Day 31

Marina is amazing.

It's a strong statement but what else can you say about a person who has overcome the temptations at every step. Our family is not making it easy either. Junk food has come through, chips and dip (more junk food), we eat lasagna, Tacos, barbecued ribs, you name it over the past month.

Marina even prepares most of it for us and yet not a simple taste has moved from her finger to her mouth. That is amazing.

The plan itself is designed to help with the craving but the rest is sheer willpower, it's all Marina.

So when I say I'm proud of her, what I mean is I couldn't do what she is going.

She has her goal and nothing is stopping her this time.

love ya Marina xoxo

*** oh and she mentioned she has dropped a little more this morning despite her period which is outstanding during a time of normal fluid retention. Saturday is just around the corner.

Day 30

The past few days have been good for Marina. She mentioned last night that the kids and of course I were eating things in from of her that smelled so good, but as she mentioned in her blog, those were the things that got her to this point in her life. I agree with her that leaving certain foods out isn't the way to go, but in moderation they should be allowed once she gets to her goal. The big thing is maintaining the weight once it's lost, it creeps on so easily if you fall back into the poor habit that our family shares. We could blame others but the food only goes into you one way and that's by consciously saying it's okay to eat it. I can guarantee that the foods we really crave have nothing to do with nutrition, it's all about the taste.

Made a mistake and put on my facebook page that Marina had lost 22.8lbs in the first 4 weeks. I know Marina wanted to keep it quiet and so I deleted the post but 2 people noticed it. Luckily not alot of her friends are also on my page and not alot had seen the brief posting. Sorry Marina.

Well, the weight is on the move again. Marina mentioned seeing a difference from Saturday to today. Wonder where she'll be on Saturday, another 4,5,6,7 ?

She's doing great. Love ya Marina.

Day 27

If you read Marina's blog you'll understand what happened yesterday.

Emails flew yesterday about how much, and what about this and a million self doubts about what was going wrong. And then this morning there was movement.

She was up twice last night to pee and I think the onset of her period is making her return fluids. Stressing over stuff can do the same. So I'm glad see saw a move on the scale. Maybe it will vindicate her efforts.

So she took in almost 45g of carbs yesterday, we'll see if that effected anything tomorrow since it takes carbs until the following day to show up. I don't think it will have hurt. From what I read on the net she should be safe from being kicked out of ketosis.

At noon we went shopping and picked up some Ketostix which you pee on and it measures how deep into Ketosis you are. It was weird because we had to go through a pharmacist to buy them.

Marina reports she is peeing like a racehorse today so that fluid buildup maybe finally over.

Time will tell tomorrow, 4th week almost in the bag.

Proud of you Marina.

xoxo

Day 25

Marina saw a drop once again in her weight this morning. Yes it's cheating to look but it keeps the morale up if she does. Of Course,it could serve as a negative if the scale showed a gain. I don't think we'll see a plateau for a while though, it's too early in the program. Haven't heard from the IP people yet about what is the max of carbs before ketosis stops. The stuff I read on the net says 30-50g is the max. We'll see what they say.

Marina is off to walk again today, hope it goes well and she isn't to tired since she has to work tonight.

Marina got back from the gym and walked 45 minutes and used up 360 calories.

Marina talked to Bob (her weigh coach) and he says 25g to 35g is where the range for carbs but not to pay too much attention to the carbs in the veggies because of the fibre content, maybe the fibre goes through without breaking down so it keeps some out of the body? Not sure.

All in all she is in good spirits when it comes to the weight loss. Happy for her.

love ya Marina.

Day 24

Marina worked last night and came home tired, which is very understandable since I feel the same way after working my second job. She was still in good humor though despite the onset of PMS and such.

She went for a walk at noon with Judy. Marina did 45 minutes of walking and the machine said she burned 325 calories. She says she feels fine after it and isn't suffering from tiredness like some people have mentioned occurred with them. Glad it all went well, I know she kind of missed walking. Proud of her as always.

I know she is hoping for a good number on Saturday and with this bit of exercise it just might counteract her normal water retention at this time of the month. Time will tell.

love her lots

Day 23

Marina has been doing so well of late that I really haven't had anything to report other than she lost another amazing 5lbs on saturday bringing the 3 week total to 19lbs.

She reports no problems with crazing or hunger and is so looking forward to next week and what kind of loss it brings.

I thought maybe I should do the same for myself but for now it's just a thought.

From behind I can see a difference, she's smoothing out and slimming down. Around the waist is also slimming.

Proud of you Marina, again and again.

xoxo

Day 17

Marina's day went well for Monday. Conflict at work but when it came to the plan she was smooth as glass.

Stress, boredom and loving her television was some of the things that caused Marina to eat. They were comforts which quelled the inner rumblings and buried her conflicts. I must admit I did the same some times and still do. Sometimes it's easier to keep down the demons with food, but then when you step on the scale another problem pops up which only enforces the cycle.

I think Marina is beginning to love herself again, seeing the inner beauty that I've always seen.

She asked me last night if I could see a difference. I could. Her tummy isn't as curvy as it was. She saw it too and was happy, which made me happy. She's an amazing woman. Maybe that's why I love her so much.

Tomorrow we go on a date. Movies at the cheap theatre without the popcorn and drinks that normally plague us. Oh the smells will be there but I know she and I will both pass the test and avoid them all together.

Love ya Marina xoxo

Day 15

Marina showed signs of being hungry this afternoon but she didn't falter.

It's that type of perseverance in the face of carbs and such that makes me know she is doing great.

I know she will reach her goal, that's a given.

love you hon.

Day 14

Okay, okay. Yes i am remiss in my blogging, I will admit that. In my defense I must say that Marina's weight loss is going great and so the lack of complains and such have left me without commentary.

This past week has flown by and she hasn't even looked at a non-listed food item with a sideways glance and for that I am proud of her.

The one thing that I did find interesting was her excel file that she sent me. It mapped out her potential loss over the next 38 weeks right up to San Diego. Marker/goals along the way were:
- My Xmas party
- Christmas itself
- Her birthday
- Her girls weekend
- San Diego Comic Con

Each looked to be reachable without being overly optimistic. I have a feeling though that some of those goals will be reached early, which will make her feel even better.

Today is weigh in, she cheated by looking at the home scale on a couple of occasions and I must admit I did join her in her inquiry. On Wednesday it was 3 lbs and this morning it seemed to be a loss of 5lbs. We'll see how it looks this afternoon when she weighs in after her part time job.

Fingers crossed, tension high, lips pursed and prayers to the weight loss gods will occur before 1:30 pm.

More later.......

Later is now here and the number was 4.4 lbs, which is a total of 14 lbs in 2 weeks. Marina's done an amazing job.

Proud of you as always Marina. xoxoxo

Day 9

Marina woke up tired and went to bed tired tonight. But a weekend of little sleep will do that to you.

I know she'll feel better tomorrow.

The ladies at her work asked how she did and I think that made her happy.

As far as I can tell she is having no problems with the plan.

Proud of you Marina. :)

Day 8

I must compliment Marina for the amazing way she handled the role of dieter and cook this morning. With my sisters coming over for brunch, Marina made and served up the brunch and never once showed a sign of faltering. She is amazing. She ate her meal while we gobbled down very tasty food and never said a thing. Amazing!!

She also said the headaches were few and far between today so maybe she has the problem licked.

Still can't get over the loss for the first week.

Love ya lots beautiful. xoxoxo

Day 6 & 7

Friday was a real test for Marina. Her work had a potluck for Halloween and despite all the great carbs (which she loves) being served at lunch she didn't even think of being tempted.

Last night went well except for a headache. Medication didn't work very well.

She was looking forward to the first weigh-in at 11am tomorrow morning.


Saturday started with her weigh-in. After a discussion about what gum she could chew and the kinds of herbs she can sprinkle on her food, she stepped on the scale and was so happy to see a loss of 9.6 lbs.

Marina was so happy.

The amazing thing is, over the past week she has felt great when it comes to hunger. She's looking forward to her weigh-in next week and is not expecting the same results but expects to see the normal 3 to 7 lbs that they suggest.

I'm so proud of what she's accomplished so far. Nothing can stop her at this point.

Day 5

Marina had a poor sleep last night.

Has a light headache today and feels a little tired but it didn't stop her from wandering around the mall at lunch with Judy. Glad she is getting out and not just staying around the office.

Okay so the cereal she tried at lunch was awful, so awful she spit it out. Imagine powder and a few rice crispies mixed together in water. It was immediately taken off her like list.

Luckily she had taken an extra package with her and had a mango drink to replace the cereal, she said it wasn't to bad and didn't have the taste and smell of some of the other things she's had.

During the day we discussed timetables and where she might be at by xmas, girls weekend away, and Disneyland. We talked about how her clothes in the closet will fit her again and then disappear because they are too big. I know she wants this to happen and is a big incentive for her. I just want her healthy enough to be by my side for a long time. Maybe it's selfish of me, but I'll deal with it.

Looked at her face this morning and thought to myself what a beautiful woman she is. I know alot of the time she doesn't see that, but I do.

Day 4

Today was a struggle for Marina. During the day she emailed me and told me she was tired and unfocused at work. I know food was on her mind but I also know she wouldn't give in. Failure isn't something she would even consider.

I know that tomorrow will be a better day for her.

I am curious to see her weight loss on Saturday.

Day 3

Tonight I got Marina to create her own blog which I am now am following.

Marina's headache went away quite a bit today, which I am happy for.

Seems to me her day went well. She mentioned being hungry this evening but nothing she couldn't handle.

Marina got some Stevia sweetener from Sheryl at work who said she didn't like it because of the taste. I'm sure Marina will make good use of the stuff since that means she can drink coffee again.

The drink she had this morning was awful she said, something with pomegranate in it. The odor wasn't exactly friendly either.

So far so good. I expected more of a resistance by this time but it seems to be going good.

We'll see how Day 4 goes tomorrow. Love ya Marina !!

Day 2

Day 1 went well. No real complaints of hunger or the changes she has in her diet. The supper was her favorite since she had steak and veggies. Not a drop was left on the plate. :)

Marina had a headache all day but I know it wasn't from the diet since it's usually the 3rd day the eating habit changes come into play. She took pills before bed and woke up feeling better.

This mornings protein was a cappuccino flavored drink that ended up frothing all over the interior of the microwave when she heated it. Her facial expression was enough to tell me it wasn't her favorite.

For lunch she is having eggs and veggies. She reports that it was very tasty and will be something she has quite a bit.

That pesky headache came back for her, someone suggested it was from lack of caffeine, which it may. She isn't off caffeine per se but hasn't had much of late. She's allowed Stevia as a sweetener so we'll have to look into getting some.

She said she's looking forward to the steak again tonight.

Hunger pangs showed up before lunch but she had 4 cups of water to help out.

For the most all is well.

Supper went well, and snack in the evening without complaint.

She's doing great. I proud of her.

The Journey Begins

Today is the day that Marina helps herself finally lose the weight she has so wanted to lose.

Those that know her have seen the amazing things she can do when she puts her mind to it. She's strong, determined and focused singularly on the goals she sets out to reach. This time is no different. This time she'll reach her goal and maintain it. As she says, she isn't getting any younger. This is the time, the place, and the right approach for her to succeed, and I believe her.

We've seen successes before. Anyone that has known her the past 20 years has seen what she can achieve, but they've also seen what happens when she lets go of her goals. She said yesterday that she was tired of yo-yoing and I can understand that. Losing and then gaining it all back, plus some, isn't the way anyone wants to live. I've seen Marina fight the demons and lose more often than win, but I know this time is different. She's seen the successes of others and she knows if she has problems or questions that there are answers at a click or a phone call away. The support isn't from one or two people but from a multitude of sources. She has the determination, the fight, the desire and that makes me as hopeful as her.

We all know the "why" for Marina so let me explain the how. The program she is going on is called "Ideal Protein". Without going into huge volumes of who, what, where, and why this plan came about I'll make it simple and in point form.

• High protein, low carb
• Use of inexpensive vitamin supplements that we all should be taking even if we are not on this plan.
• No exercise for the first few weeks so she can get used to the detoxing of all the crap we normally eat on a day to day basis. (I am just as bad as all the rest out there, refined carbs, high fats, empty calories, low nutritional food items designed to satisfy the taste buds but not the body)
• Normal loss is 3 to 7 pounds a week for women, higher for men.
• Lean proteins that she eats 3 times a day and a protein of her choice at supper.
• More veggies than the average Canadian eats in a day. Her plan has a minimum of 4 cups of veggies plus unlimited lettuce. Ask yourself the last time you at 4 cups of veggies everyday for a period of time.
• Minimum of 8 glasses of water everyday. I think we all miss out on that one (can't count pop or coffee as part of your eight glasses)
• Weigh in once a week.

It's as simple as that.


So there we go, day one has started.