My "Richard Simmons Moment"

I remember several years ago I did the "Deal-A-Meal" program with Richard Simmons. I diligently worked out for an hour every single day, "Sweatin' To The Oldies. I dreamed of meeting Richard Simmons some day and telling him my tearful story of being profiled as a fat person, mistreated, unable to do fun things or shop in awesome stores. I was going to cry, need lots of tissue, and thank him for helping me overcome my weight problem. He was going to choose me to be on his next video too. I wanted to get past these struggles and HELP PEOPLE!! Every time I watched a Richard Simmons video I visualized the scenario. Of course, sweet Richard Simmons telling me to love myself every morning just wasn't enough and I gained my weight back plus some. You've probably heard before my story of being kicked off the roller coaster, if not, go back further in my blog. Its all there. I later found Take Shape For Life and have lost 120 lbs!

The night before I left for my trip to Orlando, I was talking to my husband, thanking him for allowing me to go and trying to explain to him why I felt it was important to do so. After losing 120 lbs with Take Shape For Life, I feel the desire to help others and I really need to invest the time and learn how to help them right! I shared with Roy my dream of being on a Richard Simmons video but here's what I've learned. Are you ready?? This is exciting! I was DREAMING TOO SMALL!! Yes! That's right! Since being introduced to Take Shape For Life, I've gone from a skeptical whiner to an enthusiastic participant and a qualified CERTIFIED Health Coach with many clients! I get to tell my story every day! I get to inspire others, encourage and stir bravery in people-many I never would've met at all if it hadn't been for Take Shape For Life! What's amazing is that with TSFL, there aren't just 8 people being picked to tell there stories, there is room for everyone with a story and we all have one! Trouble losing the last 5 lbs?? BMI off the chart? There is someone out there that needs to hear your story. Share it.

So, here we are, full circle...my "Richard Simmons" moment. When I was in Orlando, I met Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson, founder and Medical Director of Take Shape For Life. I got to tell him my story but I didn't have tears in my eyes. I was full of enthusiasm, ready to hear his heart for getting America Healthy and ready to spread the word that Take Shape For Life works. This program is simple, safe, effective and you can lose up to 2-5 lbs per week! I'd love to assist you, so don't feel shy about contacting me or asking questions. This is my dream job. literally.

Lose Big Win Big

How much weight can you drop in 30 days? Contest begins May 5th and goes through June (5th?... whatever that Wednesday is!LOL) It will go buy percentage of weight lost, rather than pounds and you must be present to compete! Every Wednesday night at Gresham Memorial Chapel. The prize this round is going to be a $100 gift card! We will also have weekly prizes so stay tuned for more info!

Coupon Code

I have a coupon code for $50 off your first order with Take Shape For Life. Contact me for more information!

SHAPE Training

If you are one of my Health Coaches or if you'd like to join my team or just learn more about becoming a coach with Take Shape For Life, this is an amazing event. Contact me for locations and times!

Mt. Hood Climb Update

I am running 2 miles a day. My times have been 16:30 a mile to start, and have gotten to 13:30 minute miles now. Need to carve it down to 10-11 minute miles. The climb has been scheduled for May 17, 18 or 19 weather permitting. I'm getting excited! Please be praying for us all as we prep for this adventure!

Signing off till next time,

In health,

Charity

Home From Orlando

Last week I packed up my new summer wardrobe and flew to Orlando, Florida for an event called "Go Global!" This event has nothing to do with global warming! I heard someone suggest that in the elevator. No, this was a training event for health coaches! 5 Star resort with pools and a lazy river, nice accomodations and an alligator on the golf course. What an office! I loved sitting under the palm tree's and learning from some of the finest health coaches in the country!

What did I learn? Last year, Dr. Anderson (the founder and Medical Director of Take Shape For Life) wrote a book and created a whole system on The Habits of Health. I have read it, been changed by it and have encouraged my clients to buy the book and companion guide, but I hadn't really known how to use it. Lori Anderson (Dr. Anderson's wife and a Registered Nurse) taught a class on how to use the system with our clients! One of the things I heard someone say was that some of us lose weight, but our mind is still fat! With the use of the 3 tools we use (medifast meal replacements, the health coach and the Habits of Health system) we work on making our mind skinny to match our new bodies! It made so much sense to me. I've gotten my weight under control more than a few times, but my mind remained fat. I dreamed of junk food and that full feeling that makes you sleepy. Mmm. So, how do we over come that? How do we make our mind skinny and healthy and keep the weight off? Let's work on our Habits of Health together!

My recommendations are as follows: if you are already working with a health coach (especially if you are working with me!!) please, if you haven't already, order Dr. Anderson's Habits of Health book combo! After this is ordered (and for those of you who have already ordered it!) then I will give you weekly assignments. IF you aren't signed up with a health coach yet, please contact me! I'd love to help you place your first order and I have a coupon code for $50 off so we can get you the book combo, essentially for free. I look forward to working with you all on this system and creating health in your life!

I learned SO much more on this trip. I learned that I exist to stir bravery and instill courage in people. Losing weight can be scary! Trying new things, taking chances, going for adventures! I learned that I am an enthusiastic personality! I'm a cheerleader! If I believe in something and get excited about it, you can't hold me back! (By the way, I LOVE TAKE SHAPE FOR LIFE!!!)

Of course I learned so much and I am glad to be home again with my kids and husband. I missed them all so much. So, now I continue my Mt. Hood climb training and tomorrow I take my certification exam for TSFL! Please feel free to contact me at any time via email/facebook/texts/instant messaging or phone!

P.S. Tonight at 7 pm, Gresham Memorial Chapel, we have our weekly support meeting. WE will be tasting food, explaining the 5 & 1 TSFL program and encouraging those already on plan! This is a good time to bring friends who may be interested in the program as well! I hope to see you there!

Easter Debrief

Yesterday was Easter. Yesterday, I was surrounded by chocolate bunnies filled with peanut butter, caramel, and marshmallow. Easter cake, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade rolls and honey baked ham. How did you get through the gauntlet of food? OR did you?

I bet before you answer that, you want to know how I did. Well. Here goes: not stellar. I began my day with a medifast cappuccino. My favorite way to start the day no matter what I'm doing. Just a healthy habit I've picked up over the past year and a half. And then you can't eat during church, so I was alright there. But afterward. *sigh* I have been really good on plan for the last couple months so I felt free to indulge with the mashed potatoes and ham. I baked the cake so of course I had a piece of that too. So, after all these months retraining myself, what exactly did I do differently this year? Well, let me tell you. I didn't get stuffed. I didn't have seconds or thirds. I didn't eat all my kids candy. I didn't bring home leftovers. No weight gain. Just a little bit of a sugar hangover. Today, I am drinking all my water, and easing myself back into the 5 & 1. It'll take a few days for me to get my energy level back up to what it was (however, then it will be my birthday! No more cake for me though. I've already had enough!)

I want to share a few ideas with you. My philosophy on Holidays and cheating. I wrote this up for a few clients who asked for help deciding what to do...... (by the way, the all emailed me this morning telling me how awesome they did this weekend, how good they feel, and how they feel in control....what an amazing feeling to be in control of your food intake!)

So, for Easter. Here is my unofficial advice for Easter and beyond. I know you are going to have a lot going on this month (I am too! My birthday is on the 11^th and I leave for Orlando on the 14^th! And as soon as I get back, my sister who lives in Kentucky will be here!) This month is going to be like jumping through a gauntlet. So… here is my unofficial advice. If you think you will feel deprived not having anything, then have a little of whatever it is you love, not a lot, but a little. My first year (actually my first month) I had to deal with Thanksgiving. I was SOO good while my family piled on the mashed potatoes and gravy and homemade rolls. The next day I was mad. I felt like I had missed out and went bizerk. I was so sick that weekend. When Christmas rolled around, I totally took bits and pieces of what I wanted, and got back into my routine the next day and felt great. Never angry or felt deprived. HOWEVER, you HAVE to be prepared to deal with the consequences on the scale the following week. It will kick you out of fat burning and you may find yourself fighting old sugar addictions again. If you can’t deal with that, then stick to plan. If you can look at the scale, see a small loss-if any at all- and still be happy and encouraged and ready to tackle your goal, the I say have a great day on Sunday. J

Another idea, for when you have a lot going on, is to pick which ones are the MOST important. Try to be totally good for everything but the one thing that is going to be the hardest. I am trying to behave for Easter and my birthday, and then allow myself some wiggle room in Orlando. But I am ok with my scale not moving this month too. It has to be your personal decision and what you can live with.