Hello Again!

It's been a while hasn't it? Life has been very full and chaotic, but I can proudly say I am still on a losing streak!  My goal for the rest of the year is to maintain. Realistically, I know the holidays will be filled with temptations, so instead of putting additional pressure on myself, I set a goal I knew I could live with.  If I lose, well then...that will be one awesome Christmas gift! Another reason for me to sing the Hallelujah chorus, right? 

Many family members and friends have asked me just how I will deal with all the Christmas parties, sweet and treats.  I cannot lie...with the holidays quickly approaching, I feel a little unsettled.  After all, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years gatherings were a time when I gave myself permission to cheat from my never ending diet (which I never practiced faithfully).  Cakes, pies and candy, OH MY!  A little here was fine, a little there, sure why not?  After the season passed I would find that the scale showed at least a 7 pound increase and my clothes felt tighter and as a result I canned the diet because I was too discouraged to continue. "Why should I try?"  I would think and embrace defeat. 

In prior years I didn't have a survival plan.  This year I do and most of it comes from the Digest Diet book and cook book.  I plan to make something I can enjoy and bring them to the parties.  I love Dove's dark chocolate with almonds and I can have three.  Guess what my dessert was on Thanksgiving Day?  I brought a bag with me, made DDs Old School Spinach Salad and some healthy sweet potatoes.

Now you may be saying, "I know I am going to blow it so why shouldn't I enjoy myself?" Well first of all you don't have to "blow it".  You can overcome with a lot of prayer and a stable rescue plan.  If you are able, leave the house after dinner and go for a short walk or just to take a breath of fresh air to avoid seconds.  Include your family and friends in your healthy life style decision. They may surprise you and make side dishes you can enjoy or healthy dessert options.  I am blessed to have an awesome support system and they are ALWAYS cheering me on or giving me that much needed hug when I struggle with the same 2-3 pounds.  Thank you...you know who you are!

I was a professional dieter. I never succeeded for long and I could never seem to find a way to change my unhealthy habits and thinking...until now.  I don't refer to my new way of eating as a diet because the word "diet" suggests something negative...a punishment for those of us on the "heavy" side.  There is nothing negative about the foods I enjoy.  I don't feel deprived of foods not on my "list".  I am not on a diet, I have made a life style change, and instead of feeling deprived I feel enthusiastic and want to share my new recipes and food with everyone!

I hope and pray that you will not see this holiday season as a struggle or a challenge, but as an opportunity to find out just how strong you are! I know that's my plan this year.

A Little Back Slidden, But Not Finished!

Four pounds in two weeks can cause a professional dieter like me to panic and look for alternative methods.  It makes one like me rethink her choices in her diet plan.  But then I have to look at what I have been eating and what I have been dealing with.  Obviously, lots of stress as you were able to see in my previous post.  Man's best friend my eye!  No, just kidding. He is a very good dog and we are getting along a little better.  So he is not the MAIN cause of it.  I also haven't been able to walk as much due to spurs on my feet.  I push through, but it has been so much easier to not walk those three miles per day.  I have forgotten God's words to me not so long ago, "Persevere".

As I sat down and had my pity party, invites: just one, I looked back over the past eight months and said, "70 pounds".  My oldest son weighs 76 pounds. I almost lost a whole Timmy! So does the program work? Yes!  Yes, it does and for me to doubt how God introduced this amazing book into my life is simple minded. The proof is in how my size has decreased, how my clothes fit, and the dozens of comments from family and friends of "Wow!  How? What are you doing?"

My advice for each of you is not to quit.  Even when the enemy is whispering in your ear, "you will never change. It's all for nothing."  Stand firm and grasp onto the truth and remember that God only wants the best for you.  He doesn't want you to feel less than you are worth in His eyes.  He doesn't want you to feel isolated, or weak or sore.  He doesn't want you to feel unhappy about yourself, because you ARE, "wonderfully made".  Our bodies are made to work in a specific way.  If we over indulge, if we do not exercise, if we do not maintain it, no it cannot work the way it was meant to. So for the past two weeks, I had a little more of this and a little more of that. I didn't exercise and I gave into stress and my clothes started to feel just a little tighter.  I could have went downstairs to the frig and gone "hog crazy" with grief.  But what would that have solved?  So a few days ago, I prayed and got myself back into those healthy habits and three pounds are gone. The program works. We may not be on the right path all the time, but the program works.  If you back slide, STOP!  Don't go back to the those old ways.  There is a back door to backsliding and that is to just start again. Never lose hope; never lose faith.

Stress Add Up

Well it's been a STRESSFUL week so far and as a result I gained 2.5 pounds. Stress is NOT a fat releaser and can actually cause weight gain, so some of you know about my week and for those who don't, you may either be sympathetic or chuckle at my expense. Our family adopted a 10 month old puppy from the pound fondly known as Bruno. Bruno is part Basset Hound, Beagle and Lab. I didn't consider the words our vet, Dr. Flick, spoke as we departed our first visit for Bruno last week. "Bassets can have allergy issues so we will have to watch him closely." Those words were tested and have been found to be 150% true. We don't know if it was his food, the cleaner I used when I shampooed the carpets, the Glade or Febreeze deodorizer or the laundry detergent we used on Saturday when we had to wash his crate pad, but Bruno broke out in hives. We administered Benadryl, bathed him and he continued to break out. He looked like a lumpy, bumpy mess. The poor dog rubbed his entire body on whatever he could, the floor, the chairs, my lap. We (and when I say we, I really mean ME) endured his whining from his crate all Saturday night into the wee hours of Sunday morning. 5:30 AM I headed for the ER Vet in Westminster on 140. The ride there was interesting. Bruno rubbed his body on the floor, against the seat and then he decided he needed to rub his body against my legs, under my legs is more like it while putting his two front paws on the accelerator. Now that would have brought, "my dog ate my homework" excuse to a whole new level. "Officer, I swear I wasn't speeding. It was my dog Bruno." Now that either would have gotten me arrested or a 24 hour psych evaluation. I am sure that no matter what I would have at least gotten a small nap.

We left the vet when Bruno's condition was finally under control 3 hours later. On our way home, well that was fun. Did I forget to mention that Bruno gets car sick? I had lined the entire floor and seats with trash bags. On the way there, he was too distracted with the itching and driving (the little speed demon) to notice he was in the van, but on the way home...despite the fact that I had a trash bag by his mouth, he felt he needed to thank me for my loving hand by vomiting in it. It was a bitter sweet experience. Bitter...well that's obvious people! But sweet because his symptoms were finally under control and Bruno placed his head in my lap as if to say, "I really am worth it. I promise you, I will be the bestest companion ever." No more breakouts since Sunday evening. I stayed up with him until midnight just to make sure. Now I have to ensure that he takes his meds everyday and hope that we alleviated the source.

Just want to give a shout out to my friend Suzanne for all the pet advice and Dawn liquid detergent. Who knew it was a great shampoo for dogs? Attempting to go to sleep now. Hoping for a better 2nd part of the week. Will start tomorrow with a 3 mile walk, and who knows...maybe Bruno will walk along with me.

Don't Make Excuses because YOU CAN!

3.25 miles in 1 hr and 4 min. I'm getting there. I hope to conquer 5 miles in an hour soon. I am 1lb 4oz away from my 70lb mark (100 pounds since 2010, 70 lbs since Feb this year when I began my journey with DD). So many people have been asking me what I have been doing to lose weight. I have been asked about Gastric Bypass surgery. Though it was suggested by my cardiologist 3 years ago, I declined. I just was not comfortable with that choice. I know it has helped some people, but I just felt it wasn't right for me. Then I was asked about the Idea Weight Loss program. No, though I looked into it, but decided it still wasn't for me.  If you are reading this post, obviously you know the answer for me is The Digest Diet. As the book suggests, the problem is not just about losing weight, but changing our thinking and lifestyles and our view of food. 

 

I heard the old saying many times through my dieting history, "I eat to live, I don't live to eat" but it never really had meaning to me because food my was friend, my comfort in times of trouble, a way to celebrate, a horrible addiction. I WAS living to eat and in doing so I wasn't truly living. It is a terrible cycle, one that you cannot understand unless you have walked on this path. You feel trapped by your body and helpless to change. Through God and the Digest Diet book, I feel confident, less tied to my addiction (one remains - dark chocolate w/almonds in moderation of course) of food. I turn to God in times of trouble and leave the food alone, I walk when I feel stressed and read when I am bored (which is hardly ever...if you knew how crazy my life was you would be able to understand it when I say, "I don't have time to be bored"). If I can do it, and I can tell you I haven't seen this weight in almost 2 decades, you can! Don't give up or give in to insecurities, or the old excuse, "I'll start on Monday or the New Year or Next month". Don't say, "I'm just too old to change".  Contrary to what you believe, you can teach an old dog (not that I am calling any of you old) new tricks.  Don't give up because YOU CAN! 

 

P.S.  I posted this on my Facebook page earlier this week. Today I hit my 70 pound mark!

Persevere; You Can Endure It!

The past few days have been full of trials and lots of errors on my part.  I got comfortable and I lost track of what I was eating.  I made excuses for not walking in the morning:  “I didn’t sleep well. I’m exhausted. I’ll walk later. Well now it’s too hot to walk”, etc. etc.  Most importantly, over walking, I made excuses for not spending quality time with the one who has blessed me over and over again.  It’s like a domino effect.  I am unable to do one without the other.  I have found without time with Christ, my whole life ravels apart and I am left feeling lost and helpless.  Not only have I not walked for 5 days, but I also gained 4 pounds.  You reap what you sow; good or bad.

Yesterday during church I was able to witness the baptism of my new brothers and sisters in Christ and as I listened to their testimony I thought, “I still have so much to learn about you, Father.  I still have such a long way to go. “I recommitted myself in the spiritual area of my life asking God to give me the strength to endure.  Funny how fast God answers your prayers isn’t it?

I pulled out my Bible study this morning and guess what it was about?   Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”  WOW!  After my “Jesus time” I went for my walk.  It was so difficult because it had been almost a week.  I turned on my praise tunes and began my 2 mile walk.  I walked around the block and thought that was enough to warm me up until I heard the words, “persevere, you can endure it”. I continued to walk and hit my two mile mark.  I was hot, tired and my feet hurt, but I felt good and so ready to go home.  I looked up at Uniontown Road glad to be able to avoid it again as home was to the left.  Then I heard those words again, “persevere, you can endure it”.  That is how my conversation with God started today and it went something like this.

“Persevere, you can endure it.”

“I know and I did it God!  I did it!  Thank you for your help.”

“Will you just walk a little bit more with me?”

“Can we just talk on the way home? “

“Will you trust me?  You can endure it.”

“I am so tired, Lord.”

“Then let my strength be yours. Walk a little ways more.”

I looked up the hill feeling the pain before it began.  The music played and I instantly listened to the words, “Savior I come quiet my soul remember.  Redemption's hill, where Your blood was spilled for my ransom.  Everything I once held dear I count it all as lost.  Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out.  Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down.  Rid me of myself I belong to You. Lead me to the cross.”

“Okay. I trust you Lord.” So we walked and through it His strength took over and I found that I had more energy than I imagined I would. 

“This is how your life should be.  It’s not just about the walk, but the whole journey.  One step at a time and rely on me.  Persevere; you can endure it with me by your side.”

I have been proclaiming the changes God is making in me, inside as well as out.  When I begin to fall backwards and conform to my former self, I defile my witness.  It was through this little walk that God reminded me that my journey isn’t just about changing the health of my body, but of my mind and spirit. I can only achieve this by stripping off every weight that slows me down, and to run with endurance the race God has set before me by keeping my eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects my faith.

I guess this is the same for all of us.  No matter what trials you may encounter in your life, physically, emotionally or spiritually, look to Him. He will give you the strength to endure it!

Here it is at the end of August.  I have been using the Digest Diet since February 6th and I have lost 65 lbs!

Old Feelings

Many of you who know me don't know that I struggled with bulimia in my teens.  It is such a destructive disease and has taken many lives.  I look back and I don't understand how I got to that point or why.  I just remember strong feelings inside that made it impossible to ignore the scale and using it as my self image meter. 

This week has been a most difficult one.  My son, Tim, started school on Monday and the bus arrives at 6AM which means I must be up at 4:30 AM. In the Digest Diet, Liz states how important sleep is to weight loss.  It is a natural fat releaser and when you don't get it, it can change your whole body.  Well, this week I gained 2 pounds and I wondered how as I stood on the scale.  I remember feeling the way I did when I was 19 when I turned to laxatives and excessive exercise (5 hours daily) to lose weight.  I felt lost and hopeless.  I looked at the scale and wanted to shout, "I've done everything right!  Why are you punishing me?"

I struggled whether to post this information, but I thought perhaps some of you may have dealt or are dealing with this horrible disease.  Yes, even though once you are cured, the feelings can still exist, but I want you to know those feelings cannot own you if you don't let them.  This morning when I weighed myself, my husband could see the look on my face as I struggled with the tears.  I was honest with him and let him know what I was feeling inside...the fear of the past creeping up, the feeling of losing control (which you do lose when you struggle with eating disorders).  And he did for me what he has done for me during our whole marriage.  He held me, reminded me how much he loves me and encouraged me by telling me no matter what size I am, he will always be here and will always love me.

I cannot stress enough how important a support system is during weight loss. Lean on your family, your friends, people walking down that same path.  In this eventually you will be able to reach out to others and become their support systems.   If a kind doctor hadn't intervened when I was 19 and revealed to me the destructive way I was living, if he hadn't reached out to me, perhaps I would not be here.  Dr. Ricci, you saved my life!

Don't let your drive to lose weight take control of you or how you feel.  Embrace each day as a new, stay strong and positive, and live each day to the fullest!

Groceries and other stuff

As I was walking this morning I was thinking about how much money we spend on groceries now.  Before I would spend $600.00 a month for a family of 5, but now it's really close to $800.00 and it makes me wonder, "Why does it cost so much to eat healthy?"  Every health conscious official in our government states they want to see America healthy and obesity rates drop. So why can't prices be lowered on healthier foods.  Before I began this diet, my pantry and frig would be stocked full of easy to cook processed foods.  Now it's not because I want my family to have healthier options and we PAY for it.  We are trying to supplement costs by using our garden which hasn't given us much, but some fresh produce.  And then there are healthier meats, lower in fats.  All of them cost MORE and I wonder why?  I am sure there must be some genius answer out there full of financial facts, I just wish eating healthy was easier financially.  I am not saying I am giving up in any way shape or form, because I like the way things are going.  I love how I feel and to my family and me, if spending more  will keep me around a little longer, then we budget to spend more. Besides what is the old saying, "If mama ain't happy nobody's is happy?"  And mommy is very happy right now, feeling awesome, so that means peace reigns in the Hancock Household.

Anyway, this evening I tried a new DD recipe. All I can say is YUM! It's on page 205 of the DD Cookbook and it is called Grilled Pork & Pear Salad with Walnuts.  Mine didn't look as nice as the picture in the book, but it must taste the same because I was in HEAVEN!  Pears, walnuts, baby spinach and baby arugula.  The dressing was to die for and I encourage you all to try it if you get a chance.

My Stretchy Pants

For years I have worn the same pair of black stretchy pants.  I hate, hate, hate shopping for clothes.  One because to be honest it was hard to find clothes in my size.  A few short months ago I was in a 5X. Really, truly, a 5X.  The only clothes that existed for me were big flowered shirts.  You know the ones I am describing. Those big bold colors that show off every detail of your not so curvy curves.  It was like wearing bright colored billboard signs.  And then the pants.  Don't get me started on those pants!  If they weren't stretchy, they weren't fitting me, hence my stretchy pants and always in black because hello, black is slimming.  Well I still own those pants and I wear them to bed or walk with them (I have to pull them under and over the strap of my fanny pack).  The other day I finally came to the conclusion that my "stretchy" pants must go. I was going on my daily walk and thought that my shoe laces were untied.  No that was my pants under my shoes and my fanny pack lost its ability to keep them in place.  Probably not a good thing to lose my pants in the middle of a walk.  So in homage of my lovely stretchy pants I present you with the following pictures.  If you want to, please sing "Memories" as you view them.

                                                         Goodbye Dear Stretchy Pants

                       They used to fit me so well that they would leave elastic marks on my waste

                      I can now wear them over my chest!  New outfit for late night shopping?

                 Now my "skinny" jeans have become my baggy jeans.  Almost shopping time!

I thought I was going to be buried in those pants and now I am going to bury them.  The only problem I have now is that the only pants I have to wear are jeans!  I am not ready to go shopping yet because it still depresses me.  So I am going to enjoy my baggy jeans until they join the ranks of my stretchy pants and then look out, a shopping I will go!

The Holiday

Boy oh Boy, July 4th weekend, filled with food, fun, sun, family and friends.  Did I mention the food???  Now I don't know about you on a diet, but before DD I cringed over the thought of going to a party for fear I would over indulge, or I would have the mentality that, "hey, it's a party! Go ahead and over indulge!"  This time I didn't want to set myself up to fail, so for the first party (yes, the 1st party) I made the Digest Diet's Mexican Cobb Salad.  (I have to admit, I did cheat.  I had a hotdog and I paid dearly for that choice.  My stomach wasn't used to food like that so I was up with stomach cramps.)  The second party I learned my lesson (it was my sister-in-law's 11th anniversary of her 29th birthday - Happy Birthday Stacey!).  I made the Old School Spinach Salad and I pretty much chose  that along with fruit and other vegetable based salads that I could enjoy.  Over that weekend I lost 6 ounces!  It may have been more if I had the opportunity to walk, which I did not. It was a very busy weekend and I also blame that hotdog (a loss is a loss and I am proud of it).  If I had not been up with cramps I would have had the strength to walk (never again will I give in to temptation).

Here I am on the 10th of July and I am 56 pounds down!  Started walking again this week...no more parties - though I don't fear them anymore.  I know what to do.  I take what I can eat and I can still enjoy some of the healthier options at the table.  I mean who doesn't bring a veggie tray to a party? When I was a "professional dieter" I would bring the fruit or veggies just to feel better about all the junk I knew I was going to consume. For some reason I thought the good food would balance out the "bad" food.  Don't you believe it.  I find I don't even crave that food anymore thanks to DD's program.  My body has all it needs in nutrients and the food is great!  I mean great!  I hope this encourages you!  DD is not just a diet for me but a new way of living. If you have tried it I would love to hear from you and find out how it's going.  Your story could encourage others too!

Exercise

I am asked often, "when do you exercise?"  Being a mom of three beautiful children keeps me on my toes.  My middle child Timothy, who has Down Syndrome and goes to school in Baltimore, needs to be up early for his bus that arrives around 6:40 in the morning.  So I wake up at 5 A.M. for devotions,  go to the kitchen where my wonderful 19 year old daughter helps me get Tim prepared for the day (love her...she is such a helpful young lady), breakfast is made (I often have a shake or the Creamy Quinoa-page 159 of the Digest Diet book - both are very quick for moms on the run), and then after his breakfast is complete we are pushing him out the door. There is basically not a real summer here since Timmy is in an eleven month program for school, so it is always go, go and go around here.  Once Tim is on the bus, I take my ever eager dog Gracie for a 1.50 mile walk, sometimes 3 depending on the heat and humidity.  My youngest son, Kameron, always wants to go with me, but this is my quiet time.  I listen to my music, I talk with God and sometimes I talk to myself. In the beginning of the program I found that I really wasn't motivated to exercise as much.  Now I find it essential, not just for losing the weight, but for energy to get through the day.  Without that first walk I find that I feel kinda "blah" for the rest of the day.  In the evening I work out about 15 min. and most of my exercise is done in bed.  Now before you leave comments congratulating my husband, I will let you know he's mostly asleep at this time.  He works evenings.  I concentrate on leg lifts, sit-ups and crunches.  At this point in my life, being on the floor is difficult.  I mean I can get there, but getting back up...well that's a whole different adventure. 

So why am I posting this?  If I can exercise and fit it into my schedule, so can you! You don't have to join a gym if you don't want to or run marathons. You just have to get moving.  And moving works...I am now down 54 pounds!

Working on my family to eat healthy

I am trying to get my family to eat healthy, so I am now using all DD recipes for dinners.  It's a start.  My pantry is full of pistachios, almonds, dark chocolate, and walnuts.  My frig is full of fresh fruits and vegetables along with cheese sticks and low fat cheese spreads.  My boys actually prefer La Tortillas (one of the brands DD recommends) for their sandwiches rather than bread. Awesome!

This evening I made the Pineapple Chicken from the DD Cookbook, page 139.  I served it with brown rice and broccoli.  I don't think I cooked the sauce to the right consistency, and my family does not enjoy scallions so I omitted them and added parsley on top.  The portion below is a little bigger than I would eat, but this was my hubby's.  Again...it's a start for them to eat healthy as well.

Eating out doesn't have to be difficult

Last night I went to my 25th High School Reunion.  Shout out to Owings Mills High School...Go Eagles Go!  We were meeting friends for dinner before hand at the restaurant/bar where the event was taking place.  I used to be so nervous before Digest Diet...going out to restaurants.  The salt, the calories, the salad dressing, the headache!  I was always afraid I would send some waitress running to the kitchen crying because I had to have my dish my way. Have you ever watched When Harry Met Sally?  Well I am now Sally.  Either the waitress is thrilled with me or prays I never return. The Digest Diet program has really assisted me.  Now I haven't bought the dining out book yet...any comments on it if you have purchased it?  I just read the first book over and over and try to stick with the program even when I am in public.  It worked!
So proud of myself.  On the restaurant menu I saw Spinach Salad - Yay for me!  (FYI - DD has a wonderful Spinach Salad recipe in their cookbook page 197 (Old School Spinach Salad) that I highly recommend). The restaurant served the salad with a bacon dressing and croutons - I don't think so.  So I kindly asked the waitress to take out the croutons and the dressing which I replaced with oil and vinegar. It was delicious!  Now since I am looking back...not exactly 25 years; more like four years.  I am finally beginning to see the difference.

                                                              Movies with Hubby 2009

                                                       My Son's Middle School Graduation 2013


In the beginning I couldn't see the differences.  The scale was moving, but in the mirror I saw the same girl.  If it wasn't for the love and support of that handsome man in the top picture I probably would have given up.  He has loved me in good times and bad times and truly in the thin and the thick.  In order to succeed in anything, you must have good support systems.  My first is my faith in Jesus Christ, the second is the love and encouragement of my wonderful husband and family, and then the wisdom of the Digest Diet.  I am sure that Liz Vaccariello, the author of the book and Editor-in-Chief of Reader's Digest would agree that support systems are important (after all she found scientifically speaking that laughter is a fat releaser).  With support systems in place, you feel secure and happier which I believe helps you along your journey, no matter how difficult it can be.

In the beginning...

In the beginning there was a very frustrated girl.  She tried and tried and tried to lose weight and just when she began considering extreme weight loss measures, she found by chance, The Digest Diet.  February 6, 2013 her journey began.  She laughed at what she read in the book.  It appeared to be so simple. But from her failed past attempts with other diets, she knew that losing weight was never simple.  Well it is now June 27, 2013 and she is 52 pounds down and at a weight she has not seen since 1994. And guess what?  Her doubt in Digest Diet has now been replaced by excitement, hence this blog. 

This girl is me. Janice Hancock, 43 year old woman who has struggled with weight all my life.  All the weight loss programs I have been on have sometimes been expensive. My husband and I could have literally taken a trip to Europe on all the diets, shakes, and weird contraptions I have invested in over the years. I found Digest Diet by chance on a website looking for another diet program to purchase.  I thought, what do I have to lose but weight and it certainly was not the price I was going to pay for weight loss products I had in mind.  The book actually makes sense when you read it...and please read it.  This program has changed my life and my way of eating.  I am not hungry for sweet or salty foods and it isn't because I am taking meds or drinking a special shake.  No...I am eating whole foods, real food that my body needs and enjoys.

I would like to note that I am writing this because I really want to encourage others like me who have struggled for so long.  I am not being paid by Reader's Digest (maker of this wonderful book), and I don't work for them. I just really believe in this program and the wealth of knowledge the book contains.  My journey is far...so very far from over.  Yes, I have lost 52 pounds, but I still have over a hundred to go.  Writing that left me breathless for a bit and overwhelmed...but it is what it is.  For the first time in my life I believe that I can do this and I hope that you will not only follow me on this journey, but participate as well!