As far as I can remember, I've always had issues with my weight. I was a chunky toddler, an average adolescent, an overweight pre-teen, and then high school hit and I grew 10 inches without gaining weight. Cheerleading, basketball, cross-country, and being a teenager in general helped keep me slim and trim.
As soon as I went to college, I fell into the trap. 10 lbs freshman year, lost that summer, then 15 lbs the next, lost again. By the time I started grad school, I was about 30 pounts heavier than when I was in high school. So, I worked my tail off at the gym and watched my diet thanks to the help of my roommate, who was into protein shakes and fairly clean eating most of the time.
Clinical rotations came during my last semester, putting the stress on, which is when I started putting weight on. By the time I graduated from P.T school, I was about 15 lbs heavier than when I started 3 years before. Gaining and losing the same weight (plus a little more) became frustrating.
Then came the wedding. I lost a good 20 lbs to get ready for that. Nothing is as motivating as everyone staring at you for an entire day, followed by a honeymoon in Hawaii!
Soon, married and work life took its toll, and I regained that 20 lbs plus 5 more. Then BAM! Pregnant. Gained more. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, (4 months shy of 3 years postpartum) stuck at 15 lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight, depressed with a low self esteem, and ready for the old me again...sexy, confident, fit.
So.....with the unending support from my fabulous husband, I started Medifast on August 1st. Yes, it sounds like a fad diet, a scam, whatever you want to call it.
BUT it's NOT!!!:
Two and a half weeks in, I am half a pound away from losing 10 lbs. At the 2-week mark, I had lost 7 pounds and 6 inches. Medifast uses a plan called the '5 and 1 plan', which is high in protein, low in carbs and sugar, and also contains many of the daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. I eat 5 small pre-packaged meals (shakes, protein bars....heck, even brownies and chocolate chip pancakes!) and one meal I prepare myself called the "Lean and Green", consisting of a lean protein and 3 servings of vegetables. I eat about every 2.5 to 3 hours, and I chug water like you wouldn't believe! The first 4 days were the worst, for sure, as I detoxed from the caffeine, sugar, and carbs. Since then, I'm feeling a bit more energetic, sometimes a little hungry, but almost 10 pounds lighter!!!!
I managed to make it through my birthday weekend last week without one cheat (I actually haven't cheated at all), and I'm so proud of myself. Will power has always been my weakness, and I feel like I am in total control this time around!
I really look forward to the future and regaining "the old me"!!
