Get out of my head

Sometimes it's really hard to get out of your head.  

I've been jogging for the last 4 months and I've worked my way up to 3 miles.  I do this 4 or 5 days a week.  My goal was to be able to jog a 5k.  Well, there is one coming up in a couple of weeks.  October 4th to be exact.  It's called ZipperQ, the K before the Q.  It's a great charity and I'd love to participate.   I've filled out the registration form 5 times and when it comes to actually submitting the form and making that small $35.00 payment, I always click the X and log out of the form.  Why do I do this?  

I'm scared... I start thinking about the trail, it's not what I'm used to.  I start thinking about all the people.  They are all probably really fit and have a great pace.  I start thinking about what all those people are thinking about me.  I start thinking about being the last one to cross the finish line and wondering if they are saying things like, "what is she doing?" "everyone else passed the finish line 15 minutes ago." "she's too fat to run."  In reality, they probably don't even care.  But, these are my fears.  
I've lost 45 lbs, I still have about 40 lbs to go, I feel good, but I still see that fat girl in the mirror and she won't go away.   

While I was out jogging this morning a song that I'd never heard before and didn't even know was on my playlist came on. I didn't have my glasses on, so I couldn't see the name of the song while it was playing. I've got to try and find it and listen to it again. This may become my new theme song.

"If you will say it, you’ll start to claim it. It’s amazing, if you can see it, you'll start to believe it. Don’t waste time thinking about the things that ain't right, all you have to do is make up your mind. And its Beautiful. You’re so beautiful. Can’t win if you don’t try, you're beautiful"

It was someone rapping and a girl singing along. I don't like rap music and like I said, never heard it before, don't know how it ended up on my phone, but I'm glad it did. It's a great message for everyone.

I'm tired of being scared that I can't do things.  I think submitting the form for the ZipperQ 5K (and showing up for the run) is something that I NEED to do.  I know I can jog 5k.  I know I'm not the fastest.  I know that if I do this, I'm sure it will help me lose 40 more lbs.  I know I will gain more confidence.  

I guess it's time to submit my registration form.

Anybody want to do this with me?  Here's the link www.zipperq.com

What a difference a year makes

I was looking through some old photos and came across this picture.  That was taken several years ago.  As you can see, I wasn't very happy.  I'd just gotten laid off from a job of 10 years.  I was fat and miserable.  

I can't tell you have many times I tried to lose weight.  I tried Weight Watchers 3 different times, I'd lose a little, get frustrated that everyone else was losing weight every week and I wasn't.  I felt like I was always hungry, I felt deprived and I would give up, the weight would come back with friends.  Does that sound familiar?  I've also tried prescription diet pills, HCG and shots, Real Dose, Ace and Plexus.  I had finally come to the conclusion I was just going to be fat for the rest of my life.

One day I saw a testimony on facebook about a product call Skinny Fiber.  I checked it out and watched for several months until I decided what the heck.  I was very skeptic, I assumed this product was going to be the all the other products that still lined the shelves of my medicine cabinet.  They offered a money back guarantee, so I ordered it.

I've got to tell you, I wasn't expecting to see any results.  The first thing I noticed was I hadn't taken my acid reflux medication in a couple of days.  I was taking 2 prescription medications AND chewing tums all day long to get relief from the constant burning and reflux.  It has now been over a year and I haven't had acid reflux since.  I also suffered from IBS.  I couldn't eat anything without having to RUN to the bathroom within minutes of my last bite.  That's gone also.  

I waited to step on the scales until my 2nd week of Skinny Fiber.  I was shocked.  I'd lost 11 lbs and 16".  I lined my pictures up side by side and the difference was incredible.  

I want this to be the LAST weigh loss journey you'll ever have to take.  I'm not on a diet.  I don't feel deprived.  If I really want to eat some fries, I'll have some.  I just don't want the entire order anymore.  If I want chocolate cake, I'll eat some, but now all I need is 1 bite, not a chunk of cake.

When I first started taking Skinny Fiber I weighed 207 lbs.  It's been 12 months and I've lost 46 lbs and almost 90".  During the first 9 months I didn't change anything except I quit drinking all carbonated drinks.  No more diet pop!  Now I drink plain water 99% of the time.  Every once in awhile I might have an iced tea if I'm out with the girls.  But water is now my drink of choice.  

My weight loss was a fast as some of my team members.  I've had a hysterectomy, my gall bladder has been removed and I absolutely HATED exercise with a passion.  But, like I said the first 9 months nothing changed.  In June a friend told me about a 5k training app she was doing call ZombiesRun.  Hey, I like zombie movies and thought it might be fun, so I downloaded it.  It contained walk/run drills and I was actually enjoying them.  Hmmm...I was actually exercising without throwing  fit.  Now I'm running 3 miles 5 days a week.  Crazy itsn't it!

I could go on and on and on about the benefits that Skinny Fiber has made to my life.  It has totally changed.  In the picture on the left.  That's a 2XL top and the jeans are a 18.  Now, I'm wearing medium/large tops and my jeans are a 10.  I was even able to get into my incentive pants which are a size 8.  Still a little too tight for public viewing, but with Skinny Fiber and motivation I'll get there.

Place your order today for Skinny Fiber www.imsbc4life.com

Running in the Rain

Sugar and spice and everything nice...yep, that's me.  I can't get wet or I'll melt.  If it's raining outside, I'm inside.  In a way I always envied the pictures of people dancing in the rain, playing in the rain, kissing in the rain.  But, I'm not a wet and wild kinda girl.

As most of you know, I'm trying to get my stamina back up from being sick a week or so ago.  Mostly walking, and started with trying to jog 1/2 mile without stopping and working my way back up to where I was before getting sick.  Saturday, I was able to jog 6/10 of a mile.  Sunday is my day of rest.  Monday, it was raining.  I really was bummed, but my sister had said something to me the week before.  "sprinkles, won't hurt you."  Those 4 words were banging around inside my head.  I kept thinking "I know, but I can't get wet."  Then I swear someone beside me said. "why not?"  My answer...I don't know why.  I headed out the door.  I stepped out from under the carport, it was windy and almost cold.  Giving up on my glasses within the first few feet, because I didn't get the special lenses that are water resistant.  I placed them on top of my head.   The little rain drops weren't cute like you see in the pictures.  Little girls laughing and jumping in the rain.  Nope, they felt like stinging needles and it seemed like they were completely focused on my eyes.  I wanted to just close my eyes, but I had to see where I was going, so I decided to just jog with only one eye open.  I really wanted to go back in the house, I was completely out of my comfort zone.  The wind or maybe it was really called a nor'easter was blowing against me, making this jog a real struggle.  Talk about resistance.  I don't know how strong the wind was but it might as well have been 60-70 mph winds. At least that's what it felt like.

Finally, I made it to my turnaround point and with the wind and stinging needles tattooing the back of my neck I headed home.  

I will admit that it wasn't really as bad as it sounds.  I didn't melt.  It was actually nice minus the invisible tattoo.  Plus I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was able to jog 7/10 of a mile.  I was on track to reach my 1.1 mile distance by Friday.  Dark Skies won't cloud my day.

Then I woke up this morning to another storm... I got this!  Got dressed and headed out the door with my fitbit ready to go.  As soon as I headed down the driveway a huge clap of thunder scared the crap out of me.  I went back inside.  I had conquered jogging in the rain, but this girl doesn't like thunder and lightening.  I jogged up and down the hallway and around the living room.  I can do this outside, stay close to the house in case I see lightening bolts.  I'll just run around the circular driveway.  After a few laps, and no more thunder, I headed down the road, ran up and down the neighbors driveways, but just stayed closed to the house. Eventually, the song in my ears and the steady rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement took over, I got a little to adventurous and went the other direction.  Suddenly, BAM!  Right beside me, I felt the ground shake and I almost peed my pants.  Thunder makes you run faster.  I hurried straight to the house, my dog was barking at me like I was an idiot for being outside in the first place.  Whew, inside, safe and sound.

I checked my fitbit and I didn't know whether to be excited or disappointed.  I jogged, without stopping, without walking .96 of a mile.  So freakin close to 1 mile.  I was elated because I passed my goal for the day of 8/10.  But dang the weather.  If I would have gone down just 1 more neighbors driveway and back I would have made a full mile.

Oh well, I'm not going to dwell on the what could have been, instead I'm going to roll around in the glory of oh my gosh I beat, no crushed my goal for today!!!

In fact I think I'm going to go out and jump in a few puddles and play in the rain.

Happy Skinnyversary!!!

Happy Tuesday - 8/26/2014

Today is my Skinnyversary!  1 year ago today I started taking Skinny Fiber.  As of today, I'm down 44 lbs and 82".  I can't believe I've been consistent and committed to a healthy lifestyle for 1 entire year straight.  WOW!  Year 2 begins today and I'm going to stay just as consistent and even more committed if that's even possible.

Not only has Skinny Fiber helped me lose weight, but I feel so good.  I have an energy that I don't think I've ever had, even when I was a kid.  But it's not a tweeking out, jittery, heart racing kind of energy.  I wake up in the morning and I'm ready for the day.  When it's time to go to sleep, I get in bed and read for a few minutes and I'm out like a light and sleep all night long.  No more tossing and turning, no more waking up and staring into the dark.  No more waking up and feeling like I need a nap.

Another thing Skinny Fiber has done for me; no more aching joints.  My hips, knees and ankles were killing me, my lower back hurt all the time.  I don't hurt anymore and this has given me the courage to believe that I could exercise.  In the past, I always used my knees and hips as an excuse for not exercising.  But now, I'm jogging.  As you know, I had a little set back last week in my jogging routine, but I'm not quitting.  I got up this morning and walked to get body muscles warmed up and then I jogged for 1/2 mile and walked to cool down.  I WILL work back up to where I was and continue from there.

Also, no more meds for me.  No acid reflux (I haven't had heart burn, indigestion or acid reflux for 1 whole year).  No more problems with my esophagus, no more IBS.

Not everyone has the same experience that I've had, but many have had even better results.  There are people who were on their death beds and are now healthy and medicine free.  Some people lose weight immediately and others don't see any changes for 3 to 6 months.  It just depends on your health, your body and how committed you are to succeed.

Skinny Fiber is not a magic pill.  The magic is in you!

I am committed to helping as many people get healthy as I can.  If you are interested in trying Skinny Fiber, check out my website.  www.imsbc4life.com

Maybe you don't need to lose weight, but you know someone who does.  Share this with them, it could change their life.  It's totally changed mine.

If you are looking for a financial opportunity, take just 5 minutes and watch this video.  www.teresaharmon.sbcpower.com

I plan on having my daughter take a new picture of me for my 1 year anniversary.  I'll post it as soon as I get it!

Now on to another year of healthy living!

It's Okay

So you're losing weight, feeling great, exercising everyday and then you get sick.  Nothing serious, just a little upper respiratory bug, but it's enough to make you feel like crap.  When you feel like crap, you start eating crap, you don't have the energy to cut up veggies and stand in the kitchen making the healthy foods you know you should be eating.  Instead you shuffle through the kids snack drawer and eat some cookies, or fruit snacks because you just don't have the gumption to eat but you know you need something, so you make due.

You aren't doing your daily exercise routine because you can barely breath sitting still.  You hope you feel better tomorrow.  You tell yourself you'll do it tomorrow.  Today you just don't feel good.

Well, this is me.  I've been puney for the last 8 days.  I've been eating junk all week.  I'm not getting enough calories and the calories I am getting are not good calories.  I finally got out this morning and walked, but I didn't even make it 1/2 mile before I was turning around and coming home because I just can't catch my breath.

What does this sound like?  To me, it sounds like excuses.  I have fought that voice in my head for a long time, that voice that tells me I can't do it or I don't need to do it because....

I've been the person who has been the inspiration and motivation for so many, but I can't seem to motivate myself right now and it scares me.

I keep telling myself as soon as this bug is gone, I'll get right back out there and work my way back up to jogging 2 miles a day.  I was in the process of working myself up to a 5k when my son drug this bug home and spread it all through the house.  What is so scary is that I'm afraid I'll have another excuse and then another.  That voice in my head is back and it's trying to take over again.

I've spent most of the day reading motivational quotes, posts from my team mates and other feel good stuff. I talked with a friend who actually in a round about way gave me permission to feel sick.  It was what I needed.  She assured me that I'm not a quitter.  So I've repeated that to myself all day long.

I will get my mojo back.  Sometimes you get thrown a curve ball.  My curve ball was this bug.  I might be down right now, but I'm not completely out of the game.  I know what I need to do, but I also know that if I'm going to be any good to myself, I have to give myself time to get well.  There's no sense in pushing myself into pneumonia.

It's going to be okay.  I don't have to be afraid or scared because I know it's going to be okay.  It just may take a few more days.  I'm not going to beat myself up.  It's okay to take a couple of sick days.

Dirty Feet

I want to talk about motivation today.  My cousin asked me last night "What can I do to get/stay motivated?"  hmmm...that's a hard question to answer.  Everyone is different so there are many many answers.  Finding the answer that fits you is the solution.

Motivation comes and goes, it's like day and night.  I'm not motivated every single minute of every single day.  What helps me is setting goals.  If you try to set too many goals at one time you won't succeed.  Focus on one goal.  When you get too many things going on in your mind or your life something has to take the back burner and I guarantee, you will set one or two maybe even three of those goals off to the side.

When I started this journey towards a healthier lifestyle, I started with baby steps.  I started taking Skinny Fiber and truthfully, my goal at the time was to just take the Skinny Fiber as recommended and consistently for 30 days.  Two capsules, two times a day for 30 days.  That was a pretty easy goal to complete because I realized how much better I felt during that month.

During the first 10 months of my journey I didn't exercise at all.  I set a new goal.  I wanted to be able to run a 5k.  I set a date to start.  I pumped myself up by talking about it with other people.  I got excited for the my start date to arrive.  I bought myself some cute new clothes to wear during my training sessions.  The day finally arrived and I woke up with a feeling that I can't even explain.  I was nervous, scared, afraid I'd fail, but at the same time excited, happy and raring to go.  I had to tell the negative feelings to go away and make room for the positive.

About 4 weeks into my 5k training, we took a vacation.  It was only a 3 day weekend with the grandkids, but something happened.  My motivation just wasn't there.  I used to jump out of bed in the morning and hit the pavement and now that little voice (LV) in my head was telling me just stay in bed, your feet are going to hurt, maybe a headache is coming on, you stayed up too late, you're still sleepy, etc.  There were a few days that I let LV win.  But, I felt horrible and guilty. It made me feel like LV was wiping her dirty feet off in my head.  All this ugly, negative junk was starting to expand into places other than getting out of bed to train.   I could hear her saying other things like mmm...a diet dr. pepper sure would taste good.  That's when I knew then that if I was going to succeed I would have to squash LV for good. (By the way, I didn't drink that diet dr. pepper.) The best way was to just tell her to SHUT UP!  I had to quit listening and talk to myself out loud, eventually I was able to drown out the noises that LV put in my head.  Now, I'm not saying LV is gone for good.  She still shows up occasionally and I have to put her back in her place.  I'm very happy to say that this morning I hit an all time high of 1.66 miles without stopping.  YEAH ME!  I know it's not a 5k yet, but I'm getting there.

I realize that it's much easier for me to stay motivated because I've put myself out there in the world.  I'm on facebook public to the world.  I talk about what I'm doing.  I've got a healthy weight loss support group.  I'm supporting these people on their journey so I have to be there for them.  That keeps me motivated.  I write this blog even though there aren't many people reading it right now, it's available for anyone in the world to see.  My family, my friends, they keep me going.  You have to have a support group, you have to make a public announcement.  It's too easy to quit, if no one knows what you're doing.  Write it on the bathroom mirror, stick post-it notes on the fridge and your computer monitor.  Make a big sign for your office.  It might only say EXERCISE 5 MINUTES DAILY.  But, it will be out there and you won't want everyone to see you fail.  Anyone can exercise for 5 minutes a day.  Walk in place for 5 minutes, do a couple of push ups and squats.  You don't have to change into your "workout gear".  Do it in your office.  Once you've completed this goal for 1 week, add a few more minute.  Change all the signs to EXERCISE 7 MINUTES DAILY.   What's 2 more minutes?  You can do it!  Before you know it that sign will read EXERCISE 20 MINUTES DAILY and you'll have all your co-workers wanting to join you.  That's what it takes.

Another thing is reading, reading magazine articles about your goals, reading blogs, read anything that relates to you.  This will keep you excited, this will keep you motivated.

Just remember, don't let anyone, especially LV wipe their dirty feet on you.  If it's not positive, get it out of your mind.

I'm always here for anyone who needs to talk, cry or scream.  If you want to follow me on facebook, my link is www.facebook.com/teresa.copelandharmon

If you want to join my weight loss support group on facebook, the link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthy.choices.WLS/

Grocery Shopping for Healthy Menus

Do you go into the grocery store and get exactly what's on your list?  Do you take a list or do you wander aimlessly up and down the aisles adding this and that to your cart? If you're like me you make out a list and then leave it on the kitchen counter and play the game "try to remember what was on the list."  I used to go row by row and always ended up with a cart full of cheap, processed food.  Quick, frozen heat and eats, ice cream and chips were a staple in our house.   I searched for the quick, throw it in a skillet box meal that would taste halfway decent and the kids would eat.  What I didn't realize was I was poisoning my family.  Processed foods aren't real food, they are chemicals, artificial colors and artificial flavors.

We have become so dependent on fast foods and processed food because we are all so busy.  Americans are dying from obesity and no one seems to care.  We need to get back to eating real food.

Now, on my weekly trips to the grocery store, I have a routine (even if I do forget my list).  I don't go up and down the aisle anymore.  I stick to the outer sections of the store.  Fresh fruit and produce, meats, chicken, fish, and dairy.  This is where the majority of our food comes from.  Occasionally, I'll go down some of the aisles for things like olive and coconut oil, spices, and other baking items.  I've quit buying bread because we've cut down on eating a lot of processed carbs and I end up throwing out 3/4 of a loaf for the birds.

I'm going to challenge you to try shopping this way for 1 week.  Look up some real food recipes, make your list and try not to leave it on the kitchen counter and shop the outer areas of your grocery store.  Try to stay out of the aisles.  Let me know how you feel after eating real food, fresh food for one week.  I dare you!