My Isagenix Story - Blogging 100 Pounds

1 week no sugar

2012-01-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

I am pretty much out of the woods now... we had a catered box lunch at work which included a giant chocolate chip cookie from Panera! My favorite... one that I would go out of my way to buy. I put the cookie aside then brought two home for my kids. The cookies were in my bag on the 40 min. ride home and I didn't even remember they were there (they weren't calling out to me). So this is how easy it is when sugar is out of my system. I just can't tell myself that it's ok to have one bite because I would have eaten the whole cookie, then another, then would be looking for more sugar for the rest of the day. It's highly addictive, see my post from 11/1/10 on the book The End of Overeating.

Gave up sugar on MLK day so it's been a solid week and I've lost 10lbs (granted this was pretty easy to do coming off a week of crazy eating). Need to schedule a two-day cleanse, my friend just finished hers and was positively glowing on Facebook.

Three days no sugar...

2012-01-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

It's been three days with no sugar and very little white flour (I had a little bit of rice pilaf and a few pretzels). But the key for me is not having sugar. Once I go about 5 days I'll be OK but it's getting past that point to get it out of my system so I don't have a relapse.

I've already lost 7lbs in two days because I started drinking more water again and eliminated the bad carbs. Of course I AM able to have IsaDelight dark chocolates (about as much sugar as 1/4 of an apple or something like that) -- dark chocolate is mood enhancing, love it and these don't trigger sugar cravings. Apparently they now have a milk chocolate version for people who don't like dark (for me the darker the better :)

Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP Clean Cleanse

2012-01-12T23:26:00.001-05:00

I am a fan of Gwyneth and subscribe to her GOOP email - newsletter from her www.goop.com site.

I read a lot about nutrition so I was curious when her last newsletter touted Dr. Alejandro Junger's Clean Cleanse. I saw that it includes protein shakes (drinking a shake for breakfast and dinner and a healthy meal for lunch - just like Isagenix). It touts some of the same good stuff as Isagenix (probiotics, digestive enzymes) but the ingredients in Isagenix blow these away! If you do the research - looking up each ingredient and the source - I guarantee you'll agree that Isagenix is superior - nothing compares.

The cost for the GOOP clean cleanse is $425 for a 21 day program so it's considerably more than Isagenix. Also, I didn't see a money back guarantee like Isagenix has.

Although "cleansing" is an ancient tradition, most people haven't heard of it so the fact that she promotes it on her GOOP site helps educate people. Also, Gwyneth believes in clean eating and she is dedicated to her workout regime so I admire her for that. She always looks amazing and part of that is what radiates from the inside!

Dr Oz - "the #1 reason why Americans are heavy"

2012-01-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

On page 99 of the January 2012 Oprah magazine, in an interview with Dr. Oz, he states that...

"The number one reason Americans are heavy: The brain, very smartly, wants nutrition. But the average American is eating empty calories. So you finish that 2,000 calories and your brain says, Keep going until you get nutrients."

Glad to hear someone confirm what we know from Isagneix - why Shakes, why Ionix? Because they are super nutrition and low calorie. End of story.

Last Day of 2011

2011-12-31T12:04:00.003-05:00

So what happened to me? No, the photo is not of me (see below). Well, if there's one thing that comes between me and being skinny it's sugar. Maybe you are someone who can have one cookie or one bite of cake then get back on track, but that is not me.


Lori Harder - Ms Bikini Universe

But being so close to my goal - everything in my control - I thought I could have a bite of cake (my husband's birthday cake that I made on Oct. 15th). Well, that was a bad idea now just as it was a bad idea last Feb. (the last time I was within 9lbs of my goal). I am a sugar addict like other people are alcoholics.

So I gained about 20lbs back. I swore I wouldn't have to lose the same weight again but I'm sure everyone reading this blog can relate to some extent. But, Isagenix will come to the rescue again to get the bad stuff out and the good stuff in!

Could I get a body like Lori Harder (pictured here)? I guess I could but I am not willing to put in the time in the gym :). Check out Lori Harder's story. She is 2010 Ms Bikini Universe Overall Champion and she swears by Isagenix! It's not diet food or professional athletes wouldn't touch it - they can only put top nutrition in their bodies.

Without sugar I can concur the world - watch what happens in 2012! What is holding you back from getting what you want?

ONLY 8 more pounds to go!

2011-10-15T23:37:00.000-04:00

It is slow going but I am able to go down one size in pants so I am continuing to lose inches! Carbs continue to be - and always will be - my downfall. Tonight I broke my excellent streak of healthy eating and overate carbs. Once they are in my system I am addicted. Many people also experience the urge to eat foods with a combination of Fat + Sugar (cookies, cakes, candies) or Fat + Salt (chips, french fries) or Fat + Salt + Sugar (many restaurant foods).

"Foods high in fat, salt and sugar alter the brain's chemistry in ways that compel people to overeat."

Find out more from this best selling book written by former commissioner of the FDA, Davie Kessler.

ONLY 9 more pounds to go!!!

2011-09-26T20:11:00.001-04:00

The scale moves slowly but that's fine... I am getting healthier in the meantime (can't wait to get my physical - the blood work tells the story).

Only 9 more pounds to go to reach my 100 pound goal!! Then I will lose more. If Jill Birth* can weigh less than she did in 3rd grade then I can at least get to my high school weight! (*see prior post for her amazing transformation)

Progress Photo - lost 17lbs since July 8th

2011-09-04T20:21:00.001-04:00

Summer's been GREAT so sad that it's Labor Day tomorrow. You'll see from my post on July 8th I had 30lbs to go to reach my 100lb goal. I am now only 13lbs away!

From February - July I had an issue with sugar because I felt that after 2-1/2 years without it (and after losing 90lbs) that I could handle it occasionally. Well, I am still, and always will be, addicted to sugar so since July 5th I am back to being sugar free.

Like I said in previous posts, if you're someone who gets hijacked by sweets (sugar + fat) or chips (fat + salt) to the point that you can't eat just one or that these items are "calling" to you from the kitchen, then it's going to be harder to eat these while trying to lose and/or maintain weight. If you eat them in moderation (and I know a lot of people who do) then you are golden!

So I am bike riding a lot and feeling great... Oct 17 I think is my two year anniversary with Isagenix so I WILL be down 100lbs by then.

I am the picture taker of the family so there are no photos of me, I had to crop myself out of a group photo here (no make-up, in need of hair coloring to cover up the gray). I will take a full length photo soon!

Jill Birth - Isagenix IsaBody Winner 2011

2011-08-03T21:57:00.001-04:00

I can never hear enough of people who overcome their food addictions and succeed. Tonight I listened to a call with Jill Birth, the 2011 winner of the IsaBody Challenge in the 35-49 year old age group. At Celebration she'll find out if she is the grand prize winner of $120,000 cash! - update... she DID win the $120,000!!!

Watch this inspiration video to see how she transformed from a size 22 to a size 4. She went from 263lbs to 131 and weighs less now than she did in 3rd grade when the school nurse told her at 140lbs she was too fat. After many failed diets she thought getting on The Biggest Loser would be the ticket... after she didn't make the show a friend challenged her to commit to Isagenix. She had been a user of the products for years but would binge and cleanse.

She mentioned that the extra IsaSnack wafers (6-8 per day) and IsaPro in the shake helped her lose a lot of weight.

Progress: One Year, 8 Months - 70lbs maintained (30 more to go)

2011-07-08T23:32:00.001-04:00

Wow, the time has flown by since I started this journey to lose 100lbs in Oct. 2009. I know it WILL happen (I was only 10lbs away this past Jan then proceeded to just eat too much junk food on and off through the winter/spring). So now I am 20 pounds heavier and have to back-track.


If you can just eat ONE or TWO bites of this then go ahead and indulge. If after you eat this you proceed to have another piece or feel like you ruined the day and keep eating junk then you it's best you avoid it all together if you are still trying to lose weight.

Some friends and I were talking about this habit of not being able to just have "one" of something. Just having one bite of something, one cookie or one handful of chips is not going to lead to massive weight gain, it's when one leads to another which leads to another. My friend and I are of the same mindset that we can't seem to have one (of a sugar-laden item) because it's just too literally addictive. The addictive nature of salt, sugar and fat is explained in the book The End of Overeating.

Anyway, I have kept off 70lbs for over a year now and I have Isagenix to thank for that. It gives my willpower a fighting chance because it gives me the nutrition so my body isn't craving junk. I know this would be another failed diet without this nutrition. The side benefit is that I have SUPERIOR blood work on all counts - yeah.

It's all about LESS CALORIES + MORE NUTRITION + EXERCISE. Isagenix gives me the first two, I do the rest (love bike riding with my ipod).

Flip This Switch to Lose Weight!

2011-06-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

My journey to lose 100lbs is still ongoing and along the way I continue to read everything on the topic of nutrition, health/wellness and losing weight.

This is something I've seen before and when it popped again today in my RealAge email, I thought it was worth sharing...

Talk about an easy way to lose weight . . . a new study suggests that you could avoid packing on extra pounds just by flicking a switch.

The switch in question? Your bedroom light or that alarm clock that's too bright. A new animal study suggests that being exposed to even just a little bit of light at night might make you fat.

In the study, some mice were kept in darkness during the night while others were kept in dim lighting. And even though the mice in dim lighting weren't fed any extra, by the end of 8 weeks they had gained 50 percent more body mass than the mice who were kept in darkness. The light-exposed mice also started showing signs of prediabetes. Researchers think the extra light at night may have altered the mice's levels of melatonin -- a hormone known to influence metabolism.

If you want to find out more reasons why a dark bedroom is best for your health and wellness - go to www.drmercola.com and search on the topic - there are some very interesting studies!

Jenny Craig number 1 diet plan on Consumer Reports

2011-05-10T08:34:00.001-04:00

Consumer Reports published ratings of "popular diet plans." Isagenix wasn't reviewed because it really isn't a "diet" and it's not sold in stores. When you meet as many Isagenix users as I have you find that weight loss is way down on the list of health benefits that people enjoy.

Jenny Craig "Breakfast" - 190 calories

Here is what you can eat for breakfast on Jenny Craig (photo taken from their website under the breakfast category). You can just imagine the list of ingredients. There is no comparison to the nutrition your body gets from an IsaLean shake. If this is what you want to feed your body every morning for the rest of your life then Isagenix is not for you.

Jenny Craig has support so that is probably one of the reasons why it is successful - people can choose the level of support they want with Isagenix (one-on-one with the person who enrolled them or part of a FaceBook group of 1,500 or other groups who have weekly conference calls).

But what is your goal? My #1 goal is to live a long and healthy life and #2 to be at a healthy weight but not at the expense of health.

Addicted to Food - Oprah Winfrey Network

2011-04-28T11:39:00.000-04:00

I watched the first episode of Addicted to Food on the new OWN (saw it online), I think it's on Tuesday nights.

When you've found the answer to healthy living and weight management (hallelujah - Isagenix) but you still find yourself sabotaging yourself with bad foods (not at "celebrations" but by yourself) - you have to realize that a lot of food addictions (or problems) are rooted in your emotions. This is a lot of what this show addresses. I am going to watch it.

Chips are worse than candy bars - say it isn't so!!

2011-04-18T22:49:00.003-04:00

Since I quit sugar over two years ago I fell back on potato chips - the relatively "healthy" ones (in moderation) as my junk food. Well, as the saying goes, you can't eat just one and I think those innocent handfuls of chips have been largely responsible for my weight-loss plateau :(

Well, it seems the party is over when it comes to chips... this week I learned two things:

1. I read an article from Dr Mercola there is no such thing as a healthy chip - ALL chips are bad (not because of the calories) but because when carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes are cooked at high temperatures (including the "healthier" baked chips), acrylamide -- a tasteless, invisible chemical byproduct -- is formed. Animal studies have shown that exposure to acrylamide increases the risk of several types of cancer, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers acrylamide a "probable human carcinogen."

2. The genius nutritionist Jim Rhoades (who I met through Isagenix) said tonight when counseling a diabetic person that "chips are worse than candy bars" in terms of their affect on blood sugar. While I never had any blood sugar issues (even at my highest weight), he explained that chips are converted even more quickly into sugar, which affects insulin (too much and those chips get stored as fat) and that is not something I want to do to my body.

Am I saying I will never have another chip? No. But I need to change my thinking about them for myself and my family. I already know it's one of the reasons that I've plateaued.

Oprah Magazine Shakeology, May 2011 Issue

2011-04-13T10:56:00.005-04:00

I get Oprah magazine but rarely have time to read it, I save them and hopefully get to read them at some point...

But when I got the May issue of Oprah the other day, something on the cover caught my eye:

6 Superfoods that Will Change the Way you Eat

Of course I had to find out what these where but I was pretty much already sure they are in the Isagenix super foods I already take.

On page 214 it talks about Darin Olien - he traveled around to get all good stuff to eat then made a shake out of it - sounds familiar, doesn't it? That's what our founder, John Anderson, did.

I am so glad to see this article because it will help to educate people about what great health benefits we can get from plants!

Is it sold in stores? No, it appears to be a similar set-up to Isagenix: "...you can't buy it in stores, but you can purchase it from one of our thousands of authorized Coaches."

Shakeology vs Isagenix: I can't say I know everything about Shakeology but I can say Isagenix products have even more ingredients with all 90 nutrients the body needs plus Chinese adaptogens and way too much to write here. The Shakeology site doesn't say where their whey protein comes from, ours is from New Zealand where the cows are 100% grass fed; no chemicals put on the grass AND the whey is undenatured (very important to preserve the nutritional benefits). I also appreciate all the other stuff I get from Isagenix; the Cleanse for Life, which is aloe vera juice, the Ionix with shilajit... I could go on and on.

Lastly, a Shakeology shake cost $4.00 per serving, an IsaLean shake costs $2.75!

Dr John Gray Marriage Smoothie on Dr Oz

2011-04-06T16:33:00.002-04:00

Link to more product info

Dr John Gray (Men are from Mars/Women are from Venus) was on the Dr Oz show today (April 6, 2011) talking about relationships. The audience was comprised of all married couples. As usual, Dr John Gray has the insight to why men come home from work and want to veg on the sofa and how our hormones affect our relationship with our spouses.

He talks about a super "marriage smoothie" that has all good stuff in it from the health food store (save yourself the time and money and buy the shake he has designed that is sold through Isagenix). It maintains blood sugar all day and is a great health booster.

These are John Gray's products that are exclusively sold through Isagenix. I have seen people with mood/brain issues get fantastic results!

Gained weight - what to do???

2011-03-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

I have gained some weight back - NOT a lot but enough to make me uncomfortable. It is clearer than EVER that the only chance I have of losing and keeping weight off is to stay on Isagenix (not that I have any intention of going without these products in my body). Not just for weight loss, but for having all the essential nutrients my body needs to stay healthy.

These essential nutrients could all be purchased separately and very expensively at the health food store but that isn't practical.

I am grateful for all the support withing this organization - a great call I just listened to on weight-loss plateaus tells me again that it's the excess carbs that are doing me in. I've heard this time and time again - especially for people that are addicted to sugar. I have to steer more towards greens and away from too much fruit. Listen.

I made a vow to my mom today that when I see her again on Mother's Day - 6 weeks from now - that I will have reached my 100lb weight loss goal. I know what I have to do and I know it will work - I just have to want it more than I want the temporary pleasure of basically "junk" food.

Why the muffin photo?? I used to eat a lot of muffins before I quit eating sugar (a year prior to Isagenix). Muffins are essentially like cake but not as embarrassing to buy when you weigh 250+lbs. I guess they just seem more legitimate... a way I justified eating junk. Now I guess I am eating some corn chips figuring they are somewhat healthy but, again, a faulty justification.

Good News - maintaining... Bad News - struggling to lose more

2011-03-02T20:48:00.001-05:00

So I've haven't had much trouble maintaining the 90lbs I've lost but can't seem to lose more. I have good days then not so good days.

One thing I DO know, I feel fantastic on days when I eat lots of Isagenix plus raw, natural, live foods and feel like crap inside when I have processed, dead foods. It further illustrates to me that eating clean is the way to go to feel my best.

I am having feelings of wanting to give up meat, I really don't enjoy it that much. It is SO crystal clear what my body is happy with and I have to listen to that!

Thanks to my friend Dawna, she and I are calling each other every day (multiple times) to keep each other on track (we've both had problems with food addictions). Tomorrow we are doing a one-day cleanse.

Going to Bed Earlier - the Biggest Struggle that I've Got to Overcome to Lose Weight!

2011-02-10T10:27:00.001-05:00

Craving carbs, feeling hungry later in the evening, stubborn fat loss??

These are all things I experience when I don't get enough sleep or get to sleep too late.

These are all signs of lack of sleep and one of my major problems - I go to bed too late all to frequently! I KNOW this is bad for me but can't seem to stop doing it... staying up until 1am+ then having to get up at 7:30 - giving me less than 8 hrs I need to lose weight.

This video explains it all and I had to watch it just to reconfirm what I already know. On days when I go to bed really late I wake up and am craving carbs and am hungrier all day.

I've also seen A LOT of info about the importance of getting sleep between 10 pm and 2 am -- it is said that sleeping between these four hours is MUCH more restful and beneficial for our health (and weight loss) than, for instance, getting more hours after 1am or 2am.

Last night I went to bed at 11:30 but I need to aim for 11pm or earlier. I think that 11pm is about the earliest I can do right now (I've always been a "late night" person). I am committing to getting to bed by 11pm and will report back on how I feel and if this helps me break this plateau I'm on.

Is a shake real food???

2011-02-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

Lots of people don't view a "shake" as "real food." I was probably one of those people, thinking that you have to chew something for it to be FOOD. Of course this isn't true, when you consider that the best "food" on the planet is mother's breast milk and it's liquid. It sustains newborns for many months - helping them to grow strong and healthy.

What do you eat for breakfast? Many people believe that eating a bowl of this TOTAL Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal with some skim milk is an ideal breakfast food. Although it claims "100% nutrition" it doesn't have nearly the nutrition of one IsaLean shake and doesn't contain any fruit!

While the cereal contains no actual blueberries or pomegranates, it does contain eight different sweeteners: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Barley Malt Extract, Brown Sugar Syrup, Malt Syrup, Sucralose, Molasses and Honey. The blueberry-like appearance of small bits in the cereal are accomplished through the use of artificial colors like Red #40 and Blue #2, combined with various oil sand sweeteners such as soybean oil and sugar.

The IsaLean shake on the other hand has ALL 90 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids PLUS live enzymes to transport all that nutrition. Don't forget the whey protein (from New Zealand - better than organic standards here) plus the balance of healthy fats and carbs. I also add a scoop of Isagenix Greens and a scoop of Isagenix Fruits to my shake (delicious!) so I am getting MANY servings of leafy greens and the best anti-oxidant fruits on top of it. No wonder I feel so good after I drink it!

15 Month Progress: 92 pounds and 91.75 inches

2011-01-23T21:11:00.003-05:00

I finally saw the scale move this month, I lost 7 lbs so I only have 8 pounds to go to get to my first goal of 100lbs!

This month I watched what I ate more carefully. Two handfuls of chips doesn't seem that bad but it's 300 calories of nothing (meaning nothing nutritious).

Today I listened to a great podcast by the wonderful Susan Sly - it was all about getting past weight plateaus (link to listen to audio podcast). She is a personal trainer and has been using Isagenix and coaching other people for years - this in turn has made her an IsaMillionaire. I've met her and sat in a briefing with her (and her new baby). She is an amazing woman and mom.

Listen to this podcast if you want a good list of things to do to jump start a plateau. This is what I am doing based on her suggestions:

getting at least 7 hours of sleep and going to bed no later than midnight (hard for me, I'm a night owl)
today (Monday) I also started tracking the amount of water I am drinking. I know I'm getting 1/2 my body weight in ounces but want to get closer to full body weight in ounces.
making all my shakes with 1 scoop of protein + 1 scoop of IsaLean
having 1 scoop of greens and fruits everyday

I have to be consistent with this to see if it makes a difference. I LOVE shoveling because it's exercise that is also accomplishing something. It's been pretty easy with the light snow we've gotten :)

Milestone approaching...

2010-12-26T12:18:00.002-05:00

My 50th birthday is fast approaching - Feb. 1st. I AM going to reach my goal of losing 100lbs by this milestone, then I still have an additional goal of 20-25 more lbs to go! Posting it here brings me that much closer to accomplishing it (the reason I started this blog) because putting something in writing/saying it out loud/committing to it makes it more likely to happen - "what you think about you bring about."

Yesterday was Christmas and I didn't have a shake all day (we had a special "waffle Santa" breakfast) - how did I feel at the end of the day? Yuk, my body was not smiling inside. Luckily today is a new day and I have everything I need to continue on...

I have the New Year's Resolution "Solution" with Isagenix but I need to commit to a few other things...

1. going to bed no later than 11:30pm to ensure I am getting at least 7 hrs of sleep (as simple as this sounds in comparison to eating healthy, it's the hardest for me)

2. getting at least 8 of my 20oz water bottles each day - this is close to my body weight in ounces (relatively easy for me, I always get at least 1/2 my body weight in ounces but want to get more)

3. watching my snacks (make them more frequent and lower in calories)

Other things I am trying are mixing IsaPro with the regular shake and taking the IsaPro with IsaCalcium at night before (the later is not something I've been able to do - don't like the taste of the strawberry taste of the calcium, too sweet) but that has been reported to be a boost in stubborn fat loss.

I am also going to do the Peak 8 workout - I heard about this from a few places and my friend Dale's son (a personal trainer) told us about it. It's only 20 minutes 3x per week but it will get you in top shape - click above to view a video that makes it easy to understand.

Weight Watchers practically invented accountability... but Isagenix has personalized it

2010-12-05T15:28:00.003-05:00

I had a few more thoughts on Weight Watchers - in my last post I talked about why it didn't work for me and why it really wasn't a sound nutrition-based weight loss plan.

Today I started thinking about what I believe to be the BEST thing that WW has done over the years that has proven successful:


She doesn't look like anyone I ever saw at a WW meeting.

Accountability - WW invented the concept of people going to weekly meetings to weigh in. While it embarrasses some people (thankfully I always had non-judgmental WW counselors), it works to keep people on track! WW also made a point of applauding those who got results and supporting those who needed extra encouragement. The meetings, more than the points, I feel is what has made WW the most popular weight loss plan. I also did the WW plan online as others do but that also has it's own built-in accountability.

It's probably no coincidence that one of the reasons people love Isagenix is because there is so much accountability and support. It is purposely NOT sold at retail because people do best when they are helped by someone who wants them to succeed (like WW). Personally I was accountable to Dr J (my "coach") then I got tremendous support from his parents, Dale and others I met when I went to some local meetings. I was applauded at meetings for losing weight (who doesn't like that) then of course I won 2nd place in the IsaBody Challenge. Right now I find a lot of support and encouragement from Isagenix people all across the country... I am friends with many on FaceBook, belong to the FB IsaBody Accountability Group and enjoy Jean Faber's Call for Hope each Wed. 9:30pm 218-862-1300 Access Code 98421. Jean has lost over 200lbs and came in 1st in the IsaBody Challenge for women age 50+.

There is a lot of personal accountability and support within the Isagenix community IF you choose it. There are people who've suffered personal loss and tragedies that led to weight gain, others who are athletes trying to perfect their bodies, others who are emotional eaters like me - there are many tribes of Isagenix people out there who connect and support each other.

Weight Watchers Changes Point System

2010-12-04T13:48:00.025-05:00

I have been on the Weight Watchers system many times in my past and it did work temporarily but all the fat free WW muffins, desserts and fat free cool whip just kept me addicted to sweets. And now I know that all the chemicals and preservatives in all that processed food were not doing my body any good. Plus, in my opinion as a professional dieter, I have seen that cleansing is the missing link in the weight loss mystery!

Anyone who has been on WW (and who hasn't) knows that things like almonds and olive oil (extremely healthy) are not encouraged because the points are too high (due to the fat). The world of WW is basically lots of artificial sweeteners and with high points for fats like nuts and olive oil.

So news that they have updated their point system to address this was encouraging. An article in today's NYT talks about the changes, they are "based on scientific findings about how the body processes different foods," in other words, processed, fake foods are not as good and therefore are higher in points.

On the old point system, they would consider a large apple (2 points) = to an Oreo(R) pak (2 points). Under the new point system the apple is 0 points and the cookies are 3 points.

No wonder a lot of people embraced the WW program (including me) - we could eat lots of sugar free pudding with fat free whipped cream, cookies and muffins and think we were in diet heaven.Yes, we lost weight but did it teach us to eat healthy food? It sure tasted good but had little or NO NUTRITIONAL value.

WW now acknowledges that the type of food you eat will affect energy and feelings of hunger and fullness.

I have to admit when I was on WW that I thought eating their muffins, cakes, frozen dinners and snacks was too good to be true, I think they have addressed some of this now with the point changes although they still produce lots of processed foods.

What I'm Thankful For...

2010-11-26T13:29:00.000-05:00

I am of course thankful for my family and loved ones, for the comforts of a warm and dry house (and grateful to my husband who was able to put a new roof on the back room when it started leaking last week).

This past year my health has improved tremendously and I feel younger now at 49 than I was 20 years ago. So a big thanks to Isagenix for that. GOOD NEWS! I lost 90lbs as of Tuesday and weighed myself again this am (post Thanksgiving) and maintained so I am determined NOT to see that scale go up again - I need to reach my 100lb goal!

So beyond those basic things I am most grateful for... here is my top 10 list:

$10/month at Planet Fitness (no contract - can't beat that -- today I stayed 1 hour on the elliptical machine and skipped the weights so I could watch the lost footage of the Atlanta Housewives :-)
Black Champion brand yoga pants from Target - they look good at the gym and are comfortable and stylish enough to wear around town (stretchy so still fit as I lose weight) and under $20
Friends who thank me (sometimes with tears in their eyes) for introducing them to Isagenix - it solidifies my decision to keep sharing this with people
DVRs - there are shows I really like to watch and rarely get to see them in real time so the DVR comes to the rescue and I can watch my shows later and fast forward through the commercials
Internet - although sometimes a big time-waster, it has allowed me to connect with old friends and make new ones across the miles. A college roommate just found me on FaceBook - she is a specialty costumer in Hollywood. Because of the Internet I got to see her resume and all the movies she has worked on - pretty cool.
This may sound crazy but I am really thankful for good clean filtered water to drink everyday that comes from my own well!
I am thankful that my kids are getting more self-sufficient and allowing me more time- freedom. It was a hard adjustment to have kids at age 38 and 40 because I had led such an independent life.
I know I already said I was thankful for family and loved ones but my mom deserves an extra shout-out - she is the best role model I could ask for and I am eternally grateful for her love and support!
My Isagenix Citibank VISA card is convenient and has come in handy to pay for things that I wouldn't necessarily be able to justify. The company loads the card each Monday as commissions are earned and an email shows up in my inbox to notify me.
Finally, I am grateful to have the opportunity to earn an unlimited stream of additional income while working from home at my own pace while helping other people get healthy! I can't really call it "work."

13 Month Progress: 85 pounds and 86.6 inches

2010-11-18T16:25:00.001-05:00

I have to take a new photo - this is from last month!

This month FLEW by!! I lost a few pounds but have basically been hovering from 80-89lbs lost. Although I've been working out religiously 3x per week (strength training and cardio) I have only lost 1 inch (from the locations where I am measuring).

My body is comfortable here but maybe it doesn't realize that I'm not stopping here - I have other plans. I have to keep remembering that it's been a long 22 years since my body has been this size.

So it seems that all this working out would lead to pounds/inches LOST, right? I would think so. I have to assume it's the non-Isagenix food I'm eating.

I know I have gotten off track a little with grabbing chips (even healthier cracker versions) because it's about 150 calories for 12 chips and I usually have more than that. Plus a few Sunday nights that I just went crazy on carbs (English muffins, bread, bagels - stuff I never crave all week). I definitely have to be more mindful of what I'm snacking on. The IsaDelight chocolates are a LIFESAVER - they are the ONLY chocolate I can eat one of and be satisfied -really!

I have ordered the Accelerators again (didn't have them for a while but in the past it didn't seem to tilt the scale either way but other people swear by them and I did use them religiously in the beginning) plus I am going to use the IsaPro more regularly. I do sprinkle some in my shakes everyday but now I am going to always do 1 scoop IsaLean and 1 scoop IsaPro (the extra protein is supposed to help stubborn weight loss - hello). I've also heard lots of people say they use the IsaCalcium (I have some of that but don't love the taste - a little too sweet). I will figure out a way to incorporate it. From what I've learned, there is some nutritional component that people find that gives them that extra boost. For my last plateau it was the IsaOmegas. I still take them.

Will I STOP TAKING ISAGENIX because I am not losing weight? Absolutely not - if I stop what has worked it's obvious what would happen. TEMPORARY EFFORTS GET TEMPORARY RESULTS no matter what you do. I will always have to be mindful of what I eat - especially when I get to my goal weight. The great thing is that I have a low calorie - but super nutritious - food with Isagenix. Your body doesn't mind fewer calories as long as it's getting the nutrition it wants.

Headache on Isagenix Cleanse

2010-11-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

I can count on two fingers the number of headaches I ever have in any given year so I guess I am lucky because lots of my friends/relatives complain of headaches. So when I started using Isagenix it was no different - not one headache.

Of course everyone is different but 90% of everyone I've coached through cleansing has been fine. Some have extra energy from the B vitamins (like me), some are more tired as their body is working hard to cleanse and some do have headaches during the Isagenix cleanse.

A friend of a friend is doing her first cleanse today and I heard she has a headache... so it prompted me to write this blog about Isagenix Cleanse Symptoms. The body is releasing toxins at a much quicker rate than normal and is going through withdrawal (especially if you had a diet which included caffeine, sugar). As with any addictive substance when you stop putting it in your body, your body reacts in ways that aren't always positive. I don't think anyone has every had headaches when they stopped eating broccoli (haha). Unfortunately, the more junk that's in your body, the worse you may feel. The good news is that any unpleasantness should pass within a few days and your body will thank you in the long run.

Famous People Taking Isagenix - Ashley Abbott from Young and the Restless

2010-11-06T13:05:00.005-04:00

Our society is very interested in what "famous" people are doing - I am one of those people. I love reality so I guess that's why. I have blogged in the past about famous people who are doing Isagenix so I started a separate label to categorize them all.

The latest is soap opera vet Eileen Davidson, best known for playing Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless. She is quoted in an interview saying she uses the Isagenix IsaLean shakes.

LINK to article. Note: sometimes this link doesn't work - not sure why.

I get more validation of the products from my own results and the results of the hundreds of other people I've met in person and on line through Isagenix but it's always fun to see someone famous using it.

Can You Eat Just One Chip or One Cookie??

2010-11-01T01:08:00.005-04:00

Most of us know what it feels like to fall under the spell of food - when one cookie turns into ten or a handful of chips leads to an empty bag. It's hard to understand why we can't seem to stop eating - even when we know better. When we want so badly to say "no," why do we continue to reach for food?

We wonder why we have no willpower and blame ourselves for having no self control and being undisciplined. The End of Overeating by David Kessler (former Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration who also served as the Dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California) explains why.

Before you think to yourself that this is another way for people to avoid personal responsibility, let me tell you that this book is well documented and explains how certain foods actually override our conscious will and drive us to continue to consume them. This is a biological phenomenon that mimics alcohol or tobacco addiction. Most people are addicted to sugar, fat, and salt or any combination of two.

It also explains why, even after months and years later we can have food relapses. Careful monitoring of the consumption of sugar/fat/salty foods is a life-long commitment. It's no wonder that there aren't people complaining that they are compulsively eating string beans.

When I gave up sugar two years ago another (junk) food took its place - chips. You don't think of them as having sugar, but the simple sugars in the potato covered with fat and topped with salt are a deadly chemical combination that triggers an insatiable desire to consume all of the potato chips. The same thing happens with tortilla chips or bread. You can't even tell when you are satiated, because the combination of the fat, sugar, and salt overrides the ability for the body to create satiety signals to get you to stop eating. Soooo true - for me anyway, after eating chip I don't have a feeling of fullness or being satiated that I do when I have my shake.

This book opened my eyes to the powerful effect certain foods can have on my brain and that I need to be forever mindful when consuming them. What I have now that I didn't have then was a complete source of nutrition that satisfies my body and gives my willpower a fighting chance.

12 Month Progress: 83 pounds and 85.5 inches!

2010-10-25T12:24:00.001-04:00

It's now been 1 year and a few days that I've been taking this great nutrition! I am not at my goal of 100lbs yet (and have actually gained 6 pounds since my 11 month progress) but I have done something really important to secure my future health. I have committed to working out three days per week at the gym.

I had started walking at the track with my friend Dale last May and we continued through the summer early fall. But then we had many days of rain and cold weather and decided to join a gym. Luckily we have a Planet Fitness nearby and the cost is only $10 per month (no contract).

Now another friend, Dawna, has joined us and her transformation in the last month is unbelievable! She went from intense pain all over her body and having a very hard time walking to now keep up with us at the gym - pain free! She still can't believe how good she feels. And now she and I are trying to lose the last pounds together. She is a great inspiration to me and reminds me why I love what I am doing by sharing this with people!!

We had a trainer come to the gym to help us put together a routine. We do 5 min of cardio warm up on the treadmill; 30 min of strength training (he showed us various things for arms, legs, abdomen); 20 min of good cardio then final stretch. Vinny, our trainer, actually has an elaborate computer program which can customize menus, grocery lists (including Isagenix products) with the exercise factored in to help people reach their weekly weight loss goals. I am still doing my own menu planning right now but may consider it later. He can do this in person or on the phone so anyone that wants this level of help can get it in conjunction with their Isagenix nutrition.

I am not happy about the weight fluctuation but not at all worried -- my body is settling in to the new exercise routine and I did get hungrier in the beginning. As my work-outs have increased in intensity I am less hungry.

Question: Are You Still Taking "Those Shakes??"

2010-10-14T20:06:00.002-04:00

Someone recently asked me this question. They knew that part of my weight loss involved shakes. And YES, I am and will thankfully be taking "those shakes" F O R E V E R!

Why will I take them forever? A very good question...

1. If you never exercised, then started working out 3-5x per week and then lost weight... what would happen if you stopped exercising all together? If you ate horrible food, then switched to more healthy food and then lost weight... what would happen if you went back to junk food?

Exactly - whatever healthy habits you employ to lose weight and get healthy HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED if you want to maintain your results! So that's why a cabbage soup, no carb, starvation or cookie "diet" or some other extreme will have little chance of long term success.

2. The IsaLean Shakes are not just a nutrition-packed meal replacement at 245 calories, they are the most complete food on the planet with all 90 nutrients (60 organic minerals, vitamins, and amino acids) our bodies need for healthy cells. So regardless of weight loss, once I understood the amazing ingredients in those shakes I knew that they would be as important to my health as brushing my teeth each day. If I had to go to the health food store and buy all the ingredients for this shake (the exact ingredients aren't even for sale but let's say they were) - I would be spending maybe 10x more than the $2.60 I spend now per shake.

FACT: We all seem to be striving to be thin but being thin doesn't = being healthy - I know lots of thin people who are sick (anemic, tired, aches, pains, low energy and other chronic conditions). While they are "thin," they are not healthy - including that fact that EVERYONE has an overload of toxic chemicals that our body cannot cleanse out (visit the Center for Disease Control web site to see the latest report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals -- 212 chemicals were measured in blood and urine samples, only a fraction of the thousands of different toxins we are exposed to).

So dieting does not = health.

Dependence on prescription drugs does not = health (nothing is "cured," only symptoms are lessened).

I believe that super nutrition + cleansing toxins is the key to getting our bodies to be in balance so they can right what is wrong... so yes, me and several hundred thousand others are still happily taking those shakes!

Pharmer's Market on Most of Americans' Plates

2010-10-07T00:09:00.002-04:00

Haven't posted in a while - but busy... just joined Planet Fitness with some friends (for $10/month you can't beat it).

WATCH THIS FUNNY BILL MAHER CLIP ON WHY PEOPLE ARE SICK!

A friend recently posted this to her facebook page and it is really funny but true as only Bill can tell it!! I don't agree with everything Bill Maher says but this time he is soooo RIGHT! It is hard to talk to some people about good nutrition -- many people will take any drug their Dr recommends (along with the horrible side effects which cause symptoms that require more drugs) without even checking out what they are putting into their body.

There are enough people out there who get it. I would guess that anyone reading this does get it. :-) For those that put their health into the hands of big pharma, watch this then take a look at the Natural News site as well, one of my favorites!

I always thought I was fat because I didn't have willpower, now I know that it is the sugar/salt/fatty foods that take away our willpower because they are addictive. Put good nutrition in your body and you'll find your willpower again. If you've ever had a piece of cake calling you from the kitchen then you know what I mean.

11 Month Progress: 89 lbs and 83.25 inches!

2010-09-23T12:19:00.002-04:00

What to do when your clothes get too big and you
have nothing to wear? I have been buying clothes at
Rotate - a local consignment shop. The tan linen pants,
brown vest and green henley only cost me $14 total!
I don't want to spend too much on clothes because I'm
still losing weight :) What to do with "fat" clothes?
Bring them to a consignment shop and make money!

So a lot happened in the last month - went to Celebration in San Diego, came home and immediately left on vacation to New Hampshire then enjoyed the last weeks of summer vacation before the kids started school. Lots of eating out and at other peoples' houses.

I am sad to see the summer go but am thrilled to be back on a schedule now that the kids are in school. We eat at home every night at roughly the same time (5:00-5:30) and it's just easier to eat healthy foods when I buy them vs. eating out or being at other people's houses.

I didn't lose much on the scale (although at times during the month I was down a few more pounds) but I lost inches and pants that didn't fit last month fit now. Plus I am exercising a lot more (building up muscle).

A friend and I both have about the same amount of weight to lose (35-40lbs) and we are doing it together so that is a lot of fun. We are going to weigh ourselves every Wednesday morning, which is after our Mon/Tues cleanse days (doing the modified cleanse... first day all shakes and small 50 calorie snacks in between and the second day all Cleanse for Life).

Jackie Warner Thintervention Shake

2010-09-20T11:09:00.004-04:00

Today I rode my bike to walk on the track - I used to love bike riding and it's a great work-out before I start my walking. It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. Then I walked the track with friends. Very motivating way to start the day. UNLIKE some of the shows on TV where overweight people get screamed at to the point of puking.

Jackie Warner Thintervention - Mon Night on Bravo TV

So, although I love Jackie Warner (her energy, spirit and dedication), I was not anxious to watch her new show on Bravo TV because it was the boot camp style of the Biggest Loser. But last night I gave it a try and actually liked it. Why? 1) The people are living at home (like in real life) as they are losing weight. 2) She doesn't scream at them but does push them. 3) She gives nutrition counseling AND emotional counseling.

And on the second show she showed them how to make a healthy shake. She started with a low glycemic protein powder, added branch chain amino acids, flax seed oil and antioxidants in form of spinach and berries. YEAH, all that stuff and MORE is ALREADY IN THE SHAKES I HAVE BEEN TAKING that have reshaped by body!! She would love these shakes -- the whey protein is superior (from New Zealand), all the BCAA, healthly fats and much more are in there. I'd have to buy 60+ different items at the health food store (who has the time or money for that)! She recommends that people add berries and spinach to their shake - the Fruits and Greens I take are ORGANIC with not just one but MANY, MANY servings in one little scoop of powder.

Jackie's TIP: anything with more than 5grams of sugar per serving has to be thrown out of your kitchen - our brains are addicted to sugar. Right on Jackie!

IsaBody Challenge 2011 - Bring it On!

2010-09-08T13:40:00.004-04:00

Just to see how far I came... here is a "before" head shot and an "after" head shot (the later has more make-up but it's amazing how my face has changed - back to the way it was)! So I've accomplished a lot and could easily be comfortable at this weight.

However, I listened to Holly DeMott (the 2010 IsaBody Grand Prize Winner) on a "Real People, Real Results" podcast last week and heard that she started the challenge at a size 16/18 and is now a size 4. It occurred to me that I am a size 14/16 and, while I don't think I can reach a size 4 - I wasn't even a size 4 in high school - I do want to lose more than 14 more pounds (which will get me to my goal of losing 100).

Holly said something really inspirational, she said you can achieve any body you want with these products (and I do know that to be a fact). So what better way to challenge myself to go further than the 100lbs? I have decided to enter the 2011 IsaBody Challenge! I am also coaching some friends to enter with me so that will be fun.

I really like having a goal because if you don't know where you are going then you probably won't get there (or something like that). I also like to put my goals in writing because it's a fact that we are more likely to do something if we tell people!!

So here it is, my goal is to lose an additional 40 pounds (on top of the 86 I already lost)! I will accomplish this by the close of the 2011 IsaBody Challenge next June. I also have a goal (separate from IsaBody) of helping lots and lots of people better their health and reshape their bodies by introducing them to Isagenix nutritional rebalancing.

I Won 2nd Place In the 2010 IsaBody Challenge!

2010-08-29T22:06:00.004-04:00

Celebration was FANTASTIC and not just because I was a finalist in the IsaBody Challenge! I came in 2nd place (winning $2,000 cash plus the free trip to Celebration in San Diego). Here I am on stage when it was announced. Oralia won the $5,000 (I am happy for her, she lost 127lbs since she started the challenge, avoiding gastric bypass).

Nancy, my best friend from college, and her friend (now my friend Jeannine) all went and we had a blast. We met up with Dale, Dr J, Dave and lots of other friends from the Albany area. There were so many inspirational stories - here is one you HAVE TO WATCH, it is an amazing story about the transformation of a young woman, Angela Lovelace, with Down Syndrome. Angela was at Celebration and I was so impressed by her love of life.

I am already planning on attending the 2011 Celebration (again scheduled for San Diego) and am going to bring my whole family as there is so much to do out there (Legoland, SeaWorld, even Disney).

There is just too much to post here but I am even MORE excited about growing a business with this company. Lots of new products were introduced with some more blockbusters planned for the future!

Best of all, I got to meet and talk to John Anderson (I just couldn't believe I was standing next to him - the genius who formulated the first Isagenix products). I am pictured here with Dale (my walking buddy and mentor) and Jeannine (my new friend from Long Island). So much to tell, we actually sat with Dr Paul Anderson, the person who formulated my favorite IsaDelight dark chocolates (no relation to John Anderson). These people are my celebrity crushes because they are incredibly smart and have changed thousands of peoples' lives (including mine).

Leaving tomorrow for CELEBRATION!!

2010-08-19T21:53:00.001-04:00

I am leaving Friday morning to go to Celebration in San Diego. Should be packing right now but I was just appreciating my sister and all the beautiful clothes she let me borrow. We are the same size now (that has not happened since we were in high school and she used to steal my clothes, haha).

God bless my wonderful husband - thanks to him my car won't blow up on the way to the airport! He asked me if there was anything he could do to help me and I mentioned that my oil light had been flickering on and off. Well, I apparently had NO oil in my car so a blown engine was imminent (how scary)!

Before and After (down 69lbs in 24 weeks)

Here is my Isagenix before and after photo that I submitted for the contest. I am glad that the IsaBody photo shoot and interview, etc. is all on Saturday because then I can just relax and enjoy myself until they announce the winners on Monday afternoon. Here is a link to the web page with the 2010 finalists, look for me under Women 35-49 (I just made the cut-off as I am 49). A dear woman, Jean Faber, is in the 50+ group and I am rooting for her to win her category and win the $10,000!

10 Month Progress: 86 lbs and 79 inches!

2010-08-17T15:46:00.001-04:00

WOW, last week in Rhode Island I did my favorite (modified) two-day cleanse and the 4.5lbs that showed up on my mom's scale was confirmed once I got home. My modified cleanse (which a friend also just tried with great results) is to do the first day with just shakes and raw foods for snacks (about 40-50 calorie snacks every two hours). Drink 3-4 shakes (you can do 1/2 shakes and have 6-8 of those) then eat the snacks. Take 4oz of cleanse the first night and continue the next day as a regular (JA compliant cleanse - that means just IsaSnacks and IsaDelight chocolates).

I decided to do another modified two-day cleanse on Saturday and Sunday because the weekend in RI ended with lots of good food. On Friday I started with a shake then visited my old job and had lunch with friends (ordered my favorite sub with roast turkey and cheese from the local deli). Then after my daughter's performance we all went out for pizza at my favorite pizza place - Caserta's on Federal Hill in Providence. And I think I had three pieces plus my daughter's crust she didn't want - yum. Then I went to the movies with a friend (to see Eat, Pray, Love - liked it but like the book better). Instead of popcorn I brought an IsaDelight. So I missed my second shake that day planned to do the full shake day on Saturday for my trip back.

When in Providence, try Caserta pizza (crispy crust, delicious sauce)! Sorry no photo of the pizza, I was too busy eating it to remember to take a picture but I am with my hubby in downtown Providence.

Countdown to Celebration/IsaBody Finals - time for new lip stick

2010-08-10T10:45:00.006-04:00

I am in RI now at my mom's house while my kids are in camp. I got back on track with a shake day on Monday (all shakes and raw food as snacks) then I did a cleanse day yesterday while I was shopping. On my mom's scale it showed I lost 4.5lbs this morning (since Monday). I am not celebrating yet because I will have to see it on my own scale to believe it.

I am in the IsaBody Challenge Finals (click on the W 35-49 to see my before and after photos). Isagenix is flying me and a friend (Nancy - a college friend from F.I.T. who also loves Isagenix and what it has done for her and her family) to San Diego on Aug. 20. The next day I am getting my official "after" photos taken by a photographer and filming later in the day. Since I basically just wear cherry Chapstick and no make-up I knew it was time to get some professional help.

There was only one place I even considered going for make-up advice - the MAC counter at Nordstrom. Here is a photo of all the lipstick choices - insane, right? Just seeing this makes me anxious - there is NO WAY I could EVER choose a lip stick on my own, much less the right shade of foundation. But I knew that 1. MAC is a company that has something for everyone; 2. MAC-trained girls love make-up and are some of the the best at what they do and 3. Nordstrom's superior customer service would mean that I was going to get the help I needed!

Maria, my MAC make-up artist at Nordstrom

I was not disappointed! Maria, pictured here with me, was fantastic and was soooo patient with me. Whenever I put on lipstick with any color I just think I look like a clown. But she didn't give up on me and it turned out her very first choice - Viva Glam V - was right-on, all it needed was a liner. Then she helped me with a foundation. I am using the IsaDermix line now and LOVE it but my skin tone is uneven from being in the sun so I wanted some light foundation to even it out. Then she completed the look with eye make-up. I probably don't look like I have any make-up on in this photo, which is OK because I still want to look natural.

I love meeting people who are great at what they do (like Maria) - she knew her products inside and out and she wanted me to be happy with the end result! It is clear to me that people get best results when they have caring people helping them that know and love the products. That is what Isagenix is all about (except I don't have retail space at Nordstrom). I had knowledgeable people there to guide me along with the products and now I am doing the same. I am inspired to achieve the level of knowledge and customer service of someone like Maria. This method of buying products (be it make-up or nutritional food) from someone who is passionate about the products and likes helping people beats purchasing stuff off-the-shelf anytime! Now it's on to find some new clothes...

How to Turn Around a Bad (Food) Day

2010-08-07T23:58:00.000-04:00

Today was one of the most beautiful August days ever but not a good food day for me! I started the day as usual with my Ionix and IsaLean Shake. Then we rushed out at 11am to go to a church picnic. I filled up my 20oz container with water as usual and grabbed an apple because I knew we'd be there for a while. Drank the 20oz on the way there and had no water left - thought I would get some there. Well, I really didn't plan well...

Once there I found out the menu was limited to hot dogs and chips; knew we wouldn't be leaving until 2pm; remembered I only had one shake so far that day; and realized I wasn't going to be sustained with just the apple. So I decided to have a hot dog (we don't eat them as a family anymore but once in a while I do enjoy having one). Above is a photo of my plate (I gave away the cookie but ate the chips).

Why are there two photos???
That wouldn't have been so bad but after that hot dog it literally felt like I hadn't eaten anything and I was still hungry! Actually, I knew my body was hungry for some real food but I impulsively took another plate (a 2nd hot dog and chips) - yikes! The lack of water wasn't helping (they had sweetened tea but I don't drink/eat any sugar or sugar substitutes). I had remorse after because I knew I had just wasted calories on food that wasn't healthy and wasn't even satisfying (whereas I don't mind wasting calories on something really delicious).

Believe it or not I still didn't feel full - my body knows what good nutrition is now and it was demanding something more, something better. So I ate my green apple and had some watermelon and that stopped the cravings - thank goodness. As soon as I left I stopped and bought a big liter of water and drank the whole thing. Then we went to the pool and didn't get home until 4:30, at which point I was hungry again. I made myself a 1/2 shake and ate some sugar snap peas with hummus. So I was back on track... but not for long.

Then I found out my husband wasn't going to be back from fishing until about 7pm so I held off on making dinner. Bad for me because I am used to eating dinner at 5-5:30. So I took my mind off food by doing some work but when I realized that a brief I was working on did not get saved (lost about an hour of work) that got me anxious and drove me to the kitchen where I had some crackers with cheese, tortilla chips and two pieces of toast with butter!! (I should have had an IsaDelight - that would have calmed me down!) And I could have kept going - I still felt hungry.

Prior to Isagenix I would have just kept going on a binge with the notion that I ruined the day anyway but now I knew I had a surefire way to stop the madness! I made myself a shake (1/2 IsaLean and 1/2 IsaPro with a little orange WME) and my body finally registered that it didn't need to eat anymore. I made my family dinner (BBQ grilled chicken breast, sweet potato fries and green beans) and I sat with them but didn't eat anything - although it was healthy, I wasn't hungry and I've now learned to listen to my body.

So that was my crazy food day and I'm glad it's over! In the past, one bad food day lead into another, which lead into another. Now I have no more than 1/2 a bad food day. Lesson learned: I need to eat healthy foods at regular intervals and all will be well - it's really pretty simple and sometimes just takes a little advance planning if I am going to be away from home.

Tomorrow I am going to do a shake day (which I love) - just shakes all day with healthy snacks in between and Monday I will do a cleanse day. The rest of the week I will be eating at other people's houses while visiting friends in RI so I will have to be careful with that.

4 Simple Breakfast Rules for Shedding Pounds

2010-08-02T15:02:00.001-04:00

From Realage.com (Dr Oz and Dr Roizen's site)... more proof that the right breakfast is crucial to losing weight. Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons (author of Potatoes, Not Prozac) has four simple rules for using breakfast to counterbalance the biochemical mechanisms behind sugar cravings, obesity, and depression. (LINK)

Dr Desmaison's Rules:
1.Do it daily. Your goal is to make it a daily, automatic habit. The reward? You can kiss late-day low blood sugar and sugary snack cravings goodbye -- permanently.

2.Do it sooner rather than later. For the best results, eat breakfast within an hour or so of waking up -- even if you're not hungry. Morning-time low blood sugar produces a brain chemical designed to mask hunger pangs -- but can cause sugar cravings later in the day.

3.Make it complex. We're talking complex carbohydrates -- the fiber keeps blood sugar on an even keel and helps you feel full longer.

4.Power it with protein. Protein slows digestion, helps prevent spikes and dips in blood sugar, and can even give you a dose of depression-fighting tryptophan. DesMaisons recommends that you get a third of your daily protein at breakfast.

I already know that an IsaLean shake is the BEST start to the day and it certainly supports theses four rules. It has 23 grams of the best protein plus healthy fats and carbs PLUS all 90 minerals and vitamins our bodies need. Add a scoop of FiberPro and/or IsaPro and get even extra fiber and/or protein! Link to product info.

Plus, knowing you have that canister of shake helps you from spiraling out of control after a "bad" day. I really ate too much at a cook-out yesterday so I actually had a 1/2 shake later last night when I got home then decided to have shakes all day today with healthy snacks in between.

25 Days Until Celebration!

2010-07-29T02:40:00.000-04:00

The countdown to Celebration has started -- this will be my first (of many) big events. I attended IsaU in April but that was only about 400 people. This promises to be 6,000+ (not sure of the exact number but lots of people)! IsaBody Challenge, here I come. What a blast this will be. I am bringing Nancy, my friend from college, who is now building a business with me.

People reading this blog know my story -- well, multiply that by thousands of similar success stories and you can't help but be in awe of what this company has accomplished with its products. It is so inspirational and rewarding to hear person after person tell of their renewed health with Isagenix. This company has improved the health (and wealth, let's not forget) of thousands of people and I will get to meet many of them next month.

Jean Faber - a member of the Cepeda team who lives in Minnesota and is an IsaBody finalist in the age 50+ category; Larry Fuchs, Jr. from FL - the first member of the 200 pound club; Lisa from AZ, the 200th member of the 100lb club and Dana Soto - a woman from CA who weighed 800lbs and was told she was going to die (now she has lost 323lbs on Isagenix). I really hope John Anderson (the founder and master formulator) is there, imagine how he feels to get so much love and adoration from thousands of people whose lives he has changed (like mine)!

Cruising with Isagenix

2010-07-20T01:00:00.008-04:00

I just came back from a 7 day cruise from Boston to Bermuda (on NCL - the company I used to work for) with my mom and sister. This was a REAL vacation because we left our kids at home with our husbands (yeah for the husbands) and also left behind the cooking, cleaning, laundry and mommy duties. I treasure that time I spent with my mother and sister!

I would never think of going a day without my Isagenix products so I brought my IsaBlender, packets of IsaLean shakes, IsaDelights, WME sticks, IsaBars, IsaOmegas, Ionix Supreme powder and Accelerators. I also knew there was a nice gym on board (floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean) and a walking track on the top deck so I brought my sneakers and work-out clothes. I also took the stairs whenever I could and that was a LOT of stairmaster-type action.

Here's what I did:
Upon Waking - Ionix and Accelerator with 20oz of water then off to the gym to walk for about 35-40 minutes.

Breakfast - back to the cabin to have my IsaLean Shake and IsaOmegas (photo of me on our balcony enjoying a vanilla shake), then accompany my mother and sister to the breakfast buffet. They had the delicious French toast everyday with lots of syrup. Although I wasn't really hungry after the shake I found a little treat that was delicious - they had a yogurt bar where I had them mix plain yogurt with fresh berries and walnuts.

Lunch - the days we were at the beach I brought a packet of shake. On the ship I usually ate something from the buffet. I tried whatever looked good and relatively healthy but only took very small portions. One day I had a hamburger and it was not worth it!

Snacks - glad I brought some IsaBars - here's a silly picture of me in Hamilton, I am actually licking some chocolate off the wrapper and you can see my mother is mortified that I am doing this in public (I'm sorry but I just love those bars).

Dinner - we ate in the formal dining room each night and I had an appetizer (the healthiest choices on the menu) plus a Cesar salad and an entree' (oh yes, plus bread and butter - NOT something I usually eat at home). One night I had tempura (fried vegetables) - mega calories! So I could have made some better choices but, for the most part, I didn't regret them after.

Dessert - NO desserts for me because I do not eat any sugar or sugar substitutes so even their "sugar free" offerings were a no-go. I brought an IsaDelight to the theatre each night and enjoyed that. I went to the hugely popular 11pm chocolate buffet with my mother and sister and took photos of the pretty desserts.

Drinks - NO alcohol - a decision I made because it wasn't worth the calories to me (plus the martinis were $11.25 each!). So I drank tons of water as usual. I carried my Isagenix 20oz shaker bottle with me everywhere. IsaFlush at night was also a lifesaver.

So the end result is that I gained 3lbs :( BUT it will be gone by the end of this week - not a problem. Note: my mother, who is on maintenance, and who didn't exercise; didn't take any meal replacement shakes; ate multiple desserts each day including the 11pm chocolate buffet only gained 3.4lbs. (She did take her IsaOmegas each day.) She immediately got back home and resumed her regular routine of Ionix, Shakes and Cleansing and will also have that weight off by the end of this week - Mom's update, she just emailed me this am (Tuesday) and she is already back at her starting weight!! My update, as of Sat (a week later) I lost that weight plus another pound - now down 81lbs!

So if you splurge make sure it is really worth it then don't dwell on feelings of guilt - just wake up the next day, have an IsaLean Shake and know that you have the solution to better health.

I AM AN ISABODY FINALIST!!!

2010-07-08T18:47:00.001-04:00

I got the most EXCITING call today from the Isagenix Sales Team - yes the whole team!! I am an IsaBody Finalist!!!!! I started crying because it means so much to me to go to Celebration and meet some of the people I've heard and read about. What is IsaBody? Click to link to past IsaBody winners.

I just can't believe how much my life and the lives of others has changed since that day in my Dr's office when I mentioned I was trying to get healthier and the receptionist told me great things about Isagenix. I've already called back that receptionist to thank her for saying something. And I've also thanked the nurse there for giving me Dr J's business card. What if they were afraid to tell me? I keep that in mind if I am ever afraid to talk to someone about it.

So when I started this blog days before I even got the products I had NO way of knowing how many great things would happen along the way besides my weight loss. While so many wonderful things have happened already, I know this whole journey with Isagenix is just beginning...

8-1/2 Month Progress: 80 lbs!!

2010-07-03T22:27:00.004-04:00

I had to post an interim progress report today because I hit the milestone of 80 pounds this morning!! Twenty pounds more to reach my goal of 100 pounds but I know I will eventually lose more than 100. It's not about vanity but I was born with a somewhat petite frame (5'3") so in order for my body and organs to operate at peak efficiency it is optimal for me to weigh between 125-145lbs (a normal size 8-10).

It is comforting to know that I have a game plan for life in terms of staying healthy. It is not even about weight and that is hard to communicate to people. The IsaLean shakes are supplying all the 90 nutrients the body needs (minerals, vitamins and essential fatty and amino acids) plus the world's best whey protein. Why would anyone NOT put that in their body every day - regardless of weight?

Here is a photo of me on July 7th in my new bathing suit - trying out my cruise wear look for the vacation I am going on next week with my mother and sister. I was so psyched to get something other than black!! These are Land's End separates, four or five sizes smaller than the Land's End suit I wore last summer (which I already gave away).

Aerial Adventure

2010-06-28T23:06:00.002-04:00

My sister and her son came to visit me and my two children and today we went to Jiminy Peak's new Aerial Adventure Park. We had a blast and I was so excited because in the past (76lbs ago) I would have been too big for the harnesses and probably wouldn't have attempted to walk on a tight-rope in the tree-tops. Well today was great, I was faster and steadier than my nephew and two kids! At one point everyone climbed down a ladder to avoid a really difficult rope tunnel. I knew I had to do it - plus, there was a fun zip line once I got through the tunnel. I did it and I was really proud of myself and my kids were too!

Later on there was a really tricky vertical spider web for kids. All three kids were having a tough time doing it (falling repeatedly) and I really thought my son would give up (at one point he was practically in tears from frustration). Shame on me I was telling him to go try the rope ladders instead because he was good at them and I didn't want him to end the day feeling defeated after all he had accomplished. Well, he decided to keep trying (not give up!) and I was so proud of him - they all made it up to the top.

It was a day of trying new things - somewhat scary and unfamiliar things - but this is what life is all about! I LOVE to do things like this with my kids so they can learn that succeeding takes perseverance, overcoming obstacles/failures and never giving up! I just kept telling them how proud I was of them for the efforts they made and I could see that the experiences today were life-changing.
I wish they had allowed cameras on the course but we had to leave all our stuff in a locker at the base. Thank goodness, because my sister and I go crazy with taking photos of the kids and we would have been calling them in the middle of a traverse to turn around and smile. I went back later and took this photo of one of the cross-overs we did.

I work with the BEST company!

2010-06-19T19:42:00.003-04:00

HOW CAN I MAKE THAT STATEMENT???

The other day when I was walking I just starting thinking of how much I love Isagenix... the people, the products, the integrity of the company. Some people are skeptical when I tell them this and I really don't blame them. It's a good idea to be skeptical in this day and age. In these instances, I ask them to do their homework by listening to some Isagenix podcasts, reading the recent clinical trials, etc. and then to become an associate to see for themselves.

It recently dawned on me that my belief is not just my own experience with Isagenix but my 20+ years in working with many other brand-name companies. Here are some of the more recognizable ones...

I had to think back on all the products I marketed (either working directly for the company or being assigned the task at their ad agency). I became intimately aware of product benefits and shortcomings as well as the business ethics of these companies (most good, some not). The many hours, months and years I've spent with all these companies has given me keen insight into consumer product companies and this is what has helped solidify by belief that Isagenix is truly a world class company!

So if you are reading this and not sure, take my word for it and/or do the research yourself then try the products (there is a 30-day money back guarantee)!

CONFIRMED - Omega 3 + Exercise = Weight Loss!

2010-06-16T13:11:00.002-04:00

In yesterday's post I surmized that my ability to finally get past my 7 week plateau was the combination of omega 3's and the more regular exercise.

Today I Googled omega 3 and weight loss and immediately found this research by the University of South Australia which corroborates my own theory:

It has now been proven scientifically that omega-3 fish oil helps you lose weight. Studies at the University of South Australia have found that taking omega-3 fish oil combined with moderate aerobic exercise boosts weight loss. Over a period of 12 weeks, researchers gave a group of obese adult’s daily doses of omega-3 fish oil and supervised moderate aerobic exercise three times a week. The researches compared the results of this group with other groups that were not given omega-3 fish oil and exercise three times a week. More info...

I recently found another great article from Natural News that supports this theory.
Of course Isagenix has the best quality Omega 3 supplements! IsaOmega Supreme is the "purest and most advanced" on the market! Link here to the facts which support that.
Thanks again to Dale for recommending this!!

8 Month Progress: 75 lbs and 70 inches!

2010-06-14T15:49:00.003-04:00

It finally happened - my plateau is broken!! I was stuck at the same weight and inches for about seven weeks (give or take two pounds) but I knew a few things that kept me going:
1. I hadn't been at my goal weight in 22 years so it would take time to lose it
2. my body was resting at this set point where it felt comfortable
3. I was putting the BEST nutrition in my body everyday and not starving

I tried many different things to get the weight loss going again including different Isagenix products; listenting to different people's experiences with the same problem (Jean Faber, Larry Fuchs Jr); learning tips from Dr. Ina, Dr. Ted, Susan Sly and others. No other company offers this much support and advice!! If nothing else I think I have an arsenal of information to help other people if they get stuck at a plateau (so contact me).

So what finally did it?? I am not sure but I've narrowed it down to three factors:
1. it was just my body's time to get moving again after adjusting to the 71lb weight loss
2. the more regular, more intense walking kicked in (with Dale, my walking partner, who I love having as a friend and mentor in the business)
3. the addition of IsaOmega 3 (recommended by Dale)
Or ALL of the above!

I did try many different product routines and maybe the IsaOmega just hit at the right time but it did seem to make a difference. Another thing NO other company offers... while I am losing weight and feeling great, I am helping other people do the same and this paid for a NEW pair of walking shoes!!

These are Avia Toning sneakers - like the Sketchers Shape-Ups but I think less bulky looking. I really like them!

Eat This, NOT THAT!

2010-06-13T12:22:00.002-04:00

My son just celebrated his 9th birthday and I made him his favorite cake (white cake with home made whipped cream frosting and strawberries on top). I would have a hard time passing up birthday cake if I had not quit sugar (I was addicted to sugar and gave it up in Aug. 2008 - over a year before I started using Isagenix). I don't dare even have a bite... but I do still eat other "junk" food from time to time... and so it was on Friday that I brought some Cool Ranch Doritos into our house. I never buy this stuff but I got it for the kids who were coming over (or was it for me?). On that subject, why do we eat food that is horrible for our health when we are "celebrating?" That is a custom that has gotten a lot of people, including me, to the point of obesity.

So I ate some (actually, quite a lot) of these Doritos with all their fake chemical ingredients and then felt sickish. So then I made my FAVORITE salad and all was well.

Strawberry Spinich Salad

- organic baby spinich (must get the baby spinich, the regular is too tough for me to eat raw)
- strawberries (I didn't get the organic - didn't have them at my supermarket, these berries have a lot of residual pesticides - one of the "dirty dozen" - so glad to have Cleanse for Life)
- balsamic vinegar
- extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: this salad is delicious just with the strawberry dressing but anything can be added - shown here with walnuts and feta cheese
1. chop up strawberries small
2. mix with some balsamic and eeoo, add some pepper and a little Himilayan sea salt
3. toss with spinich and mix well
4. add other toppings if desired (keeping in mind the extra calories)

I could live on this salad, IsaLean shakes, bars and IsaDelights. That's it and I would be happy.

Consumer Reports: What's in your protein shake?

2010-06-08T23:40:00.004-04:00

I am so glad to have found a company that has a no-compromise promise to produce superior quality products. Not so for other companies.... check out the unexpected "extras" found in many other protein shakes. LINK to article in Consumer Reports. (Note, the IsaLean shakes are different than the typical protein shake because they are a balanced meal of 40/30/30 Carbs/Protein/Fats.)

How the heck did those Skrek glasses sold at McDonald's with the cadmium get past testing?? I guess they didn't test or trusted the glass manufacturer - never trust another company with something that important - do the testing yourself!! That's what Isagenix does - they have total control over the manufacturing process. Click here for a link that explains the testing that Isagenix does.

I have to say that when I worked with Hasbro they were insane about testing everything (this was a few years before the scandals over the toys made in China). Now I know why they were unbending in their rules for testing - they have never had a toy recalled.

I know lots of companies claim to have the best products so it's natural that people will be skeptical. But there are a LOT of facts to back up the superiority of Isagenix products. Ask me, and I can show you, why IsaLean shakes are the most absorbable by the body and why our whey protein is FAR superior to anything else out there!

ISAGENIX on HOUSEWIVES of NJ!

2010-06-01T00:02:00.004-04:00

If you don't watch HOUSEWIVES on BRAVO then maybe you are doing something more productive with your time but these are my "don't miss" shows. Starting with the Housewives of OC, I got hooked and while I watch very little TV now, these are my favorite shows.

So tonight I was excited to see a canister of chocolate IsaLean Shake on Caroline Manzo's kitchen counter! It was about 2/3rd through the episode when she is talking to Jacquie and Teresa. I was really excited that it was the Manzo's - they are a loving, close knit family. Caroline is a smart businesswoman, mother of three and married to Albert for 25 years.

UPDATE (June 25) - it is now all over the Internet that Caroline Manzo dropped 20 pounds. Here is the before and after photo from the Internet. She says she is drinking gallons of water, eating food earlier in the day, no soda, only 1 cup of coffee per day and working out. She does not mention Isagenix so it's purely speculation that she used it to lose the weight but she does look great so congratulations to her!

Prevention Magazine - Metabolism Boosters... need to break this plateau!

2010-05-22T10:51:00.005-04:00

So I weigh myself on Saturday mornings and I am still STUCK at 71lbs. I am not panicked but DO want to continue the weight loss to reach my goal of 100lbs!!

I saw a TODAY SHOW segment this week with Al Roker and someone from Prevention magazine spoke about 10 Diet Blunders that Slow Metabolism (especially for us older women as our metabolism naturally slows down as we age).

There is a link to watch this segment above or here is the list and you can also find more info on each item on the magazine's web site. I reviewed each item to see how I am faring...

These are Prevention Magazine's list that SLOWS METABOLISM:
1. You don't eat enough - not a problem with Isagenix, it is NOT an ultra-low calorie diet
2. You avoid caffeine - I do avoid caffeine (the founder John Anderson has some research on this plus coffee is highly acidic) but I have stopped taking the Accelerator and that is a natural metabolism booster with green tea - much better and does have a tiny bit of caffeine*
3. Your carbs are white - I have already eliminated most white carbs
4. Your water is room temperature - I ALWAYS drink iced water, love it
5. Your food is covered with pesticides - YES! they've recognized a MAJOR cause of stubborn fat - they explain that Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most pollutants from pesticides (which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater than normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight and that pesticides can trigger weight gain. Isagenix is WAY ahead on all this, enter their Cleanse for Life.*
6. Your meal lacks protein - got that covered with the superior whey protein in the IsaLean shakes
7. Your diet needs to pump iron - my diet has iron so I am fine with this - let's also add to that resistance training (not doing that yet)*
8. You're missing this crucial vitamin - Vit D - I am already taking 1000iu each day
9. You've had one tipple too many - don't drink alcohol so that's not an issue
10. You're not getting enough dairy - they are talking about calcium, I've been trying to incorporate IsaCal into shakes (this strawberry powder is a little too sweet for me)*

*My action steps to bust this plateau:

start taking the Accelerators again (I did in the beginning but stopped), I already ordered them
I am due for another 2-day cleanse so my body has the chance to really release toxins from my fat (then the fat loss follows)
I will more consistently take the IsaCalcium
I will "pump iron"/add the weights for my upper body
plus, I recently spoke to Larry Fuchs Jr - the first person in the Isagenix 200lb club (he's kept it off for 6 years). I sought his advice and, too much to detail now, but is a very caring person and I appreciated the time he spent talking with me

7 Month Progress: 71 lbs and 66.5 inches

2010-05-17T09:52:00.003-04:00

I have remained almost exactly the same this past month. This puts me a little off-schedule to lose 100 pounds by August 17 but I haven't been this weight in about 20 years so I can understand the need for my body to just take a break. I now look at food differently - as nutrition vs. a "fix" to cure stress, boredom, saddness, etc. This book I bought (see last entry) is helping with the emotions behind eating (I'm halfway through and will report on it once I finish reading).

The great news this month is that I used my Isagenix VISA card to pay for a trip to NYC to see Wicked with my daughter. It was her birthday present and something we were both looking forward to (I wouldn't have been able to justify this expense without this extra stream of income). I have not only helped myself get healthier but helped many other people and that is deeply gratifying. But the fact that the company compensates me to do this is icing on the cake! If everyone got paid each time we recommended something (a play, a restaurant, a new movie - we'd all be rich)!

As everyone already knows, Wicked is a mega-hit musical so make plans to see it if you haven't already. But if you are ever in the city on a Saturday you MUST get tickets to attend the Wicked - Behind the Emerald Curtain tour (10am each Sat, LINK). It was GREAT - Sean McCourt and Anthony Galde are both veterans of the theatre and of Wicked and gave a very entertaining and insightful view of what goes in to making a show (doesn't matter if you've seen Wicked) - this is a look behind the curtain at all the other talents involved in putting on shows. We are on our way to the theatre in this photo - luckily for the driver of this bike, I am 71 pounds lighter because of Isagenix!!

Oprah's Dieting Breakthrough (aired May 12, 2010)

2010-05-13T09:45:00.003-04:00

I HAD to watch this show when Oprah claimed in the promos that is was a miracle for people struggling with weight. The main idea is to STOP dieting. People who eat when they are hungry, sad, bored, anxious beat themselves up for not having the willpower. Emotional pain, anxiety and other uncomfortable feelings are soothed with food. However, the food is a temporary drug and the feelings haven't gone away so there is a double-bad feeling which includes the guilt/regret of eating too much of the wrong foods.

The author of Women, Food and God wrote a book that Oprah believes has helped her and will help others. People need to get to the root of why they are using food to suppress feelings. This is something I've done all my life (I remember a particularly stressful job at Premier Cruises when I would go to the vending maching and get huge chocolate muffins when things got too crazy).

According to Oprah, the "God" part is not necessarily religious but has to do with a "disonnection from center of self" (God) as the reason for all problems.
What does STOP DIETING mean? It means to eat to feed the body nutrition, not just "food" and think about food differently - thankfully that's what Isagenix is teaching me to do. The Isagenix food is pure nutrition - feeding my body the best food on earth (the basis of what eating is about)! I also eat store bought food and I look at that in a different way now - again, more for nutritional value.

There is another key to all this... I truely believed that I had NO willpower, until I realized that it was certain foods (that had no nutritional value) that had the power over ME. Put good food in your body and it won't crave junk food. CLEANSE to get rid of the toxins that your body is holding on to. Listen to Dr Nicole Kafka (an attending surgeon at both Beth Israel Medical Center and Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City), she simply explains why cleansing is the key!

President's Panel - Chemicals Cause Cancer!!!!

2010-05-06T10:05:00.001-04:00

Hopefully everyone reading this already knew or at least suspected that many of the cancers people are getting are from exposure to chemicals.

From today's New York Times... "the President's Cancer Panel has joined ranks with the organic food movement and declared: chemicals threaten our bodies." Read this groundbreaking news...

41% of people will get cancer in their lives (almost half of us). Our liver is desinged to filter out toxins and impurities but has a difficult time with the onslaught of chemicals we are exposed to everyday (increasing dramatically over the past 50 years).

Stop eating for a day (or two) and give your body the chance to cleanse itself (Isagenix is not a colon cleanse, and you won't be starving your body). The Isagenix Cleanse for Life helps to support your body to rid itself of harmful impurities while nourishing it with 27 vital nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Plus, the IsaDelight dark chocolates are part of the cleanse day - can't beat that.

I told you this stuff isn't "diet" food - it's super nutrition. Everyone should give their body the chance to cleanse! Toxins are also believed to be the reason why people have stubborn fat (see prior post on that from the Dr Oz show). Thank you to John Anderson, the "mineral man" and true visionary, who developed this product!

Link to short video on Cleanse For Life

Confession, my weight loss streak has been broken...

2010-05-01T19:13:00.000-04:00

I was able to lose weight EVERY week for 6 months but the streak is broken (I guess it was bound to happen). I had lost another 2lbs last week and gained them this week so still down 71lbs (but was down 73).

I had already recognized that I needed to add exercise regularly in order to get to my goal of 100lbs. So this week my daughter and I started a "fat free yoga" CD workout every morning. We really like it and are going to stick with that! In addition I'll do more walking (which I love but find it hard to schedule in the time).

So what went wrong this week? I definitely know I ate a few times past the point of being full at dinner (because I liked the taste). Not eating "bad" foods, just a little too much. Most people will admit that they just eat too much (just not getting that feeling of being satisfied). The good thing is that the shakes actually satisfy me nutritionally so there are no real cravings for food like before.

I also think I need to keep up with the water (which I love and am religious about) but have lately been not as thoughtful about it. Am I worried about this? Absolutely not - this is life, there will be ups and downs...but now I have a proven way to handle it.

6 Month Progress: Down 71lbs and 65 inches!

2010-04-23T14:28:00.002-04:00

I had my husband take this 6 month progress photo as I was rushing out to go to Isagenix U training and just posting now, a week later.

WHY CAN"T YOU LOSE WEIGHT (and keep it off)??? So if you are feeling like you are eating relatively healthy and maybe even exercising but AREN'T LOSING WEIGHT or INCHES then call me and find out why Isagenix is different.

It's NOT a fad (the company has been around for 8 years and is growing steadily, now at $1 billion cumulative sales)
It's NOT diet food (many athletes, even pro football players use the same products I use)
You CAN eat real food (snacks during the day and regular meals you cook at home)
Until you help your body get rid of toxins through cleansing the fat will have a hard time letting go and once gone will want to rebound back

If you lost weight on a regular diet and didn't lose a LOT of inches then you lost lean muscle along with some fat. I just helped someone who was already thin - she lost 6.4lbs and 20.75 inches! I am obviously happy to be off the weight roller coaster and am now earning an additional stream of income by helping other people.

WOW, So Impressed with IsaU Training!

2010-04-19T01:06:00.000-04:00

I went to IsaU (Isagenix University) this weekend and my expectations were exceeded in every way! This was a bit hard to do since I have been to many, many of these types of events - many by Fortune 500 companies - during my 20+ years in marketing. My friend Nancy and I learned so much and had a blast with our team from upstate NY plus lots of other people we met from all over.

I was honored to be able to go on stage and tell my 5 min testimonial and was inspired by others' stories. The trainers were stellar and so willing to share their time with attendees. I got to have lunch with one of the companies "stars." Kim Olson. She was awesome, she not only kept the weight off for 7 years but is losing more (now down about 170lbs). She even has run a 1/2 marathon (inspiring, to say the least).

Here I am in this photo with her. She was one of many Isagenix "stars" and millionaires I met but, again, the newbies like me who I spoke to were just as inspiring. You hear story upon story of how Isagenix nutrition has helped people lose fat and get healthier. Some people's stories of health transformation literally bring tears to your eyes.

It feels great to help friends achieve their goals!

2010-04-12T00:49:00.001-04:00

I went to visit my college friend, Nancy, on Long Island this weekend. I have not seen her in about 20 years! We exchanged holiday cards over the years and last Christmas caught up on the phone. When I told her I lost a lot of weight and felt great she was curious but skeptical - she had already tried just about everything to lose 15 stubborn pounds. Unlike me she stayed close to her college weight and had exercised religiously since then. Well, she tried the products and now is 17 pounds and many inches smaller and very happy with other results that are making her life much more enjoyable! She invited friends over to hear about Isagenix and it was fun to meet them - Dale (one of our Albany area product gurus) came with me and we loved her friends, we can't wait for a reunion soon to hear their results!

Shake Mistake - oops!

2010-04-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

I just made one of my favorite IsaLean shakes - vanilla with pumpkin pie spice but it got tipped over by me even before I had a sip :(

Yes, I had thoughts of washing my kitchen floor today so maybe this was some kind of sign.

Funny, I had to sip what was left in the shaker cup before I cleaned it up (remembering the 10 minute rule). Before I cleaned up I had to laugh, thinking that the shakes are so good for my body, but what is the benefit to hardwood floors?

So I took this photo with my cell phone nearby, cleaned up the floor (luckily I made it a thick shake so it wasn't all over the place) then I made another identical shake and enjoyed! Have a happy Easter tomorrow...

This company is the BEST!!

2010-04-01T14:52:00.004-04:00

This company is the best, not only are there lots of people around to coach (I have people helping and motivating me and I am doing the same for other people) but the company has a tremendous amount of information to help people get the best results from the products.

Our own Cepeda Team has a Tuesday product call-in at 8am. Not to mention that I can pick up the phone at any time and reach Dr J, his mom (Rosemary), his Dad (Joe), Dale (the local ingredient guru), Andrea (a unbelievable woman I just met who lives in Woodstock) and too many more people to mention. What other nutritional product company or any consumer products company can say that?

Not to mention that I have messaged John Anderson (the genius who founded the company) through his FaceBook page and he has answered - unbelievable!!

Now the company is hosting daily IsaProduct Coaching calls with Dr Ina Nozek (pictured here - she has a Master's Degree in Nutrition) and specializes in weight loss. The call-in is Monday-Friday 11 a.m. EST and Monday-Thursday 9:30 p.m. EST. Ask me for the call-in number - it is free to all Isagenix associates!

This is hands down the best company I've ever been involved with and those who know me know that I've worked for/with many Fortune 500 as well as smaller privately owned companies. I am so proud to be part of Isagenix!

Why it stinks to be a celebrity...

2010-03-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

Boy, am I glad I'm not a celebrity! Poor Lisa... I love the sub-head that says "and she's only 5-FOOT-3!" Well, I am also 5'3" but am still not down to 165 pounds! So I'm glad not to be famous. As "regular" people, we can gain weight and just wear pants with elastic wasits, roomier tops, etc. But at a certain point everyone gets to a place where they just don't feel themselves anymore and realize it's time to do something.

I got to that point in Aug. of 2008, topping out at my highest weight ever. I decided to quit sugar and sugar substitutes cold turkey. I really thought that would be the solution. Although I lost 15 pounds, I couldn't lose any more, even though not one bit of sugar passed my lips! Thank goodness I was introduced to Isagenix.
P.S. I saw something online saying that Lisa Marie said she's pregnant and that's why she is heavier around the middle.

5 Month Isagenix Progress: down 62.5 pounds and 60.25 inches!!

2010-03-17T15:55:00.004-04:00

Today is the 5 month mark and I can't believe how great I feel and how strange it is to be heading back to the weight I was before I got married and had children. I am so thankful that I was introduced to Isagenix because my efforts in healthy eating and even giving up sugar and sugar substitutes were not getting me anywhere soon.

Only 8.5 pounds lost last month but lots more inches (-12.75). That makes a big difference in how my clothes fit.
The funny thing is that even the experience of fitting into a size 14* jeans again didn't bring me to tears, but I am helping someone close to me with this program who has a lot of health issues and their results do bring me to tears as I see a way for this person to get healthy and live a long life!
* admittedly a size 14 (women's) with lycra in them but I'll take that

Does Shopping for Jeans Ever Get Fun?

2010-03-15T14:52:00.002-04:00

I HAD to go shopping for some clothes because everything is litterally hanging off. I went to Peter Harris (at the suggestion of a friend) and loved it. They are like a TJ Max or Marshalls - brand names for less.

I tried on about 25+ pairs of pants/jeans. Most fit but it was a matter of what style/fit was best for me. I started in the Plus department trying on size 14-16 then went to the "regular" department and fit into size 16-18 depending on the style. I am excited to shop in the regular department because the styles are nicer and sales are better.

Here is a photo of one pair I bought - a size 14P from the Plus department (petite because I am only 5'3"). I can't believe it since back in Sept.'09 when I shopped for pants I was a size 24. I am bringing lots of my old clothes to a consignment shop tomorrow because I know with Isagenix I have the permanent solution to my future health.

Dr Oz's 10 Commandments of Weight Loss

2010-03-12T23:01:00.002-05:00

Thou shall not wear stretchy pants (too hard to tell if you are gaining weight) - everything I wore had an elastic waste
Thou shall not keep fat clothes in your closet - I am bringing all mine to the consignment shop on Tues!
Thou shall not eat meet that walks on four legs more than 1x/week - I usually stick to this
Thou shall not graze and browse , plan your meals - have a plan in place (Isagenix is perfect for this)
Thou shall not eat after 7:30pm - have at least two hours between your last food and when you go to bed (this works for me)
Thou shall not pile food more than 1" high on the plate and keep 1" from edge Thou shall not chew food less then 20 times (wow - that's hard for me, I eat fast)
Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's plate (don't eat kids' leftovers - I don't do this anymore)
Thou shall not carry small bills, due to vending machines - not a problem for me because I work from home but good tip for those who visit vending machines
Thou shall not eat standing up or in a car - I am guilty of this - drinking shakes sometimes standing up in the kitchen or eating nutrition bars in the car

Who is the Founder of Isagenix?

2010-03-07T10:53:00.004-05:00

Who is the founder of Isagenix?

Anyone who has spoken to me about Isagenix (and the JA Way to Cleanse) has heard me talk about John Anderson - he is the genius that invented/formulated these products! I am his FaceBook friend (along with almost 5,000 other people) and enjoy reading about other people's successes and also about how he came to invent these products. He is pictured here with his daughter.

John was a successful manufacturer of supplements for 30 years and formulated thousands of products around the world (all the types of products sold in GNCs). He retired in 1998, and moved to the beach. Then he was bit by a brown recluse and had major health problems, including going blind in his left eye, organ damage, 9 foot surgeries, etc. He decided he needed to find a way to cleanse his body of the toxins, it not only worked but he lost weight as well.

This company, and where it is going, is so exciting - I've copied and pasted John Anderson's FaceBook post on Mar. 6, 2010:

It's been 30 years February 5th I have been in the Health and research industry. My crude 2,300 plus formulas are no comparison to whats coming next. My head is full of ideas, new research, new available raw materials, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves.

Time is only minutes, hours, days, and years. Living a healthy life is defying time itself. Where would everyone be right now if not for their improved health? We have all benefited from God's botanicals and minerals, I thank him every day.
We are blessed !!
John

Results: down 61 pounds in 4-1/2 months!

2010-03-06T17:33:00.003-05:00

I am 61 pounds lighter and many less inches (I'll meaure again on Mar. 17 - marking 5 months). Cutting calories was always a struggle but not now because my low calorie food - my IsaLean shake - is packed with so much nutrition that it satisfys my body.

I have learned that our bodies just don't want "food" - they want nutrition. That's why we can stuff ourselves with food and still feel hungry - that is our body telling us it still has not gotten what it wants - proper nutrition.

The Isagenix products are super foods and there is no combination of store bought foods and vitamin supplements that can equal it. Why? One reason is that our soil doesn't have minerals anymore due to over-farming and use of chemicals and pesticides - but thanks to the "mineral man," John Anderson, we have them in Isagenix products.

An unexpected side benefit of Isagenix (besides the weight loss) is helping other people achieve their health and wellness goals. This is something I would do anyway (how could I stop myself from telling people?) but the fact that the company compenstates me for this is unbelievable!

The only time you could have gotten colostrum was when (if) your mother breastfed you at birth... until now

2010-03-04T21:06:00.003-05:00

When babies are born, their mothers produce extremely nutritious milk for the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. This “first milk” is called colostrum.

Colostrum is naturally packed with nutrients to help an infant survive outside the womb. This is the only time we get this immune-boosting substance.

I knew Isasgenix had a product called Isamune but didn't know that much about it until I went to research it for a friend whose child has low immunity. I saw that it had the highest quality bovine colostrom and that it was helpful for people with seasonal allergies so I sent it to my friend. She listened to the podcast and told me it was fascinating so I listened to Dr Andrew Keech, the inventor of Isamune, tell about the fantastic benefits. Click here to link to the page to listen to the podcast. (Click on the speaker symbol above Dr Keech's photo)

Lots of scientific studies prove that colostrum’s nutrients support healthy immune functioning. Isamune is recommended for all ages, even babies of course.

We don't get sick much here so I never thought of buying this product but after hearing more information in the podcast I added two bottles to my next order and can't wait to try it!

Diet Can Prevent Cancer

2010-02-26T01:40:00.002-05:00

A quote from Dr Oz* -- "the food we eat may actually have the ability to turn on and off the genes that allow our cells to turn into cancer." "Your diet can reduce your risk of cancer."

His guest on the show, Dr. David Katz (founder of Yale University's Prevention and Research Center), said "If you eat optimally, at least 30 and as much as 60% of all cancer can be prevented... improves the health of cells, boosts immune system, better removes toxins from your body."

They talked about the value of GREENS - I have the Isagenix Greens but really havn't been taking them on a regular basis. I am going to start working them into my daily schedule in addition to the greens I usually eat everyday (because I would never get the number of servings that's recommended).

* this show aired 2/24/10

Why Do You Need to Cleanse?

2010-02-24T00:52:00.000-05:00

Why do you need to cleanse???? Listen to this short interview on NPR from two authors of a new book entitled Slow Dealth By Rubber Duck. LINK to audio.

The Environmental Working Group posted this link to their FaceBook page - it is a good organization that fights for our rights to be safe from toxins and chemicals. There is a great study on their home page of cell phone radiation. LINK to this site.

YIKES - the IsaBody Challenge Deadline is 6 Weeks Away!!!

2010-02-21T16:10:00.003-05:00

I got a little bit of a shock when I checked on the status of my 2010 IsaBody Challenge entry - I was thinking I had until April 17th but (correctly) they define 6 months as 24 weeks so my deadline is April 6. That is only 6 weeks away!!!

I have to take my "after" photos on or before April 6. My actual "before" photo is not the one on this site, I have on the black leggings and a sports bra so it doesn't disguise the fat like this one.

My goal was to get to 75lbs by the challenge but now that I only have 6 weeks left I am not sure if that's doable. I have lost 55 as of yesterday so I would need another 20 in the remaining 6 weeks (that's 3lbs/week and I don't know if I can do that). However, I feel I can do 15lbs in the 6 weeks which would make a total of 70.

Joe Beury, pictured here, is Dr J's dad and he was a 2008 IsaBody Challenge winner in the 60+ age category. I ate dinner last night with Joe, his wife Rosemary and some others after an Isagenix seminar we attended in Albany. Joe and his wife are great inspirations and such good people. Joe has been very encoraging to me in my quest to win the IsaBody Challenge. Click here to see results/stories from last year's winners.

4 Month Isagenix Progress - 54 pounds and 47.5 inches gone for good!

2010-02-17T09:04:00.007-05:00

Today is the 120 day/four month mark as I started using Isagenix on Oct. 17, 2009. I am making good progress towards shedding 100 pounds (which I hope to accomplish by Aug. 17, 2010). My first goal is to reach 75 pounds by April 17th (the end of my six-month time period in the IsaBody Challenge). That means I have to lose 10 more pounds in each of the next two months - I think that's doable.

I went to Dr. J's office tonight for a presentation and had my photo taken with him. He has been a great coach and has also helped the people I am coaching. Too bad I look like I am half asleep in the photo, I always close my eyes when I get my photo taken :(.

David Zabrowski was there (part of our Albany team - he is something like #58 in money earnings with the company!) He has a fascinating story - he and his wife are school teachers and although he is only 37 he was able to retire early and help people full time with Isagenix. He is willing to help anyone on this team and that means you and I!

Blogging 100 Pounds

2010-02-16T23:28:00.002-05:00

I started this blog right after I met with Dr. J to find out about Isagenix - at that time I had a feeling that this would be "it" - now I know I was right! Anyway, I wanted to start a blog to be accountable to myself and to let my friends and family see my progress (the majority of whom live out of state).

Well, I just found out that I wasn't supposed to use the Isagenix name in the url of the blog (I should have known that) but at the time I had no inclination I would be coaching other people and that this blog would be seen by anyone but me, my mother, my sister and a few friends.

As I searched for a new name for my blog I was surprised to see that so many of the names I thought of were taken (i.e. bloggingmyweightloss, 100poundstolose, 100poundstogo, myweightlossstory, etc.). The sad part is that I didn't see any blogs where people actually had a "final" photo or post of their success. Many people only had a few posts or even one! I guess that isn't really a surprise as I found myself in that situation many times.

One of the things I love about Isagenix is that there are so many people supporting each other and so many great success stories across the country and right here in Albany. One of the best things I did was go to some of Dr. J's meetings and connect with other supportive people. I also get constant inspiration and am learning something new everyday from coaching people.

It's a little scary...

2010-02-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

It's a little scary at first introducing other people to Isagenix because I feel so responsible for them to have success like I did. I know how great the products are and have spoken to many others now who have also had great success but it still is a little different when it's someone I personally enroll and coach.

I take the role of coaching seriously and anxiously wait to hear my friends' results each week. I am just as happy for them as if it was my own weight loss. I really didn't understand at the beginning why this was sold through direct marketing but now I do. Friday is the day most people are weighing in and I like to get updates from them - it makes my day when someone has a good week!

I really do love helping other people, it is emotionally gratifying and financially gratifying. Imagine getting paid to do this -- helping people reach their health goals? It sure sounds like a dream job to me!

Losing Weight Has Been Easy... Keeping it Off Has Been Hard

2010-02-10T19:15:00.001-05:00

Snow day today - a little bored - not my regular routine... I ate some Lays Wavy Chips and I was mad at myself after for doing that because it was after I had just eaten my "healthy snack." However, in the past I would have eaten half the bag - today I took a small handful on a napkin and that was it. In the past I would have thought the day was "ruined" and would have just gone on to eat other stuff. So how do I know that I won't gain it back this time?

Anything you do to lose weight - positive lifestyle changes - HAVE TO BE CONTINUED in order to maintain that weight. This is indisputable.

Isagenix products are part of my lifestyle and I will never give them up. Just like I won't give up getting my gray hair colored every six weeks. Some of the money I spend each week at Hannaford and BJs will go towards IsaLean Shakes and Cleasnse and that is the best money ever spent as it will keep me healthy. This is why I am so confident that I've found out why I was having such a hard time losing weight before Isagenix.

Why do people rebound? The Isagenix Cleanse is the key - click here for a simple diagram that explains it. If you have been thinking about trying Isagenix, call me and do it now!

Superbowl Sunday - and the winner is...

2010-02-08T09:34:00.001-05:00

I feel like I've won the Superbowl (of health) with Isagenix products because I am 100% confident I will be able to keep this weight off for good! At the end of this winter most of what I own will be given to good will.

I started out Superbowl Sun. with a shake of course then grabbed my bottle of water, an apple and an Isagenix Chocolate Peanut Crunch bar (the best bar on the market!) as I was running errands. On the way home I stopped at Hannaford to get food to make for the big game. I really felt like having some of my favorite tortilla chips (pictured here). I haven't had them in a few months so I splurged (both on calories and because they are $5.19/bag!). But they are in a different league than Tostados. I also bought some guacamole (in 100 calorie paks).

I portioned out some chips in a bowl (eating from the bag is a bad thing I don't do anymore). It was enjoyable (the gucamole probably more than the chips) but not as good as I anticipated it would be. Then I made an orange beef stir-fry for dinner. So I know my 400-600 meal was way more than that!

BUT, the great thing is that it's Monday morning and I had my shake and I am back in control. In the past one "bad" day would lead to another, would lead to another... Now I have products that are healthy and readily available and that satisfy me. That half-empty bag of chips is downstairs now in my cupboard but it's not an issue. On other "diets," people will try to severly restrict their calories today to make up for the day before, only to find them-selves eating those chips later that night. The shakes, the healthy snacks at regular intervals and the water is the secret to avoid binge eating.

Isagenix Blog - So Skinny On the Inside

2010-02-06T16:37:00.001-05:00

Another Isagenix blogger emailed me today because she saw my blog. Her name is Tara (not sure where she lives - I emailed her to ask). She has lost 41lbs and 60 inches in 19 weeks (with several periods of slight weight gains due to the holidays, etc.). It's scary how similar our stories are... her blog is inspiring to me and if you have time you may want to check it out. She has lots of great tips and product info. She also the cleansing the JA way :) So Skinny on the Inside.

Happy Birthday to ME...I am 49 years old today and 49lbs lighter!

2010-02-01T18:47:00.006-05:00

I turned 49 years old today and feel better than ever (I can't remember the last time I was at this weight, it has to be at least 11 years ago, if not longer). The best part is that I will never have to worry about rebounding back up because the Isagenix products have changed my body from the inside. Thank you to Dr. J., to my sister and mother, husband, kids and friends who have all been supportive. I am now helping other people achieve their goals and that is rewarding both emotionally and financially.

My sister got me and my mother-in-law (whose birthday is tomorrow) a room at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods (she's a big roller there apparently). She surprised us with birthday balloons in our room plus bottles of alkalized water and apples - she's the best!

My husband made me a delicious fruit tart instead of a birthday cake - blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, no sugar. The rest of the family had a regular cake.

Fatter People Living Longer????

2010-01-29T08:52:00.005-05:00

This article today in the LA Times cites a recent study which found that 70-75 year old overweight people are living longer than those 70-75 year olds who are thinner. This would have sounded crazy to me a few months ago!! However now, after using and understanding the purpose of the Isagenix Cleanse, I can hypothesize that maybe the overweight people have protective fat encompassing the toxins while the thinner people do not have as much fat to protect them from the harms that toxins cause. Thin people need this Cleanse as much, or more, than those trying to lose weight! John Anderson, the creator of the Cleanse and founder of Isagenix, is a genius! It must be a nice feeling for him having so many people thanking him daily for his contributions (he has over 4,200 facebook friends).

Dr Oz - TOXINS at your table!

2010-01-27T08:49:00.004-05:00

Dr Oz (LOVE him), had a show on Tuesday, Jan. 26 about the "toxic pollution in our food." He is the first person I've seen to really tackle this on TV, which is great, because a lot of people don't realize that most of the food we eat is harming us! Sad, but true.

The beginning of the show looked a lot like the intro to the new Isagenix Are Your Toxic? video - click here for a link (watch for Dr J).

DR OZ and his experts:
Mercury is now found in almost every kind of fish that isn't farm-raised (very high in sushi grade tuna, lowest in salmon). Fatigue, headaches and trouble thinking are signs of mercury poisining. Dr Oz recommendation: eat younger, smaller fish, rarely eat ahi tuna and albacore solid white tuna (which actually has more mercury than the cheaper chunk light kind)

BPA is found in 90% of people's bloodstreams. It is found in some plastics and in resins that line canned food. It causes cancer. Consumer Reports tested 19 different canned foods - all had BPA which leached into the food. Dr Oz recommendation: choose fresh vs canned food whenever possible, look for alternative packaging to cans (glass, frozen bags, cartons). Avoid plastics with a 7 PC on the bottom and any hard clear plastic not labeled, and never microwave anything in plastic.

Pesticides are found in our bodies because they are on the produce we eat. An expert on the show said that a recent study measuring pesticides in children over a 3 year period found highest levels in kids that had ADHD and autism. He said another study showed that abdominal fat in an animal test was high in the control group that had more toxins. Dr Oz recommendation: eat organic produce if possible and especially apples (ouch) and potatoes (we enjoy many apple orchards where we live but none are organic including the comany I do marketing for - more on this in a later post).

LINK TO DR OZ site for more information on Toxins at your Table.

So if you've read this far and you are using Isagenix cleanse you can feel good that you are helping to get rid of all these harmful impurities which your fat is holding on to!

Supersize Me - NOT!

2010-01-24T20:22:00.003-05:00

Last week on the Dr Oz show his partner, Dr Roizen, showed what we should do with fast food as he used his SHOE to stomp on a hamburger! This show is just beggin' for a lawsuit. Although I've had my share of fast food (the fat I'm now trying to lose), I have never taken our children to a McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's etc. My daughter went once with a friend to Wendy's and my son was taken to BK once by a family member - (you know who you are!).

I am not against burgers and fries in moderation, we make our own at home out of fresh ground angus beef and potatoes and splurge sometimes by going to Five Guys (the best!).

My kids and I just watched the movie Supersize Me.  It is a documentary about a guy who eats breakfast, lunch and dinner for a month at McDonald's -- see what happens to him! My kids couldn't believe what happened when they put the McDonald's french fries into a glass jar and waited 10 weeks (a bonus feature of the movie). You can watch the full feature film SUPERSIZE ME for FREE on hulu - click here.

I also had them watch the documentary Food Inc. a few months ago - a great look at where our food comes from. No, it's not all documentaries in the Rapp household, our next movie in queue from Netflix is Indiana Jones.

You gotta love Dr Oz!

2010-01-17T22:35:00.002-05:00

I think I've watched every Dr Oz show since he began his own show in Sept. I DVR them and watch them at night usually. I knew I really liked him when he admitted at the height of the H1N1 virus that his kids would NOT be getting the vaccine (although he said he was getting it because he was a health professional in contact with elderly and sick people). I had already decided not to get my kids vacinated but was encouraged to hear this. His wife is a Reiki healer (extra points for that although I am skeptical about the laying on hands) plus he always stresses non-prescription drug remedies for things (two thumbs up on that)!

HIDDEN TOXINS inside your home is the topic of an upcoming segment - I wish Dr Oz knew about Isagenix (although he never endorses anything by name) but I know he would love it! Anyway, his web site has great information and you can link to the "Real Age" test which calculates your real age based on health measurements and lifestyle vs. your chronilogical age. http://doctoroz.com/

3 Month Isagenix Progress - 44 lbs of FAT and 41 inches GONE!

2010-01-17T00:59:00.005-05:00

I can't believe that 90 days has gone by so fast but lately (I guess as I get older) time seems to be flying at the speed of light. At least now the quicker that time flies, the less I weigh and the healthier I am. Before Isagenix I would make a goal in June of losing weight by my wedding aniversary in Sept.... then that date would come and I would be virtually the same weight (disappointing - you might know the feeling).

I went skiing today with my son and it was a great day (and more pleasant skiing minus the 44lbs). My daughter took a photo of me this morning before we left to ski.

12 WEEKS - DOWN 41LBS !!

2010-01-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

I am going to take my measurements again on the 17th, which will mark 90 days. Besides the weight loss I feel great, literally am able to jump out of bed in the morning (once I've decided I can't spare any more time), I can run down the stairs without holding onto the railing (before I was stiff first thing in the morning and moved a lot more deliberately).

I just saw that Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld) is a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. Thanks to Isagenix for preferring to pay everyday people (like me) to be their spokesperson instead of giving the millions to a famous celebrity. He said they want him to be a role model to recruit more men. That's another great thing about Isagenix, since it's not diet food, it's nutritional food, men don't feel as hesitant about trying it (there are lots of testimonials from men on the site - click here)

I would love to help anyone get started on this - you won't know how much better you may feel until you try it.

What is your PH Level?

2010-01-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

I love finding out more about these products I'm taking, I know it's working but it's cool to find out about all the great things these products do. Dale L'Ecuyer is a women I've met through Dr. J. (coincidentally has a son in the same grade as my daughter) - she is really a guru on nutrition (20 years before she was introduced to Isagenix). Last night she gave an information talk to people wanting to find out more. One topic she spoke of was our bodies being acidic (caused by foods, drinks, lifestyle).

The majority of Americans follow a very acidic diet. Alkalizing our body brings it back into a state of health and well being and lets us loose weight more easily. Guess what? Isagneix products are alkaline and using them will get you towards the 7.3-ish PH measure. There are lists of foods and drinks on the internet but you need to know about soda - very bad:
   Water             7.00 neutral
   Diet Coke      3.39
   Gatorade       2.95
   Battery acid   1.00

I bought some strips from CVS to test myself but was a bit disappointed because the there were only five colors which would mean PH levels of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 (2 being very acidic and 10 very alkaline). There wasn't even a 7. So I measured a 6, which is good but I would have liked a more precise way to measure in increments from 5.5 - 7.5.

For anyone wanting to know more about how being acidic can make you sick and prevent weight loss, Dale has all the research including books written by a leading expert on the topic. We could do a three-way phone call and/or she can send you some information to read.

Dr Oz - Secrets of Weight Loss

2010-01-04T22:15:00.004-05:00

Dieters like myself have heard it all before - I was so well versved on the science of dieting that I wasn't even "looking" for a new diet. I had already tried many of them (not the fad ones, like the cabbage soup etc.) and I basically knew what to do. It always boils down to cutting calories and/or increasing activity to burn calories.

Today on Dr Oz (love him), they kicked off 2010 with a diet show, of course. Again, nothing I didn't already know (ban HFCS, simple sugars, white flour, saturated fat and trans fat - even my kids know that). However, two "secrets" he shared are interesting:
1. get a weight loss pal (they find that people who have support do better)
2. shout it out (they recommend you tell everyone you know that you are trying to lose weight and get healthier - this makes you more accountable to yourself and others)

#1 is so true - doing something alone means it's easier to give up. Isagenix is great because there are so many people willing to help, inform and encourage. No one is alone doing this. The second tip was something I already knew (hence, the blog) but thought it was cool that they included that in their no fail diet.

Dr. Oz has to find out about Isagenix, I know he would LOVE it! Once I lose all my weight I'll submit my success story to them... you never know.

Starting the New Year with Confidence!

2010-01-02T22:18:00.004-05:00

It is so cool to start 2010 already knowing that my weight and health issues are taken care of!! I am so grateful I found out about these products - I will reach my goal of losing 100lbs in 2010! I am now down about 38lbs.

So it's on to solve some other issues - mainly, paying down debt. Ironically, Isagenix can help with that too. The company generously pays associates who share the products with others. So I guess Isagenix can actually help me solve two long-term problems at once. I like the satisfaction of helping other people feel and look better and getting paid for that is almost unreal.

Thanks again to Lisa (the RN at Clark, Clements & Klein OB/GYN in Latham) and to Dr J in Chatham!

Tis' the season for too much food!

2009-12-26T12:06:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were very nice, my husband's aunt and uncle came from Long Island to spend the holiday with us. We had lots of good food - keeping in mind that my husband is a very good cook! We had shrimp scampi/salad on Christmas Eve and London broil/twice baked potatoes/green beens/stuffed mushrooms on Christmas Day. Of course we had cookies etc. (I made pumpkin pies) but I stayed away from those all-together.

After our guests left at 6pm yesterday I felt really sick to my stomach - I had apparently eaten too much food. Over the last two months I have learned to eat slower, enjoy the quality of food vs the quantitiy. It doesn't take that much food to satisfy me anymore but I just got carried away. I took some cleanse with a glass of water plan an IsaFlush and went to bed early.

This morning I weighed myself (no damage there) but I still don't feel that great. So I will do an all-day cleanse today and I know by tomorrow I'll feel great again - the beauty of Isagenix!

2 Month Isagenix Progress - down 33 lbs and 35 inches!

2009-12-20T13:50:00.006-05:00

I came back from my Disney trip yesterday and was anxious to get on the scale this morning to see the results. I was confident I didn't gain any weight but not sure if I lost any. I was really happy to see the results on the scale (-3lbs for the week). I am a third of the way to my goal of losing 100lbs!

Going on vacation with Isagenix was a sure way to stay on track, I made shakes each morning for myself, my mother, mother-in-law and daughter (gave the blender a work-out). Then I packed sandwiches for the family and an Isagenix bar for myself plus apples, Slimcakes, nuts, etc. Each night I had a big dinner with the family, often times eating out. A few nights I felt like I may have (probably did) eat more than a 600 calorie meal but I wasn't worried because I had my shake to start me off right the next morning. I also did a lot of walking and that may have helped although it wasn't the type of walking that got my heart racing.

The only bad thing was that I had old summer clothes that were really loose (practically falling off). I actually threw away one pair of linen pants the day after I wore them because they looked like clown pants.

Here is my 60 day progresss photo with the same clothes on. The pants are pretty baggy (don't need to unzip to take them off and really baggy in the legs) so I am not sure you can tell a big difference from the original photo. Next month I will wear something a little more form fitting but I will save this one pair of black pants for the final before and after!

Going on vacation - with Isagenix

2009-12-09T09:35:00.005-05:00

I am leaving on Saturday for Disney with my husband, two kids and mother-in-law... meeting up with my brother and his family and my mother and uncle. Things are getting hectic here so this is my last blog until I come back on the 19th.

We are surprising our kids as a Christmas present - they've been wanting to go and haven't been there since we lived in FL when they were 3 and 1 years old. I am excited as well and not feeling any anxiety about gaining weight on vacation, as is usually the case.

I am bringing a canister of shake and will have that for breakfast each morning (along with my mother and mother-in-law, also on the program). Then I will bring an IsaLean Bar for lunch because we'll be on the go (pack lunches for kids). We'll most likely eat out for dinner. I'll buy some veggies to snack on and I stocked up on the Slim Cakes (oatmeal cookies). I am not sure if I'll lose weight on vacation but I can be fairly certain I won't gain any. Plus I'll be doing a lot of walking.

When I return I'll take my two-month progress photo. In my last photo I was proud to wear the brown pants that hadn't fit in three years but a few people requested that I wear the same clothes as I wore in the "before" photo. Those black pants are so loose now but I'll keep them as a reminder.

7 Week Progress - down 29 lbs and 31 inches!

2009-12-06T09:48:00.005-05:00

Results may vary... the claim we've heard thousands of times. As I meet more and more people using Isagenix and now coach several people I see that it is amazing that people using the same exact products will get different kinds of positive results. I know a lot of people now who are using the products (some for many years) and they all lost inches and pounds in varying degrees. Some lost way more inches than pounds, some gained weight (don't worry, that last group were body builders and serious athletes). Dr J's dad lost more weight than his mom but the mom lost more inches.

Most people say they aren't craving junk food at all or as much, many say they sleep better and have less achiness. The common denominator is that when you put top quality nutrition in your body (and there is nothing out there as complete as Isagenix!) - something good is going to happen!

Down 28lbs in 6-1/2 weeks - thank you CLEANSE FOR LIFE

2009-12-02T11:35:00.007-05:00

I just finished a two-day deep cleanse (I didn't plan to weigh myself until Sat am - marking 7 weeks using Isagenix) but I peeked this morning. I am now down 28lbs.

Friends ask questions about "cleanse" days... here is some information:

On cleanse days I have four "meals" of the cleanse drink plus some approved Isagenix snacks throughout the day (to get the maximum fat burning effect) - don't want to start throwing all kinds of other foods into the digestive system when my liver is working 100% on filtering out toxins.
Alfalfa is a key componant of the Cleanse For Life juice and one of the most nutrient-rich plants known to man. It contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and other nutrients that are crucial to human health.
Alfalfa has been used as an herbal medicine for over 1,500 years. Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium, plus other minerals, vitamin A, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The reason that alfalfa is so nutrient rich is that its root system can reach upwards of 60 feet into the subsoil to reach prime mineral and trace element content that is otherwise unavailable to most other plants, vegetables and fruits.
Of course the geniuses at Isagenix use a special ionic alfalfa (some of the smartest formulators/scientists are part of the Isagenix team)

The cleanse is not a colon cleanse and I am not tired or hungry (really, seriously). I actually have more energy on cleanse days due to the B vitamins in the juice. This is proof positive to me that when my body has the proper nutrition (and it can't get any better than Isagenix) that it will not cry out for food. I was used to always eating large portions until everything was off my plate, now I am able to eat less and feel satisfied.

Being Thankful... losing 26lbs and feeling healthy!

2009-11-25T09:16:00.005-05:00

It's day 39, the day before Thanksgiving, and I am extremely thankful that I found Isagenix. I really need to call the nurse and receptionist at my OB/GYN (Clark, Clemments in Albany) to thank them for telling me about it and referring me to Dr. J.!

I had heard that a mentor of mine in FL was in bad health and I got his address and put it aside to write him a note to thank him for all his help and friendship. Unfortunately I did not send the note in time, I found out he had passed away. I was able to write a note to his family in his online guestbook but I still regret that I didn't reach out to him sooner.

I am thankful for my children, husband, mother, mother-in-law, sister, brothers and all extended family (in-laws), cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

I feel very optimistic about 2010 knowing that my health is getting better everyday.

1 Month Isagenix Progress - 23 lbs gone!

2009-11-17T23:38:00.026-05:00

My daughter took this photo of me tonight - now 23lbs less after 30 days using Isagenix. I don't know if the photo shows the difference but the scale and measuring tape show it and I have not been able to fit into these pants for three years.

How Does Isagenix Work Anyway?
The high level of nutrients in Isagenix products bridge the gap between the low level of real nourishment in regular food and the high level necessary to attain optimum health.

A lot of the food we are eating really has little value in terms of nutrition. Even the produce has been stripped over the years of key minerals that were present decades ago.
If a body isn't receiving the nutrients it needs, it will attempt to get more nutrients by triggering food cravings and hunger pangs. This can lead to overeating, which in turn contributes to obesity and poor health.

The Cleanse is designed to rid the body of toxins (which are accumulating in our fat) -- once this is accomplished we are able to lose weight more easily! I am not a scientist but it seems to make sense and the program is working for me and thousands of others!

30-Days - Down 23lbs and 24-1/4 inches but will I keep it off?

2009-11-16T13:46:00.006-05:00

I feel great and am excited to continue to my goal of losing 100lbs.

A BIG question that people have, and that I had, is: Will I keep the weight off?

No matter how you lose weight (calorie reduction, exercise regime) you will need to keep doing whatever that is to maintain the weight loss. First I had to reflect on why I gained weight back on past diets...

NutriSystem (1990, lost 60lbs) - eating 100% of their food - it didn't taste that good and wasn't that nutritionally healty, just low in calories, went back to eating regular food and gained weight
Atkins (1995, lost 30lbs) - couldn't give up bread and carbs forever!
Weight Watchers (2007, lost 40lbs) - works for a lot of people but for me, all the sugar free foods and snacks were laden with fake sugar substitutes which are really unhealthy and actually kept me craving sugar products so I had no will power against cake, cookies, etc. I later realized I was a sugar addict and gave up sugar and sugar substitutes entirely in Aug 2008 - no more cravings and willpower is a breeze
Later tried the WW method but even though I had given up sugar, the weight was stubborn and would not budge (now I know why)

Why do I expect that the Isagenix weight loss will be sustainable?

I can see that great nutrition will help my body lose weight naturally so instead of just consuming food to fill up I am thinking about the nutritional content and gylcemic index
Following #1, feeling healthy (like I do now) encourges healthy eating - feeling fat and sluggish just made me want to eat more unhealthy food
I saw the effects of cleasing to release toxins and how that makes everything else work like it's supposed to (fat burns, joints feel better), the body will heal itself
I am learning that the right types of foods and snacks eaten at regular intervals (and it doesn't take much) will keep me satisfied with no hunger pangs
I can still eat foods I like (pizza, hamburgers, pancakes) BUT, in moderation... instead of four-five pieces of pizza, two pieces with a salad
Stress has caused overeating (especially at night), these products help decrease stress (the whole cortisol thing - not an expert at explaining how it works but it does)
Isagenix is not a "diet" (see previous blog entry), it is more like a body fortification system that, in turn, allows the body to do its job of burning fat and building lean muscle tissue

There is no "diet" or eating plan that is going to let you eat fast food, junk food, cakes and cookies and still lose weight. Even if you eat horribly and mange to maintain weight by exercising your body won't be healty inside, leaving you suseptible to sickness and disease.

So here's my plan to keep it off and it does include Isagenix (I don't see how I would want to give up putting these nutrients into my body):

- Isagenix shake for breakfast (works perfectly with my busy schedule, the best thing I can do for myself in less than 2 minutes)
- Cleanse for Life - as the name suggests, cleansing is going to be part of my life forever (two days per month is what most people do on maintence)

The above products (enough for one shake a day and two full cleanse days per month) is $106 or $3.50 per day - about what I would spend on a latte at Starbucks of Dunkin'. I expect I will be taking several other of the products as well (in place of the vitamin supplements I was taking).

ANYTHING you do to lose weight must be maintained to keep it off. After many attempts at keeping weight off I am happy I found something that I believe I can continue successfully. So I'll look back at this blog entry for inspiration once I get to my goal weight.

Day 26 - down 21 pounds and 21 inches but this is NOT A DIET!

2009-11-12T09:30:00.004-05:00

As I learn more about these great products I am starting to "get it." To call these weight loss products is like saying an iPhone is just for making a phone call -- they are the best nutritional products available with many proprietary ingredients that can't be duplicated.

How do we know they are not strictly weight loss products? Because many of the people using the products are athletes - competitive body builders, marathon runners, etc. I've met some of them personally! When they take the products they build lean muscle and lower their body fat but don't necessarily lose weight (some gain weight when they add lean muscle). Dr J and Dale L'Ecuyer, a local mom who is a nutrition guru and has been using the products for 20 months, know a lot about this and have both coached many athletes. Dale's son is the body builder shown in this photo and he uses Isagenix! The company has special Athletes Paks of products which are the same products I take except for IsaPro.

When our bodies have the proper nutrition (many important minerals are not in the soil of the fruits and vegetables we eat, this includes organics) it works like it should and heals itself.

Isagenix in People Magazine

2009-11-11T00:51:00.002-05:00

No, this isn't my "after" photo (but maybe another 80 lbs and a blond dye job?). This is Nancy O'Dell (from Dancing with the Stars). She was quoted in People Magazine saying she lost weight fast with Isagenix. Click here for a link to the web page. This stuff is great and I predict you'll be hearing more about it, and not just from me!

I have a cleanse day tomorrow so I'll weigh myself again on Thursday morning. I am so psyched to be wearing my skinny jeans (which do not look skinny to most people - still a "plus" size) but they are skinny to me. After a while these will get too big and one day in 2010 I will be able to shop in the "regular" misses department.

21 days/3 Weeks - 20lbs lost!

2009-11-07T13:33:00.004-05:00

Any changes you make in your eating to move to a healthier place are going to take some sacrifice but I can say my body doesn't feel deprived because it isn't being deprived of nutrition. Any cravings for junk food someone would have I think would be emotional - I am so motivated to lose this weight that I am not having this problem. Check out this 2 minute video, Channel 10 in South Florida had a segment on Isagenix

yesterday's menu:

1oz IonicSupreme (has the taste of blackstrap molasses, one of the ingredients, I just down it like medicine)
Vanilla shake for breakfast (love it, especially how quick and easy it is to put something so nutritious in my body)
Fresh cut pineapple and green grapes
IsaSnack (chocolate fiber wafer)
Tuna fish sandwich with mayo on seedless rye, a handful of potatoe chips (haven't had any in three weeks and felt like having some, just didn't eat from the bag, put some on my plate)
IsaSnack (chocolate fiber wafer)
Chocolate shake with 2" piece of frozen banana added - I still used the two scoops of shake mix but made it in my big blender (instead of the small IsaBlender) buy using mostly ice. So it became a huge frozen shake that I ate with a spoon. My daughter tried it and loved the taste. The shakes have to be eaten in 10 minutes because they contain live enzymes so this was a bit of a challenge due to the thickness
IsaDelight - dark chocolate square

Of course, water all day long. I've mostly been eating my meals at dinner time with my family but sometimes I eat it at lunch. The most important thing if you eat your main meal at night is not to eat too late because there is no time for your body to work it off. We eat dinner at 5-5:30 so it's worked for me.

A funny thing is happening...

2009-11-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

A funny thing is happening... I am so in love with these products that I am becoming an ambassador, wanting everyone else to experience them and get the same benefits. This is not unusual I found out -- everyone I met who's been using the products has had amazing results and is super enthusiastic, like me. I still don't even know how the business side of this thing works because weight loss and better health are my goals. I straight out told Dr J when I met him that I didn't have time to tell other people about it but I find it's just something that I am so psyched about that it's happening naturally.

My sister has been really trying to lose weight and it's been difficult so of course I told her that this is "it." I am so excited for her to start next week and can't wait to see her experience the same results.

My husband has lots of aches and pains from several injuries and I really want him to feel his best so I offered him to try some of my shakes and Cleanse. He will go for a week with 1 shake in the morning and some of the cleanse at night and that's it, we'll see how he does.