What a difference a year can make!

Ok, so as I have told all of you, on October 21st 2009 I took my life back.  I was tired of being overweight and out of shape.  I was not happy.  I was depressed about my weight, and about my overall fitness.  Thank God, I hadn't had any health or medical issues, but at 313 pounds it was just a matter of time!  After finishing up my Advocare 24 Day Challenge yesterday, I weighed in at 231 pounds!  That is a total weight loss of 82 pounds since last October!!!  I feel great.  I am so happy with my progress, but I still have 18 pounds to go.  I will hit 100 pounds total loss before I quit losing weight.  I am so excited with my progress and can't wait to hit my goal!

In the meantime, it was about time for some new clothes.  I had already drilled 8 new holes in my belt, and have been wearing my old size 40 or size 42 shorts and jeans.  Today Lindsey and I went shopping (thanks to Grandma & Grandpa, it was just the 2 of us!).  I was blown away when I realized I am now a size 36!  I found a couple of new shorts, and then we decided to go to the Buckle.  I hadn't shopped there since I was 17!  For fun I tried on some jeans...guess what?  I couldn't resist.  I came home with 2 new pair!  Lindsey also picked out some new jeans at the Buckle...size 27!!!  She told me she has never worn size 27, and let me tell you, she looks GOOD in them!

Yeah, we probably spent a little more on new clothes than we should have, but it has been years since I enjoyed shopping for clothes.  For at least the past 10 years I have always dreaded shopping.  I was always so disappointed with the sizes that I would have to settle for.  I hated that I was a size 40 or 42!  It took all the joy out of it when a XXL shirt didn't hardly fit!  I avoided shopping at all costs, so I guess I probably was due.  I also really enjoyed watching Lindsey try on sizes that she had never dreamed of!  So fun.

Anyway, I found a picture from about one year ago of me with the boys.  As you can see by the look on my face, I was unhappy and uncomfortable in my own skin.  I also have included a picture of me tonight trying on my new clothes!  I LOVE that I can wear cool clothes!  I had so much fun today!  My wish is that all of you will get to go shopping soon because your clothes are all way to big!  Believe me, it is a GREAT problem to have!

THERE IT IS!!!  Starting weight was 255.8 pounds.  I was able to LOSE 24.0 POUNDS in 24 DAYS on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge!!!

If you are willing to follow the recommended diet and exercise, you can write your own story just like I did.  If I can do it, YOU can do it!!!

Not only was I able to lose 24 pounds, but I also lost 15 3/4 inches as well!!!

Lindsey was able to lose 8.8 pounds and 12 1/4 inches!!!  She is in a size 4 for the first time of her life and couldn't be more excited!

These products work.  If you are ready to begin your journey, contact me for more info.  I can't wait to help our friends and family change their lives like we have changed ours!

I will continue to post my results as I work toward my goal of 213 pounds.  This next week will be tough as we will be on vacation at Lake Okoboji.  I will let you know how it turns out!  One thing is for sure, there is no turning back.  I am a living example of a CHANGED LIFE, and I WILL continue to work toward my goal all while living my new healthy lifestyle.  Only 18 pounds to go!!!

Michael

DAY 24!

It is here!  Day 24 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge!  I can't believe how fast the time flew by.  It was an exciting journey, with lots of great results along the way.  Please check in tonight to see how well I did!  Lindsey and I will be posting our results this evening at the end of Day 24!  We will also have the results for my brother Eric, so make sure to check in tonight to see how the 3 of us did.


Also, just to let you know.  I plan to continue with the blog even after the 24 Day Challenge is over.  I will see this thing through until I hit my goal weight of 213 pounds!  To get there, I need to stay accountable to all of you.  It inspires me to reach my goals when I know that others are on the same path.   It is very motivating to hear from some of you, not to mention, we will be posting success stories of all willing 24 Day Challenge participants along the way!  Keep up the good work!


Michael

Changed lives

Day 23.  I have today and tomorrow to finish up this 24 Day Challenge that I'm on.  It has gone by so quickly.  I had feared these 24 Days, but have found out that it isn't so bad.  I have changed my eating habits, cut out bread, limited dairy, eliminated alcohol, avoided greasy food like the plague, and have replaced those foods with healthy fruits & vegetables.  Don't get me wrong, I'd already been eating fairly healthy, but I had laser-like focus during this Challenge.  I wanted to see the full potential of the Advocare products.  Wow, do they have a TON of potential!  I weighed in this morning to the tune of 235.2 pounds.  This brings me to a total weight loss of 20.6 pounds and I am only beginning my 23rd day!

My goal is to continue with my weight loss and work down to 213 pounds.  This 24 Day Challenge has helped out tremendously in attaining that goal.  I have merely 22 pounds left to lose.  25 days ago, I was weighing over 255 pounds, and let me tell you, 213 pounds seemed a long ways away!  Now I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am racing towards it.

Out of curiosity, last night I did a little research on the topic of beginning new habits.  For me specifically, I wanted to know how long I would have to continue with my current healthy eating to make it stick.  Although there are many theories on how long it takes to create a new habit, I found one very interesting book.  The book is titled "Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.  Dr. Maltz was a renowned author in the field of psychology.  His research in the 1960's led him to the theory that it takes 21 days to create a new habit.  I found this online from the Aristotle blog:

"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.
 Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took
 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations
 in the amputated limb. From further observations he found
 it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the '21
 Day Habit Theory' has become an accepted part of self-help
 programs.

 Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce
 neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are
 bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain
 does not accept ?new? data for a change of habit unless
 it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day)."

I find this very interesting, and makes me excited to think
that I have made it past the '21 Day Theory' with the new
habits I have created by taking the 24 Day Challenge!


It might also answer some of the questions that I've received like
"what will you do when the Challenge is over?". Well, I have found
what works, I have created new habits that I will continue to follow. I
will continue to work toward my goal of 213 pounds. Personally, I
plan to continue with some of the Advocare products during the journey.  After reading about the 21 Day Theory, I am convinced that I have created some new healthy habits that will last a lifetime! I hope this helps some of our friends and family that are currently taking the 24 Day
Challenge. My hope and prayer is that everyone taking the Challenge
will see the success that I am seeing, and that it will inspire these
great people to continue on well past the 24 Days with their new habits,
or what I like to call my new lifestyle!


Please follow along as I complete my last couple of days! I will have the final
numbers posted tomorrow night during my Celebration of completing the Advocare
24 Day Challenge!!!


Michael

Another Milestone on Day 22!

Here I am again on the morning of day 22 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I feel great.  I have more energy.  I feel much more lean.  I have noticeable change in my pant size (according to the new hole on my belt again this morning!). 

Like every other morning, I stepped on the scale when I woke up.  Except this morning was different.  I had hopes of seeing a good number, but was blown away to see 235.8 looking back up at me!  235.8!!!  When I started this Challenge, I weighed in at 255.8!  I have lost 20.0 pounds thus far during the Challenge and still have 2 more days to go!!! 

Words can not express how excited I am right now!  I never would have thought that this Challenge could help me attain such results!  From the start, I was skeptical.  I was worried that it wouldn't do much for me.  After all, I had already lost a bunch of weight before starting this Challenge.  I was stuck on a plateau, but Lindsey and I were eating healthy and exercising regularly.  We had already trained for and ran in a 1/2 marathon before ever starting this Challenge.  I really didn't know what to expect.  I can assure you that I never expected these kind of results, and I am so darn excited that I'm going to tell everyone I know about these great products!  I am living a changed life.  I feel that it is my mission to help others change their lives as well.  I pray that all of our friends and family will see the same kind of results that I have seen.  I pray that all of you that are taking the 24 Day Challenge will feel the way I feel right now.  Just think, 9 months ago I weighed 313 pounds and couldn't run to the mailbox without losing my breath!  This morning I weigh 235.8 pounds and feel like a million bucks!!!  Don't tell me that you can't do it.  Don't tell me that you are too busy.  I work 60 - 70 hours per week and help my wife take care of 4 little kids.  I have found a little time along the way to do it, and so can you!

There is no magic involved.  There has been some sweat.  There has been a change in my eating habits.  The Advocare products have helped keep me on my game, keeping me energized, fueling me with the vitamins and nutrients that I need, and by helping curb the cravings for unhealthy food.  There is no doubt about it, if I can do it - YOU can do it.  Now get out there and write your own success story!!!

Michael

Sprint toward the finish

Here I am, already on day 21.  Tuesday morning and this 24 Day Challenge is over on Friday already!  I really didn't think it would go this quickly.  I really didn't think I could have this kind of success.  My original goal had been 15 pounds, but as of this morning I am sitting at 17.2 pounds lost.  My scale showed me 238.6 this morning.  At first I was upset, I'm up a little since yesterday, but then I thought a little harder about the good things that have come from this Challenge.  1st off, I've lost 17.2 pounds in less than 21 days!  I am feeling much healthier and thinner than I did just 3 weeks ago.  I haven't had a single soda in 22 days!  That is huge...I had been consuming 5 to 6 diet mountain dews per day.  Now I have 3 SPARK Energy Drinks and a bunch of water every day and feel great because of it!  My diet has changed a little, maybe less for me than for some, since I've been on this journey for about 9 months and eating healthier has been a big part of my success. But there are some changes that I thought would be hard, but have turned out to be no big deal.  No dairy, no bread or crackers (I've cheated a couple times), no alcohol (I'm looking forward to some cold ones this weekend, but just a few), and I have been replacing breakfast with the meal replacement shakes.  These things are very good, and help keep me feeling full and are packed with protein and vitamins.

Of all the things that have come from this 24 Day Challenge, the most significant without a doubt is the fact that Lindsey and I have been able to affect other people's lives.  I can not tell you how humbling it is to hear from friends and family that we have inspired to take steps towards their personal weight loss and fitness goals.  I have struggled for years with weight and self image issues.  I finally found my way out.  I am now the healthy person that I have always wanted to be.  To think that by sharing my story can help others overcome their personal weight or health issues is very powerful.  I feel so BLESSED to be able to share my story, to help someone else find a way to a healthier lifestyle.  To be honest, knowing that there are people following my path, taking steps toward their own fitness and health goals is what keeps me going!

There will always be hurdles in the path to living healthy, just like this morning.  I had tried so hard since yesterday to keep my momentum going and to lose a little more weight, but the scale told me that I'd gained .8 pounds!  Why?  How can it be?  Well, what I've learned is that this will happen, and I just need to keep on doing what I've been doing.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be happier with the results.  But what I know is this, I am better for having eaten healthy and for exercising.  I know that I'm being the role model that my kids need me to be.  I know that I am getting closer to my goals.  There isn't a thing that damn scale can do about it!  I will not stumble because of one bad day.  I plan to give these last few days everything I've got.  My original goal was to lose 15 pounds, well forget about that, I want 20!  I will stick to the Challenge.  I will not "cheat" the next few days.  I can do this!

Michael

Day 20? Seriously? Where has the time gone?

I couldn't believe it this morning when I realized that this is Day 20 of my 24 Day Challenge!  Where has the time gone?  I had dreaded this Challenge thinking it would be the longest 24 Days of my life!  It has certainly not been.  Granted I have abstained from some food choices and given up alcohol for the past 20 days, but the cravings haven't been very strong!

Just coming off of a fun filled weekend, I wasn't sure what to expect this morning with my weigh-in.  I hopped on the scale hoping that I wouldn't be too disappointed.  When it quit blinking it showed me that I have hit a new low!  237.8 pounds!!!  I am very excited!  This is now 18.0 pounds since beginning the Challenge!  Wow!  That is so cool.

Was it an easy weekend?  Not necessarily.  Lindsey, the kids and I got together with some good friends on Friday night, followed by a camping trip Saturday night.  Thank God, Lindsey had discussed our Challenge with the other ladies, and everyone brought some fairly healthy options for dinner.  I still ate too much, but at least it was healthy chicken breasts, oven baked veggies, salad, fresh fruit, etc.  It was slightly more difficult to refuse the ice cold beers that the guys were partaking in.  However, not nearly as hard to turn down as I had feared.  I'm not sure why my cravings are so much less than they used to be, whether all the vitamins and supplements have something to do with it, or if it is a new found resolve to stick with my plan and get healthy???  At this point, I would say it is some of both.

After looking at the calendar this morning I realized that I only have until Friday for my Challenge to be over!  With this bit of knowledge, I plan to stick closely to the plan, avoid slip-ups, and maybe even exercise a little more.  To date, I have stuck with my 3 day per week 1/2 marathon training schedule.  I think I can work in maybe one or two additional workouts this week to "sprint" to the finish of this 24 Day Challenge.  I am just so excited to see my results at the end of Friday that I want to give it all I've got!

Follow along to see how it turns out!  Hopefully you all have begun your journey towards your weight loss and fitness goals!  If I can do it, anyone can do it!  Please contact me with any questions about the Challenge, or any other fitness goals that I can help you with.

Michael

Curse you rain days

Being in the construction business, our work is quite often dependent upon the weather.  Yesterday was no exception.  My crew and I were unable to work due to the heavy rains, so I got caught up on some paperwork and then headed to the office to take care of a few things.  I was able to get home by mid-afternoon, and that is when I began slipping up!  I had been sticking to my meal plan so well during this challenge, but yesterday, I had a hunger that would not go away.

I grazed on mainly fruit, some veggies, then ended up eating a little bit of the kids left over sloppy-joe meat.  No big deal.  Then before heading off to a pre-school board meeting my wife made the kids some whole wheat spaghetti and garlic cheesy bread.  She said, here honey, could you feed this to the kiddos, I'll be home in a couple hours.  Damn.  I couldn't get away from this food that smelled and looked so delicious!  I divided it up between the kids, and tried to stay busy while they ate.  Next thing I know, they are all done and it is time to get things cleaned up!  There was about one small bowl of pasta left, so guess what happened?  Yeah, I couldn't resist.  Then on top of that I ate a piece of the cheesy garlic bread...  why must my cravings be so strong?

Ok, in the grand scheme of things, this was NOT a big deal!  It was however, a mental test that I felt like I failed. This leads me to a topic that I have learned on my journey to becoming healthy and fit.  It is imperative that I am DELIBERATE about what I eat.  I learned from the very beginning that if I didn't put thought and effort into every meal, that I would slip up.  There were a lot of days that I would rush off to work without packing a healthy lunch for myself and would end up getting  so hungry that I would eat whatever was convenient...which would often end up being something from drive-thru or a gas station.  Once I was able to figure this out, it made my weight loss much easier!  I now get up earlier in the mornings, make a point to pack a bunch of fresh veggies...carrots, radishes, celery, broccoli, etc; fresh fruit...apples, banana, orange, grapes, etc.; sometimes a salad with a side of fat free dressing; almonds (a new favorite); a couple hard boiled eggs;  and just lately Lindsey has found that some of the flavored rice cakes are really good...white cheddar and carmel flavor are my favorites!  A variety of these foods along with my Advocare Meal Replacement Shake, and some Spark Energy Drinks are more than enough to get me through the day, and then I always look forward to dinner at night!  Lindsey is so great at coming up with delicious and healthy dinner ideas, many of which come right out of our garden!  So good!

This is a crazy weekend for us and I am just packing up to go camping with my brother, nephew, and my 4 year old Drew.  I wish you all a wonderful and healthy weekend!  Try to get some exercise the fun way, maybe a bike ride, or walk or just run and play in the yard with the kiddos!  See you all soon.


Weigh in this morning:  240.0   =(                              Weight loss during Challenge:  15.8 pounds

Michael

Frustrations Set in On Day 17

You heard it right. I'm officially frustrated. Am I frustrated with the diet part of the challenge? No. Am I frustrated with having to exercise a few times a week? No. Am I frustrated that the numbers on the scale keep going down? Uh, duh. No. I'm frustrated that for the first time since probably middle school, I am smaller than a size 6! I know, horrible problem to have, right? The frustration that I have comes from a try-everything-on-in-my-closet-rampage that I had last night in an effort to get ready to go somewhere. I was just wanting to wear my go-to jean capris that I've worn every summer since Macy was a baby (I'm really into fashion as you can tell.) These capris are a size 6 and by far, that is the smallest size that I've seen since I was about 14 years old. However, it became quite clear last night that I'm not a size six anymore. In fact, they were so baggy on my stomach, butt and legs, that I'm afraid I can't even get away with putting a new notch in the belt and wearing them anyway.

As much as my frustration built while trying on clothes, I have to admit that the smile on my face was really, really big. I have to admit that for the first time EVER, I am three weeks out from a class reunion and I am not worried about my appearance or if I need to go on a crash diet before I see old friends. I have to admit that although I don't really like shopping, looking for a size 4 tag might just be pretty darn fun. I have to admit that for the last three days I've been eating more and snacking more than I have in the last five years. (That would most likely be the Metabolic Nutrition System kicking into high gear here!) I have to admit that I think the 24 Day Challenge is the most amazing journey that my husband and I have ever gone on together. (Aside from marriage and kids of course!)

As I sit here on the morning of day 17, I can't believe how easy this Challenge has been. I can't believe how fast it has gone. I can't believe that I weighed in this morning at 127.8 pounds. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and FRUSTRATING weekend!

Lindsey

Starting weight: 135.2 pounds
Weight on day 17: 127.8 pounds
Total weight loss: 7.4 pounds

I sit here in disbelief...

WOW!  Morning of day 16 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, and I am in total disbelief!  I stepped on the scale this morning not knowing how those little numbers would change my whole perspective.  In fact, it has become such a habit to jump on the scale before getting dressed for work that I wasn't really thinking at all...until the digital readout quit blinking and showed me something that I have not seen in over a decade.  I have broken into the 230's!!!  238.2 pounds this morning to be exact! 

I guess I knew I was getting close the past few days, but hadn't fully comprehended what it would mean to me to get there.  I certainly hadn't prepared myself for the rush of emotions that swept through me as I stood there staring at the numbers!  Shock, excitement, disbelief, pride, humbleness, nearly a few tears, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment all at the same time!  That was powerful. 

I tried to think back to the time that I had seen this weight and decided it was in 1999 or 2000!  Can you imagine?  I was only 23 at the time!  And here I am, approaching 34 years old, and I am nearing the best health of my life!  I am so excited!  I am so humbled.  I am so motivated to keep going!  I can only imagine the feelings that will come with reaching the next level and breaking into the 220's!  It has been over 15 years since I have seen the 220's!  But I know that we will meet again.  Soon.

Please, please, please, use this excitement and energy to motivate yourself to write your own story.  I can not tell you how motivated I am by some of our friends and family that are currently taking the 24 Day Challenge!  To know that they will share in some of these feelings that have overwhelmed me today makes me so happy!  I am so excited about the path that I am on, I really want to share it with those that seek similar stories in their own lives!  It can seem so impossible at times, and I just want everyone to know that if I can do it, Anyone can do it! 

I would have laughed at you a year ago if you told me that in one year I'd be 75 pounds lighter and be running 1/2 marathons!  When I think back, it almost seems impossible, but it wasn't.  I just had to choose a new course.  Once I began my journey the pieces began to fall into place, and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.  There were times of doubt.  There were times of disappointment.  But I stuck with it and look how far I've been able to come.  I am 3/4 of the way to my ultimate goal.  I have found the tools and the support system that I need to get the other 1/4 of the way...and that is a great feeling.  A feeling I want to share with anyone who is interested.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, I don't claim to be an expert, but I've been there, and I know what worked for me! 


Day 16:  238.2 pounds     Total weight loss during 24 Day Challenge:  17.6 pounds!!!

Michael

Day 15! This is flying by!

Just hopped off the scale on this the morning of day 15.  I was very happy to see steady progress, this morning I am at 240.6 pounds.  This is 15.2 pounds less than when I started the 24 Day Challenge!  I am very impressed!  There is no doubt that these products are working tremendously!  I need to get to work a little early today, so I must get going, but check in tomorrow to hear about the products that I am currently taking as part of the Challenge.  I will share the good, the bad and everything else that I am observing through this process.

Michael

We are up to 14! I'm so excited!!!

As I sit here this morning, I began counting the number of friends and family that are currently taking the 24 Day Challenge or are beginning their Challenge today.  I am completely blown away that we are now up to 14 people!  Lindsey and I and my brother are about 1/2 way through and all feel so good!  We are full of energy, are losing weight, certainly feel more toned, and have eliminated soda from our daily lives!  Seriously, 14 days without a single pop???  That alone is unbelievable!  SPARK Energy Drink is AWESOME!  So much healthier than soda, and much more enjoyable too!

The other 11 people that are making this journey with us are so inspiring to me!  To think that Lindsey and I have made an influence in their lives to make the decision to go after their own personal fitness goals is very humbling.  Of the 11 others, there are many reasons for taking the Challenge.  A few are after the weight loss much like I am.  A few are looking to tone up and get rid of a few extra pounds, much like Lindsey's goals.  And yet a few more are just looking to feel better and gain energy.

I plan to stay in contact with all of our friends while they take the Challenge.  If they are willing, I will be sharing their stories right here for everyone to see!  I can't wait to see how the Challenge turns out for each of them!  I know we are going to have some AMAZING success stories!  I hope that everyone reading this is just as excited and inspired as I am right now!  Please follow in the footsteps of these great people and start your own journey toward changing your life and attaining your personal fitness and weight loss goals! 

If I can do it, You can do it!

Michael

This is the beginning of day 14...

Weigh in this morning:       241.2 Pounds               Weight loss to date:   14.6 pounds

Darn Weekends!

Finally Monday!  Well, that doesn't sound quite right does it?  Believe me, I enjoy my weekends, and am always ready for them by the time they roll around.  However, while on the 24 Day Challenge, they seem to pose quite the challenge themselves!

Saturday was Drew's birthday.  We had a great party for him with Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, and a bunch of Cousins here to help celebrate!  There was a TON of food, most of which was completely unhealthy.  I tried my best to abstain, but did indulge just a little.  Not to mention the fact that I loaded up on the healthier stuff.  So it is safe to say, I blew my plan a little.

So stepping on the scale today I was a little nervous.  My last weigh in was Saturday morning (sorry, I missed yesterday, running late for Church) and I was at 241.6 pounds.  This morning it read 242.2 pounds.  So I moved .6 pounds in the wrong direction!  Thank God it wasn't more.  I can handle it.  I can shake it off and get right back on track.  I will continue with the plan today and I will succeed!  I am currently down 13.6 pounds since the beginning of the 24 Day Challenge, and this is the beginning of day 13! It's time to get moving!  I have big goals for the end of this Challenge, and I only have 11 days left!  Keep following along to see how I do!

Michael

Cleansing complete, now it's time to lose some weight!

I have officially finished the 10 day cleansing phase of the 24 Day Challenge.  When I started this phase I weighed in at 255.8 pounds, and this morning I weighed 241.6 pounds!!!  That brings my weight loss on the cleanse phase of the Challenge to 14.2 pounds!  Yeah, 14.2 pounds in 10 days!  I feel great.  I feel lighter.  I feel leaner.  I feel full of energy.  I feel motivated to continue and see how well I can do while on this 24 Day Challenge!  Follow along as my story unfolds.

If I can do it, YOU can do it!

Michael

Running towards our goals

So last night I went running with my wife Lindsey and my brother Eric.  We took off and headed for the outskirts of town, down a gravel road, back across on the nature trail, up Pioneer road and back around by the cemetery.  For those of you not familiar with Reinbeck, we basically made a lap around the outside of town.  All in all it was a 4 mile run.  4 miles!  Seriously, 4 miles!

I'm a guy that weighed well over 300 pounds just 9 short months ago!  I couldn't have ran to the end of the driveway without having a coronary! Now, on a hot Thursday night, I'm just running a 4 mile run with my wife and brother like it's no big deal.  Well, I'll tell you, it is a big deal!  I am approaching the best shape of my life at 33 years old, and it is all because I decided to take my life back.  I made the decision that I wasn't going to be unhappy and depressed about my weight anymore.  When I started this journey, I would have never in a million years thought that I would be running a 1/2 marathon by June!  Hell, I never thought I'd run 3 miles at one time, let alone the longer races that Lindsey and I have participated in like the 13.1 mile 1/2 marathon!

It hit me while I was running last night.  I really think that anyone of you could do the same thing if you put your mind to it.  Forget that, I know any of you could do it.  In fact, my brother Eric would tell you the same thing.  He just started running with us not more than a month ago.  I talked him into running the Reinbeck 5k with me and he has been addicted to running ever since.  Last night was the furthest he had ever ran at one time, and let me tell you, he felt a real sense of accomplishment!  That is so motivational to me.  I love seeing people break out of their shells and become the healthy and happy person that they have always wanted to be!  My brother is taking the 24 Day Challenge with us and will share his results at the end of it.  Let me tell you this, it will be an amazing story!  He had already lost over 40 pounds before beginning the 24 Day Challenge, but it appears to me that he has lost quite a bit in the last 9 days - he looks great and is running further every week!

I hope that this post will inspire just one person to get moving.  Go find something you enjoy and stick with it.  It doesn't have to be running, but find something, biking, swimming, circuit training, something.  For Lindsey and I it is running.  We have become addicted.  We love the feeling that a long run gives you, the feeling of endurance and strength, the mind games that you must control to keep moving forward, and especially the feeling of crossing the finish line!  Let me tell you, it was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line after running our 1st 1/2 marathon!  It was so rewarding to know that we were able to do it, to run the 1/2 and make it to the end. I hope that you will know the feeling of setting out and accomplishing a goal like that!  It really makes all of the hard work worth while!

Now get out there and get moving!  If I can do it, YOU can do it!


Weigh in today, morning of day 10 = 240.8 pounds!!!   Loss since beginning the 24 Day Challenge = 15.0 pounds!!!


Michael

Still Rolling

So, this is the morning of Day 9 already of the 24 Day Challenge!  It is amazing how fast this thing is going.  I really thought by now that I would be praying for it to be over so that I could indulge on some less than healthy foods and consume a few cold beers.  In all honesty, I am so excited about my progress that I haven't had those temptations yet.  I find myself sticking strictly to the plan in anticipation of what is to come!

Just to let you in on a little of the day by day, I thought I'd tell exactly what I'm doing and what I'm eating and drinking while on this Challenge.  The first thing I do every morning is hop on the scale to document the progress.  Then I head out to the kitchen and mix up a Spark Energy Drink.  I haven't had a flavor yet that I didn't enjoy, but the Pink Lemonade is probably my fave.  While drinking the Spark, I take some Catalyst pills. These awesome little pills are designed to pull water out of fat and into muscle, in order to preserve lean muscle during times of weight loss and exercise.  Also as part of today's regimen I took the ProBiotic Restore pills - these are a probiotic complex of friendly microflora for support of intestinal health and function.  Then to cap off the morning I get to drink a fiber drink this morning!  Boy, there just isn't much positive that I can say about these things!  It is a powder that you mix with water and drink, but it is very thick and pulpy.  I try to slam it down as fast as possible.  It's purpose is to support intestinal function and eliminate wastes.  I will say that once I drink it, I'm not hungry for quite a while!

A little later on in the morning, usually around 9 or so, I begin getting a little hungry so I mix up my Meal Replacement Shake - this is full of protein, nutrients and fiber which are a perfect breakfast that allows you to begin your day by fueling your muscles and brain, while starving your fat.  I have found that the Chocolate and the Berry shakes are great.  Vanilla is not my favorite.  I usually just shake these up with cold water, but when I'm around the house I like to mix them up in the blender with ice and a little water - this makes them taste like a delicious smoothie!

So that gets me through the morning.  At lunch I try to eat some fresh veggies, fruit and a salad.  I also throw in a couple hard boiled eggs and a handful of roasted almonds to help satisfy my hunger cravings.  By mid afternoon I'm ready for another Spark Energy drink and one more round of Catalyst.  This really gets my energy up and makes the hottest and hardest part of the day a lot easier!

That's pretty much all there is to the Challenge, at least today on day 9.  There are a few variances of which supplements you take on which days, but this gives you a good idea of what is involved with the day to day of the program.  Lindsey and I both look forward to our evening meal - many nights we will have a grilled chicken breast and some fresh green beans out of our garden.  Or last night we had a large salad loaded up with veggies and some steamed vegetables for dinner.  I must say, I don't feel deprived.  I don't feel hungry.  From the beginning I had some concerns that I would be miserable by following the recommended foods, but so far it has been a breeze!

Let me know if you have any other questions about the 24 Day Challenge.  I'm very excited about my progress and would love to share this with as many people as possible!

Weigh in this morning = 241.6 pounds!!!    Down 14.2 pounds in just over 8 days!

If I can do it, YOU can do it!

Michael

Loving Life and Feeling GOOD!

I just can't help but be excited today...so many truly amazing things have been happening in our life this past week! First of all, our baby, Tade Grayson, turned ONE yesterday! It's so hard to believe that a year has passed by so quickly. As I sit and think back to that time, which was also a very happy time for us, I can't help but think about the changes that our family has made and about the healthy lifestyle that we have adopted. Since this time last year we have cut out refined sugars, we stick to only whole-grain and whole-wheat breads, pasta and rice, we eat very little processed foods, sticking to fruits, veggies and lean meats for most meals and snacks. My husband has lost an INCREDIBLE 70 pounds and is a runner now! A guy that couldn't jog 5 blocks to the store in March is a half-marathon running fool now!

This past week we've loved every minute of the 10 day cleanse and we've seen the pounds melt off. For Michael it is up close to 15 pounds lost and for me, around seven pounds. We both have more energy, feel leaner and can see more tone and definition in our arms and legs.

We were invited last night to the AdvoCare Freedom event in Cedar Falls, where we were able to listen to Dr. Robert Hackman, Chair of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board for AdvoCare, discuss in detail the scientific and medical data behind the AdvoCare products and why they have such proven results. The products are simply superior. With any nutritional supplements, you get what you pay for. With AdvoCare, you might spend a little more on the products but you are getting ONLY standardized herbal extracts in your products. That is why they are GUARANTEED by the company.  The scientists and doctors with AdvoCare have put their coats on the line, so to speak, for these products and they are continually testing and researching and developing new products that simply blow the competition out of the water.

I am excited about this company. I am excited about the way I feel after only seven days. I am loving life and FEELING GOOD! If you are looking for more energy, interested in weight loss, want to boost your metabolism, want to build muscle mass - whatever your wellness goals might be, please contact Michael or I and we can help you go over the AdvoCare product line to find the tools that you need to reach your goals.

Lindsey

Starting weigh in: 135.2 pounds
Weigh in this morning: 128.6 pounds

Freedom Event at the Park Place Event Center

Lindsey and I were invited to attend the Advocare Freedom Event at the Park Place Event Center last night.  At first we declined since it was our baby's 1st birthday.  We were looking forward to spending the evening with our kids and celebrating Tade's big day.  As it would turn out, we were able to do both.  I was able to get off work a little early and we had Grandma and Grandpa come in to celebrate with us and watch Tade eat his first birthday cake, what a riot!  The kid only likes the frosting, but man, what a mess he was able to make!  All the while laughing and smiling.  Then Tade opened up a few of his gifts and was so happy!

Then we were off for the Freedom Event.  Advocare only has an event like this in the area once or twice a year, and we felt compelled to check it out.  I am really happy that we did.  One of the top Doctors from the Medical and Advisory board was the guest speaker.  Robert Hackman, Ph.D. research professor, Dept. of nutrition, at the University of California at Davis gave 1/2 hour run down on the products that I am currently taking as part of the 24 Day Challenge.  After hearing him speak about the research that goes into their products, and the purity of the nutrients that they use, I was starting to understand why I've had so much success using their products.

Lindsey and I were very impressed with the event.  We are now even more excited about the 24 Day Challenge and what it has in store for us.  And the coolest part?  The event organizer, Joe called me up on stage in front of nearly 200 people and had me tell my story.  It was an amazing feeling to tell everyone about how I've lost 15 pounds (I weighed myself before my shower last night and was amazed to see 240.8 on the scale!)  in only 7 days!  How cool to have everyone cheering for me!  What motivation to keep going and to see just how far I can go during this Challenge!

Michael

To be consistent, I stepped on the scale this morning and I weighed in at 242.8.  A full 13 pounds lost on the beginning of my 8th day of this Challenge.  Keep checking in to see how far I can go!

My little man's birthday

I can't believe my little boy is one today!  Where does the time go?  As I sit here this morning surrounded by the streamers and balloons that Lindsey stayed up late to decorate our house with last night, I have this overwhelming feeling that I am really giving Tade something special for his 1st Birthday.  Don't get me wrong, he will be opening up some pretty cool gifts this evening that will no doubt have him clapping and smiling in that beautiful way that only he can.  But I truly believe the best gift that he is getting this year is his Dad.  His healthy and happy Dad.

When I think back to a year ago, I get a little emotional.  We were so happy!  Tade came into this world with a mommy and daddy that loved him so much, and an older sister and two older brothers that couldn't wait to meet him.  Lindsey had made "Team Roberts" jerseys for me and the kids that we wore with pride while walking around the birthing center and while meeting Tade for the first time.  It was truly a wonderful time!  But I can't help but think about how Tade's daddy has changed since then.  The daddy that Tade will be celebrating his 1st birthday with is not the same daddy that Tade met that first night.

To think about how I am influencing my children, how Lindsey and I are influencing our children brings a tear to my eye.  A year ago, when Tade was born, my kids would be hard pressed to get to go swimming because their Dad was embarrassed to take his shirt off.  A year ago, before going out to play, my kids would watch me lose my breathe just bending over to tie my shoes!  Let alone try to run around the yard and be silly with them. 

And to think about what Lindsey and I used to put into our bodies for food back then.  My how things have changed!  It has gone from processed easy meals that were horrible for us to fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, and so on.  I can't help but thank God for the changes that Lindsey and I have made, and for the difference it will make in my children's lives!

Just think what a foot up my kids are going to have growing up in a house and learning the importance of healthy eating and exercise!  It might be the best thing to come from our lifestyle change, even more than me losing weight, or being healthy.  To know that my children will grow up being taught the tools to live a healthy lifestyle makes any and all sacrifices that I have made to get here completely worth it!

And don't think my kids don't notice.  It has been a lot of fun around here the past 8 or 9 months!  My kids have been witness to their father getting up off the couch and going to workout and get in shape.  Lindsey called me up one day while I was working this past winter, she said honey you will not believe this, our kids are playing work out.  I said, what do you mean.  She told me that the kids were in the living room doing push-ups and lunges and told her that they wanted to work out just like Daddy!  Seriously, how powerful is that?  I literally have tears streaming down my face as I type this...to know that this is the kind of influence that I am being in my kids life!

Every time that I go to the closet and get out my running shoes, my 2 year old Levi comes up and says "Daddy, you go running?" in a way that only our little Levi could say it.  Let's just say when he gives me a hug and tells me to go running, it motivates me to get out on the street and get moving! 

I would ask that any of you reading this right now that have been putting off getting into shape, putting off changing your lifestyle to meet your weight and fitness goals, please follow in my footsteps.  I've said it so many times - If I can do it, I promise, you can do it too!  Please use my story to understand just what an impact it will make in your life.  Yeah, it's great that I've lost a bunch of weight and that I feel great, but that doesn't hold a candle to the fact that I am impacting my children's lives forever.  It is truly an amazing feeling knowing that I am being a good role model for my children and that what they learn from me will help them avoid some of the problems that I've been through.


Oh yeah, weigh in this morning - 243.0 pounds!  Weight loss to since starting the 24 Day Challenge = 12.8 pounds!  Now go out there and make your own stories!!!  I can't wait to hear them!


Michael

Forgot to document my weigh in this morning

After the weekend, I always dread stepping on the scale.  This morning was no different.  I was in a hurry, typical Monday morning,  so I jumped right on to see what it had to tell me... 245.4 pounds.  Up about a pound and a half from my last weigh in.  It is clear that it hurt me to not get my long run in this weekend.  Typically Lindsey and I have a long run on Saturdays for our 1/2 marathon training, but due to other commitments we were unable to fit it in this weekend.

Nothing to get down about, I'm still down 10.4 pounds on day 6!  Bring on the next 18 days!  I'm going to do it, I'm going to smash my goals!

Michael

24 Day Challenge Video: Part Two

24 Day Challenge Video: Part One

Day 6 and Going Strong!

I don't have a whole lot to post about today, but as I was looking at the calendar this morning, I realized that we are already on DAY 6. I can't believe it. What is even more unbelievable is that I haven't had a single pop since we started this challenge last Wednesday morning. I'm not going to lie and say that it was easy to order the kids happy meals yesterday at McDonalds without getting an icy cold fountain drink for myself, but I did it and I survived. I know what you're thinking...McDonald's meals for the kids...not so great right? Well, we don't do it very often and they consider it a special treat once in a while. It's kind of like the decision that Michael and I made last night: after the 24 Day Challenge, when we get the urge to order Nana Rosa's pizza, we're not going to deny ourselves that special treat. Eating pizza from our favorite pizza joint once a month is not going to sabotage our personal fitness and weight loss goals as long we know that the next morning we've got to get back on track and back to our healthy lifestyle. And when that craving for a sweet, cold, Diet Pepsi comes over me when I'm running errands in town, I might just treat myself to one but I won't be keeping my fridge stocked with that sugary, horrible-for-you stuff any longer. It is all about moderation and exercise and allowing for those little indulgences in life to keep you on track.

Lindsey

The Magic Pill

I recently received an email of concern from a good friend of mine.  He has been a reliable friend and a great resource throughout my weight loss journey.  His concern was that I didn't get hooked on a "magic pill" to manage my weight.  I am glad that this topic was brought up.  I think he has a valid point.  I don't want to mislead any of you into thinking that if you take the Advocare 24 Day Challenge that you will lose a ton of weight and keep it off for ever.  It needs to be clear that the 24 Day Challenge is a TOOL for use in losing weight and succeeding with fitness and weight loss goals.  The only true way to lose weight and maintain a healthy body is by changing your lifestyle!

If I lose a bunch of weight during the challenge, but then go out and eat fast food every day I will fail.  There is no pill that I can take that will save me from horrible eating and health habits!  I can not say it enough times - IT MUST BE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE!

A year ago when I was 70 pounds heavier than I am today, I had a whole different lifestyle.  I didn't worry about what I ate or how much I ate.  I was a guy that would heat up the leftover pizza for breakfast, have a few sodas, take a bunch of crackers and chips along with my lunch, or even worse drive through McDonald's for a Super-Sized Lunch.  I remember many days that I would hold off eating as long as I could during the work day thinking that I was doing myself a favor.  Then at 2 in the afternoon I would be so damn hungry that I would drive through Burger King or McDonald's and order twice as much as I would have at 11:30 or noon!  I just didn't know how to change, I was trapped in a vicious cycle.  I knew that I shouldn't eat so much crappy food, but I'd let myself get so hungry that I could no longer fight off the cravings.  I'd give in, eat what I knew I shouldn't, and then feel guilty and depressed about it.  I even remember days where I would take my own lunch, eat it during the morning and then eat a huge drive-through lunch late in the afternoon, and then come home to a wonderful home-cooked meal that my wife had prepared for us.  Even if I wasn't hungry, I'd eat with her rather than admit that I had already eaten the lunch that I took to work as well as driven through McDonald's and eaten another entire meal!

Thank God that I made the decision to change!  And to be honest, the hardest part was the decision to do something.  That meant that I had to actually believe that I COULD do something about my weight and my lifestyle.  Once I made that decision, I have never looked back.  I have had plenty of ups and downs, but I have kept fighting and I am winning!  I am not an expert, but I feel like there are a lot of things that I have learned along the way.  I will try to share as much of my knowledge as I can with all of your over the next 24 days.  If you find yourself in a similar situation as I was, please know that once you make the decision to change, the rest will fall into place!  I would be happy to work with you to help you attain your goals.  I would be happy to get you started on the 24 Day Challenge with me.  But - if you are looking for a "magic pill", please look elsewhere.  Like I've said, the 24 Day Challenge is a powerful tool to help you kick start your journey, or as in my case, smash through a frustrating plateau.  But if you don't make the decision to change your lifestyle, you will lose out on the long term benefits.

Wishing you all health and happiness!

Michael

That was TOUGH!!!

Ok, so I've always feared the weekends while trying to lose weight and get in shape.   Yesterday was no exception.  Lindsey, the kids and I headed to Dubuque for a going away celebration for her cousin Jon.  Jon is leaving for a tour in Afghanistan is a few weeks, so his wife Amanda hosted a great party for their family and friends.

Lindsey and I thought we were really going to make it easy when we packed a cooler full of bottled waters, Spark energy drinks, grapes, apples, almonds, blueberries and even a fresh lettuce salad from our garden to take along.  Wow were we kidding ourselves!  Once we got to the party we mingled and talked to family and friends, then it was time to head to the garage where Amanda had the food set up for the party.  Lindsey and I each helped fix plates for our kids.  I couldn't help but notice my wife's face as she prepared a plate for our little boy.  I seriously thought she might cry a little... there were all of her favorites right there under our nose!  Vegetable pizza, her mom's chex mix, fruit pizza, and her all-time favorite - carmel puff corn!  Don't think I'm picking on my wife here, because I was in the same trouble, except I was drooling over the turkey & stuffing sandwiches, the wide array of breads and chips with dips of all kinds, and the dessert table with cupcakes, cookies, cheese cake, and a delicious looking reese's peanut butter cup trifle!!!

I couldn't get out of the garage quick enough!  We fixed the kids' plates and headed out to the yard with the rest of the party.  That is when it got really tough.  As we sat down and got the kids started I couldn't help but notice all of the delicious adult beverages being consumed by our friends and family!  It was a warm sunny afternoon and it was killing me to see all of those ice cold bud lights, busch lights, and mike's hard lemonades.  I swear those darn bottles were taunting me!  Every time someone would grab another cold one out of the cooler I couldn't help but notice how the ice cubes would slide down the side of the bottle ever so slowly until falling to the ground and the bottle would be wet from sweat in the afternoon heat making me crave the ice cold deliciousness that was inside.  I was really suffering!

So I bucked up and headed back to the garage, loaded up a plate with fresh vegetables and fruits (thank God someone brought these healthy alternatives), grabbed a bottled water out of the cooler and headed back to the table.  I'm not going to lie and tell you that all of my cravings disappeared, but I can tell you the plate full of healthy food and a couple bottles of water helped me make it through! 

After all, Lindsey and I made a promise to each other to stick to the 24 Day Challenge!  We want to see the full potential of the program, so we made a pact to follow the plan strictly.   Typically we would indulge from time to time, but for the next 24 days, we will try our best to not fall off course.

I've learned through the process of losing weight that you really have to let yourself enjoy some of these temptations from time to time.  I'm a firm believer that each of us has to make our weight loss and fitness goals a lifestyle, not a diet.  If we find a happy balance, we will be able to live our lives eating healthier and staying fit.  I lived for years with that guilty feeling that if I ate one more piece of pizza or cake, that I was destined to be fat, bound to fail.  That horrible feeling would make me depressed, and make me want to eat even more.  It was a vicious cycle.  What I know now that has helped me break free from those chains is this...  IF I OVER DO IT AND EAT TOO MUCH PIZZA, OR CAKE, OR DRINK A FEW TOO MANY BEERS, I AM NOT BOUND TO FAIL, I AM NOT DESTINED TO BE FAT THE REST OF MY LIFE!  All it means is that I'm human and that I indulged a little.  The following day I will get right back on track, and continue with my exercise and running, and not let that feeling of guilt slip in to my head and knock me off course.

I'm sure you have all been there.  I don't think I'm the only one that has felt this way.  My hope for today is that everyone of you might find the peace that I have found.  The peace and understanding that this is a lifestyle change.  The understanding that one or two days of over-indulgence will not knock you off course from your weight loss and fitness goals!

Oh, and by the way.  My obedience to the plan has paid off!  I stepped on the scale this morning before getting ready for Church, and I was down to 243.8 pounds!!!  It appears that my suffering yesterday was worth it, because I was able to lose another 2.2 pounds bringing my total weight loss during the Challenge to 12 pounds!!!

Michael

Who's Ready for Laundry Day?

Waking up this morning, I did like I always do; threw back the sheets, hopped up with excitement ready to face another day and....yeah right. I am NOT a morning person and I have NOT gotten enough sleep this week. I woke up this morning barely able to open my eyes, forced to get up after Levi's 38th request for "mook pease." I stumbled out to the kitchen where I was bombarded by little ones, shouting their demands at me and circling around my feet like a pack of hungry little wolves. Let's just say that I was not a real chipper mama this morning. As soon as I got the kids their breakfast I took my 24 Day Challenge Probiotics and mixed myself up a Spark. You've really got to try it to understand what I'm talking about but almost instantly I felt much better and much more alert...like I actually could function today and maybe even multi-task! I see that my laundry room floor has become an obstacle course of sorts and I'm gonna use this Spark energy burst to do something about that! We've got a few extras on hand so if any of you are thinking about trying the Advocare product line let me know and I'll mail you a sample of Spark. Wishing you a super Saturday!

Lindsey

Back to Reality

This morning is the beginning of the 4th day of my 24 Day Challenge.  As I woke up this morning and began my usual routine, I remembered to hop on the scale as I will do every morning of this Challenge.  As I waited for the the number to pop up I was full of anticipation to see what great news the scale had in store for me today.  That's when the digital display quit blinking and revealed the number 246.0.  Ok, that wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I can handle it.  After a couple strait days of solid weight loss, this was a small step back in the wrong direction. 

Ok.  Shake it off.  I'm alright.  In fact I'm feeling great.  I am full of energy, I feel much thinner than did just 4 short days ago, and I am still 9.8 pounds lighter than I was before starting this Challenge.  On to Day 4... 

Meeting a Flat Stomach For the First Time

I awoke this morning feeling pretty darn good, a little hungry, but good. I did exactly what every wellness expert would advise you NOT to do and jumped on the scale (like I do every day because obviously if you tell me NOT to do something....you get the point). I was pretty much blown away by the number that I saw staring up at me. I was seeing a number that I haven't seen in probably oh, like 15 years or so.  Not only did that number stare up at me but something else was different: My baby belly, which has been with me every day for the last FIVE years, was not there any more. The bloated, saggy, mommy "pooch" belly was gone. It is gone. It is gone. It is gone. I have not done sit ups for months and it is GONE!

I've said it before and I'll say it over and over again while I do this challenge: I am NOT trying to lose a bunch of weight. I am trying to rid my body of toxins and other "junk" so that it can absorb nutrients and vitamins and minerals at maximum capacity, helping me to tone up my muscles and become stronger and healthier all around. That being said, I was pretty darn thrilled to see that my weight this morning was just under 130 pounds and my stomach was FLAT! It amazes me to think that after having four children in the last five and a half years, that I am healthier and thinner than I've ever been in my ENTIRE life!

At my heaviest in college (beer + pizza = not good) I weighed 45 pounds more than I do right now. I remember running one summer when I was at UNI and when I got to about two miles, I had to stop and throw up in someone's yard. (Sorry whoever lives on the corner of Iowa and 18th St.) Now, at 31 years old I am training for my second half-marathon in the fall.

I always used the excuse that I was just bigger because it was genetic. Well guess what? NOT TRUE! Once Michael and I got married I learned that if I just ate differently that I COULD be thin and I COULD keep it off easily. The thing that clicked with me and helped me to lose weight and keep it off these last few years:  DO NOT EAT UNTIL YOU ARE FULL. Eat a sensible amount of food and then stop for Pete's sakes! I can remember as a kid and young adult eating until my stomach physically hurt, until I honestly couldn't take another bite. Now I just eat slowly, listening to my body to clue me in when I've had enough food instead of waiting for that awful, unbutton-your-pants-cuz-you-ate-too-much feeling.

Now I know that I have some advantages here: I an NOT a food lover. I do NOT like to eat out. I am NOT a pies/pastry/cookie person. I LOVE veggies. I am completely satisfied with having a mushroom burger instead of a T-bone. I DO however have my downfalls and plenty of them; potato chips, pop, bread, ice cream...and the list goes on and on. I of course indulge once in a while and eat some of my favorite junk foods but I always keep this in mind: I EAT TO LIVE. I DO NOT LIVE TO EAT.

I know that there are those of you that struggle and that have much different issues with food than I did. I know that losing weight and getting healthy is a different and difficult journey for everyone. I just hope that by sharing what worked for me and what continues to work for me, that it would help someone else with their weight loss and fitness goals.

Wishing you ALL success in your journey to better health and happiness....

Lindsey

Another notch in the belt!

What a way to wake up this morning!  I went to put my work clothes on and realized my belt wasn't hooking very easily.  I wiped my sleepy eyes and looked down a little closer and realized what was going on.  I was trying to push through a hole that has never been used before!  What a great feeling!  So rather than finishing up with getting dressed and moving on with my morning routine, I decided I'd strip down and see what the scale had to tell me this morning.

I was absolutely blown away when the digital readout stopped blinking and showed 244.8!!!  What?  Seriously?  Yet again I stepped off and zeroed the scale in disbelief and hopped on one more time.  Yes, it still was displaying 244.8!

I wouldn't necessarily recommend weighing in every single day, and I've been taught that once a week is more appropriate.  But for the duration of this 24 Day Challenge, I plan to break the rules and weigh in every morning before work so that I can share the results with all of you.  I think this is the best way to see day by day the ups and downs of taking the Challenge.  You will be able to celebrate with me on mornings like this when I am another 5 pounds lighter, and you will feel my disappointment on the days when the scale isn't on my side.  For today, let's celebrate!  Just 2 and a 1/2 days ago I started this Challenge at a weight of 255.8 pounds.  This morning's weigh in is 244.8!  That is a total of 11 pounds!!!  As my beloved little nephew Tucker would say... BOO YAH!!!

Please continue to follow along with me on this journey and see just how far I can go!

Michael

Michael Day 2

Day 2 started off with an awesome surprise, when I stepped on the scale this morning I was in amazement that it read 250.2 pounds!  Can it be???  I stepped off, zeroed and stepped back on again.  250.2 pounds!  Yes indeed, the first day of the cleansing program had cleaned me out to the tune of 5.6 pounds since yesterday!  That was an awesome start to my day!  From there, I followed the morning schedule for the 24 Day Challenge - I mixed up a spark energy drink, took the catalyst pills, waited for a little while and then choked down the fiber drink.  The fiber drink doesn't taste horrible, but it is a strange consistency.  I find that is was best just to slam it!  Then it was off to work, and about mid-morning I mixed up my meal replacement shake, berry flavored today - not bad!  For lunch I brought some fresh blueberries, an apple and an orange.  On my way home this evening I drank another spark energy drink, popped a few more catalyst pills and finally a 2 oz. slam energy supplement before I ran a little over 3 miles with my wife and brother.  I must say, the Slam really gave me a boost for the workout.  Tonight Lindsey and I had a large salad fresh from our garden with radishes, chick peas, and sliced chicken breast.  Other than a few tv commercials for Pizza Hut and Papa John's, I really didn't have much hunger today.  All in all, the program seems to be keeping me going and I can feel the pounds melting away!  Check back tomorrow to see if I was able to lose any more weight!

Michael

Where I was, where I am, and where I'm going

As I discussed in an earlier post, before I started this journey of fitness and a healthier lifestyle I had hit a new low.  Don't get me wrong, I was very proud of my 4 beautiful children, and still madly in love with my beautiful wife.  But inside, I was struggling.  I was so discouraged with the physical state I had let myself fall into.  I felt depressed about my weight, guilty that I wasn't being a healthy role model to my children, and embarrassed to be seen with my shirt off.  I would try to wear baggy clothes to hide my size (yeah right!).  Luckily I hadn't had any health concerns yet, but being that overweight, it was just a matter of time!   It has taken me a long time to come to terms with just how unhappy I was.  I would never have told you then that I weighed 313 pounds.  I was as big as I'd ever been and needed a way out.


 Thank God for my friend Don's influence.  He inspired me to do something about it!  He coached me through changing my lifestyle and my eating habits and getting started on an exercise plan.  That gentle push was all I needed.  Once I began working out, eating better, and seeing results it just snowballed.  Once I started running this spring, it became an addiction.  It quickly spread.  My wife wanted to be a part of it.  She and 2 of her sisters began running with me.  My brother is now running with us.  It has been amazing seeing so many people getting excited about getting fit and getting into shape! It has truly inspired me to keep moving forward!

Lindsey and I found the Advocare 24 Day Challenge and decided that it is the next step in our fitness goals.  Before we began, we weighed in and took a whole bunch of measurements so that we can truly know how well the Challenge works.  I weighed in at 255.8 pounds before beginning.  My personal goal is to lose 15 pounds during the 24 Day Challenge.  I know that this is a lofty goal for such a short amount of time, but after reviewing the program and reading the testimonials of those who have gone before me - I am confident that if I stick with the program and not fall off course, that I CAN DO IT!!  I will continue my 3 days per week running schedule during the Challenge.  Lindsey and I are in the middle of a 1/2 marathon training schedule, so we are putting in around 15 miles per week.  I can't tell you how excited I am to finally bust through the plateau that I have been battling for the past 2 months.  I am confident that Advocare will be the tool to help me achieve my goals!

By the end of the year I fully intend on getting my weight to 213 pounds.  Yeah, you heard it.  I plan to lose another 40 pounds!  I will ultimately lose 100 pounds during the journey that I'm on!  This will not be easy, but I have confidence that it can be done.  I challenge you to follow in my footsteps and start on the path of attaining your fitness goals!  Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it!

Michael

Mmmmmm.....chocolate!!!!

Day two of the 24 Day Challenge is off to a great start! I drank my fiber drink first thing this morning (Yesterday I drank a 16 oz. Spark drink and then tried to do my 8oz. fiber drink and my tummy was VERY full.) About 30 minutes after the fiber drink I drank a Spark and took my Catalyst for the day. (This works to feed your muscles and use up stored fat, leaving you more toned and defined.) While the kids ate their lunch I mixed up a chocolate meal replacement shake and can I just say.....YUMM-O!!! The berry flavor yesterday was really good, but the chocolate was awesome and definitely cured any sweets cravings that I may have been having today. We are looking forward to a four or five mile run tonight and seeing how the Spark drink helps us maintain energy levels while running in the humidity!

-Lindsey

Michael's 1st Day

1st of all, I'd like to thank my wife for staying up until 2 in the morning to create this awesome blog!  I plan to update how my 24 Day Challenge is going every day, and this blog will certainly keep me motivated and hold me accountable to do well and to follow the plan closely to lose as much weight as I can the next 24 days!

As most of you know, I decided last October to take my life back.  I had been severely overweight and in less than perfect health.  I was inspired by a college buddy - Don Foltz - who had lost around 50 pounds and began running.  It was a true wake up call when I saw his success!  I knew that I had to do it.  I was not happy with the shape I had let myself get into.  I was overweight, and depressed about it.  I felt like I was not being the best role model to my kids, and not being the best husband I could be to Lindsey.  The hardest part was deciding it was time to change.  Since then I have never looked back.  I began by using Weight Watchers Online for Men and began working out on a regular basis. This spring my friend Don got me started running. Through many trials and tribulations I learned what I could and couldn't eat if I wanted to succeed.  I slowly worked my way to losing 60 pounds!!!  Unfortunately, that is where I have been stuck for the last couple months.  I had lost this weight by Memorial Day weekend, and have been on a serious plateau since.

Please follow me on this journey and I will share the ups and downs of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I truly believe that this is my way to achieve my goals!  I will update daily (or more if I can) and let you know how I'm doing.  So far, I'm one day in and feeling great.  Check back later to hear what my starting weight was and what my goals are during the next 24 days!

Michael
 

24 Day Challenge: Day One

We did it...we survived day one!! Actually, it really wasn't so bad at all! Michael and I both drank a Spark drink this morning, had our fiber drink, took our Catalyst and drank one Meal Replacement Shake. I had mine around lunch time and made a berry shake blended with ice to make it more like a berry smoothie. It was pretty good! Michael drank a chocolate shake blended with cold water and he really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to trying chocolate tomorrow! We both snacked on some fruit and raw veggies throughout the day and then ate around six ounces of grilled chicken breast and cooked up some frozen green beans as a side dish. We finished the night off with some water (which we drank lots of during the day as well) and a packet of herbal cleanse pills. I did NOT drink any Diet Pepsi today and I feel GREAT! I can honestly say that I had plenty of energy throughout the day and I definitely felt like my head was much more clear and focused. Hopefully tomorrow goes just as well as today did....though my feelings would not be hurt if the Olive Garden commercial featuring the endless basket of breadsticks would NOT air tomorrow night at dinner time. Darn those bread pushers anyways!

-Lindsey