Wow, I am so happy it is September! The kids start school on Wednesday here in my town and I am looking forward to having some semblance of normalcy! Doing my school work over the summer with the kids around was tough and being on MF with them around was tough too! It is much easier when I only have to worry about cooking them one meal a day and not having to entertain them while Daddy works from home either. A lot of the summer was about them finding quiet activities and learning how to close the front door without slamming it! It was really a long summer for them.

For me, it was long because of many things... just sticking to a routine that can no longer exist because of other complications and sticking with goals is tough! But working through the "tough" needs to be my new theme, mantra, concept, plan, and goal. Everything I want to do in life is going to be "tough" so it is time to just work through it.

The Army plans are coming along. I am down from 40% to 36% in the Army body fat tests, just 3% to go and I hope to have that in just a couple weeks. THEN I get to go through the Army physical which is really the big test for me... if I can get through and get waivers for all of the issues I had.. they were all because I was so overweight. I am sure there are a million doctors who will vouch for the health issues that being overweight will cause!! Everything is one step at a time.

In the meantime we plan for our cruise! Mexican Riviera in the middle of October... should be WONDERFUL! I hope to have had my Army physical by then so that I can splurge a little bit... while going for runs or using the gym on the boat every day :) of course! Then back in gear.

This summer was amazing though in many ways. The things I did with my kids were wonderful and things I couldn't have done last summer because I just didn't have the energy. We went fishing, and short trips, kite flying, to the zoo a dozen times, picnics, swimming, and even an indoor water park. It really was a memorable summer for me.

My first goal is to get back to drinking my 150 ounces of water per day!! I really felt so much better when I drank my water :) Also looking forward to routine! I like routine!

Well, enough ramblings. Posted some new pictures :)

Jessica

So here is an update and an announcement :)

My announcement is that after losing over 100 pounds and starting some good exercise, I am working to join the Army. Back in May I went to the recruiters and took my ASVABs (scored a lovely 94 percentile). At that time I was 30 pounds from meeting weight requirements or 8 inches from the body fat percentage requirements (their measurements - waist, hips, neck, height - placed me at 40% body fat). I relaxed for 6 weeks with diet and just did my C25K training, didn't lose weight (actually fluctuated between 185 and 191 pounds) or inches. So 4.5 weeks ago I started back on MF at 191. Today I went to the recruiters and measured in at 36% body  fat (down 6 inches) and 170 pounds. I only need to go down 1.5 inches between my waist and hips or lose 21 more pounds. I think the inches are about 2 weeks away from being met. Once I meet measurement then I will go back to the MEPs office for a full Army physical. This will be the deciding factor, I had A LOT of health issues from being overweight... migraines, joint problems, depression, etc... these are all things that they could find disqualify me. OR my horrible credit history might disqualify me later... but even being able to get into MEPs for the Army physical is a HUGE accomplishment.

Since starting MF back in late November of 2009, I have dedicated myself to becoming healthier and happier. I now know how WORTH IT I am... and this comes from a person where in my earliest blogs I revealed that I hated myself. I didn't believe I was capable of accomplishing anything great in my life, what a giant load of crap!!

I may not get accepted into the Army, but at least I know that I have tried something I never thought I could do! And this is all within my reach! I would really like to encourage everyone to reach for a bigger goal or open their eyes to the amazing opportunities that are available to them! We might not "qualify" for all of those opportunities, but being able to TRY for them is still a TREMENDOUS accomplishment.

I can now jog 2 miles in under 20 minutes, do 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes, and over 27 push-ups in 2 minutes... brace yourself for what I am about to say... make a note of the date and time... and then say the same thing about yourself...

I AM AMAZING!!! YAY ME!!

The summer is kicking my butt!! With my classes (and yes, I am still taking classes, going for the next degree), kids out of school, work being limited and trying to find something to be when I grow-up, I am just non-stop it seems.

I am maintaining right now between 178 and 182, all while exercising 7 days a week - 3 to 4 days running the Couch to 5k program and then core exercises the remaining days. People say I look better each week so it seems to be working for me! My skin is shrinking a lot better than I had hoped too!! But my goal is to lose a good 4-6" around my middle by the end of August. Totally possible.

So I am just here and trying to keep my head above water :)

Attaching a picture from the other day of hubby and I...

I graduated today, got my AA in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix. My husband and children came to support me, I think it was great for them (my kids) to see why I gave up so much. It was a great day and I look better than I did on my graduation day from high school :) And Monday starts Transition!

In 25 weeks... I went from 274 to 189... size 24/26 to size 14/12 :) And today I have met goal to begin transition and start working on building lean-muscle mass :) I cannot even begin to explain how my life has changed. One of the biggest things is that I can look in the mirror... before just looking at myself was tra...umatic. Now I look at myself and SAY "Damn girl, you look good!" I am still 20 pounds from my ideal personal weight, but with exercise and week 4 transition plan I can make that in no time! The trick? Water (I drink 150-200 ounces a day), Being ON PLAN RELIGIOUSLY, and LOG EVERYTHING (this is a new one for me)!

Seriously, since I started a food journal last Friday I am down 8 pounds! Plan for the next day, stick to the plan, and do it again! I also have been doing the sake only which helps to keep you in the 80-85 carb range. I am happy, its a great day!

OK... The basic stats... 23 weeks and 86 pounds down. I will be transitioning in 7.3 pounds when I hit the 170's. This is a temporary pit-stop so that I can focus on toning my body. I will be in full transition and maintenance modes but I will not be depending on the scale for motivation. I have rec'd some flack for this because the 170's are not a "healthy weight" according to the charts. I truly believe that the journey I have made so far has made me SO MUCH more healthy than I was, both physically and emotionally! I know my body and mind better than anyone else and I know that if I am on the 5&1 that I want to see the scale more, and when I exercise, IT WONT MOVE! So I am doing what I know to be best for me and my long-term goals of good health :) I will still be eating MF meals and tracking my foods and being good... but I will also be TONING the HECK out of what I have so that I can be lean and TONED, not just lean and a "healthy scale number." I have no doubt that by toning and building muscle and staying true to T&M that I will continue to lose weight. Then when I am feeling like my body is in better shape I can get back on 5&1 for those last few pesky pounds, because I KNOW IT WORKS!! :) My overall goal is to get into the 150's but I want to be in good shape there :)

So.. onto the recipe! I know there are a few people who use my marinara recipe and this is similar. Use this as a sauce for meats, shiratake noodles, tofu, etc. Just make sure you measure it :)

Enchilada sauce

2 cups chopped mushrooms
1 whole zucchini - shredded using a cheese grater
1 whole bell pepper, chopped small
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 TBSP Cumin
1 TBSP Chipoltle Tabasco
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tomato

Put the mushrooms, zucchini, pepper and garlic in pan over medium-high heat. Cook until they are all hot and soft. Add the cumin and tabasco. If you like hotter, add more Tabasco, if not, use less. stir well and remove from heat. Take 1/2 of the mixture and place in a blender (or magic bullet) with the fresh tomato. Blend well, taste, add salt and pepper as desired. Now if you like a chunky enchilada sauce, just add the pureed into the chunky and mix well. If you want it all blended then puree the rest and mix well.

1/2 cup of this is equal to 1 green serving and 1 condiment.
Serve over chicken, steak, or even cooked shrimp :) I have served it over the following recipe...

Stuffed Anaheim

2 large Anaheim peppers
1 pound lean ground turkey or ultra lean ground beef
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
L&G Enchilada sauce (recipe above)

Take the Anaheims and spray them with Pam. Place on the top rack of the oven and broil them. The skin will burn some and puff up. Turn them every couple of minutes to promote even browning. When they are all blistered and/or burnt, remove them from the oven and allow to sit and cool.

Heat a pan on medium-high, add the beef crumbled and crushed garlic. Stir and cook until fully cooked. Remove from heat and drain off all juice and fat. Weigh out 8 ounces of the meat and place the 8 ounces of meat in a large bowl; add the cottage cheese. Add some pepper and salt if needed, mix well.

Take the pepper and peel off the skin. Slice down the length of the pepper and around the stem. Open it and remove ALL of the seeds. divide the mixture in half and spoon half into the pepper you have prepared. Fold the sides up and reshape into a pepper, place seam-side down on a plate and heat up if needed (I find it needs a couple minutes in the microwave or in the oven). Repeat with the other pepper and you have dinner for two!

Each pepper counts for 1 lean serving and 1/2 green serving.
Add 3/4 cup L&G Enchilada sauce, and 1 cup lettuce and you will have a full lean & green meal.

Enjoy!

Jessica

I had an epiphany, I look GOOD! This is the whole reason I started MF, I hated myself... my body, my personality, all that I had become. And today I can tell you that I no longer hate myself. How great is that??? I only wanted to lose weight, not gain self-image! Well, I have done both!

I have always had a more dense body and I like being curvy, so I have decided that when I hit the 170's I am going to start transition and maintenance and focus on good eating habits and TONING! I don't want to be a skinny person with fat deposits and no muscle, I want to tone what I have and not worry about the scale moving down constantly... I want to work-out and get rid of the fat and practice the practical skills I have learned on this process.

I have decided the 170's as a goal for starting transition, I am currently in a solid size 14 and I know that as I tone and exercise I may or may not lose weight and I will probably lose dress sizes and I am OK with that. So getting in the 170s will put me at about 100 pounds lost in about 6 months.

And if in a few months I want to lose more, I CAN!! I know MF and the 5&1 works and I know how to work it. I change my mind often around here, but I feel a strong resolve, this decision is on my terms and not because of finances and I am excited for this next chapter in my journey.

Do a happy dance with me :)

Well, I have a picture for you... to put this in perspective.



I just finished up week 22 and tomorrow is my 5 month anniversary on MF. It is amazing what has changed for me... my body and perspectives. MF gave me the opportunity and tools to lose the weight fast, but I have taken those things and worked on my perspectives and plans and understanding. I now know and understand how and why I was fat, and to tell the truth, inside I will probably always be that same Lil Miss Fatty Pants in a skinny-suit. But NOW I have found that I have VALUE... I am worth more than big boobs (which I no longer have) and over time I look forward to discovering more of these things about myself.

Only 30ish pounds to go... that is the true perspective. I have already some so far and don't have much farther to go!

Jessica

Well, I made it 20 weeks. Still OP, no intentional cheats!

NEW SCALE!! +7 pounds
Reworked whole loss chart to reflect weight change from new scale in week 19
Started MediFast on 11/30/09

	Weight	Loss	Average
Starting Weight	268.5	0	0.00
Week 1	257.5	-11	-11.00
Week 2	253.5	-4	-7.50
Week 3	250.5	-3	-6.00
Week 4	248.5	-2	-5.00
Week 5	244.1	-4.4	-4.88
Week 6	240.6	-3.5	-4.65
Week 7	234.1	-6.5	-4.91
Week 8	232.6	-1.5	-4.49
Week 9	228.3	-4.3	-4.47
Week 10	223.4	-4.9	-4.51
Week 11	224	0.6	-4.05
Week 12	220.1	-3.9	-4.03
Week 13	214.1	-6	-4.18
Week 14	213.1	-1	-3.96
Week 15	206.3	-6.8	-4.15
Week 16	206.9	0.6	-3.85
Week 17	203.5	-3.4	-3.82
Week 18	203.5	0	-3.61
Week 19	198.1	-5.4	-3.71
Week 20	194.7	-3.4	-3.69
Week 21
Week 22
Week 23
Week 24

SPRING SLIM DOWN CHALLENGE!!
Starting weight: 198.1
Week 1: - 3.4
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Running loss total: -3.4
Goal for Challenge: 179.9 (-18.2)
Reward for meeting goal: Pedicure

My new scale has a 7 pound difference from my old scale! UGH!! Sooo add 7 pounds to everything I thought I weighed! Nice thing is... I am still under 200 :)

Wow, 19 weeks have FLOWN BY! I did not weigh last week because I wanted to test myself and make myself wait to weigh. I did make it two weeks and I did my CRUNCH Challenge... I made 1500 crunches in 10 days. From that challenge I also lost 6 inches around my middle.

Here are my stats and my goals for the upcoming Spring Slim Down Challenge:

Started eating better 11/9/09 at 267 lbs
Started MediFast on 11/30/09
Starting total: 261.4 (-5.6 pounds)
Week 1: -11
Week 2: -4
Week 3: -3
Week 4: -2
4 week total: -20 @ 241.4 (-25.6 pounds)
Week 5: -4.4
Week 6: -3.5
Week 7: -6.5
Week 8: -1.5
4 week total: 15.9 @ 225.5 (-41.5 pounds)
Week 9: -4.3
Week 10: -4.9
Week 11: +0.6
Week 12: -3.9
4 week total: -12.5 @ 213 (-54 pounds)
Week 13: -6.0
Week 14: -1
Week 15: -6.8 (got under 200 pounds!!)
Week 16: +0.6
4 week total: -13.2 @ 199.8 (-67.2 pounds)
Week 17: -3.4
Week 18: No Weigh-in
Week 19: -5.4
NEW SCALE!! +7 pounds. From 191.1 (-75.9 pounds) to 198.1
Starting weight 198.1 - 8.8 pounds
Week 20:
4 week Running total: -3.4 @ 198.1 (-75.9 pounds)
Total weight loss: -75.9 to date in 19 weeks

SPRING SLIM DOWN CHALLENGE!!
Starting weight: 198.1
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Running loss total:
Goal for Challenge: 179.9 (-16.2)
Reward for meeting goal: Pedicure

Wow, 19 weeks have FLOWN BY! I did not weigh last week because I wanted to test myself and make myself wait to weigh. I did make it two weeks and I did my CRUNCH Challenge... I made 1500 crunches in 10 days. From that challenge I also lost 6 inches around my middle.

Here are my stats and my goals for the upcoming Spring Slim Down Challenge:

Started eating better 11/9/09 at 267 lbs
Started MediFast on 11/30/09
Starting total: 261.4 (-5.6 pounds)
Week 1: -11
Week 2: -4
Week 3: -3
Week 4: -2
4 week total: -20 @ 241.4 (-25.6 pounds)
Week 5: -4.4
Week 6: -3.5
Week 7: -6.5
Week 8: -1.5
4 week total: 15.9 @ 225.5 (-41.5 pounds)
Week 9: -4.3
Week 10: -4.9
Week 11: +0.6
Week 12: -3.9
4 week total: -12.5 @ 213 (-54 pounds)
Week 13: -6.0
Week 14: -1
Week 15: -6.8 (got under 200 pounds!!)
Week 16: +0.6
4 week total: -13.2 @ 199.8 (-67.2 pounds)
Week 17: -3.4
Week 18: No Weigh-in
Week 19: -5.4
Week 20:
4 week Running total: -3.4 @ 191.1 (-75.9 pounds)
Total weight loss: -75.9 to date in 19 weeks

SPRING SLIM DOWN CHALLENGE!!
Starting weight: 191.1
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Running loss total:
Goal for Challenge: 174.9 (-16.2)
Reward for meeting goal: Pedicure