Chuck Lia said:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 #

I'm doing the same thing right now.  I have a daughter getting married this summer and thought it might be wise to slim down, not only for her wedding, but for my own health and well-being.  

My busy schedule has been my excuse.  Nonetheless, it is an excuse.  I could plan my days and my schedule better if I focused on doing so.  So I am going to do what you are doing:  eat healthier, exercise more consistently (and with an end in mind), and adopt a healthier and more well-rounded lifestyle.

No more excuses.  It's just too important.

YankeeIBO said:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 #

Robin and Chuck,

I have lost 40 lbs--3 full sizes--since last September. When people ask me how, I tell them this:

I stopped or extremely limited my consumption of high-glycemic foods--ones that trigger an immediate insulin response, like white potatoes, white rice, white flour, all sugars except fructose,corn and most beans. I have also stopped being tempted by the office junk food that is always supplied by some well-meaning individual. I also walk about 2 miles a few times a week. That's it.

The point is that you don't have to beat up your body or count anything--you just have to actively "let go" of the excess energy that the universe can put to better use elsewhere! It also helps to have a blister pack of Carb-blocker with you at all times--one tablet can block about 40g of carbs!

When you are insulin-resistant, eating too many carbs has a high price, and you feel like heck if you over-indulge. I went out to Don Pablo's mexican with the girls last week, and took 2 CB tablets before eating. I made it through the tortilla chips, a salad with sweet dressing, and a dessert of sopapillas topped with pecans and syrup and vanilla ice cream! I was able to indulge without the consequences. I have used these in many similar situations and know they do what they are made to do!!

Good luck to both of you!!

Bridgett said:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 #

Having been 30 pounds heavier than I am now, and keeping it off for over a decade, I know that success in anything can be accomplished with the "Slight Edge Philosophy".

A guy wrote a book about it. I haven't read it, just Googled "The Slight Edge" and his name “Jeff Olsen" and read an Internet article (rather than a 170+ page book) on the concept.

The info isn’t new, just said a bit differently than I’ve heard before. Basically the idea is that small changes over time create huge changes. And that we learn and change and grow via BABY steps, not quantum leaps.

When I lost the weight, for example, I made tiny changes consistently, and I didn’t add a new change (habit) until I mastered the proceeding one. For me, if I try to do too much too fast, I get overwhelmed, stop doing what I said I’d do, feel like a loser for not keeping my promises to myself, and I quit.

Now with my weight, I’m on the other end of the spectrum. I want to gain about eight pounds. And this is going to require eating more protein (I’m a vegetarian and very grateful for all our protein products—protein bars, protein shakes, protein snack bars) as well as lifting weights (which I SO do NOT like).

But no more excuses. I have committed to going to the gym three days a week. Confession: I originally committed to going six days a week. I had forgotten the Slight Edge Philosophy. After failing the second week, I readjusted my “work habit” and am in the process of mastering three days a week.

As far as business goes (other than being a walking advertisement for our Health products which I carry with me everywhere I go), rather than saying I’m going to have a gazillion PV First Circle, I’ve now said I’m going to have a 1/100 of a gazillion PV First circle, and doing the steps necessary to master  that goal before moving on to the next.

:-)

Hope the employees are using the products available from Quixtar/Amway Global during the Weight Wars.

;-)

lynn wendyger said:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 #

Will you be providing us status reports? I was just thinking as I came to work this morning that I should go public with my weight  loss and fitness plans. Gives you both a little pressure, and lots of support. You have my support!

Janet said:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 #

Robin;

If you have ACL/knee issues and want to run, I highly recommend the ChiRunning technique. There's a book, a CD and a DVD. I found reading the book kind of helped me understand it, but listening to the CD while I ran gelled the ideas and allowed me to get more from the book. I have not seen the DVD. I think the author gives workshops on the technique as well.

Basically, it is a Tai-Chi based way of using your muscles and joints to minimize wear. Knees are solely used as hinges, not as shock absorbers (the way most people run). All movement comes from the quads and abdomen.

Since using the technique, I have taken 2 minutes off my best 5K time (kissing 24 minutes) and have added a lot of speedwork and mileage without knee, ankle, or shin pain.

Just something to look into.

avin said:
Thursday, May 22, 2008 #

Way to go Robin (on the good start).

Curious: you said you have a "beautiful indoor fitness center with lots of cardio machines" - is that at the company headquarters?

If so, I'd love to see pictures.

.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  I'll see what I can find photo-wise to share.  Alticor has a strong commitment to employee health through it's Optimal You program.  The Fitness Center is one aspect of that and a great benefit of working for this company.  One that I've used more in the past than I have recently... but no more excuses.  -- RL

Diamond Diva Runner said:
Friday, May 23, 2008 #

That is so awesome! I have been getting back into working out... but  for my to be consistent, in the past I have had to sign up for a marathon or aquathon. It is much easier to stay consistent when there is a deadline date. I know that I have to perform on that day so it is imperative that I prepare properly.

I think this totally carries over into so many other areas of life... Does anyone else ever feel like they perform better and stay more on top of things when they have a set time frame? Or daily goals?

I dont know about you, but when it comes to weight loss, programs like the Trim Body System really lay out a goal and a daily plan to accomplish that goal.  IT is AWESOME!  Check it out: Trim Body System

visioneer said:
Saturday, May 24, 2008 #

Thanks for the post Robin. I've never really had a problem with my weight and I (usually) eat healthy. But I need to exercise more, I've joined the local YMCA but am only averaging once a week. I need to discipline myself to either go 3 times a week or do something for that time period!

I don't want to end up wealthy but unable to enjoy my freedom.

I think I'll use Bridgett's "Slight Edge" philosophy, hopefully it helps :)

It's good to see Amway Global is committed to the employee's health. I've been to the Nutrilite Center for Optimal Health in Buena Park and was also impressed with how the corporation has so many health benefits for the employee's there!

NormaConnlly said:
Thursday, June 12, 2008 #

Good for You  I also have been to the optimal health center. Was interested that dr Sam had back surgery  since my back is my my problem.