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so… it’s been ONE year since i decided enough is enough.
one year ago i took measurements and started changing things.
i changed my diet.
i changed my exercise routine.
i changed my mind.
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it’s been one year and i have lost 20 pounds exactly.
that was my goal.
i thought “i will never make it.”
but i just kept pushing through.
TWENTY POUNDS??!!
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what have i figured out so far that works?
1. what you eat is the most important part of your health.
if you are not eating healthy REAL foods… you aren’t going to get where you want.
HEALTHY FOOD is the key to losing weight.
period.
getting the processed foods out of my diet is what changed my habits the most.
2. exercise is less important than i thought.
but don’t mistake what i am saying there… i thought before that i just couldn’t lose weight, because i would work out hard and nothing would change. but i would make poor choices with my food and undo all the work i did working out!
exercise is second to eating right.
3. drinking water.
all day.
every day.
no soda. no sugary drinks. just water.
4. it takes TIME.
it stinks to wait to see results but then suddenly… there they are!
i took out my summer clothes from last year and seriously 5% of them fit.
they were all so big!
patience.
i never would’ve believed you if you’d told me that last summer.
because i didn’t believe in myself!
but that changed too.
5. sugar.
i did Marta’s sugar detox. (which you can join her next group.. click on the link)
it was HARD!
but what i learned from it was huge. i learned that there is sugar added to nearly everything we buy packaged in the store!
no kidding. EVERY THING. and that i wanted it. 🙂 not just sweets but the added sugar that i was putting into my body all day long unknowingly.
my brain expects it.
while on the detox for only the 2 week period my belly, the one that housed 5 babies full term & over due… was gone.
i have had a pouchy tummy for like…. ever… it seems.
my oldest child is 19 years old.
i think i just assumed it would always just be there.
well…. on the detox… without filling myself with sugars and eating vegetables, proteins and healthy fats… it was GONE.
if that isn’t a BIG DEAL…. i don’t know what is?!!!
and as i let myself have a few days of laziness and induldging in a few treats… it was back again.
not as bad as before but enough to know that sugar is what is causing it.
i am so glad i did it.
i loved the 21 Day Fix.
i am not selling it… i am just being honest.
it was wonderful for learning portion control and basically being told what to eat.
i liked that.
i am still doing the workouts because i like them!
this is my newest “plan” for food… because after a bit you will find that you don’t need the containers… you will recognize the correct portion size.
it’s pretty hi-tech.
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the 21DAY plan has the number of proteins (R), Vegetables (G), Fruits (P), Grains (Y), Fats (B) and seeds (O)
broken down by color of container and then how many of each container you get per day.
i am marking which i eat as i go along so i know i am missing at the end of the day and fill in there.
it sounds a little confusing if you haven’t seen the booklet.
but when you order the program you read though it and you will get it.
so this is my phase two plan of using the system a little more loosely than i was the first 21 days.
IF YOU DO THE 21DAY FIX… do it in a group with Marta!!!
i think you will have much more fun than trying to go it alone.
it’s FUN to work together!
so… that is what i have learned so far.
these are the ways i am losing weight, getting stronger and healthier from the inside out.
it’s hard work.
but it feels so good when you make your goal!!!!
i stood on the scale and saw the number exactly one year later and i was so pleased.
but i immediately set a new goal.
because i know i can do it.
i am sure of it.
God gave me this body and i want to care for it… build it up… make it strong!
how are you doing on your own health quest?
are you feeling excited? encouraged? defeated? overwhelmed? strong? weak?
what can you do about that?
what is holding you back?
what is making you FLY?
please share. 🙂
Sugar Detox, WHAT? | It's @jennyonthespot! - […] friend Meg of Whatever in this post shared about this sugar detox things she did and that she was going to do it again and everything […]
Harriet - So I am thinking about doing this sugar detox but I’m wondering exactly what it entails? Do you highly recommend it? I have tried giving up sugar before, I just did it for “lent” and did pretty good. But you better believe that when Easter came I was back on sugar and maybe eating more than usual! Yikes. I need something that is going to really stop me from wanting sugar. I am really interested in this. If you could email me with any helpful info/encouragement I would really appreciate it! Thank you!
jennibell - Wow. Thank you for this. I continue to notice how GOOD you look in your pictures. Your face looks younger 🙂 I did do the 21-day challenge and wasn’t exactly impressed with it but did like the workouts — I had to buy heavier weights — yea. Thanks for the sugar information — maybe I’ll try that. I know sugar is in *everything*. . .several years ago my husband tried to cut it out for health reasons and we could barely buy *anything* pre-made. The one thing Marta did convince me of were the “dangers” of wheat and processed food. I have cut w-a-y back. You look great. You are inspiring! Enjoy your summer!!
jen - Congratulations!! It is encouraging to see your amazing progress. It is also interesting to me to read about your experiences and what has worked for you. I’ve always been really good with my eating but not the exercise and haven’t lost weight. I finally decided I need to just bite the bullet and start exercising so we’ll see what happens. I guess we’re all different.
Valerie - Congrats on your progress, Meg! Just wanted to tell you that you inspired me as well. I have been hearing a friend from high school go on and on about Beachbody and Shakeology on Facebook. I was intrigued by the 21 Day Fix, but it wasn’t until you tried it that I decided to buy it and try it myself (minus the shakes). I started my first round May 1st and lost 12 lbs. Yay! I’ve been running on the treadmill for a couple years and haven’t lost anything after I lost the baby weight. My husband was impressed, so we are doing it together this time and he’s sticking with it (I can’t believe it!). I’m not losing much this round, but I think the improvement in eating habits makes it worth it and the weight will go. We weren’t eating too horribly before, but holy veggies! We are buying a ton of produce now! Ha ha. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
Necole@seriouslysassymama - I just bought the 21 day fix. It is very difficult for me to get to the gym during the summer, not to mention the snacking that goes on. I am so excited. 125 is my goal, but if I can get out of a size 10, it would make me just as ecstatic.
Janae - Way to go! What an amazing accomplishment! I really need to do the sugar detox to force me to give it up! And getting rid of my post babies pooch would be awesome!
Margo - So, happy for you!! I’ve been working on my health journey for a little over a year and so much of what you said I have thought or felt. I am on day 1 of the 21 day fix now and am so excited to see what it does for me. Keep up the great work!
Lennie Jackson - Please share some before and after photos. They will help us all! Congratulations on sticking to your journey. You are inspiring.
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meg, I’m so happy for you! Great job on all the hard work!
Tiffany - Good for you!! Every picture of you that you post I think how amazing you look!
Deanne - You do look great! Way to go!
Kristin S - I don’t even know you but so proud of you! Blog-land is super weird like that. We’ve all watched you work hard and shrink.
About 5 years ago I lost 50 lbs. It took over a year. It was WORK. I had been exercising for years with no change. Food was what did it for me. I had to flip a switch.
Now at 43, my body is changing again. No weight gained. Still working out consistently. Belly has returned and things have shifted. It’s pretty discouraging and people at the gym tell me it’s my age. I don’t like hearing that. You’ve intrigued me with the sugar thing. Oh, how I love it! Hmmmm….
Laura H - Fabulous!! I want to see before and after pictures 🙂
You must feel great!
Breanna Moorad - Hi Megan! I found your blog thru Instagram 🙂 I haven’t seen you guys for years, but you will probably recognize the last name?? Anyway, your blog is very inspiring & I have so appreciated your honesty & sense of humor! I am just beginning… again… on my healthier journey! I totally relate to your emotional eating, you wrote about. On another note, I’m enjoying seeing how grown up your kids are & the many other things you share on this blog! God bless! – Bre
jennyonthespot - I am so proud of you my friend!!! That is so, so great! In February I got a book called The Plan and did the 20 day plan – it’s about inflammatory foods. I lost 14 pounds (8 of it in the 20 days)… but have continued to eat according to what I discovered. I have let go a little (May was hard a hard month to choose to eat well). But I am digging back in… going to hit the beginning days of the plan to get my cravings in check and get my energy back and those close feeling comfortable again 🙂
Liz M - You look great. Congratulations. i also did the sugar detox with Marta. I am reflecting on a couple of things:
First, why aren’t we (as a society) doing a better job educating ourselves and our kids about nutrition? I feel AWFUL that I have been feeding my kids crapola disguised as healthy options. We have slowly made some changes around here (some I have been sneaky about, others that I need them to know about) when it comes to feeding our bodies. Honestly, it makes me mad I did now know about this—I have learned so much from Marta!
Second, as a single mama with a tight budget, it is frustrating that foods with no sugar are hard to find, and expensive. The sugar-laden options abound and are much cheaper… It is worth it, but I found I need to balance the appetites of 4 boys (2 home from college this summer) with my desire to offer “real food” I am wondering how you do that with your large family?
Finally, are you trying a lot of new recipes, and do you have favorite sources you can share?
Thank you –you are an inspiration in SO MANY WAYS!
Lisa - I was feeling all motivated and then found out I’m pregnant with #5. Total shocker and feeling crappy so I’m trying to keep active but putting the weight loss on hold. This is a good reminder that one day I’ll get there. Feel proud of yourself! You deserve it!
Renee - I have had a similar journey. I joined the Y and fell in love with Zumba just after Christmas. And I began to try to eat around 1600 calories a day. I automatically gave up almost all refined sugar because I wanted to get the most food for my calories! I do okay with water, and have not been as consistent as I would like, cheating with diet soda. But otherwise, the results have motivated me to stick to it. I have lost 41 pounds in 5 1/2 months. I hope to lose 10 more to get to my ultimate goal of weighing what I did before my kids were born (13 years ago). I know I will get there and I’m not in a hurry. Each little accomplishment is so fun! Especially buying new clothes! I have dropped 3 sizes, which has been so amazing for me. And I actually love to exercise and have found a couple of things that I love so much I look forward to it each day. It takes a while to find your niche, but the work is so worth the result! Thanks for the encouragement!
tonya - way to go, meg!!! i joined weight watchers may 1st and am down 15.2 lbs so far! i’ve made some HUGE changes in my diet these last several weeks…tons more water, fruit, veggies…way less soda and sweets! i’m beginning to increase my daily activity and my fitbit flex has been a great tool for me to keep myself accountable.
thanks for the inspiration and keep rockin’ it girl!!!
Lindsey - Hi Meg!
Thanks for the info. I want to tell you that one of the last pictures that you posted of yourself was AMAZING! You look fantastic. Seriously. Good for you! Very inspirational.
Esther - Do you still drink coffee on your plan, and if so what do you put in it?
Jill - Jill COMMENT two! I did NOT say, congrats Meg!!! REALLY…a HUGE deal! A REALLY BIG, BIG deal!
Jill - I am INSPIRED! I read about ALL the things I WANT to do but do not follow through. The sugar thing is my HUGE obstacle! I am slowly realizing that I need to set a goal and STICK to it. NO! MATTER! WHAT! Your post is my kick me in the butt…you can do it post! Thanks Meg!
Mickie - O.K. You have completely inspired me! I am going to sign up for the 21 day Fix with her (and maybe eventually the sugar thing) when I get back from vacation and moving. So… probably if she offers it again in July. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sami - I have been running for a little over three years. I lost a bunch of weight when I first started because I was completely inactive. I HATE that you’re convicting me to eat healthier! And I love it! I know I need to. I know all the processed and prepackaged food is bad. I am just so overwhelmed with where to even start. Could you tell me one simple thing that I could do to start on a better path? And don’t say remove all sugar or processed food because it will just completely overwhelm me.
chrissi - congratulations on reaching your goal. don’t you just love that? making a goal and reaching what you thought you never could. we rarely get those chances as adults in charge of everyone else. it is huge.
like you, i am eating clean. no processed foods. nothing after seven pm and drinking lots of water. no sugar. lots and lots of veggies and just a few fruits.
i want to be strong too. i am doing pilates. walking alot and trying to figure out my hubby’s home gym. it is slow but rewarding and i love donating the clothes i am growing out of♥
amy - You look amazing Meg! Can you please share your workout routine with your readers; I know you run but what other exercises to you perform? Do you have a weekly program you follow? Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Congratulations you earned it and you look so healthy!
Lisa McCracken - I think this is amazing, Meg, and I am so glad you shared it. I have been in such a rut. I lost 13 lbs. a year and a half ago and I gained it all back because of what I’m eating. I considered doing the sugar detox when you did it, but I thought maybe that was too much of a jump for me a that moment, but I would love to do it soon. I have one question for you….
I know you love your coffee 🙂 what are you using as a creamer?
Thank you and Congrats on your wonderful success!
Jen - Meg, you are an inspiration. I have been cutting back on sugar and upping the fruits and veggies since following your journey here. Thank you for the nudge! I also commend you because you are setting a positive example for your children to follow. Good for you, mama! I hope you have a very wonderful weekend!
Krista - Good for you Meg for keeping it going for an entire year! When I saw the picture of you & your family in front of your old house on moving day and you looked SO TINY– and then that picture of that TINY aqua bathing suit…I knew whatever you were doing was working! I’m on day 5 of the 21 day fix, and I’m down 4 lbs. My shorts feel looser and I actually got to use the last set of hooks on my bra this morning (LOL)– this is a big deal! I have eaten more vegetables this week than I ever had! half the battle is having all of the groceries in the house to be able to follow
the plan properly. I spend much more time in the produce section than in the other sections of the store. I haven’t tried the Shakeology yet, but I think I might have to break down and order it. There are days when I am hungry– not unbearably so, because you eat every few hours– but I think the shake might help. I did break down and have a piece of cake last night because it was my daughter’s birthday, but I planned for that early in the day and “saved” my blue and orange cups and a few tsps for that purpose. The workouts are hard, and my body is sore, but I’m working parts of my body that aren’t getting used by just running. I find that I have to pause the DVD here and there because the pace of the workout is a bit fast for me but I’m hoping at some point I’ll be able to keep up wither her.
Good Luck to you and I love your posts, please keep them coming!
Jenn - Congratulations! And you are so right. I’ve heard it time and time again 80% diet, 20% exercise and I’ve put that to the test. Yep, you are most definitely what you eat. Exercise is important, but you gotta eat right, eat less and exercise. I’ve said this tons of times….its that simple. Again, congratulations on goal achieved. I know you feel good! I’ve been there too!
Amy - I am doing the sugar detox with Marta right now. It’s rough….but I’m learning so much! Just curious.. Did you stick with it after the 14 days? Or did you go back to sugar?
Amy Woods - Congrats! I love reading your blog and I’m so happy to hear you met your goal and are making more goals.
I am very overweight. As in if I lost 20 lbs no one would be able to tell overweight. What are your thoughts on the 21 day fix for someone who has 100 + lbs to lose? Do you think it is a good starting point?
Oh..and I ordered two pillow shams from you this week! Can’t wait until they get here! 🙂
Beth Ann - Congrats Meg!!! That is AWESOME!!!!! Way to work hard and enjoy the rewards! I have keep going in phases where I eat really healthy & clean and then no so much. It is hard with a husband and 3 littles and summer (boating & beverages & firepits & relaxing….) I am TRYING again to eat clean, but we will see. Again, congrats to you!!!!!!
Leslie Coryell - Great job Meg! This post is so encouraging. Most people roll their eyes when I say I need to lose 10-20 pounds, because I am tall and appear to be thin. But I have that mom pouch too, it annoys me. I can’t wear cute shirts because of the muffin top, I find myself layering and loving tunics instead. In reality, I just need to commit. Commit to better food, exercise, and a routine. Thanks for sharing this post it is an eye opener that it is possible with dedication. 🙂
Tara L - Thanks for this update, I recently decided to improve my health also. I have lost 10.25 pounds. It’s slow and steady which is best. I have been clean eating and walking most days. I mostly walked a 5K a little over a week ago, and yesterday I was able to mostly run it. And it felt great to push myself and finish. You have been an inspiration and an encouragement to me, thanks.
Jenna - Wow! Amazing, Meg. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.
stephany - This is AWESOME, Meg!
I need to make some changes (eating better, drinking more water). You have motivated me. I turn 39 in less than 2 weeks…by the time I am 40 I want to lose the weight and be in the strong, lean body I am hoping for!
Thanks for the motivation!!
Tiffany - Congratulations to you.
Jamie - Thanks for the inspiration! I am at the very beginning of my journey (2 weeks in) to better health and I felt such relief reading that it took you a year to accomplish this. My daughters and I had a blast drawing from your Crazy Owls video and I was thinking at the time, “She looks so great!” Your skin is glowing and you look so fit and strong! Way to go!
Hannah - I joined Slimming World in August 2013. I lost about 21 pounds before finding out that I was pregnant. I’ve got put some (a lot!) of the weight back on so at this point I’m 36 weeks pregnant and have lost 8lbs off what I weighed in August. It is a little heartbreaking when I know close I was to my goal but at the same time it’s good weight. It’s supposed to be there and it has a purpose. Baby is due to arrive in about 4 weeks time, my brother’s wedding is in 12 weeks. So in theory there’s little/no reason why I can’t be at half a stone (7lbs) if not a stone (14lbs) lighter come the wedding. I get it might not be possible and I might be aiming to too high but I want to at least try.
Karina - The part which really hits the nail on the head is where you say you’d had enough. Until YOU decide to do this thing, nothing will work. I have been creeping up the scale as I creep closer to 50 years old, and eventually I just got so disgusted that I was able to make the necessary changes – no set program, in my case, but the DECISION to eat better and move more. I already eschew pop and don’t like fast food or eat junk food – part of me was resistant because I felt like I shouldn’t be getting fatter on what was already a pretty good lifestyle (I was insulted by my own body’s betrayal of me). But there is always that second helping, that sweet tooth, that resistance to putting on running shoes. I threw out my 19 year old sneakers and got new ones, and a few really good bras – amazing how much difference that made right there – you walk a lot lighter if your boobs are not in the way! My poor dog gets dragged on little power walks before breakfast a few times a week now…she doesn’t want to leave her basket but I haul her along anyway. I have lost seven pounds since April. I am certain this is mostly from seeing the truth in the mirror…and from how much BETTER I feel after even three little walks a week. If you can’t afford a program, don’t feel like you can’t fix this thing on your own! Meg is right: you need to look after your body. But until YOU decide this – really decide it – nothing will change.
Carrie - Thank you so much for saying this took a year. I do something for a few weeks and then feel like I have zero results so I give up. I might invest in the 21 day fix. My problem, sadly, is sticking with something!! Keep the posts coming, I have a feeling you are motivating more of us than you know
jody - Meg
Can you talk more about how you manage eating “clean” while cooking for your kids & husband? How do you manage with all the snacks in the house? I find this the hardest part. Thanks! You look great. …:-) your hard work has paid off.
Carol S. - This is wonderful and a great inspiration for many. I’ve had a year of focusing on low carb and getting results (down 10) followed by periods of relaxed standards (up 5) and am basically treading water and ok with that. I’d love to be down 20, but understand I must be okay with where I’m at because I like my Ultra beer on weekends, a few fries from my sons plate, and a few savory snacks at bunko or bookclub. My husband is my worst motivator, he loves my curvy figure, lol, so at 51 we will see what the next year brings. Health is number 1!! I am on day 6 of the 30 day Ab challenge, starting to become unpleasant but I’m sticking with it (albeit modified and ramped down a tad for me.). Keep going Meg!
Amanda - so funny, our brains were in sync today. I just posted a few hours ago about the clean eating challenge I start Monday. I TOTALLY get what you’re saying about exercise coming 2nd to food. Last year I worked out so hard…and did not lose weight. This year, starting in January, I started eating real food and cutting out TONS of processed stuff, and I have been down 8 pounds from last year…and that was with NO working out. Now I’m starting to work out, AND get serious about this food. I’m so excited to see how different I’m going to feel (and look) because of this challenge! We start with a 5 day raw challenge….yikes!! It DOES feel so good to finally take back control!! I need to see you in person so I can get even more pumped about all of this!!
Liezel - Thank you for sharing, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been and that includes pregnancies, I go on diets…loose some and you guessed it, put it all back on and then some. So yes I have stopped believing in myself. I must loose weight again and do it for my health. Hats of to you, you look great 🙂
Alicia @ Investing Love - Congratulations! This is so great!!! I know firsthand about the diet thing. Nothing is as important.
Angela - Congrats!!!! I am genuinely so happy for you if not a bit jealous! lol You rock and your entire journey has been inspiring me for months, little by little with every post of yours on this topic I keep thinking I need to just try! Thanks for sharing whats worked for you.
Kelly - I’m at just a little over a year since making the decision to do the same thing. I have used several Beachbody programs too (different coach 😉 ) and had such great results. It is the eating that’s the key though! That’s been the hardest change for me for sure! My next goal is to get into a size S/M. I’m less concerned about the number on the scale as I am about the way I feel and look. I was an uncomfortable L/XL when I started last April and am a happy medium right now but I would love to get into a S/M!
Thanks for continuing to share your story! It’s been an encouragement to me!
Robyn - Way to go Meg! It is not an easy journey! I’ve been eating really healthy for the past 5 months, almost no sugar or processed foods, so I understand what you’ve been going through. I’ve also been exercising a ton! But unfortunately my body is not wanting to show any results :p but I do feel really good about my efforts and will keep trying, and hopefully my body will soon decide to let me see the results of all my hard work!
Sarah M - I’m reading this thinking, yes I totally feel like enough is enough. I’ve started running again but my diet totally sucks. I have four kids (8,7,3,2) and I feel like there isn’t enough time. Even as I type it it feels like an excuse. Do you remember what it was like when you had tiny people? Did you feel constantly tugged every which direction with never a moment to yourself and when you got that moment all you wanted to do was take bath in silence with some wine? In my mind I know I would be a better wife and momma if I explicitly made more of an effort for my own health but where does that more come from? You’ve been in the trenches with kids for a long time. How do I not feel selfish about taking the time I need to get healthy and not feel like I’m shirking responsibilities? Should I have this figured out by now?
Bethany - Would you recommend doing the 21 Day Fix or sugar detox first?
Kristi REDISKE - Congratulations-sounds like you made your mind up and that you were very determined! I have a bad habit of going to sonic everyday to get a diet vanilla dr pepper-sometimes 2 times , I need to give that up and drink water, it would even be a money saver!!! Maybe I will try at least that.
Anne G. - I just signed up for Marta’s group. Like you I’ve been running and have lost about 15 lbs in the past year. But I can’t seem to lose any more now because I’ve gotten into the habit of filling up with sugar. I’ve wanted to do a sugar detox, but never thought I had it in me to quit. But I’m fed up with my pooch I have after my two kids. Ready to see it go and besides I’m supposed to be training for a half marathon I’m doing in August and I haven’t had a lot of energy so far to run greater distances. Since I have until June 23rd for the next group to start I guess I better eat up my ice cream I have stashed and my candy bars (also stashed).
Jill Assman - Congratulations, Meg!!! How great! I have been sugar detoxing for four days. And drinking water ALL day. I am already feeling better. Thank you for your real life sharing. It is always nice to hear that others go through similar things and to get inspiration from their experiences. I am having a very difficult day today, wanting something yummy SO bad. But reading your post has helped me to stick with it! Thank you! Cheers and here’s to achieving healthy goals!!!