My very first day on Take Shape for Life/Medifast's 5&1 was the very first time I wrote a blog. I had no idea where this journey would lead and I honestly wasn't sure I would be successful, but I had a glimmer of hope and decided to journal my experience. Here's what I wrote that very first day on plan:
Today is the first day of the rest of my new, healthy life. My first shipment came a few days ago, but I waited until today to start because I was out of town (in Chicago) Friday thru last night to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. Now that the celebration is over, I am more than ready to start.
My first meal was the Dutch chocolate shake. I mixed it up last night (used my Magic Bullet for the first time), refrigerated it overnight and re-blended it this morning with 3 ice cubes. I found this suggestion on the Medifast message board and thought it was worth trying, and it was a great suggestion! The shake was pretty good and, at least temporarily, filled me up. I'm anxious to try the other foods and figure out what I do and don't like so that my next shipment will be tailored to my taste.
I've been on so many weight loss programs over the past 20 years, which is how long I've been struggling with a major weight problem. Weight Watchers, Atkins, Fit for Life, Herbalife, Weigh Down, Slimfast, South Beach -- all worked for a while, but the weight has always come back, plus some. Last year I lost almost 40 pounds on South Beach and really, REALLY thought I had finally "gotten it." I was thrilled to buy clothes two sizes smaller last summer and, convinced that I'd never see "that" weight again, I gave away all of my larger sizes. It was devastating to have to go out this spring and purchase clothes in that larger size again, and I reached a turning point.
When I found myself trolling the internet for information on gastric bypass surgery (which my insurance doesn't cover), I realized that I had reached the point of desperation . . . then I came across the Medifast website. I remember hearing about Medifast years ago, when it was strictly a liquid diet and available only through a physician. I remember hearing (don't know if was true or not) that Medifast was very expensive. For those reasons, I never seriously considered it. This time, however, the testimonials and the fact that the program includes a variety of food options caught my attention. With the full support of my husband, I placed my order.
And today it begins. I am hopeful, and I am refusing to listen to the voices in my head that tell me I will fail at this like I've failed at everything else.
God is my refuge and my strength, and I want to honor Him with the way I care for this temple He has given me.
I reached my goal in just under 11 months and have been maintaining a healthy weight for over four years. This program has changed my life in more ways than I can possibly describe and I am eternally thankful that God led me to the right program at just the right time.
For those of you who are just starting, you may be skeptical, not quite believing that this will work for you. Hang on to that sliver of hope that prompted you to give this a try - you don't have to believe it will work - it just works!
No matter where you are on your journey, reaching the rest of your thin and healthier life happens one meal, one day, and one choice at a time. Choose wisely :-)
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