BIG TIME coffee, caffeine drinker has gotten hooked on my "fizzy lifting drink." (Remember the original Willy Wonka?) He's requested that I buy more and takes one to work with him every morning. He actually says that they keep him alert and awake even more than coffee! Plus he likes the taste, which is better than any energy drink, like Red Bull or Monster.
I've started out just having one every now and again, maybe when I know it's going to be a long day, but I've felt the benefits and really appreciate that it helps to keep me more focused...which is a HUGE problem when you're a busy mom of four, a student, and employee trying to do it all. I need all of the help with focus and short-term memory I can get!
Stay tuned, I'm one pound away from my next goal...80 pounds! I'm going to have to double up my shakes this weekend....I'll keep you posted! :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
My Daily Shake
Have I mentioned how much I love my daily shakes? I go to my friendly neighborhood Lifestyle Nutrition Center nearly every morning for a Herbalife protein shake and a green tea...I'm pretty sure I am addicted! After having late meetings for the past two nights I have also added the shakes to my dinner and am always amazed at how great I feel! The shakes use Herbalife Formula 1 as a base, which gives me a great deal of the vitamins and nutrients I need, along with around 30+ grams of protein. I always have them add extra protein, fiber, and aloe to make it complete. For weight loss, it is recommended that a person have two shakes per day as a meal replacement...however, I typically only have one a day as my breakfast. I love the fact that they've come up with so many flavors for any craving and for any taste. Obviously, I like some better than others, but my favorites would have to be blueberry muffin, blueberry lemonade, banana cream, and Elvis' PB&J with oatmeal. Although I have made it a point to try mostly everything. I've even gotten my husband (and several other members of my family) hooked on them. There's nothing better than a tasty, filling, low-calorie way to start (and maybe even finish) the day!
See the post below for the commercial for our local store here in Topeka featuring store owners Heather and Todd Beckman! They have built a great rapport with their customers and have a regular fan base, in addition to having opened several other nutrition clubs in Topeka and surrounding areas through their downlines. Keep up the great work! I am hooked on these products and the way they make me feel!
Tune in tomorrow for a discussion on the "Lift Off" tablets...AKA "Fizzy Lifting Drink!"
See the post below for the commercial for our local store here in Topeka featuring store owners Heather and Todd Beckman! They have built a great rapport with their customers and have a regular fan base, in addition to having opened several other nutrition clubs in Topeka and surrounding areas through their downlines. Keep up the great work! I am hooked on these products and the way they make me feel!
Tune in tomorrow for a discussion on the "Lift Off" tablets...AKA "Fizzy Lifting Drink!"
Monday, June 14, 2010
Healthy Living...an experiment toward a new lifestyle
So here goes! I've been on a journey of weight loss and changing my lifestyle for about eight months now. I've worked really hard to drop nearly 80 pounds so far. I am a very busy mom of four and taking care of myself was never a priority because I spent most of my time running from soccer practice to dance to school functions, to my own classes. There was never enough time left for me, until I found myself within 10 pounds of my weight when I delivered my fourth child. I felt horrible and was outgrowing my clothes. I was tired and honestly thought that if it had been possible that I could have exploded out of my skin. I was a competitive gymnast growing up, although I never really had the "gymnast" body type. I've always thought I was overweight, and have been on diets since I was around 15. I realized last summer that I really needed to do something about my weight. I always wanted to be one of the healthy people I see running at the trail around the lake by my house. I've never been one who enjoys running and have only done so when forced in PE class or during gymnastics. Even then I ran begrudgingly...and most certainly never thought it was "fun." I didn't believe there was any such thing as a "runner's high," and was more likely to believe it was something made up by crazy runners to trick people into signing up for marathons.
So, I started my weight loss journey last November when I had gastric bypass surgery. I obviously had to make great changes in the portions I was eating, but never considered surgery an "easy way out." I had no complications and felt great within a few days of having surgery. I didn't only want to change the way I ate, but felt like I needed to make some serious changes in my lifestyle as a whole to make sure my weight loss was successful this time. In January I signed up for the Smart Exercise program at Rebound Physical Therapy. I was working out 5-6 days a week with two sessions per week with Derrick, my personal trainer who designs programs to kick my butt on a regular basis! In late February I signed up to run the Army Ten Miler race in Washington D.C. Thank goodness I have until late October to prepare for it! In the meantime I have been training to run my first 5k on July 10th.
In March I noticed one of my students drinking a yummy protein shake before class. I asked her about it and she told me about this place in town called Lifestyle Nutrition center. The shake was around 200 calories and she drank it as a meal replacement. I had to learn more! The next day I visited the our local Lifestyle Nutrition Center, and quickly realized they sold Herbalife products. Obviously, I was surprised and thought for sure they would try to sell me their products and coerce me into becoming a distributor. I was pleasantly surprised that they did nothing of the sort! It was a really busy afternoon at the shake club, and I was offered a free shake for allowing them to do a health evaluation with me. I didn't have time to stay that day, but said I would be back the next day and would come at a less busy time. I loved my first shake and definitely knew I had to return for more. I returned for my health evaluation and was given not only my weight and BMI, but the approximate amount of calories and protein I needed to have each day, as well as what I would need to have in order to either maintain my weight or to continue losing. I really wasn't concerned with weight loss when I went there. I liked the flavors of the shakes, I loved how they made me feel, and the fact that they were a great replacement for a meal and fulfilled some of the daily nutrients and protein requirements that I may have been missing in my regular diet. I also quickly realized that my yummy shake helped to curb some of my cravings for sweets...which was a giant plus!
I was never approached by the owners or employees of the club about purchasing products, but after several weeks of stopping by every day and hearing them interact with other customers, I decided there were a few things I wanted to try. I started out just taking the Multivitamin with the Cell Activator. After about a month on those two products, I added Cell-U-Loss, Total Control, and Thermobond. Obviously, after this much time has passed, my weight loss has began to slow down, and I totally believe these products have helped kick start me again and have been able to push me past my plateaus. I feel fantastic and have a great amount of energy!
Again, I am not a part of the Herbalife company, nor am I an Independent Distributor...although I have convinced most of my family to start using the products, and talked my sister-in-law into becoming a distributor so I could get my products at a discount...I am just a happy customer! I have done a lot of research on the company so I could feel confident that they are not a sham. I know they have been in business for 30 years, so that says a lot about their reputation and ability to produce great lifestyle products!
I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!
So, I started my weight loss journey last November when I had gastric bypass surgery. I obviously had to make great changes in the portions I was eating, but never considered surgery an "easy way out." I had no complications and felt great within a few days of having surgery. I didn't only want to change the way I ate, but felt like I needed to make some serious changes in my lifestyle as a whole to make sure my weight loss was successful this time. In January I signed up for the Smart Exercise program at Rebound Physical Therapy. I was working out 5-6 days a week with two sessions per week with Derrick, my personal trainer who designs programs to kick my butt on a regular basis! In late February I signed up to run the Army Ten Miler race in Washington D.C. Thank goodness I have until late October to prepare for it! In the meantime I have been training to run my first 5k on July 10th.
In March I noticed one of my students drinking a yummy protein shake before class. I asked her about it and she told me about this place in town called Lifestyle Nutrition center. The shake was around 200 calories and she drank it as a meal replacement. I had to learn more! The next day I visited the our local Lifestyle Nutrition Center, and quickly realized they sold Herbalife products. Obviously, I was surprised and thought for sure they would try to sell me their products and coerce me into becoming a distributor. I was pleasantly surprised that they did nothing of the sort! It was a really busy afternoon at the shake club, and I was offered a free shake for allowing them to do a health evaluation with me. I didn't have time to stay that day, but said I would be back the next day and would come at a less busy time. I loved my first shake and definitely knew I had to return for more. I returned for my health evaluation and was given not only my weight and BMI, but the approximate amount of calories and protein I needed to have each day, as well as what I would need to have in order to either maintain my weight or to continue losing. I really wasn't concerned with weight loss when I went there. I liked the flavors of the shakes, I loved how they made me feel, and the fact that they were a great replacement for a meal and fulfilled some of the daily nutrients and protein requirements that I may have been missing in my regular diet. I also quickly realized that my yummy shake helped to curb some of my cravings for sweets...which was a giant plus!
I was never approached by the owners or employees of the club about purchasing products, but after several weeks of stopping by every day and hearing them interact with other customers, I decided there were a few things I wanted to try. I started out just taking the Multivitamin with the Cell Activator. After about a month on those two products, I added Cell-U-Loss, Total Control, and Thermobond. Obviously, after this much time has passed, my weight loss has began to slow down, and I totally believe these products have helped kick start me again and have been able to push me past my plateaus. I feel fantastic and have a great amount of energy!
Again, I am not a part of the Herbalife company, nor am I an Independent Distributor...although I have convinced most of my family to start using the products, and talked my sister-in-law into becoming a distributor so I could get my products at a discount...I am just a happy customer! I have done a lot of research on the company so I could feel confident that they are not a sham. I know they have been in business for 30 years, so that says a lot about their reputation and ability to produce great lifestyle products!
I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!
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