Thinking...

Just wanted to come here today and quickly blog. I have an exam tonight, so I have to go study.

I stepped on the scale this morning, and it's not good. I'm stuck. It has been fluctuating between 204-208 lbs. Notice the 4 lbs? If the 4lbs would go in the other direction: I'd be at the 200 lb! The mind is a powerful tool. My brain is keeping me in the 200's. Perhaps even my heart.

Thank you for your kind words Kimberley and Joania. You are both right...I can do this! I am grateful for your love and support. I'm feeling all sorts of emotions, perhaps the stress of my exam is clouding my thoughts right now. So before I go further, I'll be back in a few days with clear intentions.

Rob Lagana sent me a message:
"What's your fear ? Tell yourself the truth and when you do, ask yourself if that's the truth, then tell yourself the truth again. Remember how your body felt, just before you wanted to eat those foods. What did you feel ? Sadness, Anger, Anxiety... I know it's not a good feeling that you felt, because those foods don't promote wellness. Think about how you truly felt, and don't dismiss it, conquer it with LOVE.You deserve it !"

Usually, I have the answer for everything. I don't have an answer for that...I really need to think about it. Because the first thing that came to my mind was:
JUNK FOOD SUNDAY!!!! GET IT ALL IN>>>MONDAY IS IN TWO HOURS! :)

Surely, not the answer I'm looking for. More importantly, that's the attitude that got me in this mess in the first place! On a serious note, the numbers on the scale don't lie, and that is not funny!

Going to think...and think this through. I'll be back....

Kimmy

The Power of Healthy Eating

Back from my physician's with powerful information.

Back in May, my family doctor had informed me that my cholesterol levels were high. Normally, she would prescribe something as she was alarmed. I was morbidly obese. My blood pressure was high and so was my heart rate.

Here were my cholesterol levels:

CHOL (Total Cholesterol)

5.19 and lower is good 6.14

TG (Triglycerides--another form of fat in your blood )

2.29 and lower is good 3.83

HDL (good) cholesterol--helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries )

1.3 - 99999 is good .90


My blood pressure was also high as well as my heart rate.

Also, my LDL goal (% risk for heart disease) was HIGH. People in this category usually suffer a heart attack or stroke within 10 years!!! I am only 36 years old...that was reality in the face!

So I hooked up with Rob Lagana and made some serious lifestyle changes. I also met with Bruce Bonner and further made more improvements in my diet.

Here are today's results only after changing my lifestyle for six months: NO MEDS!

May 11 November 6

CHOL

6.14 (High)

5.00 (Perfect!)

TG

3.83 (High)

1.21 (Perfect!)

HDL

.90 (Low, not good as this is the good cholesterol)

1.3 (Perfect!)

My risk target went from High to LOW! Amazing!

On the other hand, my blood pressure and heart rate were still on the high side. I know that the cause of it, is my anxiety levels and all that is going on in my house. It's always busy here and I stress myself out over having the perfect clean home, the nice dinner on the table, spending time with my kids, taking them to their activities, working-out, training, spending time with my husband, doing my school work etc...the constant to and fro of friends and visitor's at the door. It's getting to be to much for me and my body is telling me something.

Here is a sample of what I do to myself...it is now 3 pm.

• I have one more bed to make
• a bathroom to tidy
• another load of laundry to do
• dishwasher to empty
• lunch for myself
• pick-up Carmy at 4:30
• Banking
• Grocery store (for dinner)
• A school assignment to work on
• Cardio
• Weight Training
• Dinner
• Clean-up

That is IF I have no interruptions.

Nonetheless, focus on the positive! I got an A+ from my physician today, and if it wasn't for H1N1 she said she would have given me a HIGH-FIVE! LOL

All this to show you the amazing power of healthy eating! You can change anything...just set your mind to it!

Week 19!

Great News!

I am down another pound! I'm a little nervous because I'm on the brink of turning a corner and reaching a major milestone for me. However, I'm excited in the weeks to come to share it with you all. I won't breathe another word of it, until it happens.

Kim: - 1 lb

Total: -23 lbs

Tony:

Now, for the sake of anything. Tony is not happy that all his progress is being reported on my blog. LOL He's not so much on the inspiration page as I am. So...shh... (in other words, don't tell him you read it on here!...a little bird told ya!)

Tony has now lost a total of:

*huge drum roll

*Another 5 lbs gone!

Total weight loss:

- 51 lbs

So very proud of him. The thing with Tony, he is doing it all by watching what he eats and making sure he has his breakfast in the morning. Amazing what eating healthy and clean does.

Time to Tighten the Belt: a Meeting with our Trainer

Last night, Tony and I had a quick sit down with Rob (www.laganafitness.com) and we discussed a few things.
I spoke to Rob briefly about my frustrations with lack of weight loss compared to Tony. I know...I know...he's a man, he has more weight to lose blah, blah, blah. But, as my eight year old Carmelo would surely say if he was in my place; "come on fricken all ready!"

Here I am, eating my cereal with almond breeze, drinking one coffee a day with my stevia, making sure to drink all my water, having snacks, and eating my meals 4 hours apart and especially making sure not to eat before going to bed. I'm doing my cardio and adding in some yoga.

Tony is having his protein shake in the morning if I make it for him. Skipping lunch (that's right Rob! I'm outing him), having sweets at work, thanks to those sabotaging girls at work! Plus, only drinking a tad of water. NOT working-out. Having a crappy protein bar for "lunch". Plus, having a bowl of cereal at night with MILK!

The difference? Tony loses $@@@@ a zillion pounds....Kim? ...the scale decides to budge down a small notch!!! As Jillian would say on The Biggest Loser: "F@@@ing BULL@@T MAN!!!"

Okay, I'm finished venting. As Rob made something very clear to me (I heard ya Rob...loud and clear). I need to weight train! I repeat: I need to weight train!
As Rob explained (and I already knew this...but it selectively skipped my mind): Men naturally have more muscle, therefore when they eat right (apparently Tony is on the right track still) they lose weight faster and more efficiently. Woman are not as muscular, therefore MUST compensate by weight-training. Cardio is NOT enough. If I might add to Rob's thoughts on this, from a woman's perspective; woman are built to carry some fat and less muscle due to nature's way (pregnancy especially). That is why once a month when Auntie Rose pays her visit, we tend to gain a few pounds or not lose weight that week. It's the body's natural instinct to prepare in case of pregnancy.

I know I am 100% accountable for not doing my weight-training. After much reflection last night, I am one hundred percent committed to this weight loss journey. Rob has advised me to:
4x a week weight train
3x a week cardio (30 mins)
plus
yoga when possible.

I came up with a great solution. I brought up my mat, free weights, ball etc...from the cruddy basement (a bonus of having a brand new home) and placed them in the living room. Twenty or so minutes in the morning while my three year old has his breakfast is all it's going to take. I have no excuses other than I am the excuse. I have also added a new side page detailing my work-out calendar so that I can be held accountable for not working-out (feel free to kick me when I'm not keeping up!) It begins today!

Confessions!

Tony's Confession

Tony weighed himself this morning and he is down another 1 lb. I proceeded to tell him that I've been recording his weight loss progress...and after a long pause: "I have something to tell you." -Great I thought, he's been lying about his weight loss.

As a matter of fact, his starting weight was much greater than he had originally told me. He was embarrassed. However, his current weight remains the same. So he has lost alot more weight than I've been recording!

Wow!!! So he had originally told me (and I will only post this today...and then perhaps as we go further down the road) 303 lbs was his starting weight, when in fact his last recorded weight at his physician's was 312 lbs. This morning he weighed in at 272.0 lbs for a total weight loss of ....

40. 0 lbs!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

******Edit:

I received an email question regarding Tony's weight loss. Tony has lost this weight WITHOUT any working-out (unless you consider golfing...riding the golf cart a work-out...than he's worked out more than a top bodybuilder! LOL). Tony has had two back surgeries, and in order for him to begin working out, he believes he needs to take more weight off. He carries his weight all in his stomach, so it is a HUGE load on his back.

How did he do it?
By eating three healthy meals a day. Following Rob Lagana's (www.langanafitness.com) advice. By ruling out sugar, eliminate ALL carbonated drinks and white carbs etc... Tony has taken control over his diet in a natural, healthy way. The results are showing off on the scale weekly!

News and Such...

Refreshing Starbucks?

Okay, my trainer Rob has suggested a wonderful new refreshing drink. It's Starbucks and it's not expensive. Another bonus, low in calories! It's a 'Venti shaken iced green tea" *no syrup. I highly recommend it!

CIBC Run for the CURE

In another news, I've signed up our family for the CIBC Run for the Cure. I was first inspired to join in because of my altruistic niece Jessica whom at age 25 not only does the run, but also volunteer's her time for much fundraising and events for the cause. Tony lost both his Moms' to breast cancer. What better way to teach your children that we can make a difference in this world?! In addition, there is so much more to life than television, video games, and sports. Life is not only short, it is precious. Together we can make a positive impact. I find it an imperative lesson for my children to learn. So I signed up our family and entered us as a team: Pink Nocita's. Tony's two niece's are also going to join us and our family as we walk the 1K in honour of Caterina and Esterina.
https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=3475513&languageid=1

Lifestyle...

In the weight loss world, seems we are on a hold. I've made a few changes and I'm sure it's had an impact on things. So I'm back on Almond Breeze in my cereal and coffee. I think that I must be sensitive to dairy as when I switch to skim milk...I don't lose weight. The day or two after I've been on Almond Breeze and cut out dairy from my diet; the scale starts to plummet! I wanted to experiment a bit and that is the conclusion I have come upon. I'm also going to make a greater effort to go to the gym, as well as continue walking with my club. Maybe the walk isn't enough cardio. So I'll try that for a few weeks and see where I go from there. I am still motivated, and on the wagon. That is a plus. I'm looking to be in the low 200's (- 210) so that is my goal. Rob is coming to visit this week and hopefully pump us right back to where we need to be to kick start the journey again.

That's all for now. I'm off to go do my business writing strategy school work.

Blessings to all!
Kimmy

Humps and Hope

Well, a little bit of a hump for me with no weight loss this week. :< Still, I refuse to be discouraged (at least it's not a gain...right?). As Randy Pausch said: "Brick walls are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough."

A few things it could be: I've been eating basmati rice at night for dinner thinking it was brown/whole wheat. I discovered yesterday, that it was in fact white. I don't know if it would make that much of a difference (perhaps my nutritionist/trainer Rob) can help me on that. However, lesson learned: read your labels carefully, VERY carefully. I also, broke down this week and had a few ju-jubes. I was craving some sugar something fierce. I'm sure a few jubes didn't do it. Something was going on with my body. Thus, it's probably a combination of several things. No more excuses...lol I'm going to step it up another notch. Promising to weight train twice this week, do some Tracy Anderson method, awesome for toning. If you don't believe me, check out Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow who train with her! I'm going to do some yoga today to hopefully lift my spirit and energy a bit. My hormones must be raging because I'm feeling very "blah"...

On another note, I'm still walking with my 'club'. We walk about 5-6 km every night. One member is not feeling well and her 'ramadan' starts today (fasting) so I don't know if she'll be joining us for walks in the next month or so. Nonetheless, it has given me a chance to connect with my other member a bit. Life sometimes can be freaky/weird in a beautiful divine way. I kind of love these things...so I enjoy sharing them. I know sometimes I can also be 'weird' about this stuff. But, if I don't share my 'enlightening' experiences with you: who will? :>

Anyhow, so my one walking partner, I'll call her Carol (as I'm not sure how comfortable people are with having their stories all over the net...so out of respect for her). Carol and I have quite a bit in common, it's actually astonished us both. Here are the similarities:

-we both have three boys (almost the same ages)
-our babies are both named Anthony/Antonio
-we both have shitsu dogs
-we both have cats (mine passed away recently)
-we are both french (although she is more french than I...lol)
-we are both married to Italians
-we live in the same model house
-our furniture: some pieces identical, others similar
-our choices/upgrades with the builder are pretty much the same
etc...
As Carmelo once said in the only way Carmelo can say after being in their house: "Holy Cow Mom! It was like being in our house! We have SO much of the same stuff! That is too freaky for me!!!"
I could go on and on. I call them our 'twin' family.

While walking with Carol, I have learned many new similarities. The biggest one being that she was overweight too and has lost a significant amount of weight and is working hard to keep it off. She is also a huge emotional eater. Wow! Our paths are very similar so it is such a blessing to share with her.

Looking at her now, being thin as she reached her goal weight recently...I can attest how she is feeling etc...I know she won't go down the road I did, as she's at her goal weight and still working-out hard and eating well. She is quite an inspiration and gives me hope that I can do it again! If anything, it is therapy to walk along side someone who is living a parallel life.

So thank God for inspiration and motivation!!! Hope is eternal!

Cheers!
Kimmy

As I previously posted about my 'blah' day, I did manage to get to the gym, get in a 30 minute cardio session and a tan. Not bad for an 'off' day. Our trainer also came by to go over our new meal plan and training. I'm pumped. I'm so looking forward to being in onederland again, and wearing my wedding rings. This is my ultimate goal.

I haven't worn them for four years now. I miss them soooooooo much but I REFUSE to have them fitted yet again. The last time I wore them I was 190 lbs. That is what I'm reaching for (for now...and then my goal weight: 160 lbs). That will be a happy happy day. I don't mind at all to have them sized down again...but to make them bigger is just humiliating. So I have refused to wear them...until they fit again. Sadly, too since Tony had bought me a gorgeous five diamond anniversary ring for our anniversary a few years ago. I was three months pregnant at the time and the five diamonds symbolized our family of five united. So of course, once the pregnancy progressed and I got pudgy...the rings had to come off. That was the end of that. They've all been stored since :<...Perhaps, I should just hang them on the fridge as a gentle reminder! BLAH! ( I posted a photo of my engagement ring...ah...one day soon she'll be adorning my finger again!)

Anyhow, I've had an awesome work-out week! YAHOOOO...We are Friday today...so this has been my week:

Sunday: Elliptical 30 minutes

Monday: Walk and Yoga

Tuesday: Treadmill: 35 minutes

Wednesday: Walk

Thursday: Treadmill 35 minutes

Friday: Treadmill 40 minutes/Training with Tony

Tonight, Tony and I have a date to start our new training routine. I'm looking forward to it...(I think).

Eating has been good too. Monday we start our new meal plan as set-out by Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/). I'm a little afraid since all the planning, cooking etc...is falling on my shoulders. Not that it always doesn't. I just have to make sure that I have all the ingredients always in stock. Plus, make certain Tony has his lunch made and ready for him. It's a little nerving...but I have to step up to the plate.

As a side note....last week, I said a little prayer to the Universe/God hoping to get some encouragement in the working-out dept. (Anyone ever tell you to be careful what to wish for?) LMAO...kidding!

So, my neighbour has asked me to walk with her when we are both free. Check!

I also noticed at the gym, my other neighbour (we call this family our twin family...lol) and we've kind of ran into each other and she's planning on working-out at the gym at the same time as I usually do. Today, we worked out side by side and conversed. It was great to see a familiar face...so Check again!

While working-out, I had a chuckle and gave thanks. So I'll be going to the gym quite often now AND walking AND training with Tony. Hey, if I don't get fit now...I never will!!! LOL

Well...I'm sure that's enough for one day. Eh?!

Love and Light,

Kimmy

A Little Bit of Everything...Rolled Into a Great Blog

First off, another pound gone! I'm not going down the 'just a pound' route even though that little red guy on my shoulder is trying to be heard. A pound lost is further ahead than I was last week. Besides, I cannot keep repeating myself, but I will because I love to be heard...lol. I feel awesome! I heard a great saying today and I will share it with you. GI=GO
Garbage In=Garbage Out (David Wolfe) There is some powerful healing in eating clean, healthy and organic.

Tony is at a standstill. It could be anything and everything. Tony is a VERY...I repeat VERY anxious person. Having bulldozers and a steady work crew in our yard the last two weeks has made him very anxious and stressed. That alone can trigger the body into holding onto the 'fat'. I mean what's a guy to do when people are working on your pride and joy but watch and smoke ten packs of cigarettes?! (okay...okay a little exaggeration, but you get the idea.) We are treating ourselves to a nice dinner out tonight as a celebration of our victories and come tomorrow...it's hard core again.

Speaking of nice evening's out. Last night, we had such a great visit with our neighbour's. We are so blessed and lucky to live in a neighbourhood with some beautiful people and great families. My children are so happy here. After our neighbourhood pow-wow, we were treated to a deluge of rain. Our whole family stood by the windows at 1:30 am and watched the gorgeous rainfall. It was like a gift from above, as our new sod and completed yard was finished today. Nothing like a rain like that to help grass grow!

This week we are meeting with Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/) to go over our new meal plan and work-out routine. I'm looking forward to the change, and the boost. I'm aiming to lose three pounds to bring me into the 210's. I'm going to celebrate that victory with a visit to The Brookstreet Spa for a detox body wrap and facial.

I'm so amazed at how a simple lifestyle change like making an effort to eat clean and organic can change other aspects of your life. Tony and I are happier than we have ever been...now Rob, if we could just convince Tony to take-up Yoga or meditation...it would be more than perfect...lol!

Thanks for reading...please don't be shy to comment. I enjoy all your feedback!

As we say...Love, Light and Blessings!
Kimmy

Books

I truly believe in the power of knowledge. Knowledge is power. Even though I have almost every 'nutrition book" out there. I always update and love to read up on new information. For the record, I am not following a 'diet' per say, but rather am being followed/guided by Rob Lagana.

Nonetheless, I find it highly motivating to read and immerse myself in the world of well-being.

Some great reads I recommend are:

1. "Are You Ready!" by Bob Harper (Biggest Loser trainer)


2. "Master Your Metabolism" by Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser trainer)


3. "The Hormone Diet" by Natasha Turner (thanks Lene! :>)


4. "You on a Diet!" by Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz

Day 1

Well, Day 1 went off without to much of a hitch!

Trying to support my hubby is going to be harder than I thought...lol! Week 1 was to stay away from Soda's (None) and sugared fruit juices. As well as implement a few other things...

HOWEVER, Tony decided that Rob didn't say "NO ICE CREAM", so proceded to have a bowl (and the biggest bowl I've ever seen) followed by cheesies. I finally spoke-up when he was heading for the Mr. Freezies! Why is it that when we feel we are 'restricted' (which we are not by the way) do we feel the need to eat more? I've never seen Tony do such a thing. So this morning, I sat him down and told him...just because you are 'allowed' doesn't mean you can go overboard. MODERATION is the key or a healthier choice for example, frozen yogurt. Plus, would he have starved to death last night? Absoluetly not! One thing I have learned throughout my years of weight loss battles is that self-talk is imperative. In this case, just affirming that; "I have eaten enough today to sustain my body through the night" could be enough to keep you from over snacking. Nonetheless, I have a job to do, and that is to go through all the cupboards, the fridge and the freezer and get rid of anything that is not acceptable health wise. ARGHHH!!! :>

Okay, so I don't think I've ever blogged about my 'dream'. I've always dreamed of running a 5K race (cue in the music of "Chariots of Fire"...lmao!). One time (a few years back) I was stoked to do a Run for The Cure with my niece. We talked and talked about it, and we both were to start training for it. Well, a month before the actual event, Jess called and asked if I was ready!? I had forgotten all about it! (I still feel bad about that...sorry Jess...) LMAOOOOOOOOOOO! Last year, I had my hernia so it was out of the question. Now, I am out of shape...so who knows. But, I'm putting it out there and will chat with Rob about it. Determination can do a lot of things.

That's all for now...

Have a great day!
Kimmy

A Whole NEW DAY!

As promised, here is my news. Forgive me for blabbing and carrying on as you know I'm famous for that and ALWAYS have so much information to share.



So Rob Lagana has been a long time acquaitance of my husband Tony. On Saturday, we went to a Royal Italian event (we ate for 12 hours, no exageration!) Anyhow, Tony ran into someone who has been working with Rob. Thus far, he has lost 70 lbs (in 7 months!) and was telling Tony how he loved working with Rob etc...



Between course number 7 and 8 (LOL!) Tony proceeded to tell me about Rob (which I had heard since Rob has had quite a bit of publicity), but kind of forgotten about (selective memory !) I offered my persuasion to Tony as I think that if he does it, I will too. It's really hard to eat well, when your hubby insists you keep the junk cupboard stocked full tilt! If it's not in the house, I won't eat it, but if it is...it calls me! :>



Tony had previously done another weight loss gimmick program where he lost 100lbs in 4 months (exageration!), and gone mental on us all! I mean he almost left me, crazyness for sure! LOL Seriously, research shows that these fast take weight loss programs really screw-up your system. Tony was losing his hair, his skin looked grey and clearly he was NOT thinking straight! LOL I've heard/read countless stories of such...In the end, Tony gained all of his weight back. He looks back on this time as sure hell and crazyness. Like he told Rob yesterday: "he just went mental!". Not good!



So Rob walked us through his program. All I have to say is AWESOME. No gimmicks, no needles and no promises. He will work with us, and the rest is really up to us. So true! The most disgracful thing of all (and a real eye opener) is Rob was recommending some supplements, and work-out gear etc...for us. Guess what! Fish oils liquid form: CHECK! In the fridge brand new! Whey protein powder. CHECK! In a the cupboard Supersized! An exercise ball. CHECK in the basement collecting dust! Weights. CHECK! Name the size...and we even have a variety of colours! Treadmill. Elliptical. CHECK! CHECK CHECK CHECK!!! We have all the tools, and plus...now it's to use them and be CONSISTENT ABOUT IT!



So here I am off again. I'm excited and nervous for many reasons. First of all, I'm having to carry myself and Tony for a bit until Tony gets into the swing of things. The good thing is we are now both on the same page (cue throwing out all garbage food!), and our family will benefit immensly for this journey we are embarking on. We are also going to be working-out together, so that should be fun! :>

However, I don't want to fail again at this weight loss stuff. I'm putting myself out there because I want to inspire others too. I know I can do it. We all can.



On Tuesday, I got the speaches of speaches from my physician (the universe comes to us in many ways...hammer in full swing! :>), my bad cholesterol is borderline high, and my good cholesterol is borderline low. My vitamin D was dangerously low (as reported) causing my legs to cramp and shake, causing my legs not to work (!), giving me shaky hands, raising my heart rate high, speech issues, headaches, etc...(being low on vitamin D is no joke!) As she reminded me, I'm 36 years old and overweight (thanks I know!). It's time to take back the control of my life otherwise these health issues will just pile-up. So true! I got officially weighed-in with her, and have all my blood work to compare with in 6 months (after being with Rob for six months). I'm looking forward to showing myself and my physician that I can do it!



So now I'm in....