Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Day 12 - down 14.5 pounds and 16.5 inches!

After 11 days on the Isagenix program I have lost 14.5lbs and 16.5 inches! Wow, it's hard to believe but gratifying to see results. I have lots more energy and when I get out of bed in the morning I am not stiff like I used to be...hmm.

Why the purse made out of measuring tapes? Because when you loose body fat you loose inches so Isagenix stresses these measurements in addition to the numbers on the scale. Quick weight loss by starving will show on the scale temporarily but not as much in inches.

So this morning I couldn't wait to weigh myself and wanted to document it in this blog even before I had my shake for breakfast. Strange since I was cleansing for the last two days that I wasn't starving. Also strange, as much as I wanted that pasta and meat sauce last night all I wanted this morning was my shake. So I made myself drink the shake before I sat down to do this.

I have a long way to go but am really determined, plus I have that contest to win.
Link to tape measure collection of purses for sale on etsy - pretty cool.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Day 11, Cleansing

Today is the second day of a two-day cleanse. I had a doctor's appointment with my endocrinologist (long overdue to check the nodules on my thyroid). Anyway, I didn't have enough snacks to tide me over until I got back home (they ended up doing a sonogram and blood work on-site, which was nice*). So I felt some hunger but because I didn't have my snacks. Having something every 1-1/2 hour is what works so I don't feel hungry.

My husband made my favorite meat sauce yesterday so tonight the family had that with whole grain rotini pasta. I was really wishing it wasn't my fast day because I LOVE that but there is some left so I'll have it tomorrow.

Tomorrow I get to weigh and measure myself again!

*Aside: I hadn't had a scan on my nodules since June of 2008 and it's supposed to be scanned at least once a year (bad Debbie). They saw that one of them was 2 centimeters so they want to biopsy. It's not a big deal, I've had these for about 7 years and the Dr have always said they are not cancerous but want to check as a precaution (a first cousin had thyroid cancer so that was a consideration) - the biopsy is scheduled for Dec 22

Monday, October 26, 2009

Starting Second 2-Day Cleanse

Monday, Oct. 26 - I am starting my second cleanse (Mon & Tues last week were my first two after which I lost 8 lbs). I love cleanse days and can't wait to weigh myself on Wed. I am not getting hunger pains of any kind so it helps not miss food (the day goes by fast).

Both of my kids caught the flu at school last week - yesterday they both had fever, aches, tiredness, dry cough - they have been coughing all over me so I got extra sleep this am when they stayed home from school. I figured the extra sleep would help keep me healthy because I usually get no more than 6 hours. I don't have any symptoms so far. I have been getting so many B vitamins (plus 100 other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts) with Isagenix that I don't think I'll catch it. The key is sleep though so I have to make sure to go to bed and not fall asleep on the couch watching TV!

Friday, October 23, 2009

For the Love of Dark Chocolate


One of the nice things about Isagenix is that it is founded on the basis of healthy nutrients and minerals, etc. As you many know, dark chocolate (with a high percent cocoa) is healthy (antioxidants) and so dark chocolate is a part of their nutritional eating program.

IsaDelights are a snack I can have up to four times a day (even on "cleanse" days when you basically are on liquids all day). They almost are like a sedative and, unlike regular chocolate, you don't feel the urge to eat the whole bag or even more than one at a time.

They are 40 calories and have added amino acids plus B vitamins and minerals. I am so happy to have these (Dr. J told me the trick is to let it melt in your mouth so it lasts longer). I actually break mine into 4 pieces so I have four little bites. Because this doesn't have a lot of sugar in it (not sure if any or how much, it's mostly cocoa), it doesn't send me into sugar cravings.  Here is a link to a web page with a short video about why these little chocolates are the best!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Maybe I'll win $5,000

Isagenix has a weight loss challenge each year based on your own 24-week period. I started mine on Oct 20 (registered on the site) and had to take before photos including one with a newspaper to prove the start date. At the end I'll have to take the after photos. I bought a few sports bras and a pair of black stretch leggings so you can imagine how "good" my before pictures look - all the better to show the comparison after 6 months using Isagenix products.

They don't just pick winners based on total weight loss, you have to write a short essay to say how you've changed your life.

My coach, Dr. J's dad Joe (who I mentioned I met at his office) won in 2008 in his age category! He is pictured among the finalists on the web site CLICK HERE to view (click on 2008 tab then scroll down, look for "Joe B." on his motorcycle).

So that's another thing motivating me... I am really competitive and like to win!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Day 5 - 8lbs lost

I was excited to see the scale go down 8lbs and lost 6-1/2"!! As much as I have dieted (forgoing all sugar and close to 100 occasions over the past year where something with sugar was served), I've never lost weight this quickly while at the same time not feeling hungry. As Isagenix promised, I also have great energy.

When I told my daughter this am that I was surprised I didn't wake up feeling hungry after two days of cleansing she reminded me that my body got all the nutrition it needed, just not in the form of solid food. She is so smart - where does she get it from?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Day 4, this is pretty easy

I am starting day 4 (the first two days were pre-cleanse, two shakes plus 400-600 calorie meals plus snacks). I felt a few brief hunger pangs on the shake days so I was wondering how I would feel on the cleanse day...

Well, yesterday was my first cleanse day and it was really easy, no hunger pains at all. I was peeing a lot all day as I was drinking the Cleanse for Life and water. The dark chocolate I eat in between the cleanse drinks keep my blood sugar and cravings stable and I guess that's why I didn't feel hungry. Tomorrow I weigh myself...

This is a good video which explains a little about the philosophy behind Isagenix - CLICK HERE

Saturday, October 17, 2009

End of Day 1

Well, it's end of day 1 and it was pretty easy - I especially like the Isadelights, dark chocolate squares that you let melt in your mouth. According to the schedule I was eating a little something every 1-1/2 hours so I was never really hungry. There is a 400-600 calorie lunch and shakes for breakfast and dinner plus the snacks. I am looking forward to the cleanse days because I know there's got to be a lot of toxins and who knows what else in my body. Dr. J. called to see how I was doing and if I had any questions, which was nice.

Oh yes, and I had to use the tape measure that came with the kit to measure all parts of my body, that was something I had never done before. I have not totalled up all the inches yet...I am supposed to take them again on the start of day 5 (after two days of the shakes and two days of cleansing). I will post results.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Tomorrow's the day...

Here is my "before" photo - I am so used to sucking in my stomach when my photo's being taken, it was a weird sensation to actually not do that.


I went to meet with Dr J today to get my orientation - he wasn't able to meet so I met with Dore Ramos, the Office Manage, also an Isagenix Consultant. Dore told me that she started using the products 9 months ago and lost 37lbs and 47"! She gave me an easy to follow schedule for "cleanse days" and "shake days." On the cleanse days you are not eating store bought food (it's a cleanse, after all), but the schedule includes drinks and snacks every 1-2 hours. On the shake day you basically use the shake as a meal replacement then eat one healthy meal (plus lots of small snacks throughout the day). I'll know more once I actually start using it - tomorrow!


It was a pleasure to also meet Dr J's dad, Joe, when he stopped by the office. He is a real genuine guy and told me his own story of how he (and his wife) lost weight and how great he feels and how many other people he's helped since using Isagenix. He had some amazing photos of his before and after and was very encouraging. Thanks Joe!

Going to meet with my coach today!

A week has gone by since I met with Dr J and learned about Isagenix. My products were delivered on Wed and Dr J and I are meeting today so he can take me through the program (reviewing the schedules they have for using the products). That is invaluable as I wouldn't know where to begin (haven't even opened the box yet).

So I am going to officially start the program tomorrow!! Have to get my "before" photo taken.

Monday, October 12, 2009

I can't blame Mom for being a bit skeptical

Although I am excited about starting the Isagenix program (my products have been ordered and I should be getting them this week), I have not told everyone about it yet because, frankly I don't know that much. Dr. J. is having me bring my products in as soon as I get them so he can get me off on the right start before I begin the program.

I did tell my mom about it, she has been invested in my weight since I was in kindergarten (the chubbier of two sisters). She has been always hopeful that I would lose weight and get healthy but is of course skeptical that this will be it. She was encouraging and supportive and said something like "I hope it works," to which I replied, "it's going to work."

I am also a very skeptical person, I don't believe anything until I see it myself. For some reason though, I am feeling super positive about the Isagenix program. I guess it's a combination of the testimonials I've read, the product formulation, having Dr J. as my coach and belief that I've finally found a healthy way to lose weight.

Have I actually found a healthy way to lose weight?

Although I am always trying to lose weight, I wasn't necessarily looking for a new diet or program... I am pretty knowledgeable about food and nutrition and know how to lose weight but just felt I wasn't trying hard enough. Although I totally gave up sugar (including sugar substitutes) over a year ago, it hasn't been enough to sustain weight loss.

I was a size 6-8 in high school (trying to get down to a size 4) but after I got married I gained weight steadily to the point that I am 100lbs more than when I got married 21 years ago!

At my annual GYN appointment last week my doctor mentioned that a few of her patients were losing weight with Mediafast. So at the check-out desk I asked the receptionist if she knew where they sold it. She and the other receptionist told me they tried it and didn't like the taste at ALL. They mentioned that one of the nurses there was using a program that had great results and asked if I wanted to talk to her (of course I did!). Lisa explained that she liked the Isagenix Cleanse program and said I could find out more about it by calling a Dr. that lived near me.

Right when I went home I started searching for information on the Internet about Isagenix. At first I was a little disappointed to see that the product is distributed by network marketing - was this for real or was it a scam? I have a history of market research so I spent a few hours looking at all types of sites. I read some of the info on direct marketing but since my goal is losing weight and not adding another "to do" on my list, I concentrated on the weight loss reviews. I was relieved to see many, many links to stories about how Isagenix really worked to help people feel better and lose weight. came away with a very positive feeling about the company and its products.

I met with "Dr. J." (Jeffrey Beury) at his Chatham chiropractic office on Thursday, Oct. 8th. Once I told the receptionist the purpose of my visit she told me she has been using Isagenix and lost 40lbs (or thereabout). Then a woman came out who I recognized as the mother of one of my daughter's classmates. She looked great and after small talk about her daughter's new school, I found out she was using Isagenix too.

I really liked Dr. J. - he told me about the success he (and his parents and some patients) had with the Isagenix products and about the philosophy of the company. The products are rich in nutrients and minerals and the cleanse rids your body of toxins (NOT the kind of cleanse where you are in the bathroom all day). Best of all, he is going to be my coach through this journey and I am feeling so confident that I decided to chronicle my weight loss journey as I lose 100lbs over the next 12 months (yes, I am that optimistic -- if I follow the plan I know it will work)!