THREE MONTHS

At a recent doctor's appointment, my internist was quite complimentary about me weight loss. Forty pounds in two months. Amazing! But although I'd like to lose at least five more pounds, he wanted me to stop, to see if I could maintain my current weight for three months, presuming that if I could, it would signify that I'd changed my eating habits and could sustain my weight loss over the long run. So far, so good. Oh, I vary a pound or two. But I weigh myself every morning and if I'm up by a pound, I'm very careful for the next few days. Being careful means little or no sugar, no carbs, lots of vegetables and no alcohol. Then, when my weigh comes back down, I go easier on myself and have a drink before dinner if I'm out with friends. I'd still like to lose the five more pounds, maybe just to prove I can. But I'm happy to stay here if that's what my doctor wants.

If you're thinking of trying to lose weight, this may not be the best season to begin. But promise yourself you'll start after the New Year holiday. I've found that losing weight is mostly in your head. All you have to do is summon the determination and follow the program. Results will follow. But if you're not dedicated, you'll be disappointed. As always, if any of you reading my blog wants to have more information on how I lost 40 pounds, I'm happy to talk to you.

Stay tuned.

#28 STILL HERE

Although I haven't posted in a while, that doesn't mean anything sinister. I'm still here and still holding at my goal weight. My doctor has asked me not to lose any more until I can be certain that I've stabilized and won't go back to bad habits and regain all that I've lost. I think that's good advice. He was, incidentally, delighted that my blood pressure, which before Medi-fast was way high, has gone back down and now is in a very healthy zone.

I admit that I'm no longer adhering strictly to the Medi-fast protocol, but I'm still being very careful of things like sugar, carbs and alcohol. I sometimes have soft boiled, or poached, eggs for breakfast, and once in a while, a sandwich for lunch. But never both in the same day. And I try to have a lean and green dinner. But when I go out, I eat what my host, or hostess, is serving. And once in a while, I have a cocktail before my meal.

I post this because I want those interested in this program to know that at least from my own experience - losing almost 40 pounds in two months and maintaining that loss for two more - it's terrific! I am so glad I took the steps necessary to success. I've learned that the motivation comes first and is absolutely essential. The rest is only process.

Again, I offer to talk to anyone who wants more information on the program - I am a devoted fan, after all - and to act as a guide to help someone through the process should that be  helpful.

Stay tuned.