Day 2.....

Hi,


My name is Crystal, and I have hit a plateau in reaching my weight loss goals. There are many variables as to why. Here are a few that come to mind:


1) STRESS-


a) In 2011 I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) and am on several medications (2 are steroids). This has been quite an adjustment for me as the condition has me fatigued throughout the majority of the day, and I experience "flare ups" of the joints of my body. This causes normal/ regular ambulation to be a HUGE obstacle for me almost every day. My goal is to switch to a holistic regimen and to titrate off of the steroids completely. This is against my Rheumatologist's recommendations, but I have met many African-American women in my age range, in various Lupus support groups, who have had many successes with holistic medicine, and many others that stayed on the regimen recommended by doctors and who now have arthritis at 30, or worse, have died at 30. I will beat this...There is a cure... and I'm on the path to healing #IveClaimedIt #AndSoItIs


b) I have 2 jobs in the legal industry. They are very time consuming and very demanding.


c) I have 2 children (D-age 11 yrs and Crunch - 3 yrs). They both are full of energy and their agendas and daily needs make it a challenge to prioritize my own needs (sleep, good diet, exercise, and did I mention sleep). Though I have lost the "baby weight" after having my 3 yr old I am in the worst shape of my life and cannot fit several "work" clothes that I invested in prior to finding out I was pregnant with Crunch. I went on a Black and White Label shopping spree right before I found out I was pregnant. There's even a power suit that cost $315 that I have yet to wear once :(


d) is a personal matter... so know there is a 4th reason, but out of respect for others attached to that reason the info shall be withheld... for now...BUT #disclaimer MAY be revealed at the end of the 90 days :) ...maybe . For the time being it will be documented in my personal journal.


SO.... what have I attempted on my own prior to this new nutrition plan?


I did 90 days of Insanity and drank Shakeology meal shakes for the last 30 days of Insanity. I lost 11 lbs in the 90 day period. Though I thought I looked good I know I could definitely do better. A friend/ trainer of mine took my measurements on May 28th and I was at 34% body fat. My current health coaches had been posting pictures of their results while on a 90 day nutrition plan with Herbalife, and though I was impressed I was skeptical at the same time, as it is easier for a man to lose weight than a woman. Especially a woman that has had kids. I decided to try the Herbalife Meal Replacement shakes instead of Shakeology and added the Herbalife tea that I had heard worked wonders for people's energy, and resumed working out with my personal trainer and my other workouts: dance classes (ballet & modern), zumba and cardio classes in the gym #EquinoxFlow.


On June 4th my measurements were taken again. I'm now at 26% body fat and lost 8lbs in 1 week! I was elated but still skeptical lol Whenever I have this many reservations it provides me with enough anxiety to convince me to try the program to get a definite answer to the question, "Does this really work, for WOMEN?" :) Either way I'm not one of those people that complains negatively about something that they've never experienced, so it looks like I'll be the 1st test study among my friends that also needs to get their health together. Not the most ideal test study with all of the other health variables that I have, but I'll be one nonetheless. I consulted with my Rheumatologist and he consented to the Herbalife Nutrition Plan. Day 1 was yesterday, 6/9/12.


MY GOALS:


Short Term: 1) weight 115-120lbs and 15-16% body fat. 2) I've signed up for a Tough Mudder event next month and I'm not even close to being prepared. 3) fit into my Black and White Label business clothes


Long Term: 1) beat Lupus! 2) get off medications (especially the steroids) 3) maintain optimum health for my boys 3) maintain weight 4) Aruba next summer ;-) 5) OVERALL HAPPINESS


Day 2 of the nutrition plan: is surprisingly good... I've taken all of my supplements and had a sensible meal yesterday... good snacks... BUT I'm reminded of how addiction is a mutha... and I have had an addiction to coffee since 1996. I've started my mornings with a Venti Caramel Macchiato every morning since 1996.... BUT have not had one in 2 days. That's the longest time without one since I was pregnant with Crunch! Though I have lots of energy on this Herbalife nutrition plan, and am not hungry, I still crave the taste of the caramel macchiato... o_o ...Thankfully since I'm not hungry I haven't broken down to get one. Times like this is when SOMEONE needs to be in your corner, calling you, texting you, encouraging you to break through the mental weakness that you may be experiencing.... I suppose that's what health coaches are for...right? #shrugs.... ANYWHO...


TMI ALERT/ GIRL TALK: other than the addiction, it is also "that time of the month" o_o This makes working out EXTREMELY difficult. Especially the 1st few days of my cycle. Friday was day 1, and I am SO proud of myself for pushing through the bloated state of being and the pain of cramps, and I worked out! Yesterday I had a modern dance performance and I was told that I was amazing (thank you Herbalife, b/c I DEFINITELY felt a surge of energy after the supplements taken after meal 3 (an hour before my performance). I'm most proud of the fact that everyone went to celebrate after (food and libations) but I decided to head home b/c I knew I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation in that environment lol #YayME !


There is still a nagging feeling inside of me that says, 'If this doesn't work it's not necessarily because of the program... after all you're on 2 steroids. But I'm plunging forward, full speed ahead, with positive thoughts and my 100% devotion to the recommendations from my health coaches, in order to receive optimal results... I will try to figure out how to upload pics and am also hoping to create a youtube page, but again, with all of the obligations listed above I hope I have time to at least maintain the blog. Please send positive thoughts and prayers my way! (Or just wish me luck lol)


Crys