CLICKtastic! Weight Loss: Month One & a Giveaway! Ends 6/30/15 #DrinkClick

Weight on May 17: 258.2 Pounds

Weight on May 25: 252.6 Pounds

Weight on June 13: 251. 4 Pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Pounds to Goal: 102

***Weight Lost Month One: 7 pounds***

Woo Hoo! I lost 7 pounds in 4 weeks!

Just how much of a difference does that make you ask?

Let me show you.

Every pound lost is a VICTORY!  I've lost seven! Not bad at all!

Thank you Click for your amazing protein powder and your tremendous support. 

My goal for July? To lose another 4-5 pounds. I can do it. I WILL do it.  It isn't always easy -- but
that's okay. Challenges makes us stronger. 

For me, summer weight loss is always more difficult because the heat and humidity are really hard for me.  I am swimming more in the late afternoon and that's a HUGE benefit to both weight loss, toning, and peace of mind.

I am experimenting with different fruits and flavours with my Click.  I am planning a banana surprise for you soon.  I think you'll like it.

Just remember: we can do this together.  One step, one day, one pound at a time. 

Now, I have some fabulous news! The always generous folks at Drink Click have offered one of my readers the opportunity to join me on my weight loss journey.

One winner will receive a canister of the Click flavour of his / her choice and an adorable PINK Tumbler!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

*Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes, please. All entries are verified. Giveaway ends on June 30, 2015.*

Entry-Form

DISCLOSURE:
I received product from Click to facilitate my reviews. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with these items. I receive no monetary compensation.

Weight Loss: Week One Results #DrinkClick

Weight on May 17: 258.2 Pounds

Weight on May 25: 252.6 Pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Pounds to Goal: 102

***Weight Lost week one: 6 pounds***

SIX POUNDS!!! I know that some of that was simply water loss, but I WILL take it!

Boy... that does feel good!

This morning, I'd like to share my favourite breakfast drink from drinkclick.com/


RECIPE for Blueberry Bliss Breakfast Smoothie:

1/2 Ripe Banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
8 oz. 2% Milk (you can sub with soy, almond, water, etc.)
1 tsp. sweet cream non-dairy creamer
2 ice cubes
2 scoops of Click Caramel Protein Powder

Mix up in a blender and... *sigh*... enjoy!

 On to week two!  More walking... more swimming...

Life is... Click-tastic!

DISCLOSURE:
I received product from CLICK to help facilitate my weight loss journey. I have received no monetary compensation.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with this item.

My Weight Loss Journey: Day One

Weight: 258 Pounds
Height: 5' 3"
Age: 54

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Pounds to Goal: 108

Well, that's certainly a bit daunting.  But... it is what it is. I need to lose 108 pounds to reach my goal.  

My short-term goals:
Lose 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.
Lose a total of 30 pounds in six months. 

Weight Goal by November 17: 228 pounds

Weigh In: Sunday Morning

I CAN DO IT.

After all, I am a smart woman and I have great support from family, friends, and you, dear readers!

I also have a not-so-secret weapon: CLICK Protein Powder.

Click is my go-to protein.  I drink it every day.  Usually at breakfast -- two scoops of Click, some diced fruit, 2% milk, and a couple of ice cubes.  YUMMY!

Click has helped my lose a LOT of weight. I am embarrassed to tell you that my highest weight was once a little over 325.  I lost 66 pounds with Click and was on my way to *One-derland* -- when I simply gave up.  I gained about 35 pounds back, then re-started and lost another 43.

This past January, both Mike and I became quite ill.  Mine was a lingering sinus infection that turned septic.  Mike had to have TWO major surgeries in one day. 

While both of us have now recovered, it ended up with Mike LOSING about 30 pounds and I GAINED ten!

However, I am determined to get back on track. The first thing I've done to set myself on the right path? I have my Click on my kitchen counter!

I will tell that it's actually a bit difficult to explain how Click makes me feel.  After just a very few days, I have 3X the energy, my outlook changes, my mood improves.

I suppose that's a combination of both the physical improvement and mental improvement that comes with knowing that you're helping yourself.

I have come to like and endorse many products in the past few years.  THIS product, I have come to trust and rely on like no other.  It's become an important part of my life.

I contacted the folks at Click to let them know how much their protein powder has helped me in the past and how much weight I'd lost. They were so very supportive and enthusiastic about my determination to start anew.  

They are generously providing me with a few canisters of Click to help me lose weight.  I thank them with all of my heart.

Over the next few months, I invite to click along with me as I take the first steps on my weight-loss journey.  I need cheerleaders! I also need task-masters to help keep me on the straight and narrow!

The video below is my first of this journey -- there will be more!




DISCLOSURE:
I received product from CLICK Protein at no charge. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item. 

#dietenlightenment Diet Enlightenment by Rachel L. Pires

Author Rachel L Pires has written a great little book called Diet Enlightenment.  It's a no-nonsense, common sense approach to weight loss.

Less than 200 pages, Rachel get right to the point: "Dieting" doesn't work.  Conscious, thoughtful, responsible approaches are the keys to successful weight loss.

We must THINK about the foods we ingest daily. We must learn to count calories (actually a very simple task), we must learn to choose carefully the food we put on our plate.



Rachel teaches a positive mindset:  She encourages her readers to actively demonstrate good eating choices until it becomes a natural occurrence.

This is no fly-by-night "diet" book that promises a miracle pill.  Its a book filled with good advice, encouragement, and determination.  She speaks WITH the readers, she doesn't lecture or demean the readers.  I appreciate that.

You may purchase Diet Enlightenment by Rachel L. Pires on Amazon.com for the low price of just $11.48 for the paperback or $8.49 on Kindle.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a copy of Diet Enlightenment to facilitate this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

New Weight Loss Blog Post!

I've lost 19 pounds in eight weeks!   You can read about it HERE! #HalfwayThere

Terri :)

New posts on my weight loss blog!

I've got a couple of new posts and updates on my weight loss blog! Just Click on the BODY IN PROGRESS tab at the top of this page or click here!

Terri

CarrieElle: Meal Planner and Food Journal Review and Giveaway Ends 5/26/14 TWO WINNERS!

Disclosure:
I received free planners for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

Ya'll know by now that I am back on my weight-loss journey. So far, so good! I'm down 14 pounds.

The secrets to my success? Meal planning and tracking every bite that I eat! Yes, everything. 

I searched for the best planners for my needs and it wasn't easy... some were loaded with un-necessary distractions (and ads!) and some had blank pages.

I found the CarrieElle Etsy Shop and saw exactly what I needed.  

First up is the Weekly Meal Planner.

This planner has everything I want: it has monthly calendars (blank so that you may start at any month), then pages for your weekly menu, and a perforated grocery list.  These pages are only printed on one side, so you don't lose any information.

Along with the Food Journal, the Menu Planner has contributed to my weight loss. When I have meals planned for a week, there is no worry. I don't worry about what to cook, I don't worry about unhealthy meals, I don't worry about anything!

*12 monthly calendar pages (blank) for those who like to meal plan a month at a time 
**60 weekly meal planning pages, with a place to plan out meals for the week and a place to write your grocery list. 
***5 blank pages at the back of the book for notes/recipes/helpful websites 
****Delicious and easy lasagna recipe on the inside back cover

*****************************************************************************

I also received the life-saving (for me) Food Journal to record what food you've eaten, calories, water intake, vitamins, protein, calcium, and mood! Believe me, tracking is a huge benefit to any weight loss program.  Trying to remember how much you've eaten in a day is not easy.  With a food journal at your disposal, it is MUCH easier. 
I track EVERYTHING I eat.

Aren't these fabulous? I feel very blessed to have found them!

You can connect with Carrie at her Etsy Shop and on her Social Media pages:
Facebook, @CarrieElleBlog on Twitter, and Instagram

Carrie has graciously offered two of my winners a chance to win one these planners! Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win.

***Open to USA only, please. No PO Boxes. All entries are verified.***

Giveaway ends May 26, 2014

Entry-Form

New posts on my weight loss blog!

Click the link at the top of the page to see the new posts on my new weight loss blog!  Or follow this Link!

I have a personal memoir and a great recipe for Red Snapper!

Terri

Chasing Onederland.

If you have never been thin... then obese, it will be hard for you to understand how important it is to live in Onederland. 

Yes, I spelled it right.  *ONE* as in the one hundreds rather than the two hundreds (or more).  It can be a long chase... *ONE* likes to sneak around... hide... disappear for a while.  Still, the chase goes on.

I've caught sight of it.  Oh, yes. In 2009, I came within 35 pounds of the elusive 199.

Then, in a moment of extreme stupidity, I watched it flee.  The dreaded numbers just came creeping back.  I ALLOWED myself to fail -- I did nothing to stop it.  Let's be real: I aided and abetted and encouraged it.  I failed simply because I gave myself permission to fail.

I'm not going to do that again.

I give permission to myself to succeed.

I don't care what anyone says: There are things you cannot do when you are obese (fat).  And there are oh so many things that you want to do.

I'm not perfect and I know I'll have days when things don't go the way I want them to go. I'll persevere.  I'll move forward. I'll make it work to my advantage.

I'm back at my beloved Spark People -- tracking my weight, my nutrition, my activity / fitness.  I participate. That's the best way for me.  I am involved and I am honest about my struggles.

I weigh in on Sunday mornings.  I have Mike read it out to me (to keep the desire to cheat at a minimum), then I go to my weight tracker and type in those numbers.

I've lost 10 pounds in a little over 3 1/2 weeks.  Low and slow.  That's okay by me.  I didn't gain this weight in a day and I won't lose it in a day, either.

If you'd like to join me,  I'd love to have new Spark Friends!  I'll support you and cheer you on!

Oh... *ONE*derland?  That's about 82 pounds away.  It's going to take some time... but it IS going to happen.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
~~ 1 Corinthians 10:31 ~~ 

The Long Weigh Down

If you look at the top of this blog, you'll see a new page:
The Long Weigh Down

That page will tell the story of my weight-loss journey.  It's name has two meanings: The long time I have been weighed down and the time it will take to lose the weight. 

It's really not easy to admit openly that one is obese. It's not easy to share the struggle. However, I truly believe that sharing is part of the journey.

I invite you to walk along with me... share your stories... hopefully, offer suggestions and encouragement.  I will be happy to cheer you on as well.

I am a long-time member of Spark People -- my member name there is LifeNProgress.  I hope you'll join me there as well.  It's a completely FREE site.  It has weight loss programs, nutrition / exercise trackers, forums, blogs, articles, videos, and more.

In 2009, I lost 66 pounds on the Spark People program.  It was MY OWN fault that I went back to my old way of thinking and eating. I will endeavour not to do that again.

Later, I will post my current weight. It's embarrassing. It's also necessary to success. Denial gets you nowhere.

When I post to my social media pages, I'll be using the hashtag: #LongWeighDown -- I invite you to do so as you join me in this journey.

Terri

Skinny Jane Weight Loss in a Box Review!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Over the past week or so, I've been using a new weight loss aid called 

Skinny Jane.

Although sold as either a 28-Day or 8-Week Challenge, I tried it for just one week.

I received the Chocolate-flavoured Protein Shake.  It has a great flavour.  Mixes smoothly.  No clumps and no nasty after-taste.

*It has a special blend of 7 proteins that will curb the appetite for up to 4 hours and leave you energized. One serving has just 100 calories, only 1 gram of sugar, 3 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein. Skinny Blend will boost your protein intake so you keep your metabolism high while you are losing weight.* 

*Special Blend of 7 Proteins to Maximize Fat Loss and Decrease Appetite

*Scientifically Formulated to Suppress your Appetite, Burn Fat, and Boost Metabolism

*Speeds Weight Loss, Nourishes Your Muscles, and Gives You Energy

*Amazing Taste and Mixes Easily  

I also had a week's supply of both the Skinny Burn Suppressant Supplement and the Skinny Cleanse.

The Skinny Burn does seem to help curb the appetite, especially when taken with a full glass of water. 

*9 cutting edge ingredients to maximize fat loss 

* Helps reduce food cravings 

* Increases energy

* Ignites metabolism (helps burn calories)

* Contains Raspberry Ketones

* 60 capsules per bottle 

Suggested use: 

Take 2 capsules daily with 8 oz. water, one before breakfast, and one around 2 p.m

The Skinny Cleanse will do just that -- cleanse the system. 

*Helps remove toxins from the body

* Speeds weight loss 

* Helps you feel better 

* 15 day formula for fast results 

* 30 capsules per bottle

Suggested use:

Take two capsules daily for 15 consecutive days with 8 oz. water, one before breakfast, and one around 2 p.m. This cleanse is very safe and user friendly. For best results, drink at least 64 oz. water a day.  

I also received a Skinny Jane 7 Day Eating Plan and Instructions.  Very well written, concise, and

detailed for optimum success.

I'd love to report a 10 pound loss (wouldn't we all?), but I can't.  I did lose 3 1/2 pounds in 10 days (weighed Day One, Day 5, Day 10).  That's not bad -- it's a healthy weight loss and I'm pleased with the results.

Just follow the instructions and eat reasonable, balanced meals along with the program's shakes. 

To kick-start your weight-loss journey, this is an excellent program.  There is a lot of support via Skinny Jane's social media pages:   Facebook, @SkinnyJane8 on Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Right now, you may purchase Skinny Jane projects on Amazon.com -- reasonable prices and very fast shipping!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ozeri Digital Bathroom Scale Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

  Disclosure:
I received an Ozeri Digital Bathroom Scale for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

It's the Wednesday Weigh-In! I should be sharing my weight, shouldn't I?  Okay.  I weigh...

Stop! Back up!

Before I can tell you how much I weigh, I need to tell you HOW I weighed myself!

I was recently given the opportunity to try the new Ozeri Rev Digital Bathroom Scale with Electro-Mechanical Weight Dial.

I love it.  It's the perfect size to fit in my small bathroom.  It's light (just a touch over 7 pounds), portable, and easily stored.

*Synchronized electro-mechanical Dial and LCD automatically illuminate and instantly point to your weight in lbs and kg, for easy-to read results in all light conditions and from any angle.

**Visually stunning design incorporates a huge 5.5 inch dial and integrated digital display with stylish chrome accents to create a distinctive retro look with the accuracy of modern technology.

****Uses 4 high precision GX sensors that weigh up to 400 lbs (180 kg) in 0.2 lbs or 0.1 kg increments, with StepOn technology that captures precise weight measurements upon contact.

*****Professional quality scale features and an oversized platform made of impact-resistant tempered glass for ideal stability, and a new built-in alarm that reminds you to measure your weight at the same time each day.


******Auto-calibrated and automatically turns off to conserve battery life. Runs on 3 AAA batteries with a Low Battery Indicator (batteries included). Satisfaction guaranteed.

Mike stepped on to give it a test.  He weighed in at 198.  Not too bad. Considering he was wearing several layers of clothing, that's about 10 pounds more than he weighs fresh from the shower!

Me? Yeah... about that... NEXT Wednesday is actually weigh-in day. You understand.  ;)

Anyway, this IS a great scale. Accurate, easy to read (large, well-lit LCD display), easy to use. 

Even though I'm unhappy with my weight -- I am glad that the scale is so precise.  It's of real benefit to those of us struggling with our weight.  

Ozeri is well-known for their precision Digital Lifestyle Products such as Bathroom Scales, Kitchen Scales, Wine Chillers, Charging Pads, Lighting, and more.   

You may connect with Ozeri on their Social Media Pages:
Facebook, Pinterest, and @OzeriCorp on Twitter.

Right now, you can purchase the Ozeri Rev Digital Bathroom Scale with Electro-Mechanical Weight Dial on Amazon.com for the low price of just $29.95 (ARV: $59.95)!  

Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Terri 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Spark People and me... a continuing journey.

I'm overweight.  I am... obese.

I hate saying that... hate admitting it... hate making it real. But it's true... it real... and it is, at this moment, what I am.

It's been this way for quite a long time. I can even pinpoint exactly when it began: March 1991.  At that time... I stood 5' 3" and weighed 135 pounds.  And now... it's 250+.  No one is to blame -- but me.

I lost my Aunt Louise. She had been my best friend, running buddy, and co-conspirator all of my life. And in March of 1991... she slipped away from me, ravaged by COPD and an addiction to cigarettes as powerful and debilitating as an addiction to heroin.

I took comfort in food. I ate to forget and I ate to hide myself away from the pain. If I had known I was Clinically Depressed, I might've sought a doctor. But I found solace in food. By the time I was 7 months pregnant, I weighed 200 pounds. That was 1992.

In the weeks just before I gave birth, I lost my Pop. In August of 1994, I lost my Nanie.

In all, I lost 27 family members in less than three years. I just kept on eating. Gaining and eating... sometimes, I would only eat once a day... but that's WORSE than eating three times a day!

Finally, in April 2009, I decided enough was more than enough. I looked around for free weight loss programs on-line. I found Spark People.

In the year that I followed the Spark People program, I lost 66 pounds. Oh, I was within reach of my goals. But I just stopped. Fear of success? Laziness? Stupidity? I don't know. I stopped and haven't really gone back.

Until now.

I am not going to allow food and depression control me. I am 53 years old and this is MY life and my time to shine.

If you want to lose weight, get healthier, maintain your weight, learn to eat a better diet, etc. then Spark People may be for you! You can track your nutrition, weight loss, fitness... you can do that at Spark People!

Blogs, forums, trivia, polls... It's all there!

I have a Team that I created several years ago: Team Stitchaway where you meet others, post, talk about anything.

I hope you'll join me at Spark People and start your journey on the road to a healthier you!

DISCLOSURE: This was post was not sponsored by nor affiliated with Spark People. The opinions expressed herein are my own and I received no compensation of any kind.

EatSmart Kitchen Scale Review & Giveaway Ends 12/20/11

Ya'll know I've been on a weight loss quest for a while. I have good days and bad days with my meal plan. I have certainly learned that measuring and weighing my food is the best tool possible.

Especially during the Holidays!

Weighing is very important to weight loss success. Guessing is not your best bet!

I am very excited to introduce you to the amazing EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale.

The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is a must have in any kitchen. It's not just a time-saver but a food saver as well. Did you know that the average steak we buy at the grocer is TWICE the weight and size of the average recommended portion? With this scale, you simply weigh the steak, then slice it into the properly proportioned size! Instead of one over-sized steak? I've been getting two or three! And yes, I've noticed it on the bathroom scale, too! :)

I love making my Nanie's pound cake. A pound of butter... pound of eggs... pound of sugar... etc. Now, I can exactly measure those tricky ingredients -- no more guess work!

This scale is so very easy to use. Just two buttons: On/Off and TARE (which zeros out the scale). It's an easy clean surface and the digital readout is large and clear.

The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale weighs in units of grams, ounces, kilograms, and pounds. It is accurate to +/- one gram.

The Automatic Shut-off feature (After 3 minutes) is welcome as I have a tendancy to walk away from things without turning them off. It runs on two AAA batteries -- no worrying about electrical cords! And it comes with an two-year Full Warranty.

The scale also comes with a marvelous little booklet with foods and their calorie factors as well as info on the care and cleaning of the product.

You can purchase the EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale at Amazon.com

Product Features:
Color: Silver
*Easy to use multifunction home scale - Perfect for cooks, dieters and families
*Max weight 11lbs
*Displays ounces/lbs/grams/kgs; Graduation .05 oz / 1 gram
*Includes FREE EatSmart Calorie Factors guide - Portion control and calorie counting made easy!
*Tare feature eliminates the weight of a plate
*3 Minute Auto-Shutoff lets you prepare ingredients while maintaining battery life
*2 AAA batteries included
*100% EatSmart Guaranteed Satisfaction

The folks at EatSmart love to hear from the customers and fans -- please join them on their Social Media pages:
EatSmart on Facebook, @EatSmartScales on Twitter, The EatSmart Blog, and sign up for their Free E-Newsletter!

EatSmart knows that you want to eat heathier and happier in the New year and have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win an EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale of their very own!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA Only. One entry per household, please. All entries will be verified.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with an EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Precise Portions -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/5/11

I was a fairly thin kid and young adult. In fact, at age 29, I weighed 135 pounds. (I'm 5'3).

That's definitely NOT the case now. A combination of things led to a tremendous weight gain: stress, grief, eating for comfort. By the time I realized it... I was over 200 pounds and climbing.

Over the past two years, I've lost about 70 pounds, put most back on, then started losing again. I stillhave more to lose.

My biggest problem? Portion control. I eat too much -- even though I try not to do so.

Another pound down... and an adventure!

I'm down one more pound! That's great considering my 4-day 'break'. This week will show more progress, I hope, as I'll have a new piece of workout equipment.
I should have my mini-tramp this weekend. Yea!

Mike and I -- well, mostly me -- had an adventure today. I went surveying with him! Boy, it was so hot... but we did a "Finished Floor" and I really got to see what it is that he does.

Morgan and my Dad are headed for Shreveport, Louisiana. Then, on to Dallas. They are having a blast, too. They toured Bourbon Street and the French Quarter yesterday.

Morgan and I made a wager -- I have to lose eight (8) pounds by the time they get back in July. I'm down one -- so I think I can get it done.
Winner treats for Sushi!

So long for now and remember,

Do or do not. There is no 'try'.